Chapter 4: Shattered Bonds
Chapter 4: Shattered Bonds
(Elena’s POV)
I checked on the injured worker from yesterday’s emergency healing session. His vital signs were stable, and the skull reconstruction had healed perfectly.
The Patient’s Mother rushed toward me as I entered the ward. She nearly dropped to her knees in gratitude.
“Please, don’t,” I said quickly, catching her arm. “Saving lives is our duty as healers.”
Tears streamed down her weathered face. “You saved my son when no one else could. How can I ever repay
you?”
“Your son’s recovery is payment enough,” I replied gently. “Just follow the care instructions I’ll give you”
The elderly she wolf nodded eagerly as I explained the recovery process. Her son would need rest and regular check–ups, but he would make a full recovery
I left the ward feeling the familiar satisfaction of a life saved. In my years as chief healer, these moments still
made everything worthwhile.
Back in my office, my phone rang. Richard Blackthorne’s name appeared on the screen
I hesitated before answering “Father.”
“Elena, you need to return home this afternoon. Bring Marcus with you.”
His tone was tense, almost desperate. Something was wrong.
“What’s happened?” I asked directly
“Do we need a reason to see our daughter and her mate? Just come this afternoon. Both of you.”
The line went dead before I could respond. I stared at my phone, unease settling in my stomach,
(Marcus’s POV)
I was reviewing quarterly reports when my phone buzzed with a text from Sophia.
“Marcus, Oliver has already arrived at Crescent Ridge Academy, thank you. If it weren’t for you, he wouldn’t be
able to attend school.”
I typed back simply: “It’s nothing.”
My thumb hovered over Elena’s contact. Her last message was from weeks ago, asking if I’d be home that
weekend. I never replied
e now.
Since then, silence. She was truly maintaining her distance
Logan stirred restlessly within me, but I pushed the feeling aside.
(Elena’s POV)
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I stood outside the Blackthorne family resided using
territory.
esitating before entering my childhood
Chapter 4 Shattered Brests
Patricia greeted me with a bright smile, then looked expectantly behind me. Her face fell when she realized I
was alone.
“Where’s Marcus?” she asked, disappointment clear in her voice.
1 came alone,” I said simply.
Richard appeared at the top of the stairs, his expression darkening. “Why couldn’t you bring your mate for a
simple family visit?”
His accusation cut deep. “You can’t even get your mate to come for a meal. What kind of Luna are you?
I felt my heart sink. No one understood my situation, not even my own family. He didn’t ask why Marcus wasn’t here – he only blamed me.
This had been the pattern for six years since our mating ceremony. When Marcus first marked me, my parents were overjoyed. But their joy wasn’t for my happiness – it was for the prestige.
The Blackthorne family was respectable compared to ordinary pack members, but nothing compared to the ancient Blackwood lineage. At first, I thought they genuinely wanted my happiness.
But after the mating, the pressure began. They wanted me to use my position to secure favors from Marcus. First for David’s territory expansion, then to cover Richard’s failed business ventures.
Marcus always felt that I was mating with him for money and profit, and it wasn’t entirely without reason.
In their eyes, David was more important. I was merely a valuable connection to the most powerful Alpha in
the Northern Territory.
I snapped back to reality and spoke calmly. “I’m severing my mate bond with Marcus.”
Richard’s face turned ashen with rage. His hand struck my cheek with shocking force.
The slap was so sudden I didn’t react. Cora snarled in outrage within me.
Patricia gasped in shock at her mate’s violence.
“You cannot sever your bond with the Alpha!” Richard pointed at me accusingly. “Not everyone gets the chance to be marked by the Blackwood lineage. You’re ungrateful!”
I laughed bitterly, my eyes reddening with unshed tears. It was all because I had saved Marcus’s life when we were young. The Blackwood family owed me a debt that led to our arranged mating.
“Why do you only care about David’s welfare?‘ I demanded. “You only want me to leverage my position for money and favors. Everything David does is important to you. Everything I accomplish as a healer means
nothing.”
Richard avoided my piercing gaze, speechless.
“As the elder sibling, it’s your duty to support your brother’s advancement,” he insisted. “Raising David is your responsibility as his parent, not mine as his sister,” I shot back.
Richard raised his hand again, fury blazing in his eyes. I offered my face defiantly.
“Go ahead. Hit me again.”
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He was furious but didn’t dare strike me a second time.
Chapter 4 Shattered Bands
Patricia pulled him away and tried to reason with me. “Elena, David is in serious trouble. He’s being held at the Territorial Enforcement Station. We need Marcus to use his authority to secure his release.
My heart sank. They still only cared about David’s predicament. They showed no concern for my emotional suffering.
“I can’t help you,” I said firmly.
“David is your brother,” Patricia reminded me. “Family loyalty should compel you to act.”
I couldn’t bear the emotional manipulation any longer. The truth burst from my lips like a dam breaking.
“Marcus is having an affair with Sophial He’s accepted her son Oliver into the Blackwood lineage, effectively. replacing my position in his heart and the pack hierarchy!”
My voice cracked with pain. “How can you expect me to ask for his help when I’m about to be cast aside as his Luna?”
Richard and Patricia stared at me in stunned silence.
Before they could recover or respond, I stormed out of the family residence. My wolf’s dignity was wounded but intact.
(Marcus’s POV)
Evening approached as I finished work at the Blackwood Consortium. I drove to the Northern Territory Central Healing Institute.
Passing Elena’s office, I paused outside her door. I told myself I was only there to question whether she had complained to Margaret about Sophia’s return.
That was the only reason. Nothing more.
Nurse Rachel approached. “Alpha, are you looking for Healer Elena?”
“I have some pack matters to discuss with my mate,” I replied.
“She already left for the day,” Rachel informed me, “Which is unusual for her.”
I frowned. Elena never left early. She was dedicated to staying late, ensuring all patients received proper care.
Sophia appeared with a warm smile. “Is your business meeting over?”
I nodded acknowledgment.
She glanced at Elena’s closed office door and took my arm possessively. “Were you here to see Elena? My
office is located elsewhere in the building.”
I
Rachel looked awkward, perhaps wondering who actually I was here to see, Sophia or Elena?
I didn’t explain or correct the misunderstanding. I pulled my arm away from Sophia’s grasp.
“Are you still working late?” I asked.
Sophia moved closer again, appearing like an affectionate couple to observers. “Would you accompar me to pick up Oliver from Crescent Ridge Academy later?
I was about to respond when my phone rang. Elena’s name appeared on the display.
Logan perked up with unexpected interest. I subtly smiled before walking aside to answer privately.
Chapter & Shattered Bonds
“Thought it over? Ready to apologize for this morning?” I asked, smugness creeping into my voice assumed she was calling to make amends for the incident with Oliver at Moonhaven Estate.
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