Chapter 1 Chapter 1

"Emily, next month I'll be heading south to study ancient healing techniques. Here is my resignation letter," I said. Emily Wilde stared at me in shock. "Why are you leaving all of a sudden?" she asked. I gave the explanation I had prepared in advance. "My husband found a new job in the South. I plan to take our pup there so that our family can be together again." Emily nodded. "That's good. It's not easy raising a pup alone. I always thought you were a single mother." I smiled faintly. I wasn't before, but soon I would be one. "Megan Cross, you're the most skilled healer we have. Without you, the common folk won't have anyone to treat them. They can't afford the fees of the nobles' healers." Emily glanced at the patients lying nearby and sighed. I gave a helpless smile and turned to leave the healer's tent—only to run straight into Alpha King Jason Boone of the Northern Realm and Princess Bailey Shaw of the Silvermoon Pack. They were both visiting injured warriors. Jason was the Alpha King who ruled over the North's seven largest packs and was also the father of my pup. Seven years ago, during the war between North and South, Jason was gravely wounded at the border. I found him unconscious while foraging herbs deep in the snowy mountains. At that time, he'd had three penetrating lacerations on his body, with one nearly splitting his abdomen open. His left leg was broken, his right arm pierced by an arrow, and his body felt frighteningly cold. I did my best to heal his injuries and stayed by his side for nine days and nights. After recovering, he insisted on bringing me back to his warrior camp. He said, "You saved my life. I'll never forget this debt." That night, while the camp was celebrating his return, he came into my tent drunk and kissed me. I didn't push him away, and from that night, we'd had a pup together—our son. This year marked the seventh year of our secret marriage. However, he had never once allowed our son to call him "Dad" in front of others. And now, here he was before me, walking beside Bailey—the woman rumored to be his future mate. "Ugh, the stench of lowborns is tainting me. Jason, let's get out of here already," Bailey whined. "Alright, anything for you." Jason's gaze softened as he looked at Bailey affectionately. As we passed each other, I felt my heart skip a beat, and I couldn't help but speak up. "Jason…" Jason paused, and he stared back at me coldly. "Healer Megan." His tone was distant and polite, and his glance was laced with warning. He was reminding me that we were nothing more than Alpha and commoners. "Your Majesty, Alpha King Jason…" Jason gave a soft grunt of acknowledgment, not even sparing me a second look as if I were a stranger. I had meant to tell him I was leaving the pack, but clearly, it didn't matter to him. His future was with Bailey and consolidating noble bloodlines with her. I was just a war-displaced commoner who'd briefly entered his life. "Mom, will Dad come for my birthday?" My son's voice echoed through our mind link. I froze and looked back. I saw Bailey was giggling with her head nestled on Jason's shoulder. As someone walked by, Jason instinctively tightened the arm around her waist. "Will you come home tonight to celebrate our son's birthday?" I asked through my link with Jason. He paused briefly before shutting off our mind link. I let out a soft laugh. Oh, Megan, haven't you woken up yet? Jason's heart was frozen solid, and no warmth would ever reach it. What was I still hoping for? I took a deep breath and turned away. Alpha King Jason, you would soon be free.

Chapter 2 Chapter 2

I went to the hunting school to bring my son, Jerry Boone, home. He chattered away. "It's my birthday today. Will Dad come home to be with me? "Dad loves chocolate cake the most. Let's buy the flavor he likes, okay?" Upon hearing Jerry's words, my eyes welled up with tears, and my voice got caught in my throat. "Your dad… He—" Before I could finish, Jason's voice came through our mind link. "Wait for me tonight. I'll be free." I perked up with surprise and quickly nodded, telling Jerry, "Don't worry. Your dad will come home to celebrate your birthday." Jerry jumped up instantly and threw himself into my arms. In all our seven years together, this was the first time Jason had agreed to celebrate Jerry's birthday. "Mom, can you teach me how to cook? I want to make a few dishes for Dad myself," Jerry said. I nodded. "Alright. I'll teach you step by step." Jerry and I busied ourselves preparing a full table of food. … Time ticked by. From the bright midday sun to the dimming evening, I tried reaching Jason, but as always, he blocked our link. Jerry pouted in disappointment and asked me cautiously, "Is Dad too busy with official duties?" I wanted to explain on Jason's behalf, but I couldn't think of another excuse. Instead, I said, "It's okay. I'll always be here with you." Just then, voices came from outside the tent. "Did you hear? Alpha King Jason is holding a banquet tonight for Princess Bailey." "Yeah! They say he even prepared the most beautiful fireworks for her." As soon as they said that, brilliant fireworks exploded across the night sky, illuminating the darkness with dazzling lights. One after another, silver-blue sparks bloomed like shattered stars—so bright they stung the eyes. These fireworks were reserved for only two occasions in the pack—the announcement of a mate bond, or a symbol of public courtship. They were called the "Flames of the Moon", and they symbolized the mate being their one and only. And tonight, Jason had lit them up for another woman, while my pup was still waiting for his father to light a single birthday candle for him. How ironic. Fireworks meant to symbolize marriage had become the clearest denial of my place in Jason's life. Outside the tent, the fireworks' glow flickered, making the tiny cake in my hands feel all the more pitiful and plain. "Jerry, happy birthday." I took a deep breath, forced a smile, and started singing the birthday song. My son seemed to understand what was going on too, and neither of us mentioned Jason again. "Mom, my birthday wish is… to be with you forever." I felt my nose sting with emotion. I pulled him tightly into my arms and whispered, "Okay. I promise." My resolve to leave only grew stronger. … It was past midnight when Jason finally arrived. He glanced at the burnt-out candles and half-eaten chocolate cake. A flicker of hesitation and guilt passed through his eyes. "I was busy today and forgot it was his birthday. Next time… I'll make it up to him," he said. Just as he was about to bend down and hug Jerry, a guard's voice rang out from the entrance. "Alpha King! Princess Bailey twisted her ankle on her way back to the city… She's crying and calling for you!" "I'm coming right away," Jason said with a tense expression and urgent tone. I stepped aside and silently watched him leave. I wanted Jason to never forget this moment—this home was something he chose to abandon.

