After Severance Alpha Fell in Love With Ex-Luna novel Chapter 3

(Marcus's POV)

Just as I was about to release Sophia from my protective embrace, she grabbed my arm. Her fingers trembled against my skin.

"Marcus, I'm still not feeling well. Can you accompany me to get some moonlight herbs?" she asked weakly.

I frowned, my eyes shifting away from Elena's disappearing figure. Something twisted in my chest as I watched my mate walk away, her shoulders rigid with hurt.

"Of course," I rumbled softly, acknowledging Sophia's request.

We walked to the Moonstone Apothecary in silence. My mind kept drifting back to Elena's cold expression, the way she'd called me "Alpha" with such formal distance.

Sophia noticed my distraction. She smiled cautiously, her voice hesitant.

"Marcus, I need to ask you something important."

I turned to her, waiting.

"Could you help get Oliver enrolled in Crescent Ridge Academy? He needs proper pack documentation, and I was hoping you could temporarily register him under your pack name." She quickly added, "It would only be temporary and kept secret from the other pack members."

I stared at her, my wolf Logan stirring uneasily within me. Logan always recognized Elena as his mate, which was against my own feelings.

The wolf's restlessness made my jaw clench.

(Sophia's POV)

I avoided Marcus's intense gaze, worried I had overstepped.

"Have I offended you?" I asked worriedly.

Marcus's expression darkened. "Putting Oliver under my direct pack lineage isn't appropriate."

My heart sank, but he continued.

"However, I could arrange for my grandmother, Margaret Blackwood, to adopt him as a step-grandson within the Blackwood bloodline."

I was shocked. This would make Oliver the same generation as Marcus within the pack hierarchy. The implications were staggering.

Marcus pressed forward, his Alpha authority seeping into his voice. "Are you unwilling?"

I hid my calculating thoughts behind a mask of gratitude. This could elevate my position within the Shadow Moon Pack through my son's connection to the Blackwood lineage.

"No, I'm honored by your generosity," I agreed, feeling both resentful and hopeful.

(Elena's POV)

Marcus didn't return to our shared den all night.

In the past, I would leave the moonstone lanterns lit for him. Not anymore. It didn't matter whether my mate came back or not.

As I headed to the Northern Territory Central Healing Institute, I encountered Sophia and Oliver in Lantern Grove beneath the estate's ancient oak trees.

I moved to pass them, but Sophia stopped me.

"Healer Elena," she addressed me formally.

I paused, my wolf Cora bristling slightly. "What do you want?"

Sophia's expression was carefully concerned. "Do you dislike me?"

I brushed off her question. "That's unnecessary concern between pack members."

Sophia approached with Oliver clinging to her side. "I'm also heading to the Central Healing Institute after dropping Oliver at the academy. Marcus could give you a ride."

She paused, her voice casual. "He spent the night at my residence."

The words cut through our strained mate bond like silver. I suppressed the hurt, keeping my voice cold.

"I have my own transportation."

Sophia insisted, reaching for my arm. I forcefully pulled away from her touch.

She stumbled and fell to the ground.

Oliver saw his mother fall and pushed me with surprising strength for a young pup.

"Bad woman!" he shouted.

My phone clattered to the ground. Oliver stomped on it repeatedly with deliberate malice, his small feet crushing the device.

My wolf's protective instincts flared. I pulled Oliver away from my phone, causing the boy to fall and begin crying dramatically.

Marcus arrived in his sleek black vehicle. His wolf's presence immediately filled the space as he rushed over.

"Elena!" he called, genuine concern momentarily betraying his usual emotional distance.

The young pup didn't understand the manipulation but was happy to please his mother.

I stroked his face. "Do you want Marcus to become your new Alpha father?"

Oliver nodded eagerly.

"Then continue charming him. Make the Alpha grow more attached to you."

(Marcus's POV)

I arrived at the Blackwood Consortium headquarters. My assistant Amber Stone informed me that Margaret Blackwood was waiting in my private office.

Inside the Command Chamber, Margaret questioned me immediately.

"Why did you place Sophia in the same healing institute as Elena?"

I asked defensively, "Did Elena complain to you about the arrangement?"

Margaret reprimanded me sharply. "Are you suspecting your own mate? Is Elena the type to create pack drama through complaints?"

I retorted sarcastically. "You arranged Elena into our mating bond. You pressured me into accepting the union."

Margaret laughed coldly. "If Elena had truly complained, Sophia wouldn't have had the opportunity to return to the Northern Territory. Don't underestimate your mate's restraint."

"Stay out of Elena's affairs," I warned.

Margaret scoffed. "Sophia accepted ten million from me to leave you years ago. What's so appealing about such a mercenary she-wolf?"

"Sophia wouldn't have left if you hadn't interfered with our relationship," I retorted.

Margaret laughed bitterly. "You're mistaking fool's gold for precious metal. You'll regret your blindness one day."

She declared firmly, "I will no longer interfere with your mating bond with Elena. You can sever it if you truly wish."

Margaret walked out of the Command Chamber, leaving me alone.

My jaw tightened, my wolf Logan pacing restlessly within me as my expression darkened.

Regret it? How could I possibly regret it. Elena had gained the status and security she wanted through our mate bond - she couldn't leave me.

No, she wouldn't dare leave me.