After an intimate moment, Alpha Cyrus held me close, his voice low and steady. “You’ve been with me for three years; it’s time to let you go.”

I stiffened, my heart skipping a beat. He continued, “Find someone new to replace you when you have the time.”

The words settled heavily in the air, and I knew immediately who he had in mind—Romina Thompson, the newly promoted Delta in our pack. She fit his ideal mate better than I ever could. I disentangled myself from him, not crying or causing a scene, and simply replied, “Yes, Alpha.”

---

When Alpha Cyrus spoke of setting me free, I felt an odd sense of calm, as if I’d been expecting this moment for a while. Noticing my lack of reaction, his brow furrowed slightly, and his tone turned cooler. “Find someone new to replace you when you have the time.”

My mind instantly went to Romina, the vibrant young Delta who had recently caught his eye. She reminded me of myself when I first joined the pack—full of energy and ambition. With that thought, I started to get up, but his hand shot out, gripping my arm. “What are you doing?” he asked, his voice sharp.

“I’m feeling uncomfortable; I’m going to take a shower,” I replied, my tone neutral.

He smirked, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “You’re usually so lazy, aren’t I the one who always carries you there? What’s different today?”

I didn’t respond, and he sighed, standing up himself. “I don’t know whose spoiled pet you’ve become, but let me indulge you one last time.”

I didn’t protest, letting him guide me to the bathroom. His hands were firm, almost possessive, as if he was trying to remind me of his authority. Seeing me so compliant, he relaxed slightly, though his expression remained guarded.

After another playful episode in the shower, I lay on the bed, drained and unwilling to move. As always, he didn’t stay the night. Before leaving, he paused at the door and asked, “Did you really take in what I said today?”

“Yes, Alpha.”

“I won’t be coming back anymore.”

“Okay, I understand.”

My straightforwardness seemed to upset him. He left with a sharp slam of the door, the sound echoing in the silence of the room. I didn’t even muster the energy to lift my head and watch him leave.

It was finally over. A strange sense of liberation washed over me, though it was tinged with a bitter ache. My wolf stirred within me, a faint whimper escaping her. *He’s a fool,* she growled, her voice laced with pain. *He’ll regret this.*

I wasn’t so sure. But for now, I closed my eyes and let the exhaustion take me.

I arrived at the Blue Moon Packhouse early, just as I had every day for the past three years. The first time I ended up in Alpha Cyrus Graham’s bed, he told me I no longer needed to adhere to the pack’s strict schedule. He said I could come and go as I pleased—a privilege reserved for those in his inner circle. He called it a perk.

But I never took advantage of it. I told him I was used to the discipline of a Gamma and couldn’t sleep in. Truthfully, I felt that indulging in such privileges would mean losing the last shred of dignity I had left. In a world where Alphas ruled with unquestioned authority, I clung to the respect I’d earned through hard work and loyalty.

"Good morning, Gamma Millie." The voice belonged to Romina Thompson, a Delta who had recently been promoted to be the Alpha’s personal assistant. She was dressed impeccably, her vintage dress and flawless makeup suggesting she’d been up for hours. I didn’t dislike her; in fact, I felt a vague sense of sympathy for her.

Being close to the Alpha might seem like a dream, but in reality, it was exhausting. Not only did I have to maintain my position as Gamma, but I also had to prove myself constantly so others wouldn’t dismiss me as just another pawn in Cyrus’s games.

"Morning," I replied curtly, already turning to leave. Suddenly, I hesitated and handed her a neatly folded slip of paper. "Alpha Cyrus has a lunch meeting with Lycan Prince Steven Alexander today. I’ve arranged it at the Italian restaurant in town. Be there by noon to oversee the preparations."

"Me?" Her voice was tinged with excitement, a stark contrast to my own detachment. She and I were fundamentally different—she thrived on the idea of getting closer to the Alpha, while I was desperate to distance myself.

"Yes, you. This meeting is crucial for pack alliances. Make sure nothing goes wrong."

Cyrus had wanted me to handle this meeting myself, but I knew he was just trying to test me, to see if I’d still obey his every command. The truth was, I didn’t care anymore. I had long stopped worrying about proving my loyalty to him.

