Chapter 1

Evelyn Severa's POV:

At 6:00 p.m., I laid out six different dinner dishes on the long stone table, each seasoned with Callum Wolffang's favorite hint of vanilla.

At 7:00 p.m., I lit a vanilla-scented candle in Callum’s room, letting the calming fragrance seep into the walls, soothing his restless wolf. I checked the bathwater, ensuring it remained at exactly 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit—the perfect temperature for a werewolf to relax.

At 8:00 p.m., I placed his favorite boots by the door and hung his outdoor cape beside them, brushing my fingers briefly over the worn fabric.

At 9:00 p.m., I changed into the black lace outfit he had picked for me.

The doors blew open, carrying with them a rush of icy wind and the sharp, metallic scent of blood.

Callum, my Alpha, stepped in. His coat was stained with blood, his entire being humming with violence barely leashed beneath his skin.

But the moment his gaze fell on me, something shifted. The fury in his expression eased—replaced by a hunger that made the air between us crackle.

I walked to him, taking his heavy cloak from his shoulders and hanging it by the fire without a word.

"Shower or dinner?" I asked softly.

"Shower," he said, his voice rougher than usual, his eyes not leaving me this time.

I sat at the edge of the bathtub, reaching for the cloth to scrub his back.

Before I could even touch him, Callum turned, catching my wrist firmly yet gently, pulling me closer until I was standing between his knees.

His hands found my waist, sliding under the lace with possessive slowness.

He pressed his forehead against my stomach for a brief, startling moment—something so raw it made my throat tighten.

Then, without a word, he lifted me onto his lap, letting the bathwater soak my thighs. His mouth traced a searing line along the skin just above the lace.

"You have no idea how good you feel against me," Callum murmured, his voice low and hoarse. "You make everything better, Evelyn."

The way he said my name made my heart stutter.

His wolf rumbled beneath his skin, desperate for me—for us.

And for once, I didn't feel like a contract.

I felt like a need. A craving.

He slid my ruined lace aside with deliberate care, not tearing it in a rage but peeling it away like a man unwrapping something precious.

When he finally claimed me against the cold tile wall, it was rough, yes—but not cruel.

It was as if he needed to bury himself so deep within me that he could forget everything else.

Afterward, Callum wrapped a towel around his waist and ruffled his damp hair, his gaze catching mine and lingering a second too long—something unreadable flickering in his golden eyes.

I handed him his pajamas. He didn't take them immediately, only brushed his fingers lightly against mine before letting them hang forgotten on the chair.

After it was over, Callum pulled away without a word, his touch gone cold—as if nothing had ever happened.

Then he sat down at the table, the scent of venison filling the room.

Callum Wolffang was my Alpha, my so-called "mate." However, our marriage was nothing more than just a signed contract.

I gave him everything: my time, my dreams, my heart. He accepted it all without hesitation.

For a long time, I let myself believe that meant we loved each other.

Callum ate distractedly as he stared at his phone screen.

I could see a hint of joy in his eyes as a light smile gradually appeared on his lips—something I'd never seen before.

I walked past him and unexpectedly caught sight of the name on his phone screen—Iris Howley.

I was stunned. However, I simply calmly averted my gaze and went into the kitchen.

Suddenly, my phone began to ring.

I fished it out from my pocket and saw that it was Callum's mother, Kiera Beowulf.

As soon as I answered the call, I could hear Kiera's voice on the other end of the line. She asked, "Evelyn, are you truly going to sever the mate bond with Callum?"

I fixed my gaze on the window before me, where the moonflowers were blooming.

Then, I answered in an unusually calm voice, "Mrs. Wolffang, you know very well that I'm only with him because of that contract.

"The contract terms are ending soon, and his first love, Iris, has also renounced her mate. She's coming back to our territory soon, and Callum's beyond excited. He doesn't need me anymore."

Kiera heaved a long sigh. She sounded regretful as she said,

"It must have been hard on you for the past few years, since you had to stabilize that despotic wolf of his. I know he must have done some terrible things to you.

"I thought that he would start loving you after realizing all the things you did for him... Ah, well, whatever. Iris is coming back anyway, so I'm not worried anymore.

You gave up on your dreams to be a wolf doctor five years ago. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help."

I stared at the brightly blooming moonflower and spaced out for a brief moment.

Five years ago, I gave up a massive scholarship offer.

I also gave up my hobbies as I kept trying to please him any way I could, like a little lapdog.

It was time for me to move on.

I didn't hesitate when Kiera offered her help.

"Thank you very much. In that case, please arrange for me to leave as soon as possible."

The phone call ended.

The moonflower I'd been looking at suddenly fell off and floated to the ground lifelessly.

It felt like breaking free from a five-year prison sentence bound by my mate bond with Callum.