Bond Yet Untouched, My Mate Regretted His Affair

nd, staring at the ceiling. Sleep was a lost cause. I dragged myself up, grabbed my charg

r and a half until takeoff, I glanced around the apartment I'd barely spent four hours in. From my backpack, I pulled out a small, elegant box. Inside was an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak wat

to you. Goodbye forever. I placed it beside the watch, slung my now-lighter

to spare. Unlike my frantic arrival, I was calm now-checking in, boarding, all with steady

years. I know Brittany's the one you love. I saw her message. I know you're staying in Elthenia for her, and that your phone's wallpaper is h

had kidney stone surgery, I was alone. When a student's parent gave me grief, I was alone. When my car got a flat tire in the m

louds, then slid off the ring I'd wo

rnis. I turned on my phone to find one message

e airport, I tossed th

'd cooked a feast, knowing I was returning from Elthenia. Franklin took my bag, while

ranklin, Linda, I want to

a clutched my hand tighte

to settle in Elthenia. Franklin and Linda were livid. They urged me to eat, then retreated to their ro

iabetes flared up, she was the one running to get his meds, taking him to checkups, cooking separate meals for him. When I broke my leg last year, she bathed me, changed my

chased her to Elthenia, only to find she'd bound with someone else. Now you're ready to settle there for her again? Have yo

aught a flight back. He ar

knew he didn't love me. Holding my hand, their eyes brimmed with guilt. "Lauren, we've held you back for six years," Franklin said. "We can't keep

Christopher. "

irst, voice low. "Brittany's ex-mate was a drunk, abusive wolf. I stayed in Elthenia to keep h

ss over nothing. But it's the thousand little things that kill

. If you ever felt even a spark for me,

rom his car nearby, Brittany's voice

ace. Christopher rushed to explain. "Her ex got bailed out yesterday and attac

k at him, and it all clicked. "N

g. At the family court window, Christopher leaned in, his tone

y so calmly. Seven years of loving him, and I could

clean. He paused, then signed too