He Signed Away Our Mate Bond

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I signed the application to dissolve our Mate Bond, but Alpha Nathaniel thought it was a gift I wanted.

After he signed, he pretended to dotingly pinch my cheek:

For our child, I'd give you anything you want.

He didn't know our child had died the night he was with his first love.

One hundred and one missed calls, met with his excuse: "The Pack has urgent business."

Later, when I received the Silver Moon Order, the highest honor among werewolves, he was gravely wounded, near death.

His last wish was to see me.

I brought my new Mate with me.

Evelyn POV

I had just finished watering the white roses on my windowsill when Judge Benjamin Hayes from the Werewolf Arbitration Council called.

"Ms. Shaw, the application to dissolve the mate bond has been sent. Please note that both you and your mate need to sign it before the Council can proceed."

"Okay."

I hung up, my fingertips tracing the damp rose leaves.

The doorbell rang.

The delivery driver handed me a document envelope. I signed for it.

Just as I closed the door, I heard footsteps outside again.

Nathaniel was back.

He walked over to me, stopped, and bent down, pressing his cheek against my flat stomach.

"I'm home," his voice was low, laced with fatigue and apology. "I've been so busy these past few days, I didn't get a chance to reply to your messages."

I felt his warm breath, penetrating my thin loungewear, touching my skin.

"How's the baby? Why does the scent seem so faint?"

I lowered my eyes, looking at the crown of his head.

"Maybe it's because I've been taking some medication to protect the baby recently. Nathaniel," I said, using his full name.

He looked up, his eyes confused.

I hadn't called him by his full name in a long time.

I avoided his gaze. I turned, picked up the document envelope from the console table, tore open the seal, and took out the papers.

I flipped to the last page, covering the terms with my palm, revealing only the signature line at the bottom.

"This is the gift I want," I said. "A gift after the baby is born."

Nathaniel paused, then chuckled.

He took the pen, didn't even glance at the content I'd covered, and smoothly signed his name, his movements swift and practiced.

After signing, he handed the document and pen back to me, dotingly pinching my cheek.

"It's yours if I give it to you," he chuckled softly. "Aren't you afraid you'll take my entire fortune?"

I looked at his name on the paper and found it utterly laughable.

I didn't want his wealth or power.

I wanted freedom.

Just then, Nathaniel's phone vibrated in his pocket.

He pulled it out and glanced at it, the screen light illuminating his face.

Caller ID: Isabella.

His expression remained unchanged. He simply turned off the screen and put the phone back in his pocket.

But he lost all patience for asking about the baby.

"The Pack has some urgent business," he stood up, adjusting his shirt cuffs. "I need to go handle it."

He headed for the door, then stopped after two steps, as if suddenly remembering something.

"Oh, right, why did you call me so many times the other day?"

I looked up at him.

"It's nothing."

Nathaniel didn't ask further, turned, and left.

I was left alone in the living room.

I looked down at the application to dissolve the mate bond in my hand.

Nathaniel's signature, sharp and decisive, just like him.

Nothing?

How could it be nothing?

Five days ago, I went out to buy some things for the baby.

On the way back, a sharp pain suddenly pierced my mind.

Then my lower abdomen.

Waves of cramping pain racked me, leaving me unable to speak.

I was losing the baby.

My hands trembling, I dialed Nathaniel's number. I just wanted him to see our child one last time.

First call, unanswered.

Second call, unanswered.

Tenth call.

Fiftieth call.

One hundred and first call.

On the other end, there was always only the automated voicemail prompt.

Finally, his phone was off.

I eventually reached the Pack's physician, but she just glanced at me when she arrived and declared the baby was gone.

Then, she looked at me with pity.

I looked into her eyes and suddenly understood.

That sudden, excruciating pain wasn't for any other reason C it was because my mate had betrayed me.

While he was ignoring all my calls, he was with Isabella, who had just returned from abroad, on a mountaintop outside the city, having sex under a rare supermoon.

Isabella later posted photos on her TikTok account.

In the photo, she leaned on Nathaniel's shoulder, smiling sweetly.

