Chapter 9
“Support?” I scoffed, my anger bubbling over. “You think your promises mean anything now? I’m not a backup plan, Drake. You made your choice, and now I’m making mine.”
“Cassandra, please,” he pleaded, reaching for my hand, but I pulled away.
“This is over. I won’t be tied to someone who thinks it’s okay to mess with my heart.”
I stood tall in the pack elder’s court, the weight of my decision pressing down. All eyes were on me, but I couldn’t back down now. I’d come too far.
“Today, I’m here to sever my bond with Drake,” I announced, trying to keep my voice steady. “As Alpha, I have the right to cut this connection and reclaim my
strength.”
Drake’s face went pale. “Cassandra,
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don’t do this! You don’t understand what you‘ re doing!”
“I understand perfectly,” I shot back, “I’ve spent long enough in your shadow. I won’t let you manipulate me anymore.”
The pack elder, an older wolf with sharp eyes, nodded. “You’ll need to back up your claim, Cassandra. If you’re sure you want to go through with this, present what you have.”
I took a deep breath and pulled out the documents and photos from my bag. There were pictures of Drake and Melanie together, receipts for gifts he’d bought her, Melanie’s sonogram and texts spelling out plans he made for a future–one I thought would include me. The room went silent as I laid everything out.
“This!” I said, gesturing to the evidence, “is the truth of my mate’s betrayal. He chose to build a life with someone else while I was here, fighting for us.
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Drake‘ s face twisted, like he wanted to defend himself. “Cassandra, I can explain! I was just caught off guard-”
“It’s too late for explanations,” I said, my voice hard. “I refuse to stay tied to someone who doesn‘ t honor our bond.”
The elder turned to Drake. “You‘ ve heard her. The evidence is clear. Do you want to contest this?”
Drake shook his head, looking both frustrated and defeated. “No, I… I can’t. I won’t fight this.”
“Very well,” the elder said, turning back to me. “Cassandra, if you‘ re ready to sever the bond, it’ll be done.”
I nodded, feeling a mix of relief and sadness. “Yes. I want this.”
The elder gave a nod, and suddenly, a soft glow wrapped around us. I felt the bond. break, like glass shattering inside me. It was freeing but also bittersweet. I’d lost something I once loved, but I knew this
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was right for me and for Ember.
When the ceremony ended, I walked out, feeling a new sense of freedom. I was ready to embrace life as a single mother and Alpha, free of Drake‘ s betrayal.
As I got home, I noticed a large pink box on my kitchen table. My heart started racing as I walked over to it, a strange feeling washing over me. A sharp, metallic smell came from the box, making my stomach twist.
“What the…?” I whispered, my pulse speeding up.
I hesitated, then opened the box. Inside, nestled in soft pink tissue paper, was something that made my breath catch–a bunch of baby gifts, but they were all stained, dark red splotches everywhere. A bloody baby blanket, a tiny shoe, and a note that read, “This one’s for your little daughter.”
My heart dropped as the truth hit. This
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was right for me and for Ember.
When the ceremony ended, I walked out, feeling a new sense of freedom. I was ready to embrace life as a single mother and Alpha, free of Drake‘ s betrayal.
As I got home, I noticed a large pink box on my kitchen table. My heart started racing as I walked over to it, a strange feeling washing over me. A sharp, metallic smell came from the box, making my stomach
twist.
“What the…?” I whispered, my pulse speeding up.
I hesitated, then opened the box. Inside, nestled in soft pink tissue paper, was something that made my breath catch–a bunch of baby gifts, but they were all stained, dark red splotches everywhere. A bloody baby blanket, a tiny shoe, and a note that read, “This one’s for your little daughter.”
My heart dropped as the truth hit. This
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wasn‘ t just a threat–it was a warning. Melanie wanted what was mine, and she wouldn’t stop until she took it. I shut the box, realizing that the fight for my daughter was only just beginning.
I pulled out my phone and opened the PackLink app, searching for Melanie‘ s contact. She’d pushed her luck way too far with that last threat, and I was done. playing nice! My fingers flew over the screen, my message sharp and to the point.
Me: Your little stunt doesn’t scare me, Melanie. Be grateful Ember was born alive, because if she wasn’t, you wouldn’t be breathing right now.
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