Carl's POV:

I gripped the steering wheel tighter, wanting to apologize. "Eleanor, about earlier, I-"

"Save it," she cut me off with a sarcastic laugh. "Alpha Carl, your temper tantrums are nothing new. Flipping a table? Please, I'm not losing sleep over that."

I clamped my mouth shut, frustrated. Maybe I was going crazy right along with her.

She was acting so out of character lately, it felt impossible to have a normal conversation anymore.

"I've got a lot going on," I snapped. "Just stay put in the villa and don't cause me more trouble."

This villa was my private retreat-I hadn't stayed here in ages.

But then, out of nowhere, Eleanor exploded.

"I want to end the mate bond!" she yelled, hands flying around. "Can we just stop torturing each other already? You love Katherine, not me! Just let me go!"

"You're not going anywhere. What, did you forget what I told you? At best, you're my servant!" I shouted, slamming my foot on the gas. The car surged forward.

Eleanor's head hit the seat, and she was shaking with rage. "Carl, you're insane!

"Would it make you happy if I just died? I gave up everything for you-tell me, why would I even want to die because of you?

"You're the alpha of the Stormfang Pack, meant to stand above everyone else, and I'm... I'm just the daughter of an ordinary delta! We became mates only because my grandfather gave his life for your pack!

"I know what you really think-that your life matters more, and mine's worthless.

"That's what everyone believes anyway. But I refuse to be treated like your toy!"

Eleanor was yelling through tears, her voice raw and cracked. She glared right at me, like she was done pretending.

"You think I'm shameless?" I asked, completely stunned.

She let out a bitter laugh, full of mockery. "Even though you don't love me, you still want to keep me around like a maid. You even handed my design to Katherine. Isn't that disgraceful? Or maybe you alphas think anything you do to me is doing me a favor."

"That's enough," I said through gritted teeth. "Shut it."

We'd known each other for over ten years, and somehow, I never realized just how sharp her tongue could be. Every word she said cut like a knife. If she kept going, I might seriously lose it.

Before I could blow up, Eleanor turned her face away and clammed up.

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to stay calm, then called one of the staff. "Pack up all of Eleanor's stuff. Send it to my private villa."

"And my laptop," Eleanor suddenly said.

I added, flatly, "Her phone and laptop too."

"Alpha... the former Luna ordered everything to be burned..." The staff hesitantly answered.

Eleanor clearly heard that. She suddenly lunged toward me, her face turned completely pale. Her hand trembled as she grabbed the front of my shirt. I looked down at her, frowning-her chest was heaving, breath unsteady.

"Damn it," I muttered under my breath. "I'll get you new ones. They'll be delivered soon."

"I don't need them," she murmured, shoulders slumping as she collapsed back onto the seat, eyes unfocused. "I can buy them myself."

After that, she didn't say another word.

I kept staring at her, brows knitted, frustrated, until finally looking away.

I thought she'd lose her temper again, scream at me or break down like before. That laptop meant everything to her, I knew that. That's exactly why she broke.

It was a device I didn't even care about back then, but Eleanor had looked at it with such longing in her eyes. She couldn't afford it. I saw that look, that quiet hope, and I handed it over without thinking.

She had treated that cheap laptop like some priceless treasure, holding onto it for four whole years-refusing to replace it, even when it started breaking down. It mattered to her. Everything she'd ever designed was on that computer.

Now she just sat there quietly, hugging herself, head down and face blank. She didn't yell. Didn't ask me a single thing.

I drove in silence the whole way to the estate. Neither of us said a word.

I was usually swamped with work. Even before Eleanor got caught up in that plagiarism mess, we barely lived together. She was always holed up in her studio somewhere. Yeah, she didn't get along with the other werewolves in the Stormfang Pack, but she still managed to get by on her own.

This time, though, it was different. My grandfather had been seriously ill and gone away for treatment. Vivian and the others used that chance to mess with her. I knew exactly how far they went with it.

