Rejecting His Special Mate

The first big case I tackled after transferring back to Shalandra Pack was my mate Jonathan Kingsley's scandal with a she-wolf he'd been chasing.

The case file lay open on my desk, the black-and-white words stinging my eyes like a claw to the heart.

Noticing my daze, my subordinate Ethan Brooks offered some context, his tone kind but cautious.

"Madeline, you just got back, so you might not know the full scoop. This mess involves Jonathan, the richest wolf in Shalandra Pack, and his little she-wolf Tiffany Monroe."

He leaned in, voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "They're the pack's hottest pair, the ultimate old-wolf-young-she-wolf vibe. The age gap? Total spark material."

His grin carried a knowing edge. "Word is, yesterday Tiffany threw a fit because Jonathan wasn't spending enough time with her. She called the enforcers on him-pure mate drama, nothing serious."

I didn't respond, just stood and headed for the mediation den.

The door was cracked open, and there was Jonathan, kneeling beside a couch, one knee bent like he was offering tribute. He used his seven-figure tailored suit jacket to wipe a splash of milk tea off Tiffany's shoes, his movements as careful as if he were handling a sacred relic.

Tiffany dangled her foot, her voice dripping with playful scorn. "Jonathan, are you dense? I called the enforcers on you, and you're *still* this sweet to me?"

Jonathan looked up, his eyes glowing with a devotion I'd never seen. "Little moon, if it makes you happy, I'd give you my life."

The hallway lights flickered above, mirroring the way my heart plummeted into a void.

If he loves playing these games with enforcer calls, then I, his chosen mate, will personally see him dragged into the den.

Clutching the summons, I turned to Ethan. "Take them to the questioning den. Follow protocol."

Ethan hesitated, his face twisting with unease. "Madeline, is that. necessary? You just got back. Jonathan's kind of a big deal in Shalandra Pack-"

"I don't care who he is," I cut him off, my voice icing over. "Filing a false report disrupts pack order. Enforcer dens don't bend the rules for anyone."

Ethan swallowed hard, mumbling a quick "Yes, ma'am," before pushing open the mediation den door.

The room erupted with noise.

Tiffany's voice was sharp with annoyance. "Why are you hauling us in? I already said it was just a prank!"

Jonathan's voice followed, calm but laced with indulgence. "Easy, pup. Just cooperate, and it'll be fine."

Footsteps approached. Tiffany stormed out first, pouting like a spoiled cub. "This is *your* fault! I told you to go shopping with me yesterday, but nooo, you had to run off to some meeting. That's why I called the enforcers!"