Chapter 2

Elena POV:

I didn't die on the side of the road. A passing truck driver took pity on me and gave me a lift back to the city limits.

By the time I walked through the heavy oak doors of the Pack House, it was past midnight.

My phone buzzed. A Mind-Link text message.

Alpha Dante: Staying at the infirmary. Sofia is shaken. Don't wait up.

No apology. No "Are you safe?".

I pulled out my phone. I deleted the nickname "My Alpha" and typed in Dante Moretti.

Then, I went to the security panel.

Accessing User: Elena Moretti. Delete User?

"Confirm," I said aloud.

User Deleted.

I walked into the kitchen and made instant noodles. While the water boiled, I scrolled through social media.

Sofia had posted a photo ten minutes ago. She wasn't in the infirmary. She was on a yacht. The caption read: Moonlight and healing with my protector. Alpha Blessed.

In the background, I saw Dante's hand holding a glass of wine. The scar on his thumb was visible-the one I stitched. He wasn't fighting. He was being managed.

I looked at the clock. October 14th. Our tenth anniversary. My birthday.

"Happy birthday, Elena," I whispered.

The front door opened.

Dante walked in. He smelled of sea salt, wine, and her. His eyes were clearer now, the hex-perfume fading in the fresh air, leaving him looking confused and guilty.

He was holding a cheap plastic cake box.

"I remembered," he said, placing the box on the counter. "Happy birthday."

He didn't mention the anniversary.

"Thank you," I said, my voice flat.

He frowned at my noodles. "That's your dinner? You have servants."

"The servants work during the day."

His eyes narrowed. "Don't start. I had to manage a PR crisis. Sofia's attack-"

"-was on a yacht?" I interrupted.

Dante's aura flared. "Are you spying on me? You sound like a jealous Omega."

"I sound like a wife who was left on a highway," I said.

He grabbed my arm. The sparks fizzled against my skin-weak, dying static.

"I'm here now," he said, his voice dropping. He pulled me closer.

I didn't push him away. I just went limp.

"Sofia called," I said calmly. "While you were parking. She said her security system is glitching."

Dante froze. The lust vanished, replaced by programmed duty. It was like flipping a switch. The conditioning she had on him ran deep.

"Her security is vital," he muttered, already reaching for his keys.

"Go," I said.

"I'll make this up to you," he promised, backing away. "Tomorrow."

He walked out.

I opened the smashed cake box. I struck a match.

"Goddess," I prayed softly. "If you have any mercy left... cut this bond."

I blew out the flame.