5

Ada's excited voice came through the phone.

"Of course! We've been holding the Chief Healer position for you. But... I heard Theo finally returned to the pack. Will he agree to the transfer?"

I laughed bitterly.

"He'll be relieved."

That evening, Theo came home early, looking slightly guilty about missing Alex's birthday party.

"Hey buddy, want to do some training together?" He tried to ruffle Alex's hair.

Alex stepped back coldly. "I have combat practice scheduled."

"I could teach you some Beta-level techniques..." Theo offered awkwardly.

"No thanks. The pack trainer already knows my level."

Theo's hand dropped. He turned to me, pulling out a small velvet box.

"I brought you something."

Inside was a silver necklace with a crescent moon pendant. I recognized it immediately - from the photos Sarah had shown me. She'd bragged about how Theo spent $100,000 on her ring, and this necklace was part of the matching set.

"I don't want your leftover gifts," I said quietly.

"It's not... I just thought..."

I took Alex's hand and walked past Theo, wearing a deep red dress I hadn't touched in five years. Back then, he'd said he didn't like bright colors on his mate - too attention-grabbing for an Omega. I'd worn nothing but white ever since.

He looked at the red dress I was wearing.

"You look... different. Where are you going? I'll drive you."

The same controlling tone, masked as concern.

"No need. I've learned to do a lot of things while you were gone."

Like running a healing practice.

Like raising a son alone.

Like realizing my worth wasn't tied to a mate's approval.

"Besides," I added, "I know these roads better than you now. Five years is a long time."

We were heading to the pack registration office. Today was the day Alex and I would officially withdraw from the pack.

Two hours later, as we left the office with our papers processed, we found Theo's car waiting outside.

He stared at the documents in my hand. "What are you doing here? "

Theo followed us to the registration office, watching as I carried Alex inside and stayed there for two hours.

Something in his expression had changed. His wolf was restless, sensing something wrong.

"Just updating some paperwork that expired," I said casually.

"Aren't you busy today? I heard Sarah needs help settling Marcus into the elite training program."

Theo's eyes narrowed, studying me intently. His face grew darker with each passing moment.

Finally, he let out a bitter laugh. "Well played, little Omega."

"This is a first - a mate actually pushing their partner toward another wolf. Fine. If that's what you want, I'll give you exactly that."

He slammed his car door so hard the metal dented. His tires squealed as he peeled away, leaving the scent of burning rubber in the air.

I couldn't understand why he was angry. I was giving him what he wanted - freedom to be with Sarah and Marcus.

Later, his beta assistant called me.

"Ma'am, Theo specifically cleared his schedule today to spend time with you and Alex. Why did you drive him away?"

"Now he's drunk on wolfsbane wine at Sarah's place, playing with Marcus..."

The assistant had always thought Theo and I were true mates, always tried to help us reconcile.

But I just laughed quietly. "Thank you, but let him be."

After all, we only had three days left.

Three days until Alex and I would leave this territory forever.