And I never stopped them. Truth is, I couldn't stand Eleanor either.

"I'm free this afternoon," I finally said under my breath as I pulled over. "We can go get you a new laptop. New phone, too. And whatever else they threw out."

That was me trying to make things right, to make up for what she'd been through over the past month. I just wanted her to let it go already.

Honestly, I'd done more for her than I ever had for anyone else. No one in the pack had ever gotten a proper apology from me-until her.

"I said I'll buy it myself." Eleanor's voice was flat, eyes cold. "I just want to be done with you."

I let out a short laugh, squinting at this ungrateful girl. "Even if I let you go, who would take in a wolf dumped by her Alpha? No pack would want you after that."

"That's a problem for later," she fired back, staring straight at me. "Right now, I don't need anything else. Just this."

"Eleanor!" I growled, fists tightening as I fought to keep my temper in check.

Right then, my phone buzzed. I glanced at the screen-perfect timing. I answered it on speaker, making sure she could hear every word.

It was Katherine. I softened my tone immediately. "Hey babe, how are you doing?"

"Miss me, honey?" Her voice dripped with sugar. "I could feel how much you were."

"Of course," I said, locking eyes with Eleanor, tone dripping with affection. "I can't wait to see you."

Eleanor didn't flinch. She didn't even look at me.

"By the way, I just had to tell you," Katherine said smugly. "I just saw the news about Eleanor's plagiarism scandal today... They already revoked her awards and trophies, right?"

"That's right," I said louder than necessary. "She's been torn to shreds online."

"I know her professor," Katherine said, her tone dripping with fake sympathy. "He told me he doesn't want to teach her anymore and hopes she'll just drop out soon."

Even after stealing Eleanor's design, she sounded like she actually cared. It was honestly disgusting. I couldn't help but glance over at Eleanor. She didn't react at all-just opened the car door, stepped out, and headed straight toward the villa like she hadn't heard a thing.

I frowned and followed her out of the car. Then I put Katherine on speaker so her voice filled the air louder.

"I think they're absolutely right. Eleanor totally copied my design," Katherine sneered. "When you showed me her draft, I was shocked at how shameless she was. But back then, I didn't want to bring it up because of you."

"Really?" I looked over at Eleanor, not really expecting a reply.

"Yes. I'd already signed up for the design competition long before. Then Eleanor suddenly submitted something nearly identical for the Starluxe Competition! If I hadn't won my award first, I might be the one being accused of plagiarism now."

A month later, Katherine finally decided to explain all this to me, acting like she was the victim the entire time. Not that I cared much, though. Whatever Eleanor was up to wasn't really my concern anymore.

A she-wolf, my mate, just needs to put on some makeup and maybe tidy up the house now and then. No need for her to be running around working.

Stormfang Pack's got more than enough strength. It's not like we need her bringing in money, honestly, I almost forgot about that myself.

Anna and Vivian don't care either-they're just looking for a reason to push her out.

"So, you're saying that design was yours all along?"

"Exactly," Katherine said with that usual smug tone. "You know how it is, Carl. Eleanor's designs have always been trash. I told you once her work was a rip-off of my friend's. It doesn't shock me she'd pull something like this."

I didn't say anything for a few seconds. Katherine's voice sharpened suddenly, "Carl, don't tell me you don't believe me."

"I do believe you," I said, watching Eleanor closely. "You're right-Eleanor got disqualified, and she has no one to blame but herself."

Eleanor sped up toward the villa. I froze for a second, some strange annoyance creeping up in my chest.

"Carl, when are you going to end that mate bond with her?" Katherine cooed over the phone.

I hung up without answering and followed Eleanor with a frown. She didn't give me a glance, didn't acknowledge me at all-like I wasn't even there.

I wanted to snap, to yell at her and force her to listen to me. But then I saw how frail she looked, and that anger just ... vanished.

"Hey," I called out, impatience lacing my tone. "I've got a meeting soon. I'll take you shopping later this afternoon."

