Chapter 3 A Desperate Attempt

• Yvonne's POV:
• Bryan doesn't love me. He didn't love me three years ago, and he doesn't love me now. The harsh truth I'd been avoiding was now staring me in the face.
• In the news, Bryan and Whitney stood surrounded by pack members, who all addressed Whitney as "Luna " with utmost respect.
• They asked Bryan when he and Whitney would hold their mating ceremony.
• Whitney smiled shyly, gazing at Bryan with adoration. "You'll have to ask Bryan, " she said softly.
• Bryan pulled her closer. Though he didn't answer the pack directly, he made it clear that Whitney would be the only Luna of the Shadow Pack.
• Bound by Selene's decree, a werewolf could only have one mate.
• Even if a werewolf was forced into a bond with someone they didn't love, they must break that bond before they could be mated to the one they truly cared for.
• But I still held the position of Bryan's mate. As long as I didn't agree to break the bond, Bryan couldn't officially be with Whitney.
• The elders of the Lockwoods had been waiting for me to step aside, to make way for Whitney.
• And Bryan himself, in front of the whole pack, had promised that Whitney would be their Luna.
• My existence had become a thorn in everyone's side.
• Should I accept my fate?
• It seemed I had no other choice.
• For three years, I've given everything, but Bryan never once looked at me with anything but coldness.
• To him, all my efforts, all my care, were nothing but a burden.
• If I kept holding on, it would only make him hate me more.
• So why not let go? At least I could salvage a shred of dignity.
• I sat quietly at the table, staring at the screen, watching the loving images of Bryan and Whitney.
• Each passing minute felt like an eternity.
• No one knew how excruciating this hour was for me.
• In the end, I made a decision that, for the rest of my life, I would be proud of—I would step aside and let Bryan be with Whitney.
• I closed my eyes and reached out to Bryan through our mate bond.
• "Bryan, come home immediately. I need to talk to you. It's important. "
• ...
• Half an hour later, Bryan appeared before me, his expression cold as ever. He tugged impatiently at his tie. "Yvonne, don't you know I'm busy? Why are you using the mate bond to drag me back here? "
• Mated werewolves shared a special bond.
• When one calls, the other must respond, even if unwillingly.
• It was a privilege bestowed by Selene.
• I met his icy blue gaze and spoke calmly. "Do you know what today is? It's our third wedding anniversary. "
• "So what? Do you really expect me to celebrate this disgusting anniversary with you? "
• My heart clenched again. "Disgusting? So this anniversary disgusts you ... "
• His face showed nothing but disdain. "Yvonne, don't tell me you've forgotten why I married you in the first place! "
• I suppressed the ache that threatened to surface, masking it with a practiced smile. Picking up the wine glass from the table, I approached him with measured steps. "Whatever the reason, being your mate is enough for me. Let's share this drink. Who knows, this could be our last anniversary together. "
• Bryan sneered, as though my words were some kind of jest. "You think you'll be the one to end it? "
• I extended the glass to him, my gaze unwavering. "Maybe if fortune smiles on you, I might just grant your wish. "
• He snatched the glass from my hand, his expression a mix of annoyance and indifference, and drained the wine in one swift motion. "Satisfied? I don't have time for your petty theatrics. "
• I took the empty glass from him, maintaining the same serene smile, the one I'd worn for years as his dutiful mate. "You must be exhausted after the day you've had. I've prepared a bath for you. You should take some time to relax. "
• He frowned, impatience etched into his features. "Is this really why you dragged me back here? "
• I met his gaze steadily. "You'll understand soon enough. "
• He hesitated, studying me as if searching for something beneath the surface, then dismissed me with a wave, turning to leave. "This is a waste of time! And don't think of using the mate bond again, unless you want to find yourself dead. "
• "You're not going anywhere, " I said, my voice steady.
• His steps faltered, and he froze mid-stride.
• A flush spread across his chiseled features, and his breath came in sharp, ragged bursts. He turned to face me, fury blazing in his eyes. "What did you put in the wine, Yvonne? "