Chapter 1

Three days before my Moonbinding Ceremony, I was ambushed by a group of rogue werewolves. They left me with a shattered spine, my wolf’s essence barely clinging to life.

Ethan Sterling, my intended mate and Alpha of the Mooncliff Pack, swiftly had the rogues captured and imprisoned in the pack’s underground cells. But as I lay in the pack’s healing den, my body broken and my wolf spirit dimming, I overheard a conversation I was never meant to hear.

In my semi–conscious state, Ethan’s voice carried from beyond the sacred healing circle, speaking with Elder Mitchell, our pack’s master healer.

“Alpha Sterling, we must perform the ancient healing rite now. Any longer, and Sarah’s wolf will be permanently crippled! I know you desire Alexandra as your mate, but to deliberately let a packmate

suffer”

“Let her remain broken,” Ethan’s voice held no trace of the warmth I once knew. “The pack will provide for her, but if she heals, she’ll challenge the Moonbinding. I promised Alexandra her pup would be acknowledged as the next Alpha heir. A crippled wolf can’t contest pack law or interfere

with the succession.”

“Better she stays weakened,” he continued coldly. “She won’t be able to challenge Alexandra’s claim or threaten the pup’s birthright.”

From my position on the ritual stone, a single tear traced down my cheek, mixing with the sacred healing herbs. The Moonbinding I’d dreamed of–the eternal bond I thought we shared–was nothing but a power play in pack politics. Our supposed mate–bond was meant to be my undoing.

So be it. He wanted a broken wolf? I’d give him one.

But he forgot something crucial–sometimes, the most dangerous wolves are the ones you’ve left for

dead.

Ethan’s voice hardened.

can never know.”

pup from the Moon Orphanage. Without the ability to bear

have no choice but

from his brow, the weight of guilt visible in his

the Moon Mother, think this

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Life Without My

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Chapras!

Have you forgotten how the Elders will view this? And Alexandra’s pup is already three winters

lips with a damp cloth, his touch deceptively gentle.

she’ll be bound to pack lands, unable to venture beyond

borders”

ceremony. Promised she’d watch our pup grow strong within the pack. Even

peace of mind.”

healing chamber as

your childhood packmate. Yet you choose to protect that…” he trailed off. “So be it. If you’re determined to walk this dark path,

Leave no trace. Do it while she’s still unconscious–I don’t

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