Chapter 4
“How dare you reject an Alpha?!” Darren’s face darkened as he strode toward me.
“Can’t you see Xandra’s already hurt because of you? And you still want to use rejection as a threat? Don’t test my patience.”
His rudeness only made my face paler. “I’m serious, Darren.”
Landon stood nearby, frowning at me like he thought I was being unreasonable and just trying to get attention.
Darren grabbed my chin with a cruel grip. “You think an orphan like you can survive in the pack without me?”
I shoved him away with my uninjured left hand. “Cut the crap. Break the mate bond, so that this bitch who crawled into your bed three years ago can finally be your Luna.”
Landon sucked in a breath at my sudden outburst. “Hannah, how could you-”
“How could I be so rude?” I let out a sharp, bitter laugh. “Because I’ve had enough! Three years–three damn years of watching you two circle around her like horny dogs!”
“You’re insane!” Darren roared, eyes blazing with anger.
“Then you made me this way!” My wolf howled in defiance
alongside my rage.
“Fine. If that’s what you want!” Darren punched the wall with a loud crack. “I accept your rejection!”
The severing of the mate bond hit me like a blade to the chest. Pain tore through me, sharp and deep, making even breathing a torture. My wolf whimpered in my mind, curling in on herself from the hurt.
We were really done this time, Darren.
Dragging my numb arm, I walked toward the edge of Duskwood territory.
No one tried to stop me, and I didn’t look back.
Darren’s scent faded behind me as I collapsed to the ground, gasping for air. With the last of my strength, I clutched my moonstone earring.
When Aaron’s figure reached me, I finally let myself close my
eyes.
[Duskwood Pack]
“I don’t believe she actually rejected me. She’ll come crawling back, begging me eventually.”
Darren muttered curses as he and Landon returned to their
quarters after finishing pack affairs.
“She just wanted attention. She probably didn’t expect you to actually accept her rejection,” Landon scoffed. “Once she realizes how hard life will be in our pack without you, she’ll come begging to restore the bond.”
Darren smirked and pushed open the door.
Xandra was curled up on the couch under a soft blanket. When she saw them, she flashed a sweet smile and stood up. “Darren, Landon, you’re finally back. I was so bored here alone.”
“Alone?” Darren frowned at her words and exchanged a look with Landon. “Hannah didn’t come back yet?”
“Hannah doesn’t like me… she didn’t want to stay with me,” Xandra said, her voice trembling as she forced a few tears. “I wanted to stop her, but I fell down the stairs this morning and didn’t have the strength…”
When she saw Darren’s attention wasn’t fully on her, she gave a weak little cough. “I’m sorry, it’s all my fault. I never should’ve returned to your pack, or moved in…”
Looking at her frail form, Darren’s expression softened. He reached out to comfort her. “This isn’t your fault. Don’t blame yourself. Hannah’s just too jealous.”
Xandra lowered her head to hide the satisfied glint in her eyes and leaned gently into his embrace.
But even as he held her, Darren felt a wave of irritation. The thought that Hannah had cut their bond still upset him.
Through the mental link, he gave Landon a command, “inform the entire pack–no one is going to take her in. I want her to understand that without me, she’s nothing here.”
Landon returned soon after, but there was a trace of unease on his face.
Darren was chatting with Xandra on the couch, seemingly in a good mood.
When he noticed Landon come in, Xandra smiled and waved. “You’re back–we were just talking about—”
“Landon, what is it?” Darren cut her off, noticing his Beta’s serious expression.
“I’ve got news about Hannah,” Landon said, clearly trying to hold back urgency in front of Xandra.
Darren waved dismissively. “I don’t want to hear about her right
now.”
But Landon spoke quickly through their mental link, “A border warrior just reported–Hannah has left Duskwood.”
Darren shot up–from the couch instantly. “What?!”
