Ronan didn't return to the den until the following morning. As soon as he stepped inside, he began explaining, "Kyle had a high fever all night. It just wouldn't break."
Kyle was Jasmine's pup. To my ears, even his name felt like a foreign word.
"Is everything alright now? Why didn't you stay longer? It must be difficult for Jasmine to handle a sick pup on her own," I said, offering a curt nod.
Ronan paused mid-motion as he removed his cloak, a flicker of annoyance flashing across his features. "Are you being sarcastic again?" he sighed, the sound heavy with either weariness or exasperation, I couldn't tell which. "Look, I didn't sleep all night. I'm exhausted."
"Then you should get some rest. I'm heading out to collect hearbs for the village healer," I said, turning away and reaching for my satchel.
"Nyra…" he called, stepping closer to pull me back.
"What is it?" I asked flatly.
"We'll make up the bonding celebration next time, alright?" he said softly.
A ghost of a smile touched my lips, devoid of warmth or sincerity. "I'm not upset."
He studied my expression before wrapping me in a hug. The gesture, much like his words, felt hollow, a mimicry of affection. "There's a pack exchange event this weekend," he murmured against my hair. "Why don't we go together? We can use it to make up for the bonding celebration."
The pack exchange was a diplomatic gathering, an opportunity for leaders and members from surrounding packs to strengthen alliances. As one of our pack's alphas, Ronan was obligated to attend every time. Yet, not once had he asked me to join him, not even allowing me to be present during meetings. It was no secret the others didn't like me.
Despite their disdain, however, they often called on me for help with minor ailments, citing my close connection with the village healer. In the past, I regularly brought Ronan meals or medicine to the pack hall whenever he was unwell. But he had never introduced me to his peers, keeping me as distant from their world as they preferred.
I snapped back to reality and replied, "No, I might have to work overtime next weekend."
"Work?" Ronan frowned, his brows knitting together. "You've been working constantly these past few days. Aren't you still injured?"
So he did remember. I shook my head and said, "I'm fine now. Winter solstice is approaching, and once the snow piles up, there won't be any herbs left to gather. We're preparing for the cold season."
His irritation was evident, but he couldn't argue against my reasoning. After glaring at me for a moment, he turned away and opened the door.
"Well, suit yourself," Ronan hissed through gritted teeth before slamming the door as he left.
I didn't attend the exchange, but I never expected him to take Jasmine instead. When the pack exchange finally concluded, the returning members were met with enthusiasm at the gate. The village elder led the way, with others gathering eagerly to hear about the event.
I stood off to the side, a basket strapped to my back, silently observing the parade of men returning with excitement. Among the crowd, three familiar figures caught my eye.
I overheard some of the women who had accompanied their mates to the exchange, chatting animatedly about the events.
One of them said, "Oh, during one of the games, Ronan carried Jasmine like she was a princess! He lifted her across the field effortlessly, and she clung to his neck, her cheek pressed to his chest. If she'd tilted her head just a little, she could've kissed him!"
The others laughed, chiming in with similar stories. "Everyone cheered them on, calling them the perfect pair," another added.
Given Ronan's high status as one of the pack's alphas, many wolves were eager to flatter him. One by one, they lined up to praise how well-matched he and Jasmine seemed, fueling the chatter that rippled through the group.
Even now, Jasmine was clinging to Ronan's arm affectionately, while Ronan had Kyle perched happily on his shoulders, the picture of a perfect family. With the basket I was carrying, I stood out from the crowd, and many of them couldn't help but notice me standing just a few paces away.
Suddenly, I clapped my hands together, as if joining in the joyful atmosphere, drawing everyone's attention toward me. Ronan's face went pale at the sound, and I spoke calmly, "A perfect match indeed. You two should be together. So, Ronan, let's end our bond."
