第2章

Seeing I was still upset, Grayson handed me a carelessly wrapped gift box.

I looked down at the package and unwrapped it.

Inside lay two common healing herbs, already wilted.

These pathetic little things grew everywhere around Blackwater Pack territory.

I almost laughed at how low I'd sunk to accept this.

Grayson's face darkened, but he forced himself to respond.

"I know you don't need anything, but Stella suggested I hand-pick herbs to show how much I care. She even wrapped it herself for you. Stop being ungrateful and throwing a tantrum."

I ignored his words completely.

The alarm on my phone went off. I pulled out a small vial and drank the contents in one gulp.

Grayson's expression changed instantly. He rushed to snatch the bottle away.

"What are you doing? You know pregnant wolves can't take random medications!"

Seeing my expression, Grayson rarely softened his tone. He tossed the wilted herbs aside.

"Fine, fine. If you don't like the gift, throw it away. I'll get you something better, alright?"

"Aria, you're not just responsible for yourself anymore. Getting upset affects the pup's development."

When he finished speaking, I placed the printed mate bond dissolution agreement on the table.

As an Alpha's mate, we needed to submit a dissolution request to the Alpha Council and wait for their approval before officially ending our bond.

"The paperwork's ready. Sign it when you have time."

"Also, I don't have time to serve your little secretary anymore. Since you spoil her so much, maybe hire her a personal maid instead."

Grayson was always busy with pack business. Naturally, I wouldn't trouble him with drafting legal documents.

But after hearing me, his face went dark. He shot to his feet.

"Dissolution? Are you insane? All because I glanced at Stella during the speech?"

"She's just my secretary, and she's an Omega. As the pack's Alpha, showing her attention is part of my duty. She's worked for me for two years—if something was going to happen, it would have happened already. Why now? Stop being ridiculous."

His eyes dropped to my stomach, and he sighed like he was resigned to his fate.

"Look, I know pregnant wolves get emotionally unstable. I've been trying to accommodate you, but don't push it too far."

His muddy boots tracked dirt across the carpet, leaving ugly marks behind him.

I almost automatically opened my mouth to remind him to be careful.

Then I caught myself and swallowed the words, laughing bitterly.

He was always like this. Never caring about my work, never valuing my efforts.

Since I was leaving anyway, nothing he did mattered to me anymore.

I looked up at him and nodded calmly.

"Yes, exactly. Because you looked at her. Isn't that reason enough?"

"Grayson, before we bonded, I told you I wouldn't tolerate any betrayal. But you've changed. So there's no point in continuing this."

Grayson's brow furrowed, anger building in his eyes.

I spoke again before he could explode.

"Also, the pup is gone. Don't worry—it won't stand in your way anymore."

"Won't compete with your precious Stella for pack management rights either."

"Sign the papers when you have time. Email me the electronic copy. You know my address."

I turned and walked away, ignoring his frozen figure behind me.

His anguished shout followed me:

"Aria! If you walk out that door today, don't you ever come back!"

A cold smile curved my lips.

He'd used that threat to control me for twelve years.

I'd kept bowing my head, kept apologizing.

All I got in return wasn't forgiveness—just him pushing for more.

He thought I'd turn around and beg for forgiveness like always.

But as his words faded, my steps only quickened.

Never coming back was exactly what I wanted.