Rejecting the Unfaithful Alpha’s Bond

Isla Gibson’s smile was subtle, her eyes daring. I averted my gaze and reached for the first aid kit, my fingers trembling slightly. She was a Gamma from the Gibson Pack, but her confidence—or arrogance—made her presence feel larger than life.

"Freya, why are you giving me the cold shoulder? Am I not welcome here?" Her voice oozed with false innocence, her expression anything but. The saccharine tone made my wolf stir uneasily in the back of my mind, a low growl of warning I forced myself to suppress.

The tension in the room was palpable, and I could feel the weight of the pack members’ eyes on us. As the daughter of the Alpha of the Carlson Pack, I was used to being watched, but this felt different—judgmental, almost mocking.

Just as I was about to reply, Nikolai Lawrence, the Beta from the rival Lawrence Pack, hurried over. His grip on my arm was firm, almost painful, as he pulled me to face Isla. His aura, though not as commanding as an Alpha’s, still carried the weight of his rank.

"Freya Carlson, Isla’s talking to you. Are you ignoring her?" His voice was sharp, laced with irritation. Earlier, he had pushed me during a training session, causing me to hit my lower back against a pack bench. Now, being jerked like this made the pain flare up, and I broke out in a cold sweat.

"Nikolai Lawrence, let go!" I snapped, my voice sharper than I intended.

During the three years we were mates, I had never raised my voice at him. I had always acquiesced, going along with his wishes, playing the role of the obedient mate. To Nikolai, I had been the perfect partner, always agreeable. But this sudden outburst from me seemed to catch him off guard. For a moment, he was stunned, frozen, yet his grip on my arm only tightened, his dark eyes narrowing.

Just as he was about to lash out again, Isla linked her arm with his, gently tugging. Her voice was soft, almost purring. "Nikolai, I made a spiced honey cake for you two. Can you help me bring it over from my place?"

Her words defused his anger instantly, and he nodded, releasing me with a dismissive shove before heading out. I looked down, a small, bitter smile on my lips. Even now, she had him wrapped around her finger.

Once Nikolai left, Isla dropped the act. She circled me, her smirk widening. "Freya, did you hurt your back just now? What a shame."

I eyed her warily, my wolf growling softly in my mind. "Isla Gibson, what do you really want?"

I knew better than to think she cared about my well-being. Sure enough, she laughed, feigning sympathy. "Oh, nothing. Just expressing my regret."

"Yesterday, I got a little burn from hot water on my finger, and Nikolai was so worried he rushed me to the pack healer. He’s so attentive to me, his neighbor. Why is he indifferent to you, his official mate?"

Her words were deliberate, each one carefully chosen to provoke me. Even though I knew her intentions and that Nikolai’s heart was with her, my own heart ached with a deep, bitter pain. Suppressing it, I answered stiffly, "I don’t need your fake concern. I can handle myself."

Feigning surprise, Isla tilted her head, her golden hair catching the light. "Freya, you really are... strong. No wonder Nikolai says you’re not very feminine."

I looked up at her, her eyes dancing with amusement, and my chest ached sharply. I had never realized this was Nikolai’s view of me. So, he had reserved all the care meant for me for this woman, had he?

I had known Isla’s name for half a year now, knew she was the one Nikolai had always idealized, who had just returned from abroad. Once she was back, Nikolai began coming home later, every time dismissing my questions with pack business, his assistant playing along.

In reality, he was spending his time with Isla, captivated by her charm. I had put up with it all. I convinced myself that as long as Nikolai still came home, I could eventually win back his attention and heart.

But reality is always harsh. To ensure Isla could be in our lives legitimately, Nikolai went so far as to buy the neighboring villa. Knowing this, my hope of reconciliation was completely shattered.

I’m truly exhausted, and I’ve decided to let go. My wolf whined softly in my mind, a sound of both pain and acceptance. It was time to move on, even if it meant walking away from everything I thought I had.