The "Widow" Ran with Her Pup

When I submitted my request to the council table, the elders stared at me with open hostility.

Head Elder Matthias Graystone tapped his fingers against the table, his voice dropping low. "Leah, the law states that Regulus' widow falls under Lawrence's protection now. If you insist on leaving, does that mean you're dissatisfied with the new Alpha?"

I kept my eyes down and swallowed my anger. "I only recognize Regulus as my mate. While he lived, I was his Luna. Now that he's gone, I won't attach myself to another male."

The hall fell silent for a moment. Elder Matthias' brow furrowed deeply, but he eventually relented. The council had no authority to force a loyal widow to stay.

The transfer order was approved and pushed across the table toward me. It was a single flimsy sheet of paper, yet it carried more weight than three years of marriage.

When I returned to the estate, I immediately spotted "Lawrence Thornfield" on the terrace. Alice Moreau was nestled in his arms, her fingertips tracing along his throat as she laughed with seductive charm.

"Alpha, the marking ceremony needs the finest roses. We should cover the entire estate with them!"

My bond was severed the day Regulus Thornfield "accidentally died". At the time, I thought death separated us. Now I knew he'd manipulated everything, wanting me to vacate my position for Alice as quickly as possible.

Regulus lowered his head and hooked Alice's chin with his fingers, his gaze heavy with indulgence. I knew that look too well. Three years ago, he gave me the same look, marking me under the moonlight and promising to be my Alpha for life.

He glanced up and saw me, released Alice, and spoke with casual indifference. "Leah, where were you this morning?"

I tucked the transfer order into my sleeve and forced a gentle smile. "Getting medicine for the pup."

Alice shot me a resentful look. She shrank further into his embrace and lifted her chin with deliberate provocation.

"We're marking each other next month, Leah. You should come."

Next month? He was that eager.

Regulus' fingers slid down along her waist, his voice dripping with tenderness. "Whatever you want."

I stood there, suddenly remembering that snowy night three years ago. He'd just inherited the Alpha position and took me running through the snow. His cloak wrapped around me as our breath mingled in the frigid air.

"Leah, I'll love you for the rest of my life. If I break that promise, may the Moon Goddess curse me to never see you again."

Back then, I believed him.

"Leah?" His voice pulled me from my thoughts, guilt flickering in his eyes.

"When I inherited my brother's position, your Luna title was revoked. But I've spoken with the council. You can stay here comfortably."

I watched his matter-of-fact expression and suddenly wanted to laugh. He was still performing, still pretending.

I lowered my eyes and responded obediently. "Alright."

"Lawrence" visibly relaxed. He probably assumed I was still the puppet he could manipulate at will.

He had no idea how tightly I'd been clutching that transfer order. Next month, I would disappear completely with my pup, and I would never look back.