Chapter 2

Stepping out of the hotel shower, the first thing I saw was Stacy’s new post.

[I have my own exclusive Alpha now! @Daniel.]

Attached was a blurry photo of his broad shoulders.

Before I could swipe the app away, Daniel’s messages flooded my screen.

[Ember, I’ll officially act as Stacy’s mate for the next few days. The second you’re ready to fall in line, this game ends.]

[That’s exactly what you get for disrespecting your Alpha in public.]

I stared at the screen.

I finally realized my casual "Keep him" had struck a massive nerve. 

My knuckles turned white from gripping the phone.

I only relaxed when a cold sweat broke out on my palms.

It didn't matter anymore. I was leaving.

Whoever warmed his bed had nothing to do with me.

On my laptop, my transfer approval to the United Pack flashed in green. 

An elder from the Medical Alliance sent one final ping.

[Ember, this transfer to the United Pack Medical Center is a strict three-year contract. Are you absolutely certain?]

I typed back immediately: [I'm certain.]

Exactly a year ago, they offered me the same spot.

Back then, Daniel had gripped my hands, begging me to stay. He swore he couldn't survive without me. 

The mate bond made me soft. I threw my dream career away for him. 

Not this time. 

The next afternoon, I headed to the lobby to check out.

Glancing through the glass doors, I spotted his black SUV parked across the street. I forgot Daniel could easily track my scent. 

A timid Omega from our pack suddenly stopped me in the lobby. 

"Miss Ember," she stammered, holding out a dark velvet box. "The Alpha ordered me to give this to you. He said you need to stop throwing a tantrum, put on the emerald bracelet, and come home."

I looked at the heavy green gems coldly, burying the last spark of hope in my chest. 

The young Omega swallowed hard, her eyes full of envy. "The Alpha is so generous. That emerald is priceless. If I only had a mate who spoiled me like this..."

"If you like it, it's yours," I cut her off. 

Her jaw dropped. "Oh my Goddess! You aren't joking, are you?"

"Take it." 

My trash could easily be someone else's treasure.

The same applied to the Alpha who disgusted me. 

I bypassed the main doors and left through the side exit. 

The second I slid into a passing cab, my screen lit up. Daniel again. 

[You got the emerald bracelet, right? As long as you listen to me, I’ll always reward you.]

I shook my head, laughing bitterly, and turned off my phone. 

An hour later, I finished my final shift at the pack clinic.

Maya, a junior healer, lowered her voice. 

"Head Healer, I saw Alpha Daniel in the south district last night. He was with Stacy. You should watch your back..."

Daniel always claimed to despise the loud south district. Whenever I asked him to take me there to clear my head, he shot me down. 

Looking back, he didn't hate the place. He just hated going there with me. 

"It's fine. That’s his business now," I said smoothly. 

I packed up my last box.

I walked out carrying a few fragile pots of rare medicinal sprouts. 

Daniel’s new SUV was parked at the bottom of the steps. Stacy stepped out of the passenger side. 

She wore a stunning snow fox coat. It was the exact anniversary gift I had declined last month.

I had wanted to see the Northern Lights. Daniel canceled the trip, bought the coat, and gave it to his childhood friend to punish me. 

"Oh, Ember! Why are you lugging around those weeds?" Stacy sneered. "Did you finally get fired?"

Inside the car, Daniel frowned. 

I ignored her, shifting the heavy pots in my arms. 

"You’re just too stubborn," Stacy gloated. "You should have stayed home after you mated. Look at me! With Daniel protecting me, I don't lift a finger!"

When we first mated, Daniel demanded I quit healing to become a full-time Luna. I refused to be a trophy. 

He immediately asked Stacy to move in. She shamelessly lived under my nose for two years. 

Later, when my lab’s funding was slashed, I begged him for a temporary loan. His text was ice-cold: [Ember, second chances aren't for losers.]

Well, second chances weren't for toxic Alphas, either. 

"Ember, this is my first time picking you up as Daniel’s mate," Stacy smirked. "Even though it’s just a game..."

"Who said it's a game?" Daniel snapped, grabbing her wrist and pulling her close. "If I want it to be real, it's real."

He kept his dark eyes locked on me.

I looked at the pavement. 

"Come on, let’s grab dinner. The Alpha is paying," Stacy chimed in. 

"No thanks. I have to process these sprouts," I said quickly. 

"Don't be a brat! A massive sleet storm is hitting. You can't walk carrying all that dirt." 

I opened my mouth to tell her to back off, but a brutal gust of wind hammered the parking lot.

Freezing rain and sleet started coming down in sheets. 

I looked at the shivering green leaves in my arms. I gritted my teeth. 

"Fine." 

Stacy giggled and slid into the passenger seat. I walked to the back door and pulled the handle. 

Click. It was locked. 

Before I could knock, the SUV’s massive engine roared.

The tires peeled out, spitting a wave of freezing slush directly into my face. 

I stood freezing in the empty lot. My phone buzzed in my pocket. 

[Since you refuse to behave, go cool off in the storm. Nobody here is going to pamper you anymore.]