The caption read: "May the Moongoddess bless us forever."

Four years of marriage, I had always believed that even if Nathaniel didn't love me, he at least respected me as his Luna.

Only then did I see the truth.

I was just Isabella's substitute.

A shadow used to maintain the Pack alliance and superficial stability after his fated mate left the country.

Now, the real person was back.

It was time for this substitute to leave the stage.

I picked up the signed application and gently traced the still-damp ink on the paper.

Evelyn POV

Nathaniel left, probably to find Isabella.

I picked up my phone and called Judge Benjamin Hayes back.

"He signed it."

The judge on the other end was visibly surprised before regaining his professional composure.

"That fast?" He paused. "Without expedited processing, it usually takes two months to complete all arbitration procedures and receive a final ruling. Regarding the division of joint assets and related compensation, we can begin drafting the detailed plan whenever you're ready."

"No need," I said. "I'm giving up all property. I just want to dissolve the mate bond and leave the Silver Crest Pack."

"Ms. Shaw, are you sure? According to the laws set by the Moongoddess, the unfaithful mate is required to compensate the other. Therefore, after dissolving the mate bond, you are entitled to at least"

"I'm sure," I interrupted him. "Just follow the process, Judge Hayes."

"Alright."

That night, Nathaniel came home very late.

The next morning, he rushed back early.

"There's an urgent Pack meeting today, so I can't go with you to your prenatal check-up," his voice was apologetic. "I brought you breakfast. I'll bring you your favorite honey-glazed ribs tonight."

I almost laughed out loud.

Prenatal check-up?

The baby was gone; what check-ups did I need?

The day I miscarried, the Pack physician had advised bed rest, but I only stayed at the infirmary for less than twenty-four hours before leaving.

Nathaniel still didn't know about it.

Had he truly not noticed, or did he simply not care about me?

I no longer cared.

I just nodded.

Nathaniel changed into a suit, tied his tie, and examined himself in the mirror. Once satisfied with his appearance, he habitually pointed to his cheek, signaling for me to come over.

For four years of marriage, I had kissed his cheek every day before he left.

I didn't move.

"You're going to be late," I said.

Nathaniel's movements stilled. He turned to look at me, shaking his head with a small, knowing smile, assuming I was still angry about him not coming home last night.

"Then I'm off."

I also went back to my room, changed, and drove to the Werewolf Academy in the state capital.

It was my alma mater, a place I had left for four years.

Everything was just as I remembered, yet somehow different.

When I arrived, a combat demonstration had just finished in the main training field.

I walked against the flow of people, hearing the excited and admiring discussions of the cadets around me.

"Instructor Reed is truly amazing, no wonder he's the youngest chief instructor at the academy."

"Yeah, he's even stronger in person than in rumors. His aura is incredible, that powerful demeanor is so captivating."

"During the Q&A, he demonstrated a counter-technique I'd never seen. I need to go practice it right away."

I walked into the gradually emptying training field and immediately spotted the man surrounded by cadets and assistant instructors in the center of the arena.

Jonathan.

The Alpha of the Moonclaw Pack, an elite instructor at the Werewolf Academy.

And my senior.

He wore a simple training uniform, patiently answering the last cadet's question.

Compared to his student days, he had shed some of his youthful awkwardness, gaining the calm and composure of a mature, strong Alpha.

I had intended to leave and contact him later.

As I turned, Jonathan looked up, his gaze piercing through the crowd, finding me precisely.

The surprise in his eyes was unmistakable. He apologized to the surrounding cadets and colleagues, squeezed through the crowd, and quickly walked toward me.

"Evelyn? Is that really you?"

"Jonathan," I smiled.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, I got straight to the point.

"Jonathan, I'd like to return to the academy as an instructor."

Jonathan froze, immense joy flooding his eyes.

"Of course, you can! The Principal will be overjoyed to know you're willing to come back."

He looked at me, his eyes filled with undisguised regret and concern.

"You were the most talented cadet the academy had ever seen. Everyone thought you'd become a top-tier elite warrior. Who knew your family would force you to give up the offer to stay on staff for a Pack alliance marriage, making you abandon your passion for combat and training?" His tone was indignant, feeling indignant on my behalf.

