All Chapters of Shadows of the Bond: Chapter 1 - Chapter 8

My dad did not pry into the reason for my split with Malcolm. Instead, he assured me with unwavering conviction that he would always be there, that the family business would always welcome me.Once we said our goodbyes, I pulled a document from the deepest corner of the safe—a bonding dissolution agreement, already signed by Malcolm.It was his wedding gift to me, eight years back."Mila, I love you, truly. It doesn't matter if you're at your strongest or weakest, or that I'm just a regular werewolf or the pack alpha. In our love, you're always in charge. If I ever cause you a speck of unhappiness, you have the power to leave me, to let me live in agony."We were young and on fire for each other, convinced we would never need such an agreement.Yet today, I signed my name on that paper.It felt like a rusty blade was slowly carving out my heart, the pain blurring my vision. However, I steeled myself, tucked the agreement away, and stepped outside.Just one trip to city hall, and

In the following days, I barely left my room except to eat. I also kept myself busy by packing my belongings.Malcolm was lost in the bliss of having an heir, consumed with planning the perfect ceremony for James. He was completely unaware of my intentional withdrawal and silence.It was not until the morning of the ceremony, after I had quietly finished my breakfast and was about to head upstairs, that Malcolm—adorned in the silver battle regalia of the pack's supreme authority—called out to me.He strode past Elaine and James, took my hand with a look of concern, and asked, "Honey, what's the matter? Why haven't you changed into your dress? Did you forget about the ceremony today?"I gave a nonchalant shrug, nodding toward Elaine, who was dressed in a gown matching his, and replied with a steady voice, "Forget? How could I? The pack is finally getting an heir; it's not something I'd forget. However, I have a feeling James would rather have Elaine, who's been by his side all this

When I finally arrived home after six hours, my father was there waiting in the foyer. He did not question the end of my bond with Malcolm. He pulled me into a firm embrace and handed me the badge of the family's business heir."Just like always," he said with that unwavering belief in his voice. "Go on, my pup, follow your heart."It was as if he were not handing the reins to the mightiest werewolf business empire, but just another present to delight me.The very next day, I dove into learning how to run the empire.With my father's unwavering support and guidance, I swiftly reclaimed the keen, decisive spirit that had once earned me the reputation of a born entrepreneur.In just one month, I spearheaded a team that clinched a pivotal international merger, expanding our business empire by a third.At the extravagant victory banquet, my father lavished me with praise."Mila, you've done an outstanding job. You're the pride of our family."Yet, his earnest commendation took me b

"Is he the reason you won't come home with me, Mila?"Malcolm forced himself up from the ground, blood trickling from his mouth. His eyes seemed to seethe with malice as he glared at Theodore and me, his laugh bitter and scornful."You think I only loved you when you were well. So, does he love you now that you've lost your wolf? Now that you can't have pups? My pack won't accept a Luna who's not whole. Yet you think his pack will?"Mila, don't be so naive. He and I are both pack Alphas. We need a Luna who can fight and bear pups. He can't offer you the equality you're looking for either."In that moment, Malcolm's true colors came to light, revealing that he had never truly valued me. His so-called love was worthless without the value I brought to him and his pack.However, I was no longer hurt. My family and my father had instilled in me a sense of worth and bravery. They showed me that even without my wolf, even without the ability to have pups, I was still the finest werewolf,