Sharing Love? Over My Dead Wolf

"Dad, Mom. I'll accept the mate bond."

Glass shattered in Dad's grip. "Over my dead wolf! I'd rather defy the Alpha King than watch you throw yourself into fire."

Everyone knew Samzor and I were childhood sweethearts. His mom already acted like I was part of their pack.

Then he sold off three generations of Nightfang war honors—just to petition the Alpha King into forcing a mate bond between me and some crippled rogue rotting on the kingdom's edge.

The rumors spread like wildfire.

"Nyara's blood must be tainted or something. Why else would Alpha Samzor pull a stunt like that?"

"Right? He threw away the Nightfang Pack's war glory—those merits could've erased a death sentence. And he blew it on her? He had to be dying to dump her."

"I heard Alpha Connor spoiled her sick. Even tried hooking her up with a side piece."

"No wonder. What Alpha would put up with that?"

By morning, my name was ashes.

Everywhere I went, wolves whispered. Friends ghosted me. Even Dad got slapped with house arrest—Alpha King's orders—for standing up for me.

I went to confront Samzor, only to find him bandaging the ankle of some fox-wolf halfblood.

"She's Catherine," he said. "Rescued her on patrol. Last foxblood left from the Beast War. I know why you're here—if you let her stay in our den, I'll ask the Alpha King to void your bond."

He smiled like nothing changed, but his words cut deep.

"Don't worry, it's just pretend. Rogues are after her—she's only safe if she stays with me. Give it a few years. Once things calm down, I'll find her a real mate."

He made it sound noble. All I felt was disgust.

"You could've just told me," I said. "No need to drag the Alpha King into it. His word isn't something you undo."

He didn't care. Just stared at me like I was the problem.

"If I'd said it outright, would your dad have backed off? If Catherine enters as a servant, she won't last a week. Nyara, I know what you're thinking. Just calm your father down, split your dowry with Catherine, and I'll get the Alpha King to cancel the bond."

I stared at the wolf who once swore I was his only one. My blood ran cold.

So that's what his promises were worth.

My wolf wanted to snarl—tears beat me to it.

"Samzor, let's end this betrothal. For real."