Chapter 1

When I signed my name on the Mate Bond dissolution agreement, the tension finally drained from my mate Damian Vance's face.

"Jane, I'm glad you came around."

He reached out to pat my head the way he used to whenever I had an episode.

I turned my head away.

His hand hovered in midair, then withdrew.

"The Marking ceremony is set for Friday." He said, "Chloe wants you to come."

"Okay."

He seemed caught off guard by how quickly I agreed. He stared at me for a moment.

"You really don't mind?"

"I said I don't object."

"Good." He smiled with relief. "I always knew you weren't the petty type."

From outside the door came my mother Rose Smith's voice.

"Damian, Chloe's looking for you. She doesn't dare stay in her room alone."

He turned immediately.

I watched his back and remembered the first time we formed our Mate Bond. He'd said the same thing then. That no matter what happened, he would stay by my side.

Back then, when I had an episode, my heart felt like it was being torn open. He held my hand and stayed until dawn.

Later, when Chloe moved into the house and said she was afraid of the dark, Mom moved into her room to sleep beside her.

Then she said the way I looked at her scared her, so Dad told me to give in to her more.

And Damian went from "I'll be right back" to "She needs me more right now."

I always thought that once she adjusted to this family, everything would go back to the way it was.

What I got instead was a Mate Bond dissolution agreement.

Dad walked over and glanced at the papers on the table. "All the company transfer documents signed?"

"Signed."

"Good." He showed a rare smile. "Handing the company to Chloe—that's the most sensible thing you've done."

Mom came in supporting Chloe by the arm. Hearing this, she nodded with a smile.

"Yes, you've finally learned to give in to your sister."

Chloe's face was pale as she leaned against Mom.

"Sis, I won't take your things for nothing. Once I recover, I'll run the factory well. I'll give you half of all future profits."

"No need. I don't have a future."

"Jane!" Mom's face fell instantly. "She's being kind to you, and this is your attitude?"

Chloe tugged gently at Mom's sleeve.

"Mom, don't blame her. It's my fault. I shouldn't have mentioned the profits..."

"Look at you." Mom pulled her into her arms, her voice trembling with tenderness. "Sick as you are, and still defending your sister."

She looked up and glared at me.

"Jane, how long are you going to keep this up before you act your age?"

"I just want to go back to my room and rest."

Dad frowned.

"Go, then. Just don't take it out on Chloe downstairs."

The pain in my chest surged in waves. I clutched the medicine bottle in my palm, the hard surface digging into my bones.

No one noticed that my face was paler than Chloe's.

I'd just reached the stairs when my vision suddenly went black. I grabbed the railing to keep from falling.

Mom heard the noise and turned, but her eyes went to Chloe first.

"Are you feeling unwell again?"

"I'm fine." Chloe shook her head gently. "I'm just worried about Sis."

"You hear that?" Dad's voice chased me from behind. "Chloe's sick and she still worries about you. And you? All you do is hurt her feelings."

I climbed the stairs one step at a time, holding the railing, listening to Mom comfort Chloe behind me.

"Don't be scared. Your sister's always had that temper. She'll come around once she thinks it through."

Back in my room, I locked the door and called the hospital.

"Doctor, are the test results out?"

The line was silent for a few seconds.

"Miss Jane, your wolf spirit has entered the final stage of decay. Based on your current condition, you have three days at most."

I looked at the empty Holy Spring water bottle by my bed.

So I really wouldn't live to see the next bottle.