The Eighth Time

In our pack, the Moon Goddess placed great importance on the mate bond.Once two wolves were bound as mates, that connection was unbreakable, unless severed with a witch’s potion.The potion was not only expensive, but it also caused excruciating pain to the werewolf drinking it.Henry poured the potion for me, his face full of guilt as he tried to comfort me.“Don’t worry, my love. It’s just like before. I paid five times the normal price for this batch to make sure the pain is as mild as possible. You won’t hurt much.”Pain, however, no matter how mild, would still leave scars when experienced eight times, right?I stared at the potion in the glass. I then suppressed the urge to ask him why and drank it all in one go.After taking the potion, we still had to visit the Pack Council to update documents.I had been there with Henry so many times that the wolves on the council recognized me on sight.They couldn’t help but find our situation ridiculous, even joking, “Nicole, whe

As soon as Henry saw me come back, he instantly stepped away from Alice.“Alice wanted pie, but I messed it all up. Thank God you’re back, Nicole.”With a sigh of relief, he pulled off his apron and headed straight for the shower.I showed no expression.The moment he disappeared, Alice sneered and ordered, “Didn’t you hear Henry? Go make that pie. Put on the apron and get in the kitchen!”She dusted the flour off her clothes and flopped onto the couch, flipping through a magazine like she owned the place.“Oh, and make me a salad, too. I have to watch my figure.”I scoffed and headed to the bedroom to pack my things.However, she blocked my way before I could.“If you want to eat it, make it yourself,” I said, brushing her arm aside.Her eyes flicked toward the direction of the shower, and then she suddenly screamed.“Nicole! Do you really hate me that much? I just wanted some food, and now you’re trying to starve me? Fine! I’ll just go!”Like a woman possessed, she shook

Just as I stepped out of the house, a familiar figure came into view."Hi, Nicole. Long time no see!"At the door stood a tall, handsome male werewolf. It was Andrew!My teacher must’ve been worried Henry would give me trouble, so she sent her most accomplished student to pick me up."It’s been a while. I… thank you, Andrew. Sorry to trouble you to come in person."Seeing Andrew brought a flicker of unease to my heart.Back then, when I chose to form a mate bond with Henry and leave the team, Andrew had tried his best to talk me out of it. However, I didn’t listen.That once-young werewolf was now a renowned herbalist throughout the entire pack.Under my lingering gaze, Andrew’s face flushed slightly. His brow furrowed gently when he noticed the faint scars on my wrist.“You should’ve told us sooner if things were this bad. With me and the professor around, no one will bully you again.”“Thanks, Andrew.”I gave him a small smile. He cleared his throat, face still flushed,

As we were about to pass through the dense forest to meet up with our professor, Andrew suddenly looked at me and laughed.“Nicole, I never thought I’d see you this calm.”I blushed.Three years ago, when Andrew had tried so hard to stop me from leaving the research team, I had angrily accused him of not understanding true love and called him a cold, emotionless robot.Back then, he had stared at me for a long time before lowering his head in defeat.Thinking of how I’d lashed out at him, regret bubbled up in me. So I lowered my head and said quietly, “I’m sorry. I was young and impulsive. I didn’t think things through.”“Love isn’t wrong. And you’re a good person.” Andrew shook his head and gave me a gentle smile. “It’s just that the lucky guy didn’t know how to cherish you.”I looked at Andrew. He was so handsome, with eyes that shone brighter than the stars, always capable of drawing someone in without warning.The moment our eyes met, I saw the faintest blush creep ac