Chapter 3 Chapter 3

The next day, when no one was around, Jason took the initiative to hand me a gift box. "It's Jerry's birthday present. I forgot to give it to him yesterday," he said. I took the box and opened it for a quick look. I froze when I saw what it was. Inside was a small snake. And the thing my son feared the most was snakes. When he was four, Jason had taken him to the northern forest for the first time, intending to teach him how to hunt. However, along the way, Jason ran into a few visiting council nobles. Fearing they'd discover the pup's existence, he actually made a four-year-old hide alone in a thicket of thorns. By the time he came back to retrieve Jerry, my son was curled up on the ground, lips purple, with two deep fang marks on his arm from a massive venomous snake. That night, I used herbs I had refined for seven days and nights to drag Jerry back from the hands of death. He was unconscious for three days. And when he finally woke, the first words out of his mouth were, "Mom… The snake… bit me…" Even now, he still woke screaming from nightmares, crying for me to hold him. And now, the man who let him get poisoned was standing there, smiling casually as he said, "Really? I don't remember that. Kids nowadays keep snakes as pets. He should toughen up a bit." I stared at him, stunned, unable to believe these words were coming from a so-called father. Still, Jason remained indifferent and continued, "Oh, right. Bailey said she really likes the room you just moved into. It's close to me, and it's in her favorite pink tones. Head back early today and pack up your things. Let Bailey move in.""You mean… You still want my son and me to live in the tent?" I asked hoarsely. Jason grew frustrated. "You've always been used to mingling with commoners, haven't you? Just wait a bit longer. I'll arrange a new place for you. Don't be so petty! You know we need to avoid gossip about our relationship." That was when I truly understood. In his eyes, I would always just be the "healer who once saved him"—not his mate or his wife. And our pup? Nothing more than an inconvenience to be "properly placed somewhere else". I looked at him, my gaze icy and calm as I said, "Fine. I'll do as you say. Don't worry—I won't tarnish your reputation, or get in the way of you and the princess." I was going to leave anyway—whether it was sooner or later didn't matter. … Jerry and I started packing up the things we had just moved into the house. "Mom, can't we stay here anymore?" Jerry asked softly. I patted his head. "It's alright. We'll live somewhere else." This house was the one Jason personally chose for us two years ago. He said it was quiet and near the main court, and he had supposedly specially prepared it for us. We waited with such hope for so long to move in… only to be told to leave. I was crouching to pack up Jerry's books when a mocking sneer echoed from the stairs. "Be careful with how you place my things!" Bailey strutted into the room, fanning herself arrogantly. "Every piece of furniture here is worth a fortune. If you break anything, you lowborns wouldn't be able to pay for it with your lives." I immediately pulled Jerry behind me and stood up to block him from her. Bailey's eyes narrowed sharply, then she shrieked, "What is a filthy lowborn like you doing here?" I opened my mouth to explain, but footsteps echoed in the hallway. Jason walked in and coolly interrupted me, "She's the healer assigned to treat nobles. For convenience, she's temporarily housed here." I had heard that line countless times—for convenience, for treatments, for duty… I stayed silent, picking up my luggage, holding Jerry's hand as we prepared to leave. Suddenly, a scream came from behind. "You lowborn scum dared to bump into me?" I spun around to see Bailey fall dramatically to the ground, clutching her arm as she wailed, "Guards! Seize her! She disrespected me!""I didn't do anything!" I defended myself. But before I could say more, four guards rushed forward and slammed me to the ground without hesitation. "Do you think the princess would falsely accuse a lowly thing like you?" Bailey's maid sneered and kicked me hard in the stomach—viciously and with precision. "Mom!" Jerry flung himself toward me, trying to shield me, but the maid shoved him hard to the ground. "Halt!" A thunderous voice rumbled in the air, and everyone immediately froze. Jason strode back into the room, his expression as dark as a storm. "Who gave you permission to touch her?" He swept his gaze coldly over the guards and spoke in a tone that left no room for argument. "Everyone, stand down!" The guards looked terrified and immediately let go. I was released and staggered to my feet, my face pale with blood at the corner of my mouth. Jason stepped toward me, reaching out as if to help me, but then stopped. I didn't respond. I simply wiped the blood from my mouth, turned, and continued packing. Then, a small but steady voice rose in the silence. "Thank you, Your Majesty, Alpha King Jason." Jerry stood tall, his tone polite but distant. He didn't call Jason "Dad", not even "Father". Instead, he called him Alpha King Jason. Jason stiffened up as he looked down at Jerry. His throat moved as if he wanted to speak, and something flickered in his eyes. I turned in disbelief, only to see Jerry's reddened eyes. "Mom, let's go." All the words I wanted to say got lodged in my throat. I forced a smile and whispered back," Okay." Just as we brushed past him, Jason grabbed my arm.

