*Amelia*

"You are joking, right?" Adrian asked me, his tone filled with disbelief, as I threatened to divorce him if he forced me to give my blood to Mara, his ex-mate, who had accused me of stabbing her.

"As much as I'd like to say I'm joking, unfortunately, I am not. It's either her or me. The choice is yours," I said firmly. Adrian stared at me for what felt like an eternity, his eyes narrowing before his lips curled into a sarcastic smile.

"You think I don't know what you're doing? You're trying to blackmail me with a divorce. Well, let me make it clear-it won't work on me," he snapped, his tone cold and unyielding.

"You stabbed someone. And no matter your position in this pack, you're supposed to face the consequences. But here I am, sparing you from punishment by asking you to give her your blood so she can survive. Yet, you're still being stubborn. Do you think I can't punish you?" Adrian's voice grew angrier.

A sad smile tugged at my lips as I looked at him. "Adrian, I'd rather be punished than give her a single drop of my blood. As I've said, I didn't stab her. But if you're convinced that I did and you're going to force me to give her my blood, then I will file for a divorce." My voice was unwavering.

Adrian scoffed. "Well, sorry to disappoint you, Amelia. But neither am I letting you file for a divorce, nor am I letting this slide. You're going to give her your blood, and that's final."

Before I could respond, guards and the doctor entered the room.

"Take her inside and take whatever blood she has to give. Make sure it's enough for Mara to survive," Adrian ordered coldly. The guards moved toward me, their hands grasping me tightly.

"Let go of me, you fools!" I screamed, struggling to break free. Before I could react, I felt the cold sting of a syringe in my neck. I turned to face the doctor, who was standing there, holding an empty syringe. My vision blurred instantly, and I fell unconscious, losing all sense of time and place.

When I woke up, hours later, I felt weak and disoriented, the exhaustion weighing heavily on my body. A sharp pain shot through my wrist, and I realized with horror that they had taken my blood without my consent-sedating me to do so, all to save Mara, the woman who had accused me of trying to harm her.

Fury burned inside me. Adrian must have thought I was bluffing when I threatened him with divorce, but now it was clear that he had made his choice. He had chosen Mara, and I was nothing more than a pawn in his game. I was just his chosen mate, not his fated one.

I couldn't stand the thought of being in the same pack with him any longer, especially not after everything that had happened. I had to leave, start fresh, and maybe-just maybe-find my fated mate.

Despite the fatigue and the blood loss, I gathered enough strength to stand up from the bed. I ignored the stares of the nurses and the whispers of the pack members as I staggered my way out of the hospital.

Back at the palace, I headed straight for the kitchen, where I ate to my heart's content, trying to regain some energy. Then, I made my way to Adrian's office, where I knew the divorce papers would be kept.

It didn't take long to find them. With shaking hands, I signed my name on the dotted line, sealing the end of my marriage to Adrian. After signing, I quickly changed into the maid's uniform I had kept hidden, knowing that I would need to leave the palace unnoticed.

With my card, the small savings I had, and my phone in hand, I started making my way to the exit. I needed to get out without the guards noticing me. My heart pounded in my chest as I walked past the gate, and for once, luck was on my side-the guards were too distracted with their conversation to notice me slipping away.

Once outside the pack's borders, I ran, my heart racing as I pushed myself harder despite my exhaustion. The cold of the forest chilled me to the bone, but I couldn't stop. Not when freedom was so close.

Then, I heard the unmistakable sound of voices-Adrian's voice, to be exact.

"I can smell her. She's nearby. Keep searching," he commanded, his voice laced with urgency.

Panic surged through me. I couldn't afford to go back now. Not when I was so close to freedom.

I pushed myself harder, ignoring the pain in my legs as I ran, faster than I ever had before. My thoughts raced. If Adrian caught up with me, it would be over. He would drag me back to the pack, lock me away, and make sure I couldn't escape again.

"Amelia, I know you can hear me! Stop running and come back! If I catch you, you won't like what happens next!" Adrian's voice echoed behind me.

But I kept running. I had no choice.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I heard the sound of cars approaching. My heart lifted, and I pushed my legs to go even faster. Then, there it was-the main road.

With the last of my strength, I ran to the road, stepping in front of an oncoming car. The driver slammed on the brakes, tires screeching as he came to a stop.

The man, probably in his late fifties, stared at me with wide eyes. "What the hell is wrong with you, young lady? Do you want to get yourself killed?" he yelled.

"Please, help me! They're chasing me," I pleaded, my voice breaking with desperation.

The driver eyed me skeptically. "Really?" he asked, scrutinizing me carefully.

"Yes, please. I don't know what to do!" I begged.

He hesitated for a moment before sighing. "Fine. Hurry up and get in."

I didn't need to be told twice. I scrambled into the car, and without another word, the man hit the gas, speeding away.

