I wiped my identity clean from every pack record. Like I never existed.
I re-entered the dancing contest under a new name.
Two years ago, when Madeline broke my leg and threw it into the fire, she didn't just take my flesh-she stole my future.
No healer could reattach what was gone.
Maxwell lost his mind with grief, pouring billions into crafting me a prosthetic leg so lifelike it fooled everyone.
It worked for daily life, but the delicate precision of movement? That was dead.
My dreams were shredded, and I unraveled with them- times I tried to end it, countless nights I sobbed until dawn.
But I clawed my way back, teaching my left leg to be strong again.
Over a thousand grueling days, calluses built up, and I earned my spot in the Belvaria contest. I'd kept it secret from Maxwell, planning to surprise him, to show my mate that I'd never bowed to fate.
Now, I was just glad I'd kept my mouth shut.
If I'd told him, I might've lost my left leg too.
My phone rang.
"It's about your identity erasure request," a staff member's voice came through, "we've received it. The processing will be completed in two weeks."
I'd be on my way to Belvaria, never looking back.
Even Maxwell's suffocating control couldn't track a she-wolf who didn't exist.
I returned to the villa.
Maxwell had the staff tied up, his voice like ice as he demanded to know where I was.
The moment he saw me, relief flooded his face.
The staff looked like they'd been spared execution.
His sharp, cold eyes softened, and he pulled me into a tight embrace.
"Sophie, why did you keep your phone shut? I was losing it."
I forced my voice to stay steady.
"Ran into an old friend on the way, ended up chatting for ages."
He smiled, gently tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.
"Guess I'll have to tag along next time-can't let old friends steal all your time, right?"
"Today's our Seventh anniversary," he said, his voice warm.
"Come see what I got you."
"Got held up watching a drone show in the square, it was so amazing I couldn't tear myself away."
He grinned, taking my hand and giving it a light squeeze.
Maxwell leaned close, his breath warm against my ear.
"I love you, Sophie. Always will."
He drove me to a sprawling estate in the suburbs.
A mystery wolf had bought it for Seven billion, and now its ornate gates declared it Love Sophie Manor.
The architecture was the Gothic style I'd casually mentioned loving.
The gardens overflowed with my favorite orchids, each worth figures.
Nearby, a dreamlike amusement park sparkled-bumper cars, haunted house, swing ride-all my favorites.
There was even a pet sanctuary filled with adorable dogs, just because I'd once pitied a stray.
My chest ached, my eyes stinging.
For Seven years, he'd loved me fiercely, granting every whim, big or small.
That was real. But so was the truth-he'd split his heart in two.
Maxwell brushed a tear from my cheek.
"It's only right for a mate to spoil his she-wolf. Cry any more, and you'll break my heart."
Under a sky full of stars, he dropped to one knee, opening a velvet box.
"From the first sniff of your scent, I was undone. My wolf growls if you're out of sight-don't make me chain myself to your side to stop the ache."
He revealed two rings.
"The she-wolf's ring has a tracker. This way, I'll always know what you're doing. No more worrying."
His eyes burned with possessive, consuming love.
But before he could slide the ring onto my finger, his phone chimed-Madeline's custom tone. He glanced at the screen, his face unreadable, then slipped the ring onto my finger anyway.
"Important matter from the pack," he said smoothly. "I'll be right back."
He was already climbing into the car, leaving me alone.
