Bond Yet Untouched, My Mate Regretted His Affair

For six years, I've been bound to Christopher Hale, my mate, but we've never shared the kind of closeness most mates do. Not once. He's the youngest senior healer at the pack's medical institute, a wolf with a pristine reputation and a severe aversion to touch. "I don't like physical contact," he told me once, his voice as cold as the steel instruments he wields.

But on our fifth anniversary, I flew half around the globe to surprise him, exhaustion clinging to me like damp fur. I stood outside the Ilmaris Town Medical Institute, clutching a bouquet of roses, only to see him kneeling before another she-wolf, gently slipping off her soaked shoes and socks. "How are you still such a pup, not taking care of yourself?" he said, his tone soft, almost playful.

Rain poured down, drenching me until I looked like a half-drowned stray. In the distance, the she-wolf wore a tailored suit, her face tilted toward Christopher as they laughed together. I'd never seen him like this-his sharp edges softened, his eyes warm and unguarded. He watched her every word, never looking away.

Seven years ago, I rear-ended his car by accident. The moment he stepped out, tall and composed, I was smitten. Christopher, the pack's top surgeon, was all stoic reserve, while I've always been the outgoing one, relentless in my pursuit. It took a full year of my stubborn charm to win him over, to form our sacred bond. Only then did I realize how deep his aversion to touch ran-it was practically a sickness.

In six years, we've only touched once. I kissed his lips, a bold move on my part. His reaction? He bolted to the bathroom and retched, like I'd poisoned him. He later swore it was just a reflex, not about me, but the sting lingered for months.

This trip was my last attempt to bridge the gap between us. We've been living apart for a year, ever since he was sent to Elthenia to lead a pack-wide medical project. As his mate, I've sent him messages, but they mostly go unanswered. He only responds when I mention his parents, and even then, it's curt: "Thanks for the update. I'll send this month's funds."

I planned to surprise him today, to rekindle our bond. Instead, I found him with her.

I don't know how long I stood there, frozen in the rain, before he noticed me. His smile faded slightly, and he murmured something soft to the she-wolf before walking toward me, umbrella in hand. "What are you doing here?" he asked, his tone edged with irritation, like I was an unwelcome intruder.

I forced a smile, holding out the roses. "Happy anniversary."

Before he could take them, her voice cut through the rain. "Chris, the meeting's starting."

His expression stayed flat. "Come with me," he said, turning away.

I hesitated, then followed, my paws heavy. The she-wolf fell into step beside him, their shoulders brushing as they walked ahead of