Eleanor didn't say a word, just kept walking.

I added, "Someone will be around to look after you. Make sure you eat on time and stop making a scene."

I stopped, watching her walk away without even a glance back. Part of me felt like I should be angry, but I told myself I'd deal with her attitude once she was fully recovered.

She didn't say anything the whole time. That wasn't like her. She used to get flustered whenever I lost my temper, chasing after me, begging me not to leave. She used to wait for me, patient and forgiving, no matter how I acted.

Now? There was this weird twist in my chest that made it impossible to chase after her and demand answers.

So I stayed there, just watching her disappear into the estate. Then, with a grim look, I turned back to the car and headed off to take care of my business.

Eleanor' POV:

I honestly don't care what Carl's up to anymore. Whatever game he's playing now just doesn't matter.

He's using Katherine to get under my skin, trying to get me to fall apart like I used to. I used to love him so much, and now all I feel is disappointment.

Carl will never realize I've stopped caring. My heart's done-it doesn't beat for him anymore.

I followed his words and stepped into the room the staff had cleaned up. I stayed quiet, waiting while they prepared food downstairs.

Unlike those loud-mouth omegas back at the Alpha's house, the wolves here were polite and kept to themselves. One came up calmly to tell me dinner was ready. I picked out a few things I liked and ate just enough to fill myself.

On my way back, I grabbed a blank notebook and a couple of pencils from downstairs. Back in my room, I holed up and started doing some math-figuring out what little I actually owned. But without a phone or bank card, I couldn't even check my pathetic balance right now.

Being Carl's mate didn't change the fact-I was still dirt poor. Nada. The rewards the Stormfang Pack gave my parents? None of that ever belonged to me. I didn't get a cent. Carl didn't even bother giving me any living expenses.

Half my tuition came from my grandma. The rest? Scholarships and whatever I earned grinding through part-time jobs.

Now the organizers want me to give the trophy back and return the prize money too. It sounds crazy, but there's nothing I can do-they left me no choice.

I lay on my bed, feeling this heavy ache in my chest I couldn't shake. My hand drifted to my neck, touching the moon-shaped gemstone pendant that always hung there.

Carl gave it to me eleven years ago, after he saved me.

It was when I started caring for him, and later, I became his mate.

No matter what happened, I never had the heart to let it go. But now? I might have to.

I clutched the light blue stone tight, whispering a quiet prayer to the Moon Goddess.

I borrowed some cash from one of the staff at the estate. Thankfully, they said yes, so I was finally able to hop a ride and head to this local trade market.

This was the place where werewolves dealt in gems, but I had no clue if my necklace would even get an offer.

"Hey, do you guys buy gemstones here?" I asked as I walked up to a random stall that didn't have anyone around.

I slipped off my necklace and set it gently on the table in front of the vendor. He gave me a once-over, clearly trying to gauge something, then leaned in to inspect the stone.

"Yeah, sure. How much are you hoping to get from it?"

"I don't really know-what would you offer?" I asked, a bit unsure.

I never really understood gemstones, but I knew this one meant something-and it had to be worth a lot.

But something I said must've given the stall owner the wrong idea. He looked at me like I was clueless and sighed dramatically. "The color's nice, sure, but the shape's off. Looks like it's missing a piece, right?"

"Yeah," I nodded, keeping my tone flat.

"So all I can offer is..." He dragged it out like it pained him. "Five hundred."

"Seriously?" I stared at him, totally floored. He crossed his arms and gave me that smug, dismissive look.

I snatched the necklace back and scoffed. "Forget it. I'm not selling."

"I'll go up to two thousand, tops," he snapped at my back, clearly pissed. "You might want to think twice-if I turn it down, nobody else around here's gonna take it either!"

Yeah, that was a threat if I'd ever heard one. Still, no way I was letting it go for that cheap. I hit up a few more stalls after that.

But whatever power he had, it was real. None of the other wolves wanted to touch it.

