Rejecting My Mate Who Took Me As A Stand-In

Brandon didn't even hint at our bond. Same old story, like always.

Ashley, all smiles, chirped, "We're throwing a party inside. Come join us!"

I wasn't in the mood, but Brandon was already nodding, pulling me along.

The private room was a haze of dim lights and pounding music. The second I stepped in, eyes locked onto me. I'd gone all out tonight-sleek dress hugging my curves, my skin practically glowing.

A few wolves sidled up, asking for my number.

Normally, I'd brush them off without a second thought.

But today? I flashed a smile and gave it out, one by one.

Brandon sat in the corner, his jaw tight, eyes burning holes into me.

Ashley's face soured, and she pouted, "Y'all forgetting this is my welcome-back party or what?"

The crowd laughed it off, shouting, "Let's play a game!"

They spun a bottle, and it landed on Ashley.

Someone hooted, "Loser's gotta kiss someone of the wolves!"

Ashley's gaze flicked to Brandon, but then she pointed to the wolf next to him.

"Him."

Right as she leaned in for the kiss-

Crash!

Brandon kicked over the table, glass shattering everywhere.

He grabbed Ashley's wrist and stormed out, dragging her behind him.

The room went dead silent.

I picked up my bag, gave a polite smile, and said, "Gotta run."

At the hallway's corner, their voices erupted, sharp and heated.

"What the hell was that?" Brandon growled, barely holding back his rage. "I'm right here, and you're about to kiss some other wolf? What was that night to you? Am I just your backup?"

Ashley's voice turned soft, wounded.

"I was just testing you, seeing if you still care..."

"Still care?"

Brandon's voice cracked, veins bulging at his temple.

"Ashley, I'd kill to be bound to you again, and you say I don't care?"

Her tone sweetened, coaxing.

"Don't be mad, okay? I didn't mean it like that. I'm saying... we can be bound again, but it's been so long. I need to know you love me like you used to. So, you've gotta agree to Four conditions."

Brandon, the wolf who never bows to anyone, just clenched his jaw and muttered, "Name them."

Ashley paused, then said, "First, I want you to break a rib and turn it into a ring for me."

I froze mid-step. Is this what young wolves do for love now?

No way Brandon would agree to something that insane.

But then-he spun on his heel and left.

I followed, watching as he jumped into his car, floored the gas, and aimed straight for a pole.

Boom!

The crash echoed, the world holding its breath for a split second. Then came the screams, the calls to enforcers, the wail of an ambulance.

Healers dragged Brandon, bloody and broken, from the wrecked car. With his last ounce of strength, he gasped, "My rib... it's broken... take it... during surgery..."

I stood at a distance, watching quietly.

A laugh slipped out of me.

He must really love her.

Good for them.

When I leave, they'll have their perfect bond, free and clear.