"And now?" he asked, a hint of worry in his voice. "Your mate will he agree?"

"I've applied to the Arbitration Council to dissolve the mate bond," I said. "The initial application has been approved. But it will take another two months to complete the arbitration process before I can officially report to the academy."

"Good," Jonathan smiled. "I'll wait for you."

Evelyn POV

A soft chuckle interrupted us.

Nathaniel had appeared at the training field entrance, I hadn't even noticed.

He walked slowly toward us, still in his expensive suit, but the warmth from this morning was gone from his face.

His expression was grim, his gaze fixed on Jonathan.

It was the first time I'd seen such unconcealed jealousy and possessiveness in his eyes.

I was puzzled.

His true bond was with Isabella, so why bother pretending to care in front of me?

"Aren't you going to introduce us?" Nathaniel walked over and stood beside me, subtly shifting his body to stand between me and Jonathan.

"This is my senior, Jonathan, the chief instructor at the Werewolf Academy," I introduced. Then, I gestured to Nathaniel, my voice flat, "And this is my mate, Alpha Nathaniel Lawson of the Silver Crest Pack."

The two men shook hands, their expressions outwardly normal.

But I saw the distinct red marks left on the back of their hands when they released their grip.

"So, Instructor Reed, it's an honor," Nathaniel said with a tight-lipped smile. "I never realized my Luna and Instructor Reed were such good friends, making a special visit to her alma mater."

"Alpha Lawson, you're too kind. Evelyn is a once-in-a-century talent at our academy. We are friends," Jonathan replied, neither servile nor arrogant, his gaze open and direct.

"Jonathan, I should go now. I'll contact you later." The atmosphere felt off, so I proactively bid Jonathan farewell.

Nathaniel and I walked side by side, not looking back. I didn't want to cause him trouble, so I didn't see the look of disappointment and concern in Jonathan's eyes as he turned away.

As we walked out of the training field, Nathaniel's figure was bathed in sunlight, yet the coldness emanating from him hadn't dissipated.

"What are you doing here?" Nathaniel demanded coldly.

"Just came back to the academy to look around," I replied dismissively, then countered, "What about you? Was your urgent meeting held at the Werewolf Academy?"

Nathaniel didn't answer, his face growing even darker.

Reaching the parking lot, I instinctively headed for the passenger seat.

Nathaniel pressed the unlock button, and I was about to open the car door

The window slowly lowered, revealing a delicate and striking face.

It was Isabella.

She was sitting in the passenger seat of that very car.

My hand froze on the door handle.

"Just met a friend, catching up on old times," Nathaniel said, his expression unchanged.

My gaze fell on the paper bag in his hand. It was from a famous red velvet cake shop behind the academy.

I remembered, Isabella loved that cake.

His so-called urgent meeting, it turned out, was a four-hour drive to revisit old haunts with his ex-girlfriend and reminisce about their college romance.

Isabella, from the passenger seat, greeted me familiarly, her tone intimate, yet her posture subtly superior. "Evelyn, what a coincidence, are you here to visit the academy too?"

She showed no intention of moving, instead watching me with an amused expression, a hint of undetectable challenge in her eyes.

I silently withdrew my hand, opened the back door, and got in.

Throughout the drive, Isabella chattered and laughed with Nathaniel as if I weren't there, reminiscing about their college days. She even took a piece of cake from the bag and offered it to Nathaniel's mouth.

"Ah" she cooed sweetly.

Nathaniel instinctively opened his mouth and took a bite.

"Oops, you bit my hand," Isabella feigned annoyance, pulling her hand back, but her eyes were full of flirtatious charm.

Nathaniel glanced in the rearview mirror, seeing my expressionless face in the back seat.

I sat quietly leaning against the window, my gaze fixed on the rapidly receding street outside, my thoughts miles away.

I was even wondering which direction the first training session after my return should be set.

My lack of reaction frustrated Isabella's provocation, leaving her to grudgingly give up.