"Excuse me, miss," I was wandering around, already feeling let down, when a well-dressed man suddenly approached me. "I noticed your moonstone necklace-it's quite something. Any chance you're selling? Maybe we can talk price?"

He gave me a friendly smile, that sharp suit of his totally clashing with the rough vibe of the market. Didn't strike me as a regular vendor.

I didn't even bother responding-just shot him a look and kept walking.

But he didn't give up. Instead, he stepped closer and held out a hand. "Please, trust me. I really do deal in gemstones. Look, that's my shop right over there. Would you mind coming inside? We can chat properly."

I paused and followed his finger to a humble little store tucked in the corner. That made me ease up a bit, so I nodded.

I trailed behind him as he led the way. "Name's Zane," he said as we entered.

He didn't mention a last name. Then again, most werewolves around here kept a low profile. His name rang a bell, though. I wasn't sure where I'd heard it before, but it sounded familiar.

Strangely, he looked a bit awkward as he stepped inside, like he wasn't used to the place. Odd. But before I could think more, he quickly grabbed a magnifying glass from the table and leaned in to examine the necklace.

"This... wow, this is a great piece. The moonstone's flawless," he murmured.

Then, with a weird look, he asked, "Is there a second one?"

"Nope, this is the only one I've got," I replied honestly.

"Oh, so... where's it from?"

"It was a gift from someone. I'm just curious what kind of offer you can make." I felt a little anxious. I was broke, and I needed to get a phone-and still have some money left to survive. If not, I had no idea how I was supposed to start over.

"Thirty grand," Zane said, watching me closely. "How's that sound?"

I didn't hesitate. "That's a bit low."

Truth was, I had no clue what it was worth. Thirty thousand dollars sounded like a fortune to me. I just said that to see if he'd go higher.

"Fifty. That's my max," Zane said, voice firm. "If that works for you, I'll transfer it right now. If not, you'll have to try your luck elsewhere."

"Deal," I replied calmly. "But I don't have my card on me. Can you send it to my account directly?"

He gave me a suspicious look, so I added, "Also, I'll need some of it in cash."

He hesitated for a moment, and I just stood there quietly, waiting for him to decide. Out of nowhere, Zane turned and glanced toward a corner. I instinctively followed his gaze-and that's when I noticed someone sitting there.

He was so still, it was like he blended into the shadows. His messy black hair dropped over striking green eyes that held a wild intensity. Tall, built, and clearly not your average wolf-how had I missed him until now?

A mask covered half his face, like he didn't want anyone recognizing him.

Our eyes locked. Those deep green eyes didn't waver, and I suddenly felt my heartbeat speeding up. I got a little nervous under his stare.

"Ethan," he said casually as he stood up. Zane gave a respectful nod in his direction, and that clued me in-this guy wasn't just some random wolf. He was important. And he'd just told me his name.

I didn't keep up with the other packs that much, so the name Ethan didn't ring any bells for me.

"Hi, sir," I said awkwardly, fidgeting with my fingers.

Zane stepped away to process the payment, leaving just me and Ethan.

"Relax," Ethan said, hands tucked into his pockets as he glanced at me. "Who gave you that necklace?"

His stare didn't let up. My breath caught a little, and I swallowed hard. "It was a gift... from a wolf I knew."

There's no way I was dropping Carl's name-I had no idea if Ethan knew him, and I wasn't about to take that risk.

Ethan frowned slightly, but that cold, distant look quickly crept back onto his face. He rubbed his chin like he was trying to figure something out, but in the end, all he did was throw me a weird smile and drop the conversation.

I kept my head down, doing my best to stay invisible. I had zero interest in talking to a guy like him-he gave off the same overpowering vibe Carl used to. My gut told me he was probably an alpha.

What would an alpha even be doing in a place like this? Not my problem anymore.

I took the stack of cash Zane handed me and walked off without looking back.

