After scrolling through Clara's posts, I started packing.
When we formed our bond, we agreed: if we ever broke it, we'd split everything in the house fifty-fifty. So I marked my half, called the movers, and set them to come the day our bond was severed.
The next day at the pack office, Alpha Ethan was gone, but the bond-breaking papers were already on my desk. I laughed bitterly at his speed, then signed without hesitation. I called the pack's lawyer to take the papers away.
In the break room, pouring water, a she-wolf colleague sidled up. "Nina, it's Valentine's Day. What's Alpha Ethan getting you?"
My hand froze on the pitcher. Valentine's Day? Every year, Alpha Ethan and I celebrated together. He knew I loved the little rituals. Rich or poor, he always made it special. The first year, he crafted a photo album of our love story. The second, he spent a month learning to blow glass, making me a one-of-a-kind vase. Last year, he gifted me a field of roses he'd planted himself, my favorite kind.
Would he bother this year?
"Old mates like us don't fuss over gifts," I said, swallowing the truth about our breaking bond.
Just then, a shriek came from outside. "Oh my gosh, what a romantic Valentine's gift! Alpha Ethan's outdone himself!"
"I'm so jealous of Nina. She's got it all!"
"Nina, come see! Alpha Ethan's got your Valentine's surprise!"
My colleague beamed, envious. "Old mates, huh? Alpha Ethan loves you too much to skip a gift. Go look!"
Pushed toward the massive windows, I saw it: fireworks outside, bold letters proclaiming, Happy Valentine's Day!
Everyone assumed it was for me. Everyone except Clara, who stood off to the side, muttering, "Actually, that's from my mate. For me."
Someone overheard and scoffed. "Your mate? Clara, get real. You're not even dating anyone, let alone a wolf with that kind of cash."
"Yeah, that's obviously Alpha Ethan's gift to Nina. Don't kid yourself."
Clara's eyes welled up, her voice shaking. "It's true. My mate and I are about to form a sacred bond."
My brows furrowed. Alpha Ethan moved fast, planning to bind with Clara before our bond was even broken.
"Look at the fine print!" someone shouted as the balloon drifted closer.
There it was, in smaller letters: Clara, bind with me!
The crowd fell silent, eyes darting between me and Clara. The air grew thick, awkward. Someone tried to lighten the mood. "Well, Clara's mate is sweet, but Alpha Ethan's on another level. Last year, he gave Nina a whole rose field. This year's gotta be even bigger."
I stood there, heart heavy, saying nothing. The pack could believe what they wanted. I knew the trut that Alpha Ethan's love for me was long gone.
