2

The first time, I was surrounded by a rogue wolf gang. The rogues attacked me viciously, tearing and biting. Even though I fought back with everything I had, I was outnumbered. Other werewolves didn't want to get involved and ignored my cries for help in the pool of blood. Just as I was about to lose consciousness, he shifted into his wolf form and charged into the rogue circle, carrying me to safety like a savior god.

The second time, I had been poisoned with wolf's bane and nearly died from hypothermia while fleeing to the wilderness. He saved me, brought me somewhere warm, and used his wolf form to hold me while I recovered my body temperature.

That was when we first made love.

The next day when I regained consciousness, I discovered he was the Alpha of Ironwood Pack—Damon Blackwood. When I woke up, he was standing by the floor-to-ceiling window putting on his shirt, lazily buttoning it. Hearing me stir, he turned around, and those captivating dark eyes nearly stole my soul.

He leaned down, slowly moving closer. "I've wanted to ask since we first met, little sister. Do you like me?"

My brain buzzed. Looking at that devastatingly handsome face, I stammered without speaking. But he curved his lips: "Don't you like me? Then why does your wolf keep clinging to mine? You were so passionate last night."

I was so embarrassed I wanted to run, but he pulled me back and kissed my lips gently, his eyes and brows full of smiles.

From that day on, we were officially together. But considering his rivalry with my brother, we never made our relationship public to my family.

Together for five years, I always believed we were in love. Countless times I thought about returning to Stormfang Pack to meet my brother. I naively thought that with me there, the two of them could surely make peace. Looking back now, I was pitifully stupid.

I don't know how long I ran until raindrops hit my face and my phone started ringing.

The call was from my brother. I took a deep breath and answered.

"Sage, I've built the largest research institute for you at Stormfang Pack. I've collected all the herbs and potions from the werewolf world, and I've found a potential mate candidate for you. You know how much I and Mom and Dad miss you. We just want you to stay at Stormfang Pack forever, by our side..."

Hearing that familiar voice, my tears finally burst free.

I forced back my sobs and nodded.

"I'm sorry, Garrett. I've worried you all these years. I'll return to Stormfang Pack, and I'll listen to you about meeting the candidate you found."

I was determined to sever all ties with Damon Blackwood and return home to be with my real family.

On the other end of the phone, Garrett's voice carried a hint of disbelief. "Sage, are you really willing to come back? And you'll meet the person I want to introduce you to? You don't want to stay at Ironwood Pack anymore?"

My voice was barely a whisper. "Yes, I won't stay at Ironwood Pack anymore. I want to come home. There's nothing left here worth staying for."

After Garrett's initial joy, he immediately sensed something was wrong. His tone turned cold. "Did someone hurt you? Tell me, and I'll make them pay."

Those harsh words from the office flashed through my mind. Damon was only with me to threaten my brother. He never truly loved me.

I was in agony, but I had to stay rational.

Garrett had protected me since childhood. If he knew the truth, he'd probably storm Ironwood Pack and fight Damon to the death.

I couldn't let my brother worry anymore. This mess was mine to clean up.

"No one hurt me, Garrett." I forced myself to stay calm. "I'll handle things here first, then come home immediately."

After a few more concerned words, my brother reluctantly hung up. I returned to my safe house.

I went to the bathroom first and took a long shower, washing away all the humiliation.

Thinking about the mating ceremony plans I'd overheard at the hunting grounds, I had to leave before the bonding was complete.

While I was lost in thought, the front door opened. Damon's voice came from behind me, carrying lazy amusement. "What's got you so deep in thought?"

I turned around to see Damon leaning against the doorframe, suit jacket in hand, his shirt collar slightly open, revealing his defined collarbone.

I forced myself to appear calm and smiled. "I was thinking about our bonding application and mating ceremony. How are the preparations going? Why won't you let me help with the ceremony planning? I have no idea what the progress is."

His gaze softened. "I want to give you a big surprise. My mate, just look forward to our mating ceremony."

My fingers clenched tightly as I looked up into his eyes, forcing a smile. "I have a big surprise for you too."

Damon paused, then chuckled. "Now I'm really looking forward to it."

He walked over and ruffled my hair affectionately. "But will your brother attend the mating ceremony?"

My heart lurched, and my fingers unconsciously gripped the table edge.

I looked up, feigning calm. "Do you want me to invite him?"

Damon looked down at me, something complex flickering in his eyes.

He smiled, his voice low. "Please do. Let him see how I'm giving you the most magnificent ceremony in all of Ironwood Pack. Even though our packs have been feuding for ten years, he's still your brother. How can he not attend our mating ceremony? I can't let my mate feel wronged."

My throat felt blocked. I couldn't say a word.

Damon leaned down to kiss me, but I turned my head away. "I'm not feeling well today. Let's not."

Damon's movement stopped. He chuckled softly and kissed my forehead instead. "Alright, get some rest early."

He turned and headed into the bathroom.

I stood there, listening to the sound of running water, my fingers gripping the table edge so tightly my knuckles went white.

My gaze fell on Damon's phone, carelessly tossed on the sofa. My heart pounded like it would burst from my chest. I knew his phone contained his electronic signature and seal. If I could get his phone, I could withdraw the Alpha Council bonding application and officially break free from Damon.

I tiptoed over and picked up the phone, trying several passwords, but couldn't unlock it.

My fingers trembled slightly, a wave of helplessness washing over me.

Finally, I had to put the phone back and force myself to calm down. I'd figure out another way later.

The next morning, when Damon woke up, he found me packing things.

At my feet were piles of couple items—silver bracelets engraved with our names, protective charms woven from each other's hair, a deer bone pendant from our first shared hunt... Many were things I'd made by hand, representing the deepest bonds between werewolf mates.

Damon frowned and walked over, confusion in his voice. "Why are you suddenly throwing all these away?"

I didn't look up, my voice flat. "I don't like them anymore. I'll buy new ones later."

Damon didn't ask more questions, just smiled. "Don't bother with this. I'll have the servants organize it later. It's getting late