Adopted Sister’s Affair Drove My Mate Mad.

I was soul - bonded to Vincent Colton for ten years. Then he brought his adopted sister Violet home, and just like that, our bond was toast.

He'd hidden his plans well all this time. But my car accident blew his cover. Lying in the hospital bed, I heard nurses talking. "Patient in Room 101 has no family. No one to sign for her surgery," one said. Another replied, "The head nurse called her mate. He said they broke the bond and only wants to be told when she dies." In our werewolf world, breaking a bond is a huge deal - it's like getting your heart ripped out.

As soon as I was released, I rushed to Family Court. The papers clearly said "Unbound." I went straight to Vincent, fuming. But all he did was scowl at me. "Zoe Loring, stop being so jealous," he said. "My bond with Violet is just on paper. I still want you." Yeah, right. The bond mark on my wrist, which used to burn bright, was now dull and cold. I knew he was lying.

After three weeks in the hospital, my body was finally on the mend.

As soon as I could, I checked myself out and made a beeline for the Family Court.

When I saw the word "Unbound" in bold letters next to my bond status, it felt like a werewolf's claws had swiped at my insides. Just like that, the bond I'd shared with Vincent for years was gone. And I had no clue when he'd broken it.

I still remember the first time I met Violet.

Right off the bat, her scent was off, and my wolf instinct was on high alert

At first, I thought she was Vincent's real sister, so I tried my best to get along with her, even sharing my favorite hunting spots.

But on the day of our binding ceremony, as I was changing into my dress, I caught Violet wrapping her arms around Vincent's waist from behind.

That's when I realized they weren't blood - related.

Vincent saw me and quickly pushed her away, but the damage was done.

He shooed Violet away from the ceremony, his wolf - eyes pleading as he swore she was nothing more than a sister to him. He promised on his pack's honor that he'd only see her at Colton family moon - howls during holidays, never alone.

But now, the pack registry stared back at me. Right next to Vincent's name, Violet's was etched in bold. I stormed home.

"Vincent, have you lost your mind? You snapped your soul - bond with Zoe in secret, formed a new one with Violet, and didn't even have the guts to tell her? The whole pack is whispering that Zoe's the omega on the side!"

"I only have eyes for Zoe! But if I didn't bind with Violet, my parents would've sold her off to some corporate pack. I couldn't let her be forced into a bond with a rogue alpha!"

My knees buckled at his words.

"And she's Skye's dam. If I didn't step in, that pup would've been left to roam the wilds!"

"You really wanna go there? If you hadn't abandoned River to chase Violet, our pup wouldn't have fallen down the steps. An hour sooner, and he might still be alive!"

My wolf whimpered deep inside.

I dug my claws into my palms,but it was nothing compared to the raw ache in my chest.

Vincent had left our three - year - old pup alone for Violet?

All those years, I'd been nothing but a fool.

After losing River, I'd sworn off raising another pup. I

could bear my own someday. B

ut seeing Vincent's ears flatten in guilt, I'd relented and taken in Skye.

My legs gave out, and I crashed to the floor.

Hot tears dripped onto the wooden planks. I hadn't even realized I was crying until the sound echoed through the villa.

Vincent bolted out of the room.

When his eyes landed on me, he reached out without a word. My wolf - instinct kicked in, and I immediately recoiled. His hand stopped in mid - air, and I caught a flash of guilt in his eyes.

"Zoe, what's going on?" he asked.

I looked into his worried eyes, not knowing if he was actually concerned about me or just scared that I'd heard his conversation.