When My Mate Chose My Brother

I was slowly dying from Silverthorn Wolfsbane, and there was only one cure—the Miracle Elixir. But my mate, Leah Ashford, bought it and gave it to my adoptive brother,Jason Smith. She did it because she thought I was faking my illness.

I gave up on the treatment and swallowed a potent painkiller instead. It would kill me in three days by shutting down my organs.

In those three days, I gave up everything. I handed over the fur manufacturing business I built from the ground up to Jason, and my parents praised me for caring about my brother.

I offered to sever our mate bond, and Leah praised me for finally being sensible.

When I told my son he could call Jason "dad", he happily said that his new dad was the best!

I transferred all my savings to Jason, and no one seemed to notice anything out of the ordinary. They were just pleased with my "better behavior".

"Victor is finally not so bad."

I wondered—would they regret it after I was gone?

Victor Smith's POV

The doctor looked at me with pity as I swallowed a heavy dose of painkillers.

Three days left to live. That was what they had told me.

I took the elevator up to the VIP floor. My dad, Charles Smith, was slicing fruit for Jason. Meanwhile, my mom, Willa Carter, was curled up beside her, watching a movie.

The moment I opened the door, the happy chatter stopped.

"Didn't you say you were on your deathbed this morning? What now? No one believed your lie, so you came back to pick on Jason again?

"Victor, from this moment on, your father and I aren't leaving Jason's side. You won't get another chance to hurt he," Mom said coldly, stepping in front of the bed to block me.

"We're the Smith family—nobles of Moonfall Pack. We have standards, and we're respected. But you? You've always been hot-tempered and jealous. You even faked being sick just to steal the Miracle Elixir meant for Jason!"

Dad stood beside Mom, just as defensive, like a hen guarding their chick.

And behind them, Jason looked at me with a smug, provoking smile.

I smiled bitterly. I had heard this before. Every time, I would shout back. I would tell them I never touched Jason and try to prove how fake he really was.

But all I got in return was my parents' distrust and disgust.

More distance. Less love.

And now?

I was dying.

There was no point in explaining anything anymore.

"Anyway, it's good that you're here. Saves me the trouble of calling you. I have something to say," Dad said with a cold expression.

"I actually have something to say too," I said, trying to keep my tone light. "Jason's always wanted my fur business, right? Well, I've been thinking. Since we're family. I'll give it to her."

The cold expression on my parents' faces cracked momentarily. They exchanged glances then looked at me.

"You're serious?"