"Goodbye, Carl. We're done, for real this time." I cast one last glance over my shoulder, more sarcastic than sentimental. That necklace was the last thing tying me to him-now it's gone.

With the cash in hand, I bought myself a new phone, then grabbed a ride back home.

On the drive, staring out the window, my mind drifted back.

My dad, Jack, was a delta in the Stormfang Pack. So was my grandpa, Daniel. He fought his whole life for the Pack, loyal to a fault. During a rogue attack, he took a fatal hit protecting Alpha Remy.

Daniel didn't make it, and out of gratitude, Remy gave our family the privileges of a gamma rank. I've got a younger sister, but Remy always liked me best. That's why he picked me to be with Carl.

Carl and I had our ceremony under the witness of the Moon Goddess and Remy, and it was Remy who gave us his blessing.

Because of that, I became the Luna, and the two of us were seen as one of the more privileged pairs in the Stormfang Pack.

Even though they never really cared about me, that place had still been my home. They enjoyed everything, while I took all the pain. I hadn't been back in ages.

"Ma'am, we've arrived," the werewolf driving gently reminded me from the front seat.

Snapping out of my thoughts, I took a shaky breath, opened the car door, and walked up to the villa that felt both familiar and foreign.

"What are you doing back from Alpha Carl's place?" a sharp voice suddenly cut through the air.

Eleanor' POV:

The she-wolf in front of me was dressed to the nines, swaying her hips as she approached with that all-too-familiar sneer.

She was my mother-Ivy.

"Mom," I called out a bit stiffly.

"I asked you-what are you doing back here all of a sudden?" Her eyes shot daggers at me. "Don't tell me you got kicked out?"

I clutched my hands, silence pressing down on my chest like a weight. I felt like I couldn't breathe.

"Look at the mess you've dragged us into!" Ivy snapped. "We can't even hold our heads up around the other werewolves!"

"I'm warning you, Eleanor. Your tie with Alpha Carl was something your grandfather gave his life for. Your job is simple-take care of the alpha, give him kids, continue the Stormfang line. Got it?!"

"I'm ending the mate bond," I said flatly, the corner of my mouth pulling into a cold smile. "So yeah, looks like your grand plan's about to go up in smoke."

I couldn't stand another second of her yelling, so I turned on my heel and headed straight for the house.

Carl's family couldn't stand me, but honestly? That was mostly thanks to mine-with the one exception of my grandmother. Ivy had been using my bond with Carl to squeeze more and more out of them, always asking for more like it was owed to her.

"Eleanor!" Ivy's voice exploded behind me, full of anger as she stormed over. "How dare you break the mate bond with Alpha Carl? Are you out of your damn mind? Get back here right now!"

"What's all the yelling?" Jack stepped out just then, clearly irritated. "The whole house can hear you screeching!"

I stood by the door, quietly looking at him. "Dad."

"Eleanor? What the hell are you doing back here?" Jack looked stunned. "After what you pulled, Carl still didn't kick you out of the pack, and you have the nerve to come home instead of groveling and fixing your mistake? Turn around and go back!"

For them, the bond between Carl and me was never about love-it was leverage. I was just a pawn, something for them to trade for power and status. To them, all I was good for was being Carl's plaything, forever stuck in a role I never chose.

"I'm ending the mate bond," I said, clenching my fists. "I came back to-"

"Smack!"

A sharp slap landed across my face.

Pain exploded through my cheek, my head spinning. I staggered, barely staying on my feet as blood welled up in the corner of my mouth.

Jack's face was twisted with rage. "I won't allow it!"

I held my face with a shaking hand, taking in a shaky breath. "I'd rather die than be Luna another second."

"If you even think about doing that," Jack yanked my shirt hard, his eyes full of menace, "I'll break your damn legs and throw you out of the pack. You wanna live like some rogue the rest of your life?"

"Doesn't matter what you think. My mind's made up."

