Chapter 2

Just as I expected, Kaelen didn't contact me once after Seraphina came back.

I wasn't like my old self, stalking his every move, haunting the corners where he might appear, just for a scrap of his attention.

"You look… different."

Brenna put down her glass, studying me.

We were at the city's top rooftop bar, surrounded by the pack's elite.

"Different how?"

"You don't smell like him anymore," she said with a frown. "Usually, after the bond breaks, you hold onto his scent for days. Like a lovesick pup."

"Maybe I got tired of the smell."

I stood up, pulling Brenna to the dance floor in my drunken haze.

I lost myself in the music, in the movement.

I let it all go, all the pain of the past, and just lived.

Before I knew it, I only had twenty days left on the continent.

One night, Brenna and I ran into Kaelen and Seraphina at a private club for pack elites.

Kaelen’s arm was wrapped around Seraphina’s waist.

They walked in, whispering and laughing.

The mix of his powerful Alpha presence and her sickly-sweet Omega scent was nauseating.

She looked even more fragile than before, like a porcelain doll.

"Shit," Brenna cursed under her breath. "What is he doing here?"

"It's a werewolf club," I said, putting my drink down and trying to keep my emotions in check. "And he's an Alpha."

"Elara?"

Kaelen's eyes found me instantly.

He stopped at our table, his dangerous Alpha aura washing over us.

Seraphina immediately draped herself over his arm like a frightened rabbit, a sweet, innocent smile on her face.

"Elara, what a coincidence. You're here too?"

When he saw me looking at Seraphina, Kaelen instinctively took a step forward, shielding her completely.

I knew why. He was afraid I'd lose control, that my wolf would lash out and attack her like before.

But this time, not only did I keep my wolf in check, I held back Brenna, who was already shifting into a fighting stance.

I forced a smile.

"Yeah. What a coincidence."

Sensing her victory, Seraphina's smile widened.

She leaned against Kaelen, a picture of delicate victory.

"Sorry, Elara, but Kaelen promised he'd spend tonight with just me. You might have to find somewhere else to go."

She tugged on his arm, her voice soft and seductive.

"Right, Kaelen? You should say something. Otherwise, Elara might think I'm doing this on purpose."

Kaelen’s gaze met mine. I saw a flicker of hesitation.

But in the end, he just gave me a short nod.

He didn't say a word.

It hurt more than any words could have.

Brenna’s fangs were starting to show. I kept a tight grip on her arm.

"It's fine. We'll go somewhere else."

Somewhere else. Somewhere without Kaelen.

I was leaving soon. I wasn't going to waste my time on pointless confrontations with him.

As far as I was concerned, the only good ex was a dead one.

Seeing this, Seraphina's eyes flashed with disappointment.

She rose on her toes, her lips brushing his ear as she breathed him in.

His scent was her only relief.

It was pure seduction. A dare for him to mix their scents, to mate with her, right then and there.

"Kaelen, I feel other Alphas watching me… I'm scared…"

The next second, in front of all the nobles, Kaelen lowered his head. He sank his teeth into her neck, giving her a temporary claim.

Fangs broke skin. Their scents tangled together.

A choked moan of pleasure escaped Seraphina’s lips, loud enough for everyone to hear.

In front of all the pack's elite, he gave the honor meant for his Luna to a half-blood Omega. It was the ultimate humiliation.

The club went dead silent.

Kaelen lifted his head, his gaze a turbulent mix of guilt and defiance as it landed on me.

It was like he was waiting for me to scream, but also trying to read my reaction.

Brenna shot to her feet. "You bastard!"

"Brenna," I said, pulling her back. "Enough."

I stood up and straightened my dress.

"Congratulations," I said to Seraphina with a smile. "You got what you wanted."

Then I turned to Kaelen. "I hope that mark satisfies both of you."

A sharp pain twisted in my gut, but it was nothing compared to the agony of the bond breaking.

This was temporary. It would pass.

I turned my head, took a deep breath, and pulled Brenna toward the exit.

Kaelen seemed stunned by my cold reaction.

He stared blankly at my back as I walked away.

Seraphina called his name several times.

He only snapped out of it when she yanked hard on his sleeve.