Reborn,My scum ex-mate died from saving me

Reincarnated, I lift the receiver, dialing first the r bond registry to cancel our union.

Next, the r maternity infirmary for a termination.

The final call goes to Jason Draycott, my father's old pack-brother.

"Is Robert still unbonded?"

I ask, voice trembling yet firm.

"I'm breaking my bond, Mr. Draycott. I wish to join Robert in the healers' brigade."

"I know his left eye sees less than half-moonlight. He'd never have been wounded if not for saving me. He needs a guardian in foreign packs."

"No, this isn't repayment. Believe me-I know my path. Tell Robert. give me one moon cycle."

Hanging up, I feel nothing.

Last life's miseries aren't worth a single howl.

Downstairs, the door creaks.

Silas returns, carrying Bella Calloway, who collapsed at a school ritual.

I stand on the stairs, face blank as he orders Amy to ready the south-facing guest room.

"Bella has asthma," he murmurs, gently lowering her.

Her wide eyes beneath his cloak stir his protectiveness-just as they did when she "accidentally" broke her leg last life, prompting Silas to demand my blood as repayment.

I turn to pack, ignoring his wrath.

"What's your issue now?" he snarls.

"I thought pregnancy hormones caused your moods. I gave you the master-room so you wouldn't strain the pup. I slept the guest room for you"

Lies.

He slept in the guest room to soothe Bella's night terrors. "I'm only thinking of Bella's recovery," I reply, voice dripping with scorn.

He explodes: "Bella is Uncle 's last heir! I won't abandon her. Bear it or leave-your choice!"

Bella appears in the doorway, eyes red.

"I'm sorry. I'll go."

She turns, "stumbles," and tumbles down the stairs.

Silas catches her, and I recall last life's "accident":

Bella's fall shattered a moonstone perch, her forehead splitting on the jagged base.

Silas crushed the perch with his vehicle, then banished my seven-year-old familiar, citing Bella's "allergy."

Now, Bella clutches her brow, fake blood trickling.

"Silas. my head aches,will it scar?"

His gaze snaps to the empty corner where the perch once stood.

Arms limp, I watch the guest room unfold.

Bella Calloway's hand flies to her forehead, then to the empty floor where the moonstone perch stood moments ago.

Miad Amy bursts in from the yard, shears and binding tape in hand.

"What's happened to Miss Bella? I was packing the perch when-"

Bella yanks a hair over her forehead.

"I'm fine, truly." As she pulls free of Silas, a crimson prop-blood packet slips from her sleeve.

Silas stares. "Bella, what's this?"

She leaps back like a spooked hare.

"It's from my troupe! For King Lear-when the daughter is stabbed. I thought I'd lost it."

My mind replays last life: Silas smashing the perch, banishing my familiar Moon. He blamed me, never asking my pain.

This time, after the farce, Silas sends Bella to the guest room.

I turn to my trunk, unfazed.

He clears his throat behind me.

"That was a true accident. Lucky we avoided healers' fees-"