"I'll kill you!" Ivy screamed as she charged at me. She grabbed my hair, yanking me to the side, then slammed me to the ground and began hitting me over and over. Her claws tore through my skin like paper. All I could do was curl up and protect my vital parts-my body barely had any strength left in it.

She pressed harder, choking me with both hands. I gasped for air, clawing at her arms. "You think you can defy me and get away with it? You ungrateful brat. Do you have any idea how many girls dream of being a Luna?"

"Eleanor, run!" My grandma Zoe dashed in, shoving Ivy aside. "Get out of here, now!"

She motioned frantically while yelling at me, trying to shield me. Tears blurred my eyes.

I looked at her-at the only one who still loved me. My chest felt like it had been crushed into shards, every piece cutting deeper into what little strength I had left.

Her frail hand pushed me forward, and without another glance, I wiped my tears and bolted out the door.

"You damn old hag! No dinner for you tonight! Starve for all I care!" Ivy spat behind me, screaming in rage.

I bit my lip hard, forcing back the tears stinging my eyes. Deep down, I swore to myself-I'd survive this hell and bring Zoe out of it with me.

Looking a complete mess, I stumbled out of the mansion and made it to the front gate-and that's when I saw Carl.

A pile of cigarette butts littered the ground near him while a wolf shifter crouched nearby cleaning up the trash.

"Ready to come back with me now?" Carl's tone was sour, his smirk cold as he stared me down. "You ran off without a word."

"I can find my way back on my own," I muttered, sniffling. I tried to brush past him, keeping my distance. But out of nowhere, Carl grabbed my arm and yanked me back hard. I let out a pained grunt as I stumbled right into him.

"I came here to drag you back myself," he growled next to my ear. "Don't be stupid, Eleanor."

"You're out of your damn mind!" I wrestled to break free, but his grip only tightened, making my arm throb with pain.

I sucked in a shaky breath, furrowing my brows. My voice trembled, "Even if you saved me eleven years ago, even if I was in love with you for seven years and stayed with you for three... you helped destroy me in Stormfang Pack. I lost everything because of you. Isn't that enough to repay what I owed you?

"I already sold the necklace you gave me. I'll pay you back that money when I can.

"I'm doing everything I can to stay away from you. Why can't you just leave me alone?

"Please, Alpha Carl, I'd rather die anywhere than in front of you!"

Tears streamed down my face as I shoved his hand away. Just being near him made my stomach churn, like I might throw up any second. My whole body would start shaking-yeah, it was that bad.

I used to love him like crazy. And now? I hate him just as fiercely.

Carl didn't give a damn about what I said. He grabbed me roughly and dragged me toward the car. "You're coming with me."

There was no point fighting back. I was too weak.

Inside the car, I pressed myself against the door, trying to stay as far from him as physically possible. Even a few inches felt better than nothing.

He ignored how uncomfortable I clearly was and tossed a new laptop and phone onto the seat next to me. "I bought these for you."

"I don't want them," I said coldly, my voice flat.

"I gave them to you, so you're taking them," Carl snapped.

"I said I don't want them!" I screamed, my voice cracking.

Before he could say another word, I rolled down the window, grabbed both the laptop and phone, and hurled them out. They hit the ground and shattered on impact.

"Eleanor, what the hell is wrong with you now?" Carl snapped, shooting me a furious glare. Clearly, I'd pushed his buttons. He lunged at me, shoving me down into the seat. "Keep acting like this and I'll fuck you right here!"

"Don't touch me! You make my skin crawl!" I shouted, twisting away.

"Crawl?" Carl let out a cold laugh and yanked at my clothes. "Don't act like you're some innocent little thing.

"Oh, right-wasn't it you begging to sleep with me before and I turned you down?

"Well, guess what? I'm making that happen now."

His hands tore through my clothes, exposing me in a blink.

Carl's grip locked around my throat while I fought him off with weak, trembling hands. His fingers moved over me, brushing past my underwear-and I felt a wave of nausea crash over me. I was shaking all over.

Total despair wrapped around me like a chokehold.