When I Stopped Needing Him, My Alpha Mate Begged Me to Stay

Olivia's POVI thought about brewing that herbal tonic for Sonya. She looked so weak and banged up—I figured I'd make it and bring it over.But every step I took, my knees buckled. Almost dropped twice.A dull, gnawing pain kept clawing at my lower abdomen, like something was ripping me apart from the inside.By the time I got home, I was completely drained. Couldn't move an inch.Cold sweat poured down my forehead. My face was white as bone. I couldn't hold out any longer—I dragged myself to the bedroom and collapsed, not even able to take the medicine the healer gave me.I wanted to rest.Just a moment to let the dizziness pass, and then I'd bring the herbs over.But I never got back up. I lay there clutching my stomach, the pain swallowing me whole until I blacked out.In the haze, I drifted back to the beginning with Luke.We did have good times once.We were fated mates—one hundred percent compatible.The first time we met, our wolves screamed that we belonged to each other. No on

Luke's POVThe moment the mate bond snapped, I felt like I'd been ripped in half.My chest caved in. My organs twisted. I doubled over, dropping to one knee, palms flat on the ground, gasping for air.Olivia. How could our bond break like this?Did she sever it herself?No. No way. We loved each other. She wouldn't leave me.Then—There was another possibility.If a mate dies, the bond breaks automatically.Suddenly, her face from last night flashed through my mind. Pale. Drawn.And that call through the mind-link. Her voice—so weak.Was she...?No. No, no, no. Impossible.I shot to my feet and bolted home.The second I stepped inside, something was wrong.A long smear of dark, dried blood ran across the floor.From the bedroom all the way out the door.My whole body shook. I followed the trail, walking faster, then running.The blood stopped at the corner outside. Scattered footprints in the dirt—someone had carried her away.I followed them to the healer's cabin.When I pushed the do

Olivia's POVAfter I left Luke, I came to Frostpack.This was my mother's homeland. I'd lived here with her for a while as a child.The old house she and I once shared was still standing—right by the lake. You could push open the window and see the water stretching out, beautiful and still.When I arrived, it was raining. Just like the day my mother died."Mom, I'm home. You knew, didn't you?""Don't worry. I'm not leaving again. I'm going to do everything I can to make Frostpack better."I settled in. Became the pack healer.At first, the wolves here didn't trust me. But my skills won them over, one by one.In my first month, I saved a patrol warrior who'd had his throat ripped open by rogues.In my second month, I brewed a new formula that cured a skin blight that had plagued the pack for years....The way Frostpack's wolves looked at me changed—suspicion turned to respect.Soon, wolves from other packs started coming to me too, seeking treatment for their wounds and illnesses.I we

Olivia's POVIt was Luke.How did he find this place?The man at the doorway looked wrecked. Dark stubble shadowed his jaw. His eyes were sunken, hollow—nothing like the proud Alpha of Silvermoon Pack he used to be.His gaze locked onto me, then flicked to the medicine bowl in my hands—still warm from Joe's lips—and finally landed on Joe, half-reclining against the headboard. His eyes went ice-cold."What were you just doing with him?" Luke's voice strained. "You used to hate it when other people touched you.""How did you get in?" I set the bowl down, keeping my voice flat. "This is Frostpack territory. As the Alpha of Silvermoon Pack, you're not allowed to cross the border without permission. You know that."Luke choked on my words. His fists clenched. His throat bobbed like he was swallowing something painful.Then he lurched forward a step, eyes bloodshot, boring into mine. His voice came out raw."Olivia, I've been looking for you for three months!"I dropped my gaze. Didn't respo