Looking out the rearview mirror, I saw Adrian and his guards on the road, searching for me. But they didn't know I was in the car. They had no idea that my life was about to change.

As the car sped away, I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. I was free.

To be continued...

*Five Years Later*

**Amelia**

The hum of New York City traffic filled the air as I drove along the bustling streets, heading to the university where I had spent the past five years pouring my heart into my studies. Today marked a monumental milestone-I was graduating as a medical doctor.

It had taken relentless effort and commitment, but I had finally made it. After escaping the Moonstone Pack five years ago, I'd used my savings-hard-earned from my time as Luna-to pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a doctor.

This was a dream I'd once abandoned when Adrian chose me as his Luna, demanding my focus and sacrifice for the Pack. But none of it had mattered to him in the end. He cheated on me, discarded me for his ex-mate, and left me broken. Still, in that heartbreak, I found my freedom and reclaimed my dream.

My hands gripped the steering wheel tightly as I navigated through the congested traffic, the weight of the day sinking in. This wasn't just any graduation-it was a turning point, a declaration that I had taken back control of my life. The thought brought a bittersweet smile to my lips as I glanced at the time on the dashboard. I was running late, thanks to an endless traffic jam.

'Great. Just great.'

The cars inched forward, and I tapped my fingers impatiently against the wheel. My thoughts wandered to the moment I decided to leave the Moonstone Pack. It was one of the hardest decisions I'd ever made, but looking back now, I knew it was the right one.

Adrian may have broken my heart, but he also set me free.

The traffic finally began to clear, and I pressed the accelerator, my determination renewed. Today wasn't just about the diploma-it was about proving to myself that I could rebuild, that I was more than the title of Luna or the mate who wasn't enough.

---

Twenty minutes later, I arrived at the university, hastily grabbing the graduation gown from my passenger seat and slipping it on. The ceremony had already begun, and I could hear faint applause echoing from the auditorium. Hoping not to attract too much attention, I slipped in through the back entrance.

Scanning the hall, I spotted my best friend, Becky, sitting near the back. I quickly made my way to her and settled into the empty seat beside her.

"What took you so long, Lia?" Becky whispered, her brow furrowed.

"Traffic jam," I replied with an apologetic shrug.

She sighed. "You just missed Dr. Edward's speech. But don't worry-you're just in time for Dr. Alex Darlington."

My eyes widened. "Wait-Alex Darlington is here? The Alex Darlington?"

Becky grinned and nodded.

My heart skipped a beat. Alex Darlington was a renowned doctor, a legend in the medical field, and my role model. I'd admired him from afar for years and had always hoped to meet him someday. The idea of seeing him in person sent a thrill through me.

"Please give a warm welcome to Dr. Alex Darlington, one of the most celebrated and successful doctors in New York City," the announcer declared.

The audience erupted into applause as a tall, strikingly handsome man stepped onto the stage. His presence commanded attention, his dark suit perfectly tailored, and his confident smile radiating charm.

I joined in the applause, but as I did, a familiar scent of lavender and strawberries hit me like a wave, making my breath hitch.

'No...'

My wolf, Ivy, leaped excitedly in my mind. "Mate!"

Panic surged through me as the realization hit-Alex Darlington, the man I idolized, was my fated mate.

"No, no, this can't be happening," I muttered under my breath, my heart racing.

Becky glanced at me, her brows furrowing in concern. "Lia? Are you okay?"

I forced a shaky smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just... need some air. I'll be right back."

Without waiting for her response, I slipped out of my seat and hurried toward the nearest bathroom.

---

Inside the bathroom, I splashed cold water on my face, trying to calm my racing thoughts.

"What is wrong with you, Amelia? Isn't this what you've always wanted?" Ivy's voice echoed in my mind, tinged with frustration.

"No, Ivy. This is the last thing I want," I shot back. "After what I went through with Adrian, you expect me to trust another mate?"

Ivy fell silent for a moment before asking quietly, "So... what are you going to do?"

"I'll reject him," I said firmly. "If he refuses to acknowledge it, I'll leave. As long as he can't find me, he'll never claim me."

Without hesitating, I grabbed my bag and exited the bathroom, determined to slip away before Alex could discover the bond.

---

I texted Becky, telling her I felt sick and had to leave, then made my way to the elevator. My plan was simple: leave now, collect my certificate later, and avoid the fanfare entirely.

The elevator dinged softly as the doors slid open, and I stepped inside, pressing the button for the ground floor. I took a steadying breath, hoping I could escape without incident.

Just as the doors were about to close, a foot blocked them. The doors slid open again, and the scent of lavender and strawberries hit me like a tidal wave.

My stomach churned.

Dr. Alex Darlington stepped into the elevator, the same confident smile playing on his lips. Only now, his eyes-intense and captivating-were fixed on me.

"Little mate," he said, his voice smooth and teasing, "running away already?"

