Chapter 3
I’d planned this, imagining it would be my last night under the roof I once called home. Then a familiar buzzing pulled me from my reverie–a message from Mark, my mentor.
His words were laced with encouragement and recognition. “This project is perfect for you. You worked in medical rescue during the werewolf wars, so you have experience handling
emergencies calmly. I know about your history with Ethan, and he doesn’t like you involved in these things. But this is a great opportunity. We truly hope you’ll consider it.”
The weight of his message hung in the air, I didn’t hesitate. I typed, “I’m in.”
Mark’s reply was instantaneous–a call. I could practically feel his energy through the line.
“It’s fantastic to have you on board,” he said, voice brimming with excitement. “Our team really needs you, Claire. If you do well, you’ll be making a big impact on the entire werewolf
community.”
“Thank you, Mark,” I replied, a rare confidence seeping into my voice. “I’ll handle things
with Ethan.”
Mark was the head of the Halix Club–a public health organization, mostly composed of
rogue wolves. They had a unique approach, often providing aid in the shadows where packs wouldn’t.
They were my way out, my first step into a world I controlled. As we ended the call, he sent a stack of files that arrived immediately, one after another, each document a testament to how far the Halix Club had come.
But as I began reading, the updates knocked the air out of me. While I’d spent years. bending myself to fit into Ethan’s life, catering to his needs and desires, the world had4
changed.
Halix had changed. And I hadn’t noticed.
The unspoken resentment I’d buried came rising up.
But no more.
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Forsaken Mate: Alphia’s Second Chance at Love
Chapter 3
This time, I was moving forward. I would spend my remaining time here, not in servitude, but strengthening myself, sharpening my skills, ensuring my readiness for Halix’s mission.
And Ethan?
He didn’t need to know. We weren’t mates anymore.
Moments later, a loud, persistent knock sounded on the guest room door.
“Claire, I know you’re there.” His voice was firm, a tone I knew too well–one he used when
he didn’t plan on taking no for an answer.
I forced myself up, every step reminding me of the injury I’d fought through. The sharp pain in my leg shot through me as I limped over to the door, steadying myself before opening it.
Ethan’s face was a mask of anger, but his expression shifted the second he saw me, his gaze falling to my injured leg. The hint of guilt was there, barely perceptible, but enough.
“When did you get back? Why didn’t you wait for me to pick you up?” His voice softened slightly, but his grip on my arm was demanding, as if he could still control my every move.
I met his gaze without flinching. “I didn’t feel right bothering you to pick me up.” My words were cold, distant. I glanced at my phone, feigning indifference.
His hand tightened around my wrist, his brow furrowing in shock as he saw my packed
suitcases. “You’re leaving the Nightwish Pack?”
“We’re not mates anymore, Ethan. I’m not part of your pack,” I replied, voice as calm às the
storm churning inside me. “Keep this up, and I’ll report you for harassment.” I held his gaze,
10 let him see the nausea rising in my gut. The touch that once felt like everything
now felt like poison.
His grip fell away as if burned. He looked at me, hurt glinting in his eyes. “Do you know
how worried I was?”
I sighed. “But I made it back myself, didn’t I? I can’t just wait around for you forever.”
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Torsaken Mate: Alpha’s Second Chance at Love
The disappointment etched across his face was almost amusing. He was used to control, not compromise, to me bending without a second thought.
He cleared his throat, his voice softer. “How’s your leg?”
“Thanks to the rescue chopper, I didn’t need amputation,” I replied with a faint smile, a bitterness I couldn’t fully conceal.
He flinched, and I almost felt a twinge of pity. Almost.
“Claire, it was an emergency. Vanessa has a heart condition, so I took her first. If I’d known how badly you were hurt, I would never have left you like that…”
I interrupted him, my voice hollow. “Understood. Anything else?”
He looked at me, taken aback. His mouth opened, but words failed him.
He took a step closer, trying to explain himself further. “I know you’re angry, but she does
have a genetic condition, Claire. Could you stop being so negative?”
I laughed, a short, cold sound. “I’m not being negative. I’m a doctor, Ethan. I’m fully aware of her condition. That’s why I don’t blame you. I completely understand.”
He seemed to deflate slightly, but his stubbornness lingered, his hand reaching out as if to console me, as if he had the right.
“Ethan,” I said, cutting him off, “If you want to be with her, just be with her.”
I held his gaze, his face a mix of anger and resignation. I dismissed him with a tilt of my
head toward the door, a silent command to leave.
“I’m not used to having someone around anymore, Ethan. It’s inconvenient. So for now, I’m
staying in the guest room.”
I ignored the flash of anger that twisted his features, my heart as unmoved as the words on my lips. I turned my back on him, forcing the door shut with a soft but final click.
For a moment, he lingered outside. I could hear him muttering, a low, bitter string of words
Torsaken Mate: Alpha’s Second Chance at Love
Chapter 3
I couldn’t fully make out. But I knew what he was saying, what he was feeling.
He’d never been told no, never been forced to accept rejection. For him, this was uncharted
territory.
A deep, unexpected calm settled over me, a newfound sense of freedom. I didn’t need him. I didn’t need his approval, his excuses, or his love. I was done waiting for him to see my
worth.
