Chapter 2
Just as I was about to finish speaking, Mia approached us, her steps slow and deliberate.
"Alpha," she said, her voice soft and fragile, "I'm feeling a bit unwell."
Immediately, Joziah removed his jacket and draped it over her shoulders with a gentleness that made my chest tighten. "Is it the fever again?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.
He glanced at me, a flicker of guilt passing through his eyes. "Luna, don't misunderstand. Mia and I grew up together. I promised her parents I'd watch over her."
I forced a smile and nodded, my hands clasped tightly behind my back. "I understand, Alpha."
To ease the tension, I added, "You're just using another one of your gratitude tokens, right? I’m fine with that."
Joziah hesitated, his lips parting as if to say something, but Mia sniffled, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
"Let's get you to the healer," Joziah said, his tone firm yet gentle. "We can’t let this worsen."
With that, he guided her away, leaving me standing there, watching their retreating figures disappear into the bustling crowd of pack members. The lively atmosphere of the gathering now felt cold and distant.
After the event, I returned to my office and opened the bottom drawer of my desk. Inside lay a wooden box containing the gratitude tokens Joziah had given me over the years. My fingers brushed over the 98th token, memories flooding back, but without hesitation, I tore it into pieces.
Feeling a strange sense of calm, I picked up my phone and dialed Reece, my trusted Gamma and friend.
"Reece," I said, my voice steady, "I need you to draft a rejection agreement for me."
"A rejection?" Reece’s voice sharpened with concern. "Did the Alpha do something? Why the sudden decision?"
"Our mate bond was a mistake from the start," I replied, bitterness creeping into my tone.
Reece didn’t press for details. Instead, she asked, "When do you need it?"
Looking out the window at the sprawling pack territory, I answered firmly, "Within the next couple of days."
Just then, the office door swung open, and Joziah stepped in, a gift bag in hand.
"Who were you talking to?" he asked, his tone casual but his eyes sharp.
I ended the call and replied coolly, "Just discussing a rejection with Reece."
Joziah’s expression faltered as he closed the distance between us. "A rejection? Who’s rejecting whom?"
"I’m just consulting for a friend," I lied smoothly.
Relief washed over his face, and he handed me the gift bag. Over the years, whenever he’d upset me, he’d apologize with gifts, stay late to work alongside me, and bring my favorite pastries, urging me to rest so I wouldn’t overwork myself.
Sometimes, I’d feel a pang of guilt and tell him to take a break.
But Joziah would always say, "Aurora, I can’t stand being apart from you, not even for a moment. I can’t sleep without you beside me."
Seeing the bag labeled "Astra," a warmth spread through me. It was my favorite designer brand, one I rarely indulged in.
I took the bag, a small smile tugging at my lips. "How did you know I—"
But as I opened it, my smile froze. Instead of a gift, it held a stack of documents.
Confused, I looked up at him. "What is this?"
Joziah shifted uncomfortably under my gaze.
"Mia’s illness is serious, and she needs a month’s rest, but her major projects can’t be left unattended," he explained. "Could you wrap them up for her? It’ll silence any rumors about her incompetence within the pack."
He added casually, "If needed, I’ll use another token. There are plenty left, so don’t be too picky."
A sharp pain pierced my heart.
I wanted to tell him.
Joziah, after this, there’s only one gratitude token left.
But instead, I closed the folder quietly.
I had once given him everything, committed fully to every task. Now, I was just a convenient tool, fulfilling Mia’s duties for free.
Looking back, I realized how blind I’d been.
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