Severing a Million Dollar Bond

I am the pack's Head Alchemist, bringing the pack tens of millions in revenue each month.

My mate, an Alpha, pulls in a measly hundred thousand dollars a month, yet he lords it over me all day.

I spent millions to plan the most extravagant Moon Goddess Gala for him, just to cement his position.

A week before the gala, he casually informed me through our mind-link:

"My old flame and her daughter are the guests of honor this time. I've given them the seats at the head table."

"You can stay in the service corridor that night. Your bloodline doesn't belong at the head table anyway."

It was an underground corner reeking of silver polish, a substance toxic to werewolves.

My mother-in-law turned away, suddenly finding the wall fascinating.

My brother-in-law, whom I had practically raised, sauntered over and sneered, "Get over it. Her daughter is more delicate. You're strong; you can handle it."

The next second, the mistress's daughter strode in, dragging a Hermès suitcase behind her.

My brother-in-law dashed over to her. "You're the sister I've always wanted!"

My mother-in-law gripped the mistress's hand tightly. "In my heart, no one can compare to you!"

Staring at the seating chart that relegated me to the service corridor, my inner wolf... smiled.

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1

As the pack's Head Alchemist, my business brings in ten million dollars a month.

My mate Grady's Alpha stipend is barely a hundred grand, yet he struts around like he owns the pack.

Every day, I'm mixing potions, developing formulas, and maintaining our pack's alchemical empire.

My inner wolf never complains, but the mental exhaustion is so profound that my hands shake every night.

I researched everything—the best venue, the most secure wards, the most luxurious amenities.

As an alchemist, I've learned to plan meticulously. I wanted to make everything perfect for the pack.

The Sky Garden Hotel I chose caters exclusively to wealthy werewolves.

Each private suite costs half a million dollars and comes with special facilities for shifting during the full moon.

I specifically booked the Moonlight Hall on the top floor so the pack's leadership could finally display their prestige.

The pack left me to handle everything—the bookings, the full-moon security arrangements, the shifting schedules, and even the planning for the silver-free utensils we would need.

Not a single one of them offered to help.

Grady's mother, Eleanor, lives with us.

Ever since Grady's Alpha stipend proved insufficient, she has been entirely dependent on my income.

I don't mind supporting everyone.

As the Head Alchemist, I take pride in being able to provide for my family.

My potion business is booming, and werewolves from all packs come to buy my specialized concoctions, especially the combat enhancers.

Booking the Moonlight Hall at a hotel catering to werewolves is nearly impossible, which is why I reserved everything months in advance.

When Grady's younger brother, Caleb, mentioned he'd never seen a grand ballroom, I spent an extra million dollars to upgrade everyone's seats.

Seeing his excited face made it all worth it.

When I showed Eleanor the designs for the gala, her eyes lit up—it was the first time I'd seen her truly smile in months.

Then, a week before the gala, Grady dropped a bombshell. "Cassia and Briar are coming to the gala. I'm giving them the seats of honor at the head table. You can stay in the service corridor. It's already been arranged." He sent the new seating arrangement through our mind-link, his tone casual as if he hadn't just shattered our plans.

My blood ran cold when I saw the location—it was in the basement, where the human staff stayed.

No moonlight windows, no shifting facilities.

My inner wolf howled with rage at the thought of being trapped down there.

My claws dug into my palms. "You gave my seat—at a pack gala—to your mistress?"

"Watch your tone," he said, his eyes narrowing.

"Of course they're coming. Cassia and Briar want to join us, so they deserve the best seats."

"What did you say last year when I begged you to postpone the gala so I could focus on developing a new potion? That I was too busy. But the moment your mistress asks, you arrange it for her?"

Eleanor grabbed Grady's arm, her fingers trembling.

"Rowan, please. I'll take the service area. Maybe Rowan can keep her seat—"

"No." Grady's voice cut through her plea.

"You're both being ridiculous. The best seats are for honored guests."

"Honored guests?" I snarled. "Is that what you call your mistress now?"

Grady's face darkened. "Cassia and Briar are more than family now. In my heart, they're where they belong."

I felt my fangs lengthen. "Then why am I the one in the service corridor? Those seats were booked months ago. With my money."

"The good seats are all taken now. You're the Head Alchemist—you're used to rough conditions for your work. The service area is good enough for you."

My eyes scanned the seating chart again, my knuckles white as I clenched my fists. Of all the available spaces, he had chosen the worst one—a cramped, windowless corner.

I looked at Eleanor, whom I had been supporting ever since she retired from her pack duties.

She turned away, suddenly finding the wall intensely interesting.

Caleb walked over with that condescending smile he'd recently adopted. "Come on, Rowan. Cassia and Briar are delicate. They need the right environment. You're strong—you can handle it."

I laughed bitterly. "Who's the family here? A mistress and her daughter are getting better treatment than your own sister-in-law. Anyone watching would think they were your real family!"

Grady's eyes flashed gold, burning with rage. "It's just a change of seats. Don't make a scene. Cassia and Briar are family now. We can't have them in regular seats. Make this one sacrifice. Show me what a good mate you can be."

Just then, the front door of our pack house opened.

Caleb rushed to greet Briar, who walked in dressed in designer clothes that cost more than Grady's monthly stipend.

"Briar! I've been waiting for you! Come in, come in!" He snatched her enormous Hermès suitcase—the same style Eleanor had asked for a knockoff of last year, only for him to laugh in her face.

"I missed you! If only you'd moved in sooner—you're the sister I've always wanted!"

Eleanor flinched at his words. I saw her hands shake as she tried to make herself smaller.

Eleanor forced a brittle smile, grasping Cassia's manicured hand. "That's right! I've always hoped you would join our family. In my heart, no one compares to you!"

They said these things right in front of me, without a shred of shame.

She beamed at the woman who had helped tear our family apart, but her shoulders slumped, revealing decades of silent suffering.

In that moment, my heart grew cold toward all of them.