Chapter 4 Chapter 4

Jason stared at me in disbelief, his voice hoarse as he said, "Jerry… What did he just call me?" I lowered my eyes and smiled faintly, replying with a soft trace of mockery, "Isn't this exactly what you wanted? Alpha King Jason of the Northern Realm?" All these years, Jason never once acknowledged our mate bond in public—even though we bore the Moon Goddess's bonded mark and even though we had a pup. He never allowed Jerry to call him "Father" in front of anyone. The only difference now was that before, it was Jason who ordered Jerry to call him "Alpha King Jason". He said it was safer that way. But now, Jerry made the choice himself to draw a line with him. I tried to pull my hand free from Jason's grip, but he held on tight. He looked at me, conflicted emotions swirling in his eyes. "Give me a few days. I'll find a chance to explain things to Jerry…" I looked up at him and said calmly, "The princess is still waiting for you. Let go." Only then did Jason seem to realize his lapse. After a pause, he slowly let go. I sneered, took Jerry's hand, and turned to leave. Suddenly, Jason called out to us, "Wait. I'll talk to Jerry later tonight.""Werewolves heal quickly. These minor injuries… they'll fade. I'll make it up to you both," he added, voice tinged with guilt. … That night, Jason came to our tent. "Happy birthday, Jerry," he said. He handed me a beautifully wrapped cake. I glanced at the box, and upon closer inspection, I noticed the small lettering on the packaging—"For the beautiful Princess Bailey". A wave of disgust rose within me, and I moved to hand it back. But then, I caught the anticipation in Jerry's gaze. He drew a soft breath, as if summoning all his courage, and asked softly, "Um… Would you… stay? And eat with me?" After he finished speaking, he secretly glanced at me as if confirming if he said the right thing. I didn't say anything and just gently stroked his head. "Of course," Jason replied. "Mom, cut the cake!" Jerry urged me excitedly. He served me the first slice, then one for himself and one for Jason. I had just taken a bite when I quickly slapped the cake away from Jerry's hands. "Spit it out! Don't eat that!""What the hell's wrong with you?" Jason asked, frowning as he looked at me. "He's sick and on medication! That cake has fruits from the Shadowmoon tree! Mixing those two together is poison, didn't you know that?" I yelled. My eyes turned red-rimmed as I glared at Jason. "Sorry. I didn't know," Jason stammered, panic visible in his eyes. I'd lost count of how many times Jason had apologized since Jerry was born. "It's okay. It's normal for an Alpha King not to know such things." With reddened eyes, Jerry spoke softly as if to defend Jason. Even then, he couldn't convince himself of his words. He lowered his head, lips pursed as he gripped the hem of his shirt. Just then, a voice called from outside the tent, "My King, Princess Bailey requests your company for dinner. It's almost time." Jason stood up and, without even an apologetic look, turned around and left the tent. Jerry stared blankly in the direction Jason had left. Suddenly, tears spilled down his cheeks, and he ran into my arms, tightly holding onto me and refusing to look at Jason again. I vowed that from now on, Jerry and I would never give Jason another chance to apologize to us.