Chapter 48
Freya
"I don't understand what this has to do with you, Alpha Paxton," I said, meeting Paxton's gaze steadily.
Silence stretched between us in my office, thick with unspoken accusations.
The mark is dissolved. I reminded myself, fighting the phantom sensation of his claim. "Is there anything else? I need to continue processing the boundary files."
From now on, only Sterling Enterprises' business interests would bind us together. Nothing more.
---
I buried myself in work at my desk in Sterling Enterprises headquarters. The physical ache from the mark dissolution lingered, a dull throb that no amount of wolf-healing could quickly repair. I'd heard it could take months for the phantom sensations to fully disappear after a long-term marking.
My phone vibrated, and Bella's name flashed on the screen.
"Freya, what the hell is going on with you?" Her voice was sharp, concerned.
I rubbed my temple. "Good morning, Bella."
"What's happening? Lyra has been practically glued to Paxton's side, and you're doing nothing? Yesterday I saw them going out together, holding hands tightly."
Before I could explain, she continued in a rapid-fire manner: "You’re way too lenient with him. How can you tolerate something like this? It’s absolutely unbearable. If it were me, I’d go up and slap her a few times, then tell her to get lost."
"Freya, do you want me to teach her a lesson?"
I stared out my office window, watching clouds drift across the morning sky. "Our mark has been dissolved, Bella."
The silence that followed felt heavy, pregnant with unasked questions.
"What?" Her voice dropped to a whisper. "When?"
"Last night. Moon ritual, complete dissolution." My words came out clipped, as though brevity could minimize the pain.
"Oh, Freya..." Bella's tone softened. "I'm so sorry. But maybe it's for the best? You deserve a stronger mate, one who actually appreciates you."
The dull ache in my chest flared. As much as I tried to deny it, I couldn't imagine another mate but Paxton. Five years of his mark, his scent, his presence—it had become part of me. The dissolution left me feeling hollow, like part of my identity had been carved away.
"Freya, listen to me." Bella's voice turned practical. "The best way to get over a mate's scent is to accept a new mate's mark."
I nearly dropped my phone. "Bella—"
"I know several eligible Alphas who would be thrilled to court someone with your lineage and business acumen. There's Adam from the northern packs, or even—"
"We'll talk about this later," I interrupted. "Right now, I need to focus on Sterling Enterprises' wolf business strategy."
After ending the call, I leaned back in my chair, exhaustion washing over me. Five years of being marked had changed me fundamentally. The mental link was gone, but the physical and emotional imprints remained. I barely remembered who I was before Paxton's mark. Now I had to rediscover myself while carrying his child—a secret I intended to keep.
---
By dusk, I had finished processing the boundary documents. A knock at my door pulled me from my thoughts.
"Still sorting through territory files?" Samuel asked, stepping into my office.
"Just finished," I said, closing the folder.
Samuel said casually, "The pack is having a small gathering tomorrow. Would you like to join?"
I hesitated. In the past, Paxton and I would always attend together. But now, with the bond dissolved, I had no obligation to go—no reason.
"I'm sorry, I have plans that night," I lied, concerned about my Alpha energy becoming unstable during the full moon. The last thing I needed was to reveal my pregnancy during a pack gathering.
Samuel's eyes softened with understanding. "Of course. Enjoy your evening."
As he left, I caught a flicker of concern in his expression. He probably assumed I had plans with Lucas Morgan, given Lucas Morgan's public pursuit this morning. I didn't correct his assumption.
---
When I left the office building later that evening, something strange was happening in the lobby. Employees had gathered in clusters, whispering excitedly. They parted as I approached, creating a path, some with eyes glimmering with faint wolf-light from excitement.
"That's true Alpha courtship style," someone whispered.
"If an Alpha showed me commitment like that, I'd accept his mark immediately," another responded.
Curious and wary, I stepped forward—and froze.
As I approached the entrance, suddenly, a massive red heart came into view.
Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of roses were arranged into the shape of a heart. Their vibrant red hue, lush and dewy, shimmered like rubies under the fading glow of the sunset, casting a breathtaking spectacle.
My breath caught as I recognized Lucas Morgan's signature extravagance. I felt my eyes momentarily shift, a flicker of amber annoyance crossing my irises.
"My potential mate," Lucas's voice echoed with conviction as he stepped forward, cradling a lavish bouquet in his hands. "Please accept my pledge of devotion and the promise of my territory as a testament to my commitment to you."
I fixed him with a glare.
"The Morgan pack should consider Hollywood as their next venture," I said dryly, stepping around him.
Lucas followed, his confident stride matching mine. "You haven't given me your answer, Freya."
I stiffened. Paxton and Lyra were walking toward us, her arm linked through his. They'd witnessed Lucas's display—and from Lyra's smug expression, she was pleased by the comparison.
Paxton's face remained impassive, but I caught the flash of gold in his eyes as they surveyed the flowers. His lips curved into a cold, dismissive smile before he steered Lyra toward the underground parking.
"Freya," Lucas said, his voice dropping lower, "where shall we transform during the full moon?"
"Morgan," Paxton's voice cut through the air, cold and sharp. "Aren't you busy with territory disputes these days?"
Lucas smiled easily, deliberately running his fingers along my arm in a possessive gesture. "Of course I'm busy—I'm a man with a thousand commitments. But for the woman I desire, I'll always make time, no matter how hectic things get."
I stood motionless between them, feeling the crackling tension of two Alpha males establishing dominance. Paxton's face darkened, a nearly imperceptible growl rumbling from deep in his throat. Lyra sensed his agitation and clutched his arm tighter, pulling him closer.