1

At my mating ceremony with Blake Morrison, the Alpha I'd loved for eight years, his childhood sweetheart texted him a pregnancy test photo.

He didn't hesitate for a second. He canceled our mating ceremony and rushed off to take care of his childhood sweetheart.

"The official marking and re-scheduling our mating ceremony will have to wait until after Ivy gives birth."

I dialed the Alpha King Kane Blackwood's number directly:

"Are you still willing to be my mate?"

……

Thank goddess Blake hadn't gotten the chance to mark me at the ceremony. We hadn't formed a mate bond yet, so it wouldn't interfere with Kane marking me.

What surprised me was that the moment Kane marked me, my wolf recognized him as my second chance mate.

Right after completing the bond, Kane had to rush back to the border.

He'd already left the royal territory to attend an Alpha meeting, but my single phone call had dragged him back.

Remembering how he'd gritted his teeth earlier, I felt a little guilty.

"Aria, did I owe you something in my past life? I chased you for eight years without getting so much as a proper look, and now you call me up and ask me to mark you?"

I glanced at the clock:

"Don't waste time complaining. Do you want to mark me or not?"

He deflated instantly:

"Of course! Absolutely. I pushed aside all my Pack duties to come see you first. The entire Ironwood Pack knows their Alpha is about to mark his mate. Today, I must have you!"

...

Since I hadn't been replying to his messages, Blake contacted me through our mind link.

His voice carried a note of urgency:

"Aria, don't overthink this. You're the only one in my heart. You're my fiancée. What I feel for Ivy is just childhood friendship and simple admiration. That night was really just an accident."

"Mm, I understand." My voice was completely calm. "After all, you're an Alpha. Having a lover is perfectly normal."

The other end of the line went silent for several seconds. I heard him take a deep breath.

"Where are you now? When are you coming back? Give Ivy that high-grade healing stone your parents gave you. Ivy is having some morning sickness and needs the healing stone to ease her pregnancy symptoms..."

I interrupted him: "No."

His voice turned cold immediately:

"Aria, are you throwing a tantrum? I've already explained everything clearly. Ivy will leave after she gives birth. What more do you want from me? You're about to become my mate. You should understand and be considerate. Why do you have to compete with Ivy?"

My chest felt tight. Unconsciously, I touched the mate mark on my neck. Kane's Alpha scent helped me regain my composure.

"Blake, since you haven't marked me yet, let's break up."

He paused for a moment, then let out a cold, mocking laugh.

"After all these years, don't you know how I've treated you? Yes, I slept with Ivy, but which Alpha doesn't make mistakes? I told you I would officially mark you. You're destined to be my mate. You shouldn't be so aggressive."

I pressed my lips together and said nothing.

Seeing my continued silence, his patience finally ran out: "Fine! Whatever you want. If you want to break up, we'll break up! You'll come crawling back to me in tears someday!"