Mike looked at me with suspicion. "You agreed so easily? Back when I married you, you said you wanted a bond that would last a lifetime, one mate for eternity."

I hid a cold smile behind my sweet expression.

He remembered those words, and yet he dared to do such a thing. His famine relief efforts may have earned him accolades, but I was born into the prestigious Riche Pack. My father's family had generations of wealth built on commerce, and I knew better than to openly challenge him now.

Suppressing the urge to strike him, I forced a dazzling smile. "Dariya isn't an outsider. Marrying you is already a blessing for me. How could I not agree?"

Mike's eyes gleamed with pleasure, his gaze lingering on me with newfound desire. "Jade, we've been married a year, and yet we've never consummated the bond. Your behavior today pleases me. Perhaps I'll spend the night in your chambers as a reward."

I stepped back delicately. "Unfortunately, it's my time of the moon," I said lightly.

Mike's expression darkened. "Don't think I desire your coarse, fat body. I was merely offering you pity. See to the preparations for Dariya's welcome. That's your responsibility now." With a huff, he turned on his heel and left.

That night, I caught a glimpse of Dariya sneaking into Mike's study, staying until the first rays of dawn. I smiled coldly. These two vile creatures. This lifetime, I wouldn't let them get away with anything.

I meticulously reviewed the properties and assets my mother had gifted me upon my marriage, consolidating every estate under my name. Then, I commissioned the most extravagant wedding supplies imaginable, sparing no expense.

Dariya's mother was a woman of no status, with no dowry to speak of. In our past life, they had coveted the wealth my mother had entrusted to me. They wouldn't stop until they drained me dry.

Did they wish for the grandest wedding the pack had ever seen? Very well, I would ensure they got what they wanted-but not without consequence.

Beta Mike's heroic relief efforts were well-known across the packs. When the time came to settle the accounts, who would dare demand repayment from an abandoned mate like me?

Once the wedding arrangements were nearly complete, I excused myself under the pretense of praying.

I remembered from my past life that the Alpha of our Pack, Jason, had once fallen victim to an aphrodisiac in this remote temple. He had sought solace with a farmer's daughter, a girl praying for her sick family. Poor and powerless, she became his Luna, but her inability to conceive left her cast aside, her spirit broken until she withered away.

This time, I intervened.

I found the young farmer's daughter before the events could unfold and offered her a generous sum of werewolf coins, enough to cover her family's medical expenses. Grateful, she left the temple with her blessings.

That night, I stayed in her quarters, waiting patiently. It wasn't long before I heard the soft scuffle of footsteps and whispers outside the door.

"She's unmarked," a shrill voice whispered. "No mate bond. She's perfect. Quickly, bring the Alpha in. The effects of the drug are intensifying, and there's no time to waste."

The door burst open, and they dragged in a man.

His powerful presence filled the room despite the haze clouding his amber eyes. His pheromones, strong and intoxicating, left no doubt that he was Alpha Jason.

The door slammed shut behind him, and before I could even process the sound, he was on me.

His body, heated and tense with the drug coursing through his veins, collided with mine, his movements frantic, almost primal. His wolf was in control now-his eyes wild with a hunger I couldn't escape, his scent thick with dominance.

He didn't ask for permission. He took me as though I were his to claim, his hands rough, almost violent, yet there was an unsettling reverence in the way he held me-like I was something fragile, precious, and utterly his.

His lips brushed against my skin, marking every inch of me, his teeth grazing my neck as he growled again.

The pain hit suddenly-a sharp, tearing sensation, a tearing of flesh and pride, as if he were leaving an indelible mark on me that would never fade. My body tensed under the pressure, but I didn't flinch. Not this time. The sting wasn't nearly as fierce as the betrayal I had endured in my past life.

His teeth sank deeper, and I let him. I let him claim me , marking me with a possessiveness. I surrendered to the pull.

By dawn, Jason stirred. He sat up, his gaze falling on the crimson-stained cloth beside him. A satisfied smile played on his lips. "You, first time. Who are you? I'm Alpha Jason of Silverfang. I marked you last night. Rest assured, you'll be cared for."

I knelt before him, my voice steady as I met his startled gaze.

"I am Jade, the eldest daughter of Tudor, a merchant of the Pack. I was married to Beta Mike."

Jason's eyes widened, the golden hue of his wolf flaring in disbelief. "You. You're Mike's mate? But you were unmarked-untouched!"

I bowed my head, letting my voice tremble with carefully crafted vulnerability.

