But this time, when I closed my eyes, I didn’t dream of Marcus.
I dreamed of freedom.
I woke to the sound of Marcus’s sobs.
He clutched a report from the pack healer, his broad shoulders shaking with what appeared to be grief.
“Sarah… the healer discovered during the examination. Your wolf was critically damaged in the fire. She can’t heal herself.”
“Without your wolf’s strength, you’ll never be able to bear Alpha pups. Our bloodline…”
He reached for my hand, his touch gentle but calculated.
“But I won’t abandon you. No matter what happens, you’ll still be my mate.”
“Once you’re released from the hospital, we can adopt a pup. A strong Alpha pup to carry on the pack line. Having a child to care for will help you heal.”
I was the one who had lost my wolf, yet he acted more devastated than I felt.
His performance was flawless. I didn’t bother exposing the lie.
After a long silence, I stared at the report in his hands and nodded slowly.
Marcus’s eyes welled with tears as he pulled me into his embrace.
“I’ll take care of you, always. Don’t be afraid. No matter what anyone says about an Alpha with an Omega mate, I’ll stand by you.”
“After the marking ceremony, I’ll transfer ownership of the northern pack territories to you. It’s the least I can do to secure your future.”
Our chests pressed together, but our heartbeats told different stories.
His heart raced with hidden excitement while mine beat steady with cold understanding.
Finally, Marcus spoke hesitantly:
“About the marking ceremony… it’s all prepared, but with your condition…”
“Find someone to take my place,” I interrupted. “We can’t let the pack lose face.”
I knew exactly what he wanted to say.
Better to suggest it myself than be cornered into it.
At least this way, I could maintain some dignity.
Marcus seemed amazed by my sudden compliance.
But with his goal achieved, he didn’t question my change of heart.
His phone rang, shattering the moment.
He glanced at the screen, then looked at me in confusion.
“Sarah, why are you canceling your pack registration?”