She said to Nathaniel, with thinly veiled sarcasm, "Your mate has such a good temperament, so sensible."

Nathaniel let out a soft chuckle, but his grip on the steering wheel tightened.

"She's very obedient."

Evelyn POV

Back at the main residence in the Pack territory.

"Isabella and I have a get-together tonight," Nathaniel said, rolling down the car window as I walked away. "You're pregnant, so that kind of event isn't suitable for you. Get some rest early."

I didn't turn around, just waved my hand and walked into the house.

In the middle of the night, an unknown number called.

"Nathaniel is drunk, come pick him up." It was Isabella's voice.

She hung up immediately, then sent an address: an exclusive private club downtown.

I decided to go.

I also wanted to see what other tricks Isabella had up her sleeve.

I changed my clothes, didn't put on any makeup, and drove there with a bare face.

When I arrived, several servers were gathered outside the private booth, seemingly hesitant about going in.

Through the half-open door, I saw the booth was a blaze of neon lights, filled with loud chatter.

Nathaniel and Isabella sat on a sofa in the center of the crowd, with everyone around them cheering them on.

They were playing a mouth-to-mouth card game, the atmosphere intimate and exhilarating.

Soon, the card reached Isabella and Nathaniel.

The crowd began to whistle and cheer loudly.

Isabella held the card between her lips, looking at Nathaniel with a hazy gaze, slowly leaning in.

Closer, even closer.

The card fluttered to the ground.

Their lips met.

The cheers grew even louder, threatening to lift the roof off the place.

Nathaniel didn't push her away.

Under the influence of alcohol, he even reached out, cupping the back of Isabella's head, deepening the kiss.

His eyes were closed, his expression lost in a wild intoxication I had never witnessed before.

Watching him from outside the door, my heart turned utterly cold.

I was about to leave silently when Isabella suddenly rushed out, as if she had known I was there all along.

"Did you see?" Isabella stood before me, a triumphant smile on her face. "Nathaniel has always loved me. He only married you because your face somewhat resembled mine, and your personality was more docile and easier to control."

She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a low, venomous whisper.

"I advise you to get rid of the baby and get out early. Otherwise, when he tires of you, you'll just be thrown out, left with nothing."

I asked, my face devoid of emotion, "Does Nathaniel know that his 'fated mate,' whom he's held in his heart for years, is such a two-faced person?"

With that, I ignored Isabella's stunned and furious expression, walked past her, and entered the private booth.

The booth instantly fell silent.

Everyone looked at me, the sudden intruder, with varying expressions.

I walked straight to Nathaniel, oblivious to the stares, and helped up the man who was utterly drunk and unconscious.

His body was heavy, most of his weight pressing against me.

I supported him, turned to leave, and didn't spare anyone another glance.

Back in the car, I dumped Nathaniel into the passenger seat.

He leaned against the seat back, mumbling Isabella's name incoherently.

"Isabella don't go"

I gripped the steering wheel, started the car, and looked at the dark road ahead.

"Just a little longer."

Just a little longer, and I'd be free.

When Nathaniel woke up, his head was splitting, with only a vague memory of last night.

He only remembered drinking a lot, and then I seemed to have picked him up.

"I didn't do anything out of line yesterday, did I?" he asked, rubbing his temples, a hint of nervousness in his voice.

I was changing in the walk-in closet and simply shook my head calmly. "No, you just fell asleep after getting drunk."

I finished changing, ready to leave.

"Where are you going?" Nathaniel grabbed my hand.

My coldness seemed to irritate him.

"To see Jonathan."

Nathaniel's face immediately darkened.

"Stay away from him," he warned. "Men understand men best; the way he looks at you isn't right."

I found it laughable and retorted, "You look at Isabella the same way."

Nathaniel was choked by my words, momentarily speechless.

He impatiently let go of my hand, but his tone remained firm.

"I didn't bring you honey-glazed ribs yesterday, but I prepared something else for you"

He didn't finish his sentence.

A document slid out from a crack in the drawer he had just opened, fluttering down to his feet.

It was the acknowledgment of receipt for the mate bond dissolution application from the Werewolf Arbitration Council.