Chapter 1

Mom exclaimed happily, "You're finally showing some good judgment! This Alpha is young, bold, honest, and hardworking—he can give you everything you need.

"He's nothing like that idiot, Alex Grayback, who left you hanging for eight years just to look after some childhood friend who's basically half-dead. Say, do you think that maybe Alex is just impotent?"

Mom's laughter rang out on the other end of the line, her tone dripping with mockery.

In these parts, Mom had always been a legendary matchmaker, the best that wolves ever knew for miles around.

Eight years ago, I fell in love with Alex at first sight. I turned down the marriage Mom had arranged for me for his sake and ran off to help him build everything from scratch.

I feared nothing back then. I truly believed that having him by my side was all I ever needed. I still remembered what he told me, too.

"Once I've built the Moonfall pack into the greatest one around, we'll be holding our bonding ceremony. Just wait for me, Jasna Wolfgang. I'll always love you."

And based on that one promise, I, the fool that I was, believed him and waited for eight whole years.

"You know that I've always trusted your judgment, Mom," I replied. "I've finally just come to my senses. What matters most is finding someone reliable who treats me well."

I didn't notice when Alex returned, but suddenly he was behind me, his warm breath brushing my neck.

"Who are you on the phone with? Whose 'judgment' are you talking about?"

I quickly tucked the phone away and turned to face him. His features were sharp and intense. However, my arms still reached up to wrap around his neck instinctively.

As it turned out, the wolf I'd adored and longed for for eight whole years was never truly mine.

He offered a gentle smile and cupped my face in his hand. But just as he leaned in, his phone rang.

His expression, initially annoyed by the interruption, shifted the moment he saw who was calling. He forced his irritation back down and answered the call.

"Alex, I'm so scared! I think a rogue has been shadowing me… My chest feels so tight—I can't catch my breath… Please, come and save me!"

His expression turned instantly fierce, yet his tone remained incredibly gentle.

"Don't be afraid, Mabel. Just stay inside the house. I'll be there in no time!"

The call ended. He didn't even spare me a second glance before turning and walking away, no doubt hurrying over to soothe his childhood "best friend", Mabel Barker, again.

It was ridiculous.

Once I'd calmed down, I called my aunt, Esther Wolfgang, to say goodbye.

Aunt Esther had come to this pack with me back then. She later married one of the warriors, Darius Blackthorne, and they built a wonderful life together. They even welcomed a pup just this year, named Timmy Blackthorne.

I once thought I'd find that same kind of happiness. I never imagined I'd ever leave Aunt Esther or this pack in the end.

"Why are you leaving so suddenly? What happened? Has Alex been mistreating you?" Aunt Esther asked.

I shook my head. "Mom introduced me to a wolf from another pack. He seems like a good match, so we're planning to get engaged as soon as I return."

Aunt Esther fell silent for a long moment. "Why so sudden? Does Alex agree to this? Didn't you tell me before that his thing with Mabel was just an act? Is he just too busy with pack affairs lately, leaving you feeling neglected? Your Uncle Darius and I could go talk to him for you."

I kept my tone light. "To be honest, we were never really 'together' to begin with. We haven't even had a formal mating ceremony after all these years. In a way, that's for the best, I guess. I don't need his permission to leave anymore.

"It's been eight years, Aunt Esther… I'm just tired, honestly. It'll be nice to find someone who'll treat me well and knows how to build a life—just like you and Uncle Darius."

Aunt Esther remained silent for a while. Then, she let out a long, heavy sigh.

"Well, alright then! As long as you're happy. That's all that matters!"

After chatting with Aunt Esther a bit longer, I hung up the phone and gathered some medicinal herbs to take to her.

She'd just mentioned that Timmy had been feeling under the weather lately, and since I'd be leaving soon, I figured I'd go check on him and take the opportunity to thank Aunt Esther in person.

Over the past few years, the other wolves in the pack had been gossiping about me because I'd remained unmarked, labeling me as a "plaything" or "substitute", but Aunt Esther had always been there to offer guidance and support.

I headed to Aunt Esther's place, accompanied by a warrior, only to run into Alex downstairs outside her apartment building.