He looked at the red dress I was wearing.
“You look… different. Where are you going? I’ll drive you.”
The same controlling tone, masked as concern.
“No need. I’ve learned to do a lot of things while you were gone.”
Like running a healing practice.
Like raising a son alone.
Like realizing my worth wasn’t tied to a mate’s approval.
“Besides,” I added, “I know these roads better than you now. Five years is a long time.”
We were heading to the pack registration office. Today was the day Alex and I would officially withdraw from the pack.
Two hours later, as we left the office with our papers processed, we found Theo’s car waiting outside.
He stared at the documents in my hand. “What are you doing here? ”
Theo followed us to the registration office, watching as I carried Alex inside and stayed there for two hours.
Something in his expression had changed. His wolf was restless, sensing something wrong.
“Just updating some paperwork that expired,” I said casually.
“Aren’t you busy today? I heard Sarah needs help settling Marcus into the elite training program.”
Theo’s eyes narrowed, studying me intently. His face grew darker with each passing moment.
Finally, he let out a bitter laugh. “Well played, little Omega.”
“This is a first – a mate actually pushing their partner toward another wolf. Fine. If that’s what you want, I’ll give you exactly that.”
He slammed his car door so hard the metal dented. His tires squealed as he peeled away, leaving the scent of burning rubber in the air.
I couldn’t understand why he was angry. I was giving him what he wanted – freedom to be with Sarah and Marcus.
Later, his beta assistant called me.
“Ma’am, Theo specifically cleared his schedule today to spend time with you and Alex. Why did you drive him away?”
“Now he’s drunk on wolfsbane wine at Sarah’s place, playing with Marcus…”
The assistant had always thought Theo and I were true mates, always tried to help us reconcile.
But I just laughed quietly. “Thank you, but let him be.”
After all, we only had three days left.
Three days until Alex and I would leave this territory forever.
