Rejected Mate's Silent Vow

The ticking of the clock snapped me back to reality. I brushed off Alpha Caden’s remarks and simply reminded him to review the agreement outlining the division of assets. If everything was in order, he should sign it as soon as possible. With that, I grabbed my bag and headed for the door.

"Hold on," Alpha Caden called, his voice low but commanding, the weight of his alpha tone pressing against the room. "You’re only taking your trophies?"

He flipped through a couple of pages of the agreement and glanced at me, his expression anything but agreeable. I nodded, my posture firm despite the tension in the air. "When I became your mate, those trophies were all I brought with me. Now that we’re parting ways, they’re all I’m taking."

Everything else, including Alpha Caden and Wilson, I was leaving behind. Perhaps sensing that I wouldn’t return, he finally broke the silence, his tone softer but still laced with authority.

"Ophelia, whatever your thoughts may be, you’re still my mate and Wilson’s mother. I won’t leave you with nothing. I’ll let you have this house. You’re welcome to stay here if you choose, or..." He hesitated, offering an alternative. "If you don’t want to, the downtown apartment can be transferred to your name soon. As for support, I’ll ensure you receive it monthly..."

"Suit yourself," I replied, my voice steady but cold. "How much you send is your decision. Now, can I leave?"

Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted Wilson peeking around the corner. He stood still, his expression a tiny replica of Alpha Caden’s, filled with emotions mixed with a noticeable hint of excitement. My wolf stirred within me, a soft whimper echoing in my mind, but I pushed it down. There was no room for weakness now.

Seeing Alpha Caden had nothing more to add, I waved dismissively and moved toward the door. Just as I opened it, I heard Wilson rushing over, his voice eager and hopeful.

"Dad, after Mom leaves, will Aunt Arya come live with us? I don’t want to train anymore; it’s too hard. Can I spend time with Aunt Arya instead?"

My steps faltered for a moment, the weight of his words pressing against my chest. My wolf growled softly, a mix of pain and anger, but I forced myself to remain composed. Then, I pushed the door open more forcefully and walked out without looking back. The cool night air hit my face, a small relief from the suffocating tension of the house.

As I stepped into the darkness, I felt the bond between Alpha Caden and me stretch thin, the mate bond that once felt unbreakable now a distant echo. My wolf’s presence in my mind was faint, as if even she had retreated into the shadows. I took a deep breath, my fingers tightening around the strap of my bag.

This was my choice. My path. And I would walk it without hesitation.