Chapter 70: The Mate Bond Refused
Chapter 70: The Mate Bond Refused
(Elena’s POV)
After watching the excitement, the onlookers gradually dispersed, and the courtyard returned to its former desolation. The neighbors‘ curious voices faded into the distance, leaving only the three of us standing in the
uncomfortable silence.
I freed myself from Marcus’s grasp with a sharp jerk, my skin still burning where his fingers had touched me. I walked quickly to Patricia’s side, my voice cold and unwavering.
“You’re not welcome here, Marcus.
Marcus stared at the warmth remaining on his fingertips, his golden eyes following my movement. His jaw
tightened as he processed my rejection.
“I can leave,” he said slowly, his voice carrying that familiar dangerous edge. “But Nathan has to leave too.”
I whirled around to face him, my anger flaring like wildfire. “Nathan is a guest of the Blackthorne Pack. You have no right to interfere with his stay”
Marcus’s gaze intensified, boring into me with uncomfortable intensity. The air between us crackled with
tension.
Patricia stepped forward, shielding me with her body. Her voice trembled slightly, but her resolve was clear.
“Nathan helped with Richard’s funeral arrangements. I invited him to dinner to repay his kindness.” She lifted her chin, meeting Marcus’s stare. “Please don’t make things difficult for the Blackthorne Pack.”
Something shifted in Marcus’s expression. The harsh lines around his eyes softened marginally, and for a
moment, he looked almost human.
Tm sorry about Richard’s death,” he said quietly/his voice losing its commanding tone. “I promise to
investigate what happened.”
Patricia’s response was swift and cutting. Your promises mean nothing to us now.”
She turned her back on him, taking my arm. “Come, Elena. Let’s go inside.”
I followed Patricia toward the house, deliberately avoiding Marcus’s gaze. My heart hammered against my
ribs, but I refused to look back.
(God’s POV)
Nathan passed by Marcus, his lips curving into a provocative smile. The expression was subtle but
unmistakably challenging.
Marcus’s gaze turned cold, his golden eyes tracking Nathan’s movement like a predator watching prey. The
temperature in the courtyard seemed to drop several degrees.
(Elena’s POV)
Inside the Blackthorne Family Kitchen, Patricia moved around with nervous energy, preparing lunch with
shaking hands. I helped her wash vegetables, the mundane task providing a welcome distraction.
Chapter 70. The Mate Bin-
“Elena,” Patricia said suddenly, her voice tight with worry. Im concerned about David’s safety. With him under Marcus’s care…”
She paused, setting down a knife with trembling fingers. “Maybe we should transfer him to another hospital. The power of the Blackwood family frightens me.”
I reached out and covered her hand with mine. “Mom, I’ve already considered David’s situation. I have a plan.”
Patricia’s eyes searched my face, looking for reassurance. “What kind of plan?”
“Trust me,” I said softly. “I won’t let anything happen to David.”
Patricia prepared a lavish lunch despite her emotional state. The table groaned under the weight of venison stew, roasted vegetables, and fresh bread.
Nathan’s compliments brought the first genuine smile to Patricia’s face since Richard’s death. “Aunt, this is incredible. I haven’t had a home–cooked meal this good in years.”
Patricia beamed, heaping more food onto his plate. “Eat more, you’re too thin. A young Alpha needs proper
nutrition.”
“Thank you for your hospitality,” Nathan said warmly. “This means more to me than you know.”
After lunch, I walked Nathan out to the Blackthorne Family Courtyard. The afternoon sun cast long shadows
across the worn stones.
Nathan stopped beside his car, turning to face me. “Elena, why are you so reserved with me lately?”
I looked down at my hands, guilt weighing heavily on my chest. “I’m sorry for involving you in my and Marcus’s… situation. Our mate bond was supposed to be secret.”
Nathan’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Does that mean I have a chance with you now?”
Heat flooded my cheeks. “Nathan…
He raised his hand as if to touch my face, then stopped himself. His fingers hovered inches from my skin.
“You’re good, Elena,” he said softly. “Marcus is blind not to see it.”
As Nathan drove away, I was about to return inside when my phone rang. Director Henry Baker’s name appeared on the screen.
“Elena,” his voice was excited. “Your suspension has been lifted. Your report about William Cross was
successful.”
1 frowned, confused. “What do you mean?”
“William’s bribery amounted to millions,” Director Baker explained. “The investigation revealed corruption far beyond what we initially suspected.”
My breath caught. “Millions?”
“William won’t be returning to the institute. I’m offering you his position.” Director Baker paused. “I know you applied for a transfer to Riverstone Medical Center, but would you consider staying temporarily?”
I thought about the institute that had raised me, the place where I’d learned to heal. TII take the position. I want to make more contributions to the hospital that trained me.”
The next day, I returned to the Northern Territory Central Healing Institute. The familiar corridors felt different
somehow, charged with new possibilities.
Nurses clustered near the reception desk, their voices carrying down the hallway: “Did you hear? Elena’s been reinstated and promoted.”
“She’s taking over William’s position. Can you believe it?”
Sophia Rivers appeared at the edge of the group, her smile forced and brittle. She turned to look toward my office, her eyes burning with barely concealed hatred.
Inside Elena’s Healing Chamber, I surveyed the empty desk that had remained untouched during my suspension. Dust motes danced in the afternoon light as I opened the curtains.
My reflection stared back at me from the glass, and for a moment, I saw a flash of coldness in my own eyes
The woman looking back at me was harder than before, tempered by loss and betrayal.
Movement in the parking area below caught my attention. Marcus’s distinctive Rolls–Royce sat in the
shadows, and I watched as Sophia approached the vehicle.
Marcus stepped out of the car, his tall frame unmistakable even from this distance. I turned away from the window, dismissing them both from my thoughts.
(Sophia’s POV)
“Elena is very capable,” Marcus said, his voice neutral as he watched the institute building.
I forced my expression to remain calm, though my heart raced with anxiety. “Marcus, are you worried that
Elena still hates me?”
His golden eyes met mine, and I saw something cold and final in their depths. “Elena has every reason to
hate you. You caused her father’s death.”
Panic flooded through me like ice water. “I didn’t know Richard had a real heart attack! I thought he was faking it!”
“After Oliver is discharged from the hospital, III send him to the Blackwood Private Healing Sanctuary for
treatment,” Marcus continued, ignoring my protests. “I won’t interfere in your affairs anymore.”
The words hit me like physical blows. Marcus’s attitude had completely changed because of Richard’s death.
Elena’s return to the hospital was his doing.
My hatred for Elena intensified, burning in my chest like acid. She had taken everything from me.
(Elena’s POV)
Marcus appeared outside my office door, his presence filling the doorway. I didn’t look up from the papers on my desk.
“I only have time to discuss severing our mate bond,” I said coldly.
Marcus stepped into the room, his/expression grave. “Sever the mate bond? When did I say I wanted to sever
our bond?”
I finally raised my eyes to meet his. “Didn’t you see the separation agreement I sent to your company yesterday?”
His voice was firm, unyielding. “I do not agree to severing our mate bond.”
