Chapter 2

Evelyn POV

Nathaniel left, probably to find Isabella.

I picked up my phone and called Judge Benjamin Hayes back.

"He signed it."

The judge on the other end was visibly surprised before regaining his professional composure.

"That fast?" He paused. "Without expedited processing, it usually takes two months to complete all arbitration procedures and receive a final ruling. Regarding the division of joint assets and related compensation, we can begin drafting the detailed plan whenever you're ready."

"No need," I said. "I'm giving up all property. I just want to dissolve the mate bond and leave the Silver Crest Pack."

"Ms. Shaw, are you sure? According to the laws set by the Moongoddess, the unfaithful mate is required to compensate the other. Therefore, after dissolving the mate bond, you are entitled to at least…"

"I'm sure," I interrupted him. "Just follow the process, Judge Hayes."

"Alright."

That night, Nathaniel came home very late.

The next morning, he rushed back early.

"There's an urgent Pack meeting today, so I can't go with you to your prenatal check-up," his voice was apologetic. "I brought you breakfast. I'll bring you your favorite honey-glazed ribs tonight."

I almost laughed out loud.

Prenatal check-up?

The baby was gone; what check-ups did I need?

The day I miscarried, the Pack physician had advised bed rest, but I only stayed at the infirmary for less than twenty-four hours before leaving.

Nathaniel still didn't know about it.

Had he truly not noticed, or did he simply not care about me?

I no longer cared.

I just nodded.

Nathaniel changed into a suit, tied his tie, and examined himself in the mirror. Once satisfied with his appearance, he habitually pointed to his cheek, signaling for me to come over.

For four years of marriage, I had kissed his cheek every day before he left.

I didn't move.

"You're going to be late," I said.

Nathaniel's movements stilled. He turned to look at me, shaking his head with a small, knowing smile, assuming I was still angry about him not coming home last night.

"Then I'm off."

I also went back to my room, changed, and drove to the Werewolf Academy in the state capital.

It was my alma mater, a place I had left for four years.

Everything was just as I remembered, yet somehow different.

When I arrived, a combat demonstration had just finished in the main training field.

I walked against the flow of people, hearing the excited and admiring discussions of the cadets around me.

"Instructor Reed is truly amazing, no wonder he's the youngest chief instructor at the academy."

"Yeah, he's even stronger in person than in rumors. His aura is incredible, that powerful demeanor is so captivating."

"During the Q&A, he demonstrated a counter-technique I'd never seen. I need to go practice it right away."

I walked into the gradually emptying training field and immediately spotted the man surrounded by cadets and assistant instructors in the center of the arena.

Jonathan.

The Alpha of the Moonclaw Pack, an elite instructor at the Werewolf Academy.

And my senior.

He wore a simple training uniform, patiently answering the last cadet's question.

Compared to his student days, he had shed some of his youthful awkwardness, gaining the calm and composure of a mature, strong Alpha.

I had intended to leave and contact him later.

As I turned, Jonathan looked up, his gaze piercing through the crowd, finding me precisely.

The surprise in his eyes was unmistakable. He apologized to the surrounding cadets and colleagues, squeezed through the crowd, and quickly walked toward me.

"Evelyn? Is that really you?"

"Jonathan," I smiled.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, I got straight to the point.

"Jonathan, I'd like to return to the academy as an instructor."

Jonathan froze, immense joy flooding his eyes.

"Of course, you can! The Principal will be overjoyed to know you're willing to come back."

He looked at me, his eyes filled with undisguised regret and concern.

"You were the most talented cadet the academy had ever seen. Everyone thought you'd become a top-tier elite warrior. Who knew your family would force you to give up the offer to stay on staff for a Pack alliance marriage, making you abandon your passion for combat and training?" His tone was indignant, feeling indignant on my behalf.

"And now?" he asked, a hint of worry in his voice. "Your mate… will he agree?"

"I've applied to the Arbitration Council to dissolve the mate bond," I said. "The initial application has been approved. But it will take another two months to complete the arbitration process before I can officially report to the academy."

"Good," Jonathan smiled. "I'll wait for you."