Bond Yet Untouched, My Mate Regretted His Affair

My phone buzzed, a rare message from Christopher lighting up the screen. For once, it wasn't just a curt reply about pack funds. "It's Brittany's birthday today. I'm heading in. Private room a901." six years bound to him, and this was the first time he'd sent me something longer than a sentence. The first time he'd reached out first.

I rode the elevator to the 18th floor, my stomach knotted, and found the private room. Through the door's crack, I saw Christopher hand Brittany a bouquet of lilies of the valley and a delicate box. The pack inside erupted in cheers.

"Chris, lilies aren't even in season. How'd you pull that off?" someone teased.

"You know Chris," another wolf chimed in. "If Brittany wants it, he'd fetch the stars from the sky or the moon from the sea."

"Then why'd you bind with that she-wolf we met earlier?" another asked, blunt. "Everyone knows you came to Ilmaris Town for Brittany's research. That whole thing with her mentor was just a misunderstanding, right? You two still love each other. Why not rekindle it?"

"Yeah, her abusive ex-mate's locked up now, thanks to you. Nothing's standing in your way."

Their words pieced together the puzzle of Christopher and Brittany's past. They'd been mates since high school, the pack's golden pair through college. But when Brittany chose to study in Elthenia and Christopher stayed behind for his healer's training, their ideals clashed. She broke their bond, leaving him behind. After his training, he tracked her down in Elthenia, only to find she'd bound with another wolf. Their fairy-tale love shattered. Back home, his talent made him the youngest senior healer, and a year later, he met me.

I pushed open the door. The round table was laden with steaming dishes, their aromas tempting but useless against my exhaustion-ten hours on a plane, four in a cab, and a rainstorm that left me drained. I had no appetite.

The pack barely noticed me, their chatter flowing from college memories to institute work. Christopher and Brittany's past came up, carefully skirted but impossible to miss. Their love had been fierce, undeniable. I sat there, a ghost at their feast, irrelevant.

When the dinner finally ended, Christopher and I headed to his place in Elthenia, a pristine bachelor apartment assigned by the institute. Everything was spotless, reflecting his cold precision-except for a colorful dreamcatcher hanging at the entrance, out of place with his reserved style.

He handed me new slippers, but my eyes caught a pair of worn women's slippers nearby, their pattern matching the men's pair on his feet. A couple's set.

"I ordered toiletries online; they'll be here soon," he said, polite as ever. "You didn't eat much. I'll make you some noodles."

That was Christopher-courteous, distant. Warmer with his institute pack than with me. I watched him move in the kitchen, then drifted to the dreamcatcher. On its back, embroidered in tiny stitches: "Wishing Christopher sweet dreams always, from Brittany."

I hung it back, my face blank but my chest tight. I'd already decided to let him go, but Seven years of loving him didn't vanish so easily. The ache was stubborn.

Exhausted, I sank onto the living room couch. His phone lit up nearby, and I saw the contact: Britt. six years, and I'd never touched his phone. Today, I couldn't resist. Her message read, "If you'd come for me sooner, would I be the one beside you now?"

The screen dimmed, revealing his wallpaper-a photo of Brittany, ponytail swinging, in a graduation gown. My mate, my chosen one, had kept his ex as his phone's backdrop for six years. That moment burned the truth into me: I was surplus in his world.

The clink of utensils came from the kitchen. I set the phone down, untouched, and walked to the counter as if nothing had happened. Christopher handed me a fork. "Try it. Don't force yourself if it's not good."

I took it, avoiding his eyes. "Can you tell me about you and Brittany?"

He answered calmly. "She was my mate for eight years. We nearly formed a sacred bond. But she wanted to build her life abroad, and I needed to stay home."

His steady voice cracked, just a hint, but I caught it. I stared at my noodles. "That's all?"

He didn't answer.

That night, we lay on opposite sides of the bed, each lost in thought. Then, out of nowhere, he took my hand. I froze. Back home, he'd always flinched at my touch, pulling away like I was venomous. This was the first time he'd reached for me.

I waited for an explanation, for something about today's mess. Instead, he said, "Lauren, I've decided to settle here."

My hand went cold. A year ago, he'd called it a week-long trip. Weeks turned to months, and he never came back. I'd stayed home, tending to his parents, believing he'd return. Now he was choosing Elthenia-not for me.

I knew why he was staying. But I was done fighting for him. "Sounds good," I said softly. "Just take care of yourself. It rains a lot here."

He seemed surprised by my quick agreement. He squeezed my hand. "Lauren, thank you."

I said nothing, closing my eyes. My decision was made: I'd leave alone. I'd told him once I hated the rain here.

Late that night, his phone buzzed relentlessly. I knew it was Brittany. Eventually, he stirred, whispering, "Brittany's ex-mate used to hurt her. She's scared of thunder. I'm going to check on her." As if to reassure me, he added, "I'll be back soon."

I stayed silent, pretending to sleep. But I knew this time, I wouldn't wait for him.