Chapter 1

My fated Alpha, Elara, faked losing our bond after a supposed "attack." All so she could flaunt her lover, Victor, in my face.

She laughed at me, convinced I was too weak to ever leave her. She thought even if I knew the truth, I’d just hand over my title as her Mate and swallow my pride.

But they had no idea. I had a huge "surprise" waiting for them. They were about to walk right into my trap.

The next day, Elara called a meeting with the pack's core members.

"There's a problem with my mate bond with Leo."

She sat in the Alpha's seat, her voice cold and shameless.

Beta Marcia’s brow furrowed. "Alpha, what are you saying?"

"I've lost my connection to Leo," Elara said, slow and clear. "Instead... I feel a true mate bond with Victor."

My face showed nothing. It was like I was listening to a story about someone else.

Victor squeezed Elara's hand, putting on a show of innocence and helplessness. He sighed. "We didn't expect this. But the mate bond is the will of the Moon Goddess. We can't fight it."

"So," Elara took a deep breath, her tone leaving no room for argument. "From this day on, Victor will be the Alpha's Mate of this pack. Leo, give him the scepter."

The room was dead silent.

I slowly stood up and walked to the scepter hanging on the wall.

The obsidian staff gleamed under the lights, carved with the symbol of our Stoneclaw Pack.

"Leo..." Elder Graham started to say something.

I shook my head, stopping him.

I took down the scepter, walked to Victor, and placed it on the table.

"This is the symbol of the Alpha's Mate. It carries the weight of the pack. It’s yours now."

Victor eagerly reached for it, but my next words made him freeze.

"Actually, there are a few things we need to clear up first."

Victor sat up straighter. "As the former Mate, you need to hand over the pack roster. And all the battle strategies and sacred rites you've created."

I glanced at Elara. She nodded. "He's right. Victor needs that information to be an effective Lead Mate."

I laughed coldly inside.

That was Elara.

Whenever someone else's needs clashed with mine, I was always the one who had to give in.

Like three years ago, when I gave up a chance to be an instructor at a stronger pack. It was to save money for our pack's defenses. Elara praised me for "seeing the bigger picture."

Or two years ago, when I fought off an enemy raid alone for three days and three nights to cover a retreat. I collapsed from my injuries. Elara dismissed it as "part of your duty" as Head Warrior.

And a year ago, I wanted to buy new battle armor for our mating anniversary. Elara said, "This is no time to be spending money."

But now, she could buy Victor a hundred-thousand-dollar sports car.

For Victor, she could trample on our five-year bond without a second thought.

"Leo?" Elara's voice pulled me back. "What are you thinking about?"

I looked at her. The woman I once loved. Now, all I saw in her eyes was suspicion and scheming.

"I'm thinking," I said, my voice dangerously calm, "that if our bond has a 'problem,' the only solution is to sever it. Completely."

Elara froze. "What?"

"I said, let's go to the Council of Elders and formally reject our bond," I repeated. "That way, you and Victor can have your own mating ceremony without any obstacles."

A flash of panic crossed Victor's face, but it was quickly replaced by excitement. "Can... can we really do that?"

"Of course," I said with a smile. "Since the Moon Goddess has gifted you a new bond, we should honor her decision."

Elara opened her mouth to argue, but under Victor's eager gaze, she could only grit her teeth and nod. "If... if you insist."

"I insist," I said, my voice firm.

I looked around at the other pack members. They all looked awkward and uncomfortable. Marcia wouldn't meet my eyes. Elder Graham's brow was furrowed. The others just stared at the floor.

So. They all knew.

They knew about Elara and Victor. They knew this whole "lost connection" thing was a lie. And not one of them had said a word to me.

They needed my strength in battle, but they didn't give a damn about me.

"Meeting's over." I turned toward the door. "I'm going to pack my things. I'll be off pack lands as soon as possible."

"Wait, Leo!" Elara's voice was sharp with panic as she rushed after me. "You can't just leave. We're still a pack..."

I stopped and turned to face her.

"Elara, your new mate needs time to adjust to his role. My presence will only get in his way."

"But the pack still needs you as Head Warrior..."

"Isn't that the Lead Mate's job now?" I gestured to Victor, who was already lounging in the main chair, fiddling with the scepter. "Or is your precious, pampered new lover not up to the task?"

Elara's face darkened, her Alpha pride stung. But Victor just smirked. "Don't worry, I'll learn. Fighting and managing? How hard can it be?"

I nodded. "Good. Then there's no problem."

I pushed open the door, leaving them all in a stunned silence.

Walking down the hall, a thought hit me.

She has no idea. The Full Moon ceremony is only seven days away.

And the Council of Elders?

They only recognize me—whose personal power rivals an Alpha's—as the one truly capable of the role.

For five years, I was the one who quietly performed every sacred rite, shouldering the crushing mental toll of communing with the Goddess so she, the Alpha, never had to.