Chapter 1

Before our Mating Ceremony, my mate Damien withdraws our Mating Application overnight, then submits one with Nora.

Nora, the younger sister of his late Beta.

When I hear the news, there is only one day left before the deadline.

Warrior Sam looks troubled as he explains for Damien.

“Luna, Alpha says saving a life is the highest honor for our kind.”

“It is a fake bond, just to let Nora stay in the Blackwood Pack for treatment. Only you can understand his intention.”

I tear the application that was meant for our honeymoon into pieces.

“I don’t understand, but I’ll let him have his way.”

The scraps scatter across the floor. Sam’s face turns red.

“Luna, Alpha, he also…”

“Call me Healer Lola,” I say calmly.

Sam freezes. His mouth opens, then he lowers his head.

“Yes, Healer Lola.”

“Alpha asked me to tell you, once Nora settles in the pack, he will end the bond with her and form a mate bond with you right away.”

“He says you are the only one in his heart.”

I gather the herbs on the table and place them into a box.

“Who he keeps in his heart is his business.”

“My application can only be submitted once.”

“Go tell him, my mate slot has no backup.”

Sam’s face goes pale.

He wants to say something, but my phone rings.

“Healer Lola, a patient’s condition just turned critical. We need you now.”

“I’m on my way.”

I hang up and put on my healer robe.

Before I leave, I glance at Sam.

“Anything else?”

He shakes his head and steps aside.

I walk out of the office. At the end of the hallway, I see Damien.

He is in his combat uniform, standing by the window.

Nora stands beside him, holding a coat, about to drape it over his shoulders.

Damien does not turn around. He just looks out the window.

Nora sees me. Her hand pauses in midair, and she gives me a smile.

I look away and walk into the ward. Memories flood my mind.

I have known Damien for twenty-two years.

We grow up together.

He drives away the male wolves who bully me. I mend his torn battle gear.

He becomes Alpha, respected by the entire Blackwood Pack.

I become the best healer.

In everyone’s eyes, we are fated mates.

He sets the largest room in the Pack House as our mate residence.

The day we get the key, he lifts me up and spins me three times in our new home.

He laughs. “Lola, this is our home from now on.”

I wrap my arms around his neck. “Damien, welcome home.”

I handle the entire renovation myself.

As Alpha, Damien often goes to the border.

I take half a month off and run across the whole territory to find materials.

The day he returns, I cover his eyes.

He opens them and looks at the new home. He says nothing for a long time.

Then he pulls me into a tight hug. His eyes turn red. “Lola, you worked so hard.”

I shake my head. “It’s not hard. I want to do it.”

The day we submit our Mating Application, the whole pack celebrates.

Damien’s mother holds my hand and places the Luna crown on my head.

“Lola, I am your mother now. If Damien ever hurts you, tell me. I will deal with him.”

I smile and nod. My eyes grow warm.

Damien puts a ring on my finger and whispers in my ear.

“Lola, you are my only mate.”