Rejecting the Bond He Broke

I met Evander three years after he ended his mate bond with his first love, during the early days of our rise through the werewolf hierarchy. I had inherited my family’s position within the pack, while he, though born into the prestigious Silver Moon Pack, insisted on proving himself without relying on his lineage. Back then, we were both vying for dominance in a territorial dispute, but I emerged victorious. He raised his glass of whiskey, his Alpha aura shimmering faintly, and said, “Next time, I won’t lose!”

After that, Evander and I often crossed paths—competing for alliances, negotiating with neighboring packs, and testing each other’s limits. Yet, we’d also share laughter over the absurdity of pack politics. Our mutual friends joked that we might as lead a pack together instead of constantly challenging each other.

One evening at a pack gathering, Evander turned to me with a rare sincerity in his eyes. “Angelina, maybe that’s not such a bad idea.”

I smirked and flicked his cheek lightly. “Keep dreaming, Alpha.” Once the night settled, Evander began to pursue me. His attempts were awkward, his gestures almost comically old-fashioned, and I teased him relentlessly. He’d blush and turn away, muttering, “I’m not very experienced with this.”

I laughed, asking if he was only trying to mate with me for a stronger alliance. He scratched the back of his neck, his Alpha aura flickering with uncertainty. “If I said I’ve always thought you were extraordinary, would you laugh at me? Even though we used to be rivals…”

I clicked my tongue and leaned in to kiss him. Naturally, we became mates.

Before we made our bond public, Evander confessed about his first love. He showed me their messages; their communication had ceased shortly after she left the pack. It was clear they had nothing left to say to each other. Evander’s voice was steady but soft, “I can’t pretend she never mattered, but if you think I’d ever want anything more with her, you’re wrong. I’ve moved forward, Angelina. Do you believe me?”

Why wouldn’t I? We all have pasts. So did I.

Looking at Evander, I could see a faint resemblance to someone I once knew, but it didn’t bother me. It was all in the past.

I tried to mind link Evander, but he didn’t respond. Instead, he sent a quick message through the pack’s network: “Luna, I’m busy. Give me two hours.”

Two hours? Evander must have overestimated. The whole thing wouldn’t take more than thirty minutes, even if I’m being generous.

I checked the pack’s public channel, and there was a post from my “white knight.” She’d shared a photo of a luxury hotel suite, with Evander’s hands visibly arranging the bed. “Back in familiar territory, glad he’s here. Mr. Goldenhair even set up my favorite blue roses.”

The location was the city where Evander was on a diplomatic mission, where we were about to establish a new territory. That suite was one Evander used to book regularly for me.

Goldenhair? Funny. Evander had dyed his hair a light gold color in his youth, earning him the nickname. If only he’d told me he enjoyed being called a puppy, I would’ve taken him to get neutered.