Wendy was watching us, and the pout on her face was instantly replaced by a burst of glee.

When I saw the corners of her mouth twitch up, I was honestly concerned she'd burst out laughing the next second.

Blake frowned, clearly annoyed as he looked at me. "What's the big deal with me making Wendy the Luna? Why are you getting all worked up?"

I smiled at him. "I'm not mad."

"Is this your new way of getting my attention?" He let out a cold snort. "Fine. Go stand in the yard all night and think about where you really belong."

That had always been his go-to punishment for me.

I didn't argue. I just turned and walked out. I stood out there all night in the freezing wind, while laughter from him and Wendy echoed from inside the house.

By dawn, the day had finally come. It was the day our contract officially ended, and our bond would break on its own.

What I didn't expect was that my father would show up first.

"The hunting competition's about to start. Why are you still standing around? You trained so hard to get selected. It's starting soon," he said.

The hunting competition?

Right, I'd almost forgotten. A month ago, I trained day and night just so I could surprise Blake by joining the competition, hoping I'd do well enough to finally earn a little of his respect.

I didn't need his attention anymore, but that didn't mean I was going to let all my effort go to waste. I nodded, then forced my numb legs to carry me toward the hunting grounds.

From a distance, I saw Blake right away. He had his arm around Wendy, gently helping her into her training gear as if she were made of glass.

When Wendy noticed me, she dragged Blake over to where I was standing.

"Clara! What are you doing here? This kind of competition isn't for an average Omega like you! I may be an Omega, but I'm the pack's Luna. You—"

Blake cut her off, scolding me the same way he always did. "Enough with the nonsense! This is an inter-pack hunting competition!

"Everyone competing is representing their pack! Don't embarrass us like this! You didn't use my name to get into this, did you?"

I rolled my eyes and shrugged. "I qualified fair and square."

His voice got sharper and angrier. "You've lost your damn mind!"

I stayed calm. "I've never needed your name to earn what's mine."

He grabbed my arm and started dragging me toward the exit. "Stop using me to get special treatment!"

I nodded. "Don't worry. I won't be your fated mate much longer."

Wendy jumped in at that moment. "Clara, I get it. You're upset because you think I stole your Luna title. But you shouldn't say stuff like that just to threaten Blake."

I snorted. "Threaten? Why don't you ask Blake if it's real?"

In the next second, I felt the bond deep in my soul break with a sharp and sudden crack.