Chapter 4

"This commendation badge belongs to the warrior who protected the pack during the attack."

When I walked into the council hall, Logan was pinning the badge on Maggie's chest.

The two soldiers who had actually evacuated the pack members were still lying in the medical tower.

Maggie made a show of humility.

"I only did what any secretary would do. I don't deserve to be commended by the Alpha himself."

Logan's eyes were full of admiration.

"You faced danger and didn't abandon the pack members. Of course you deserve it."

He saw me and held out his hand.

"Perfect timing. Pin the chief secretary insignia on Maggie. You're the Alpha's mate. It would be more appropriate for you to present it."

I didn't move.

Maggie waved her hands hastily.

"She's still upset with me. Let's not put her in an awkward position."

Logan looked at me. "Wendy, don't embarrass us in front of everyone."

I took out the communication stone and set it on the table. "Before you hand out commendations, listen to this."

Maggie's voice played from the stone.

The council hall went quiet.

When it ended, Logan's expression hadn't changed. He simply stared at me. "Where did you get this?"

Maggie burst into tears.

"That's not me. Hostile packs are skilled at mimicking voices. They're trying to drive a wedge between you and Wendy."

I held up the transmission seal for Logan to see, emphasizing every word. "The patrol team intercepted it. The communication stone logged the transmission origin. It came from her office."

Maggie grabbed at Logan's sleeve in a panic.

"My stone went missing once. Wendy doesn't like me. I can leave. But I didn't leak her route."

Logan picked up the stone and said dismissively, "We just came through an attack. The pack needs stability right now. This isn't the time to investigate further."

I stared at him in disbelief, my heart sinking. "Two soldiers are still in comas, and I got twelve stitches. Your idea of stability is letting the person who leaked information stand here collecting a medal?"

His brow finally creased. "You think I'd compromise the territory's security to protect her?"

I didn't back down. "You already are."

Logan's fingers tightened. The communication stone cracked in his grip, and the fragments scattered across the floor.

His voice dropped to a snarl. "Enough! This matter is closed. No one speaks of it again."

The Alpha command pressed down on every person in the room.

My knees buckled for a moment, but I steadied myself almost instantly.

The second layer of the contract had already loosened. His commands no longer controlled me.

Logan noticed. His gaze darkened.

"Wendy, I don't want jealousy turning you into someone even you wouldn't recognize."

He walked up and straightened my slightly disheveled collar.

"Maggie will stand beside me at the Full Moon Celebration. It's strictly for work."

I swatted his hand away and looked at him the way I would a stranger. "That is the Alpha's mate's place. You gave her my charm. You gave her my room. You gave her my medication. Now you're giving her my position."

Logan lowered his voice. "You're different. You're the one I'm spending my life with. Why fight over things that don't matter?"

Maggie approached, murmuring an apology.

"Wendy, I never wanted to take your place. After the celebration, I'll give the position back to you."

I watched the two of them performing their little duet and felt nothing but disgust. "Keep it."

Logan gripped my shoulder. "Wendy, stop saying things you don't mean."

I stepped back. "Continue the ceremony. I'm leaving."

A Northern envoy waited for me in the side hall.

He handed me a letter in my father's own handwriting.

"Your father's health is failing. The council is requesting your immediate return."

I stared at him in surprise. "I withdrew from the succession race."

"Your eligibility was never revoked. If you complete the white wolf awakening before the full moon, you'll be the next Alpha."

I folded the letter and made my decision.

"Tell him I accept the recall."

The Elder's message arrived at that very moment.

"The contract blood has been reclaimed. All that remains is for you to speak the words of dissolution."

A hand reached from behind and took my phone.

Logan read the first half, then seized my wrist, his eyes turning dangerous.

"Why did you reclaim the contract blood? Are you threatening to dissolve the bond unless I remove Maggie from her position?"

I struggled against his grip. "No."

His hold tightened. "Then what do you want?"

I looked the man I had once loved in the eye. I had never been more certain.

"I want to leave you."