Chapter 15: Chapter 15

Menu The revelation of my fate hit me like a truck. Him? My mate? It seemed impossible to accept that the universe would pair me with the man who had shattered my heart.

He clearly hadn’t forgotten that night either. In his mind, I was still guilty.

His words cut deep, and it frustrated me that they still had such power over me. I fought back tears that threatened to spill.

“You’re still just as cruel as ever,” I said, meeting his gaze.

Kane’s iron grip on my arms finally loosened.

“I’ll say this one last time – whether you believe it or not, I wasn’t the one who drugged you that night.”

He sneered as if I was feeding him lies. This man might have gained more power, but he hadn’t changed a bit. He was still the same Kane Thorne I’d walked away from five years ago.

I tried to leave, but his next words stopped me cold.

“What about this bond?”

I paused, turning to face him. “What bond?”

Playing dumb was my only defense.

As he stepped toward me, I backed away.

“Don’t pretend you can’t feel the mate bond.”

I shook my head slightly.

“You can’t be my mate. Our marriage ended five years ago. I’ve moved on. This mate bond means nothing.”

My response triggered a furious growl from him. I swallowed hard when my wolf urged me to submit.

Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes before opening them again.

When I looked up, I met his icy stare. The memories of those two years of misery were burned into my soul.

“This mate bond will disappear as soon as someone else marks me. Nothing to worry about, Alpha Kane.”

With that, I walked away with my head high, leaving him behind – just like he used to do to me.

As I left the room, I almost collided with Kane’s beta, Finn.

He gave a casual wave. “Oh, hey there.”

I acknowledged him with a quick nod as I passed by.

Making my way to the main hall, I scanned the room and spotted Axel deep in conversation with another Alpha. He looked worried.

The moment he saw me, he rushed over. “Where’s your phone? I’ve been calling you for the past ten 08:46 18.75%

Menu His rapid–fire questions came at me all at once. I grabbed his arm and guided us to a quieter corner of the hall.

“Take it easy, Axel. I just got turned around exploring,” I lied.

I didn’t want to worry anyone. I’d said what I needed to say to Kane. That man still harbored nothing but hatred for me, and I was certain he wouldn’t pursue me.

Axel handed me a glass of red wine. I flashed him a grateful smile before engaging with others who approached us for conversation.

Mid–sip, I caught sight of Dr. Grayson. My eyes lit up.

“Look, isn’t that Grayson Vale? The most talented healer anyone’s ever seen!” I overheard some young women gushing about Dr. Grayson.

I turned to Axel, my expression speaking volumes.

“What?” he asked.

“I’m going to introduce myself,” I told him before walking toward Dr. Grayson. After all, he was the real reason I’d come to this party.

Excited, I approached him professionally.

“Excuse me, Dr. Grayson? Could I have a moment of your time?” I asked, clearing my throat.

He turned from his conversation, raising his eyebrows before giving me a slight nod.

He was younger than I’d expected, probably in his late twenties, and admittedly handsome.

“Of course,” he replied.

“I’m actually a huge admirer of your work.”

He chuckled at that. I wasn’t acting like a typical fangirl, but my admiration for his healing abilities was genuine.

“I’m no celebrity or pack leader.”

“But I’ve been following your research for years. Your healing techniques are incredible. Your dedication is inspiring.”

He rubbed the back of his neck, seemingly caught off guard by my sincere praise.

He turned out to be incredibly approachable and kind, asking about my background.

“I got my medical license four years ago after finishing med school. I’ve always aspired to be half the doctor you are.”

His warm smile was encouraging.

After some discussion, he surprised me by saying, “You should come by Ravencrest Pack sometime for dinner.”

I was stunned at first but managed a smile. “I’d be honored.”

As I headed back toward Axel, those spiteful women suddenly blocked my path.

0 08:46 18.54%

Menu “Who do you think you are, talking to us like that earlier? We only let you off because our Alpha was there.”

They were trying to cause a scene, their voices rising.

“Enough! Who gave you the right to speak to her that way?”

I turned to find Kane’s father, Alpha Garrett, standing there.

He sharply reprimanded the women, who quickly scattered, looking terrified. I still didn’t understand why they kept targeting me.

Alpha Garrett’s eyes were full of regret when he looked at me. I managed a polite smile and greeted him.

“Alpha.”

I held no ill will toward him. He and his wife had always been supportive during my marriage to Kane.

He let out a heavy sigh before apologizing. “It’s been so long... I can’t tell you how good it is to see you again. You were always who I thought was perfect for my son, but...” he trailed off, seemingly at a loss for words.

His words stirred up emotions I’d tried to bury. I lowered my head, trying to hide my reaction.

But then Kane’s voice cut through the moment, instantly freezing my emotions.

“Who says she was perfect for me?”

18.75%