My breath hitched, and I instinctively backed up against the wall of the elevator, my heart pounding wildly.

"Dr. A-Alex Darlington," I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper.

He stepped closer, his smirk widening. "No need to be formal. We're fated, after all."

His words sent a jolt through me, and I clenched my fists. "I know you don't want this Dr. Alex so just go on and reject me," I said to him and immediately he furrowed his brows at me.

"Reject you, is that what you want?"

His smirk faltered slightly, but his expression remained calm.

" Yes." My voice shook, but I stood my ground.

"Okay," he replied calmly.

To be continued...

**Amelia**

Despite my request for him to reject me, his face betrayed no sign of anger. Instead, his calm expression suggested this was exactly what he had hoped for. A pang of hurt shot through my chest as he agreed so readily, without hesitation.

I stood there, waiting for him to utter the words I feared. But instead, he reached out and gently stroked my cheek. The instant his fingers touched my skin, I stiffened.

*So this is how the mate bond works,* I thought, feeling the intense pull of his presence, his scent overwhelming me.

"So you really want me to reject you?" His voice was teasing, and I felt the space between us close as he took a step closer, lowering his head toward my cheek as if he was about to kiss me.

I should've stopped him. I should've pushed him away, but I couldn't. My heart hammered in my chest, and my body betrayed me, standing still, allowing him to do whatever he wanted.

"You really smile well, mate," he murmured, his face inches from mine. Then, his hot breath against my neck sent a shock of realization through me. *No, he isn't...*

Before I could fully process, I pushed him away, gasping for air. "What the hell were you trying to do?"

His grin only widened. "What every wolf does when he finds his mate," he said, his voice low and smooth. "Since you thought I was going to reject you, I figured I'd show you what I really had in mind. Action speaks louder than words."

I stared at him, my heart racing. "So you wanted to mark me?"

"Of course," he replied, a playful glint in his eyes. "Unless you don't want me to, little mate?"

The words hit me like a punch. I had wanted him to reject me, but a part of me *longed* for the mark, for that connection. My feelings were a tangled mess, and I didn't know what to say.

"Yes... no," I stammered. *What did I want?*

"You're quite indecisive," he remarked, raising an eyebrow. "A few minutes ago, you wanted me to reject you. Now, you want me to mark you, but then you don't. What exactly do you want, Amelia?"

I hesitated for a long moment, my heart pounding. "I don't know," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.

The elevator dinged, halting our conversation. As the doors began to open, he quickly pressed the button for the fifth floor again.

"I'm not rejecting you," he said softly, his voice surprisingly calm. "I never planned to. And I'm not going to mark you, not yet. You're not ready. But I will mark you, Amelia. Soon. You're my fated mate. For now, we'll do things the human way. You get to know me, and I'll get to know you."

I could only nod. Despite my fear, I understood the logic. I needed to see if he was different from Adrian before I made any decisions.

"I'm glad you like the idea," he said, a smirk tugging at his lips. Then, his gaze darkened, and he added, "But one thing-don't try to run away from me again. I hate it when my possessions try to escape."

I froze, a chill running down my spine. "Possession?" I echoed, my voice tinged with disbelief.

"Yes, little mate. You're my possession now. From today on, I'm not letting you out of my sight," he said with a possessive tone, his hand gently cupping my cheek.

Before I could respond, the elevator doors opened, and he stepped out, holding the door for me.

"Shall we return to the ceremony?" he asked, his tone light, though his eyes never left me.

I nodded, too stunned to speak, and followed him into the hallway.

"By the way, I've organized a small party for some of my students after the graduation ceremony. I'd like you to come. It'll be a good chance for us to get to know each other better. Can I count on you to be there?" he asked as we walked toward the hall.

I had no real desire to attend, but I had agreed to give this a chance. "Okay," I replied, forcing a smile. "I'll meet you there after the ceremony."

"Great," he said, his smile returning. "I'm looking forward to it."

As we reached the entrance to the hall, he gave me a quick glance before I walked back to my seat. The ceremony was nearly over, and the tension in the air between us felt unbearable.

Becky turned toward me, an eyebrow raised. "You're back? I thought you said you were sick."

"I was," I replied, giving her a weak smile. "But I took some medicine, and the fever's down a bit. I think I can make it through."

"Well, that's good," she said, her gaze softening. "But I bet today's not your lucky day. Not only did you miss your favorite professor Dr. Edward's speech, but you also missed Dr. Alex Darlington's-your mentor's speech."

I sighed, the weight of it hitting me all over again. "You're right, Becky. Today's not my lucky day."

She tilted her head, but before she could say anything else, I turned my gaze to the front of the hall, my mind racing. Not only had I missed the speeches of the two men who had shaped my life, but one of them-the one I had trusted most-was now my fated mate. And now, he saw me as his "possession."

To be continued...