Chapter 62: Unraveling Bonds and Unseen Jealousy
Chapter 62: Unraveling Bonds and Unseen Jealousy
(Elena’s POV)
After a moment, I came back to my senses, my voice dry. “It’s been too long since Ive made lunar healing broth, I’m out of practice.”
The words felt hollow even as I spoke them. Marcus sat there, still holding his untouched glass of moonpetal wine, his golden eyes fixed on me with an intensity that made my skin prickle.
Marcus countered my excuse, stating bluntly, “It’s not that you’re out of practice.”
He declared, “It’s that you don’t want to make it anymore.”
I looked at him with confusion, taken aback by his unusual display of despondency. In our six years together, I had never witnessed such a side of him. The powerful Alpha Marcus Blackwood, showing vulnerability? It seemed impossible.
His shoulders sagged slightly, and there was something almost defeated in his posture. This wasn’t the commanding presence I knew.
Despite my surprise, I maintained my composure and saw an opportunity. “I’ll make you the lunar healing. broth.”
Marcus’s eyes flickered with interest.
“But I want something in exchange.” I continued firmly. “Promise me you’ll cease all interference in David’s affairs.”
Marcus gazed at me with a hint of blurry amusement, his lips curving into a sardonic smile. “Is that your only request?”
I nodded without hesitation. “That’s all I want.”
“Fine,” he agreed, his voice carrying that familiar note of authority even in his weakened state.
Determined to hold him accountable, I quickly pulled out my phone and started recording. “Say it again. For the record.”
Marcus chuckled softly, but repeated his promise clearly into the phone. “I, Marcus Blackwood, agree to cease all interference in David Blackthorne’s affairs.”
I stopped the recording and saved it immediately. This was too important to leave to chance.
As I headed to the Moonhaven Kitchen, I could feel Marcus watching me, lost in thought. His phone buzzed on the bar counter, and I caught a glimpse of Sophia’s name on the screen.
He ignored the message completely.
In the kitchen, I prepared the lunar healing broth with practiced efficiency. The familiar motions brought back memories of countless nights fd done this same task, waiting for him to return from pack business or social gatherings
The irony wasn’t lost on me. Here I was, making his favorite remedy one last time before our bond would be
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severed forever.
Once the restorative lunar broth was ready, I brought it to him on a silver tray. The rich aroma filled the air between us.
“It’s ready,” I announced, setting the bowl before him.
Marcus looked up at me, something unreadable in his expression. “Thank you.”
I turned to leave, but paused at the doorway. “I’ll be sleeping in the Shadow Wing Guest Suite tonight. The Alpha’s Private Chamber is yours”
The words came out more formal than I intended, but it felt necessary to establish these boundaries.
Marcus stopped me before I could leave. “Elena.”
I turned back, waiting.
“We need to return to the Blackwood Ancestral Manor tomorrow,” he reminded me, his voice carrying its usual authority despite his earlier vulnerability.
I acknowledged his reminder with a simple nod. “I understand?
Without another word, I went to the guest suite, leaving him alone with his broth and his thoughts.
The following morning, Marcus and I had breakfast together in tense silence. The events of the previous night hung between us like an invisible wall.
We drove to the Blackwood Ancestral Manor in his vehicle, neither of us speaking during the journey. The familiar estate grounds came into view, and I felt the weight of what was to come.
Grace Burton greeted us at the entrance, her warm smile a stark contrast to the tension radiating from both Marcus and me.
“Welcome back,” she said, leading us toward the Great Hall.
We entered to find Margaret Blackwood and Alexander Blackwood already present. Their stern expression told me this wouldn’t be a pleasant conversation
“Grandmother Margaret, Uncle Alexander,” I greeted them respectfully, bowing my head slightly.
Alexander immediately questioned me, his voice sharp with disapproval. “What is this about that child?”
He was referring to the picture of Oliver that had caused such a stir. I could see the anger simmering beneath his controlled exterior.
I remained unflustered, directing him calmly. “You should ask Marcus about that.”
Marcus stepped forward, his voice cool and definitive. “The child is not mine.”
Alexander’s jaw tightened as he admonished his son. “Marcus, you are the heir to the Blackwood family. You have responsibilities that extend beyond your personal desires.”
He continued with growing intensity. “Handle your personal affairs properly. The family’s reputation depends
on it.”
Marcus simply replied, “I will
will.7
As Alexander departed for other pack business, his footsteps echoing in the hall, Margaret summoned me to
Chapter 62 Unraveling Bo
her side.
“Elena, dear,” she said gently, “accompany me back to the Meditation Sanctuary. We need to have a private
conversation.”
I followed her through the familiar corridors, my heart heavy with what I knew was coming.
In the sanctuary, Margaret turned to me with sympathetic eyes. “I know Marcus hasn’t appreciated you as he
should.”
Her words carried genuine regret, and I felt a pang of sadness for this woman who had always treated me
kindly.
Tm grateful for all the years of care you’ve given me,” I replied sincerely.
Margaret studied my face carefully. “Are you truly determined to sever your mate bond with Marcus?”
I met her gaze steadily. “Yes, I am.”
Margaret sighed deeply, her shoulders sagging with resignation. “I accept your decision, though it pains me.”
She paused, looking out the window at the estate grounds. “Love cannot be forced, even among mated pairs. I’ve learned that the hard way.”
(Isabella’s POV)
I had been eavesdropping from behind the sanctuary door, and Elena’s words hit me like a physical blow. She was actually planning to sever the mate bond with Marcus? What she told me before was actually true?
Shock coursed through my system. How could she be so audacious? How could she even consider leaving the most powerful Alpha in the Northern Territory?
I emerged from my hiding spot and rushed to find Marcus at the Blackwood Golf Course. He was at the Tee
Box, preparing for a swing, but I couldn’t contain myself.
“Marcus!” I called out, my voice shrill with indignation.
He turned, his expression immediately darkening when he saw my agitated state.
“That woman has bewitched you!” I accused, pointing dramatically in the direction of the manor. “How dare Elena think she can just leave you? The audacity!”
Marcus’s face transformed into something dangerous. His golden eyes flashed with anger as he stepped. toward me.
“Isabella,” his voice was deadly quiet, “where are your manners? Did your education teach you nothing about basic pack etiquette?”
I faltered under his intense stare, but my anger pushed me forward. “But Marcus, she’s-
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