Rejecting the Unfaithful Alpha’s Bond

During the three years I was mated to Nikolai Lawrence, a Beta from the rival Lawrence pack, I watched as my pack sisters found their destined mates. Inspired by their happiness, I decided it was time to solidify my bond with Nikolai, even if he hadn’t formally marked me yet.

As I was arranging the proposal venue, I stumbled upon him flirting with another woman:

"Isla, I bought the cottage next to mine for you to enjoy. How do you feel about that?" Nikolai’s voice, usually so commanding, was now laced with a sickening sweetness.

Isla Gibson, a Gamma from the Gibson pack, playfully teased, "If Freya finds out, she'd rip me to shreds."

Nikolai scoffed, his tone dripping with disdain. "Three years and still no pups in sight. Who knows if she’s even fertile? You, on the other hand, Isla, got pregnant after just a few attempts."

The words hit me like a physical blow. I turned away silently, my wolf stirring uneasily in the back of my mind. That night, I accepted my brother Adonis's suggestion for an arranged mate bond with Julius Carlson, the Alpha of the Boston pack.

---

"Miss Carlson, do you think the hall needs any more decorations?" asked Malaya Mason, the pack event planner, looking at me with a mixture of pity and professionalism. She held ribbons and flowers in her hands, her gaze flickering toward the couple passionately embracing in the hall.

I turned to her, forcing a faint smile. "No need, Malaya. You’ve made the trip for nothing."

She hesitated, glancing again at Nikolai and Isla before softly asking, "Are you sure, Miss Carlson?"

I nodded firmly. "Yes, it’s fine."

Only then did she cautiously mention, "Miss Carlson, about the cancellation fee of twenty thousand..."

Rainy Days Events was the top event planning service in the city, known for their award-winning designs and exorbitant prices. When I’d signed the contract with them, the penalty and cancellation fees had been highlighted in bold red. But back then, I’d been so determined to give Nikolai a lavish and unforgettable proposal that I’d signed without hesitation.

Now, looking back, it all seemed absurd.

"Did you bring a card machine? I’ll pay now," I said, my voice steady despite the ache in my chest.

After settling the cancellation fee, I followed the Rainy Days team down to the street. In the elevator, the young planner looked like she wanted to offer some words of comfort, but I gave her a gentle smile and said calmly, "I’m fine. It’s like searching for a unicorn when regular horses are everywhere."

But as the team drove away, leaving me alone on the street, my eyes welled up with tears. The weight of Nikolai’s betrayal pressed heavily on my chest. I took out my phone and called my brother, Adonis Carlson, the Future Alpha of the Carlson pack.

"Adonis, I’ve agreed to the arranged mate bond. Please help me organize the marking ceremony as soon as possible," I said, my voice trembling.

He listened quietly, his presence steady and reassuring even over the phone. When I finally let out a choked sob, he spoke. "It’s good that you’ve realized it, Freya. Come home; I’ll take care of everything for you."

His words were a balm to my wounded pride. After a moment, he added, "Freya, while they say suffering can be a blessing, no daughter of the Carlsons needs to endure such blessings."

His tone was firm, leaving no room for doubt. The Carlsons were one of the most prominent packs in the city, and Adonis was known for fiercely protecting his own. If I wanted, those who wronged me would face consequences.

"There’s no need, Adonis," I replied, my voice steadier now. "It’s just a part of growing up. I’ve seen through it, and I’ve understood."

He didn’t push further, but I could feel the silent promise in his words. The Carlsons didn’t need to retaliate for me to feel vindicated. I had chosen to walk away, and that was enough.