Alpha Jason pondered my words for a long moment before speaking.
"Last night, you saved me, and I owe you my gratitude. I know about your reputation as a dutiful daughter-in-law and your work with Mike's so-called famine relief. What I didn't know was that your money kept him going. I will make sure Beta Mike answers for his actions. For him to reject someone like you, steal from you, and take another mate is unforgivable."
Jason's piercing gaze settled on me, a flicker of curiosity mingling with admiration. "You should break the bond with him. But tell me, what plans do you have after?"
I lowered my head, feigning shyness.
My cheeks burned crimson, and I dared not meet his eyes.
Alpha Jason's expression softened. He stepped forward and, without warning, swept me into his arms, cradling me as though I were the most precious treasure.
"Would you become my mate?" His voice dropped to a tender murmur.
Tears welled in my eyes as I nodded solemnly. "I've already been claimed by you, my Alpha. My life belongs to you now."
Jason's lips descended on mine, a kiss full of unspoken promises and fiery passion. When he finally pulled away, his gaze was steady yet conflicted. "But there is one thing you must know," he said gravely.
"I am cursed, unable to sire heirs. If you choose to stay by my side, when I leave this world, you will be required to follow me into the grave. Are you still willing?"
I met his gaze unwaveringly, a sly smile hidden beneath my facade. "I am willing, my Alpha."
What Jason didn't know was that after the tumultuous night we'd shared, his supposed curse would soon be lifted.Because I have a highly fertile body.
Jason insisted on sending an elite guard to escort me back to Mike's estate, both to protect me from harm and to ensure no one else dared claim me.
As we entered the grand gates, laughter echoed from within the manor. I froze, recognizing the voices coming from Mike's mother's chambers.
"Jade's such a plain, cheap-looking fatty thing," sneered Mike's mother. "She was lucky to marry Mike. Dariya, on the other hand, is a delicate flower, pure and slender. She's exactly the kind of Luna this family deserves."
My fists clenched as I pushed the door open. The room fell silent as every pair of eyes turned to me.
The family was gathered in celebration, their faces alight with glee. At the sight of me, Mike's mother's expression darkened.
"Why are you back already?" she snapped. "Dariya and Mike's wedding is imminent. Shouldn't you be out praying? What are you praying for anyway? That you'll magically become thinner?"
Mike's aunt, Sara, chimed in with a smirk. "Jade, Dariya will soon be the official Beta's Luna. You'll be the second mate. You should show her the respect she deserves."
My gaze shifted to Dariya, who sat sipping tea, a picture of smug elegance. A wave of cold anger surged through me.
I had devoted myself to this family for an entire year, caring for Mike's mother, placating Sara, and managing the household.
Yet all it took was Dariya's waifish appearance for them to discard me like yesterday's scraps.
I didn't reply immediately.
Instead, I picked up a bottle of the exquisite werewolf wine I had once gifted to this ungrateful family.
A single drop of this wine cost a fortune in werewolf coins, yet I had never tasted it myself.
Now, I poured myself a generous glass and took a slow, deliberate sip. It was indeed excellent wine.
The family gawked, stunned by my brazen disregard for their authority. Mike's face twisted with outrage. "Jade! You've been my Luna for a year, and yet you're always sulking with jealousy. Now, you dare to show disrespect to my family?"
Before I could respond, Mike's mother interjected, her tone sharp. "The estate is strapped for funds at the moment. Use Jade's dowry to cover the wedding expenses. After all, what's hers is ours. She's part of this family now."
My lips curled into a sardonic smile. "Part of this family? Funny, because it feels more like I've been your family's personal bank. But no more."
My voice turned cold as I faced Mike. "I want to break our bond."
The room erupted in shocked gasps. Mike's face turned an angry shade of red. "You can't be serious!"
"Oh, I'm very serious," I said, my tone icy.
"From this moment forward, not a single werewolf coin of mine will be spent by this family. And the fortune you've already squandered? Consider it a debt. If you don't repay it, I'll take this to the Council and charge you with misappropriation of a mate's wealth."
Mike's mother began to cough nervously, sending him a frantic look.
Dariya's smirk faltered as she gripped her teacup tightly. For the first time, they realized the tides had turned.
I rose to my feet, the room silent in the wake of my declaration. "Enjoy your wedding," I said with mock sweetness.
"But pay for it yourselves. My wealth is no longer yours to abuse."