"I used half of my family's fortune to aid Beta Mike's famine relief efforts. It was the only way I could secure the position of his mate. But he has always despised me for my appearance, never consummating our bond. Now, he plans to break our bond and take my cousin Dariya as his Luna. I fled here to escape a life of humiliation."

Jason's gaze darkened.

"Mike dares to insult the mate bond? To cast you aside for another?"

Alpha Jason pondered my words for a long moment before speaking.

"Last night, you saved me, and I owe you my gratitude. I know about your reputation as a dutiful daughter-in-law and your work with Mike's so-called famine relief. What I didn't know was that your money kept him going. I will make sure Beta Mike answers for his actions. For him to reject someone like you, steal from you, and take another mate is unforgivable."

Jason's piercing gaze settled on me, a flicker of curiosity mingling with admiration. "You should break the bond with him. But tell me, what plans do you have after?"

I lowered my head, feigning shyness.

My cheeks burned crimson, and I dared not meet his eyes.

Alpha Jason's expression softened. He stepped forward and, without warning, swept me into his arms, cradling me as though I were the most precious treasure.

"Would you become my mate?" His voice dropped to a tender murmur.

Tears welled in my eyes as I nodded solemnly. "I've already been claimed by you, my Alpha. My life belongs to you now."

Jason's lips descended on mine, a kiss full of unspoken promises and fiery passion. When he finally pulled away, his gaze was steady yet conflicted. "But there is one thing you must know," he said gravely.

"I am cursed, unable to sire heirs. If you choose to stay by my side, when I leave this world, you will be required to follow me into the grave. Are you still willing?"

I met his gaze unwaveringly, a sly smile hidden beneath my facade. "I am willing, my Alpha."

What Jason didn't know was that after the tumultuous night we'd shared, his supposed curse would soon be lifted.Because I have a highly fertile body.

Jason insisted on sending an elite guard to escort me back to Mike's estate, both to protect me from harm and to ensure no one else dared claim me.

As we entered the grand gates, laughter echoed from within the manor. I froze, recognizing the voices coming from Mike's mother's chambers.

"Jade's such a plain, cheap-looking fatty thing," sneered Mike's mother. "She was lucky to marry Mike. Dariya, on the other hand, is a delicate flower, pure and slender. She's exactly the kind of Luna this family deserves."

My fists clenched as I pushed the door open. The room fell silent as every pair of eyes turned to me.

The family was gathered in celebration, their faces alight with glee. At the sight of me, Mike's mother's expression darkened.

"Why are you back already?" she snapped. "Dariya and Mike's wedding is imminent. Shouldn't you be out praying? What are you praying for anyway? That you'll magically become thinner?"

Mike's aunt, Sara, chimed in with a smirk. "Jade, Dariya will soon be the official Beta's Luna. You'll be the second mate. You should show her the respect she deserves."

My gaze shifted to Dariya, who sat sipping tea, a picture of smug elegance. A wave of cold anger surged through me.

I had devoted myself to this family for an entire year, caring for Mike's mother, placating Sara, and managing the household.

Yet all it took was Dariya's waifish appearance for them to discard me like yesterday's scraps.

I didn't reply immediately.

Instead, I picked up a bottle of the exquisite werewolf wine I had once gifted to this ungrateful family.

A single drop of this wine cost a fortune in werewolf coins, yet I had never tasted it myself.

Now, I poured myself a generous glass and took a slow, deliberate sip. It was indeed excellent wine.

The family gawked, stunned by my brazen disregard for their authority. Mike's face twisted with outrage. "Jade! You've been my Luna for a year, and yet you're always sulking with jealousy. Now, you dare to show disrespect to my family?"

Before I could respond, Mike's mother interjected, her tone sharp. "The estate is strapped for funds at the moment. Use Jade's dowry to cover the wedding expenses. After all, what's hers is ours. She's part of this family now."

My lips curled into a sardonic smile. "Part of this family? Funny, because it feels more like I've been your family's personal bank. But no more."

My voice turned cold as I faced Mike. "I want to break our bond."

The room erupted in shocked gasps. Mike's face turned an angry shade of red. "You can't be serious!"

"Oh, I'm very serious," I said, my tone icy.

"From this moment forward, not a single werewolf coin of mine will be spent by this family. And the fortune you've already squandered? Consider it a debt. If you don't repay it, I'll take this to the Council and charge you with misappropriation of a mate's wealth."

Mike's mother began to cough nervously, sending him a frantic look.

Dariya's smirk faltered as she gripped her teacup tightly. For the first time, they realized the tides had turned.

I rose to my feet, the room silent in the wake of my declaration. "Enjoy your wedding," I said with mock sweetness.

"But pay for it yourselves. My wealth is no longer yours to abuse."