Chapter 21
After a month of silence, this was Iris’s first time truly opening up about Reed. Her best friend had assumed her silence meant lingering pain from the broken mate bond.
But reading Iris’s words, she realized her friend had genuinely moved on.
“You’re absolutely right,” her friend messaged back on WolfGram. “It’s just a first mate bond gone wrong. Why waste more moonlight dwelling? Better to embrace your new life in
Lunaris!”
Iris felt relief flood through her at her friend’s understanding. As she was about to share photos of her culinary explorations in her new territory, another message appeared:
“One more question, if you want to answer. Has this made you lose faith in mate bonds entirely?”
The question made her wolf stir. She gazed out her window at the passing couples below.
Young wolves barely past their first change, playfully scent–marking each other. Mated pairs with cubs, tired but content in their shared bond. Elder wolves supporting each other
through their twilight years.
Everywhere she looked, wolves were forming bonds, believing in forever.
Had the nature of mate bonds betrayed her?
No–one Alpha had betrayed her trust. Why should she condemn the sacred bonds themselves for Reed’s mistakes?
“Not at all,” she replied.
“I lost Reed’s love, not everyone’s. I have you, my pack sisters, my new denmate Sarah, and Grandmother’s spirit watching over me. You all still care. My future holds countless paths and potential bonds – why abandon the whole forest for one fallen tree?”
The Broken Luna Unbound: Goodbye to My Alpha’s Seven–Year Deception
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ipt”
This was her answer not just to her friend, but to herself.
Those ten years with Reed had helped heal her childhood wounds from her broken family pack. His apparent devotion had helped her overcome her lone wolf tendencies, taught her how to open her heart to others.
Wasn’t this stronger, more confident wolf she’d become worth more than dwelling on
betrayal?
With this clarity, Iris felt her spirit lighten, She left the café for the market, gathering ingredients for a proper pack meal.
“After an hour in the kitchen, Sarah returned home to the rich aroma of herb–seasoned meat.
“Coming home to your cooking is paradise!” Sarah bounded into the kitchen, quickly washing up to help set the table.
“Having pack to share meals with makes it perfect,” Iris smiled, loading Sarah’s plate with
choice cuts.
They chatted about their day over dinner, the apartment warm with the comfortable sense of found pack.
After dinner, Sarah insisted on cleanup while Iris relaxed. When she emerged with fresh fruit, she was bubbling with excitement.
“My parents are visiting soon!”
“When? I’ll help you welcome them to the territory.”
“The 8th. They want to celebrate the Wolf Moon here. Since you’re not going back to North Ridge, join us! Pack celebrations should be shared.”
Iris hesitated, not wanting to intrude on family bonds, but Sarah’s hopeful expression made
her waver.
Sensing weakness, Sarah grabbed her hand excitedly, already planning their activities.
teven Year Deception
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lease, pack sidet Onherwise, they’ll just wow over their mare hond while I’m alone. We
expdate the Meritage Dietriet, rich leong Mooh River..
Om