Chapter 4

I moved my suitcase into another guest room and didn't return to the master bedroom that night.

The adoption ceremony was scheduled for the following day. Everyone in New Moon Pack would be there, making it the perfect opportunity for me to leave.

About thirty minutes later, the door opened.

Walter stood in the doorway. He was fresh from his shower and had put on a bathrobe.

He watched me for a moment before walking over and sitting on the edge of the bed. "Why aren't you sleeping in our room?"

I stared at the ceiling and casually replied, "It's quieter here."

He was silent for a few seconds before cautiously asking, "You don't seem very happy. Is it because of the ring?"

I ignored him.

Thinking he'd guessed correctly, he continued explaining. "Layla, that ring doesn't mean anything. I swear. I was injured once at the border, and Lupita took care of me.

"She helped me a lot during that time. Giving her that ring was only a way of repaying her. T-That's all! Don't read too much into it."

"Okay. I understand," I replied calmly.

Walter clearly didn't believe me.

He placed both hands on my shoulders and turned me toward him. "Please don't be upset about this, okay? I've told you countless times that you're the only one who can ever be my Luna. What are you still worried about? I really hate seeing you unhappy."

I didn't respond. The room fell unusually silent.

He sighed and changed the subject while trying to sound more cheerful. "By the way, after the adoption ceremony, Lupita wants to take Scott to the northern territory for a few days.

"The scenery there is beautiful. I was thinking you could come along too. I'd like to spend more time with you, and you and Scott could use the opportunity to get to know each other better."

I looked at Walter. This was the mate I'd spent so many years with, the werewolf I'd once risked my life to save.

I'd asked him countless times to take me to the northern territory, but he'd always told me to wait. Now, all it had taken was one mention from Lupita, and he'd agreed.

"Okay," I replied.

Seeing how obediently I accepted, Walter seemed strangely irritated. He ran a hand through his hair. "Don't be like this, Layla. If something is bothering you, just tell me. I know! You want to visit the northern territory with just me, don't you?

"I promise that once Scott is a little older, I'll take you there. Just the two of us. How does that sound?"

There it was again. He was telling me to wait.

I'd waited for so many years, only to find out that he'd had a pup with another shewolf.

"Fine. Whatever you decide," I said before turning onto my side with my back to him. "I want to rest now."

Walter sat there for a while longer. When he realized I wasn't going to say anything else, he finally stood up.

He leaned forward, placed a light kiss on the top of my head, and whispered, "Alright. Good night, Layla. Don't forget about tomorrow's ceremony."

I didn't move.

He left the room after saying those words.

I lay in bed and stayed awake all night.

Walter headed out at dawn.

I watched his car disappear at the end of the road before retrieving the suitcase I'd hidden away.

Applying to the werewolf council for a formal mate bond severance would take several days. The worst part was that Walter would be notified the moment the application was submitted.

There was only one other way. I had to sever the bond myself.

I knew exactly what that meant.

Once the bond that connected Walter's wolf spirit to mine was severed, my wolf spirit would suffer severe damage. I'd have to endure unbearable pain, and my life could even be at risk.

I slowly stretched out my fingers. My knuckles began to shift, and my fingernails gradually turned into razor-like claws. After taking a deep breath, I raised my right hand and pointed it at my chest. Then I drove it in.

The sharp pain forced me to shriek. I collapsed to my knees, and my entire body trembled uncontrollably.

'Hold on. Just a little longer.'

Through the excruciating pain, I repeatedly pushed my fingertips deeper into my chest until I finally felt the bond.

Without hesitation, I clenched my jaw and gave it a violent tug.

My wolf spirit was torn apart inch by inch. I could almost hear it let out a piercing, agonized howl.

The instant the bond snapped, blood gushed out of my chest.

It hurt so bad.

I collapsed onto the floor and couldn't speak. My body convulsed uncontrollably, and my vision blurred until I couldn't tell whether the wetness on my face was sweat or tears.

I gasped for breath. I didn't know how much time had passed before the pain in my chest finally began to subside.

Supporting myself against the wall, I slowly got back to my feet and looked down at the wound.

My werewolf healing ability had begun to take effect. The wound was already closing.

Suddenly, I sensed something strange. It was like a faint, distant call.

My wolf spirit also picked up an unfamiliar scent.

A thought crossed my mind.

With trembling hands, I placed one palm over my abdomen and quietly concentrated.

Before long, I felt another heartbeat inside me.

"Oh my goodness!"

I covered my face and felt overwhelmed with emotion. Tears streamed down my cheeks.

'Thank you, Moon Goddess, for this blessing.' I was with pup.

This would be a pup who belonged entirely to me.

Once I'd calmed down, I supported myself against the bed frame and walked into the bathroom. I used a damp towel to wipe the sweat and tears from my face before changing into a clean shirt.

My face was terribly pale. My eyes looked tired, and my lips had lost all their color. Yet I'd never felt so free or relieved before.

I let out a soft sigh and gently caressed my belly.

"Don't be afraid, sweetheart. I'm fine. We're leaving this place very soon."

I tossed my suitcase into the car and drove away as fast as I could.

It was all over.

'Goodbye, Walter.'