I turned and headed back to the packhouse office, where the perpetually late Alpha Cyrus finally made his appearance. I gathered the stack of documents I’d prepared and followed him into his private study.

"Alpha Cyrus," I began, my tone formal and respectful, "as you instructed, you have lunch with Lycan Prince Steven today. I’ve arranged for Delta Romina to handle the details."

He stiffened at that, tossing his phone onto the polished oak desk. "Oh? You’re quite obedient and efficient, Gamma Millie. Someone might think you’re eager to get away from me."

I suppressed a sigh. Even if he was right, I had to pretend otherwise. Playing my part had become second nature over the past three years.

I met his gaze, my eyes slightly reddened—a carefully calculated act. "Alpha Cyrus, what exactly do you want from me? I’ve already distanced myself as much as I can. Isn’t that obedient enough?"

The vulnerable act was one I’d perfected over the years, and it worked. His expression softened, though only for a moment. "She might not handle it well. You should go at lunchtime."

"Of course, Alpha."

"Wait," he added, his voice sharp. "Take her with you. She needs to learn."

"Understood." I handed him the stack of files I’d been holding. "These are the internal approval documents you’ve already reviewed. They just need your signature."

He opened the file, barely glancing at the contents, and signed his name with a flourish. I watched him carefully, my heart pounding as he unknowingly signed the last document—my resignation letter.

"Alpha Cyrus," I said, my voice steady, "you have no scheduled commitments this afternoon. You’re free to arrange your time as you wish."

I left his study, clutching the signed documents, and finally allowed myself a quiet sigh of relief. Hidden among those papers was my ticket to freedom.

As I guided Romina Thompson through the packhouse, I felt a twinge of unease. Her bright eyes darted around, taking in the grandeur of the Alpha’s domain. "What do you think of Alpha Graham?" I asked, keeping my tone neutral.

She practically glowed with excitement. "Before I joined the Blue Moon Pack, I never imagined he’d be so commanding and striking! Whoever ends up as his Luna is truly blessed by the Moon Goddess."

Romina then turned to me, her curiosity sharp. "Millie, since you’ve worked closely with Alpha Graham for so long, he must really trust you, right?"

"Our relationship is purely professional," I replied with a practiced smile, choosing my words carefully. "Romina, just remember, this is a position of responsibility. If you ever feel uncomfortable, you have the right to set boundaries."

"What do you mean by that, Millie?" she asked, her brow furrowing in confusion.

Cyrus isn’t fond of being challenged. If it happens too often, he loses interest—whether in a subordinate or a potential mate.

"It’s nothing," I said evasively, spotting Cyrus and Steven approaching from the far end of the hall. I couldn’t say more. "Just don’t push yourself beyond what you’re ready for."

The pack gathering felt like it stretched on forever.

It was tiring not just because Romina was with me but because she had no chance against Cyrus’s commanding presence. His aura alone was enough to make most wolves falter, and Romina was no exception.

In no time, she subtly shifted her entire posture towards him, her body language eager and submissive. She seemed at ease, which was a relief—for her sake, at least.

Finally, the gathering concluded.

Cyrus and Steven were deep in conversation at the head of the room, their voices low but carrying the weight of two high-ranking wolves discussing pack matters. Romina turned to me, her cheeks flushed with excitement. "Millie, now I understand why you told me to stand my ground."

"What do you mean?" I asked, though I already suspected the answer.

She leaned in, her voice a conspiratorial whisper. "Alpha Graham just mentioned he’s interested in me."

"So, are you thinking of turning him down?"

She laughed, a high, nervous sound. "Why would I say no? A mate like him is more than I could ever dream of."

I nodded, preferring not to delve further into her thoughts. Her infatuation was her own to navigate.

Cyrus started walking towards us, his presence as commanding as ever. I was about to excuse myself when behind me, Romina murmured under her breath, "Millie Bryant, are you with Alpha Graham? Are you just scared I’ll take your place?"

Her words hung in the air, sharp and unexpected. I paused for a moment, my jaw tightening, but I didn’t turn back. Instead, I continued walking, leaving her to her delusions.