Chapter 3 : Broken Bonds Chapter 3 Broken Bonds ( 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 t watched my mate walk away , her shoulders rigid with hurt . " Of course , " Irumbled 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 wolfs 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 Alphá 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 ) ~ Chapter 1 Broken 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 . Oliver cried to Marcus through his tears . " She pushed me ! " Sophia checked Oliver for injuries while confronting me . " You shouldn't take your anger out on an innocent pup " I fought to maintain my composure . " You're ignoring the fact that Oliver intentionally destroyed my phone . " Sophia dismissed it . " Oliver was just protecting his mother instinctively . " Marcus's Alpha authority radiated displeasure . " You're overreacting by confronting a pup . " I was wounded by his blatant favoritism . " I didn't push Oliver . " Marcus questioned sarcastically through our mate bond . " Would a young pup fabricate lies to frame my mate , Healer Elena ? " 1 Chapter 3 Broken Bonds My heart broke at his distrust I realized the futility of defending myself . " Encountering you was my misfortune , " I said . As I turned to leave , Marcus's Alpha command stopped me in my tracks . He softened his tone slightly . " Apologize to Oliver . He's just a pup " My hands clenched into fists as Cora snarled within me . I turned back to face Marcus . I pointed to the security cameras mounted beneath the moonstone lanterns throughout Moonhaven Estate " If the surveillance footage shows I was at fault , I apologize . But if it proves my innocence , I refuse to bow to false accusations . " I left without another word , my wolf's dignity intact . ( Sophia's POV ) I quickly diverted Marcus's attention , worried about what the surveillance might reveal . " Oliver is unharmed . I believe Elena didn't act with malicious intent . " I shifted the conversation urgently . " Marcus , please take Oliver to Crescent Ridge Academy . He's about to be late for enrollment . " He pulled away from my touch . I've already contacted Headmaster Thompson . You should escort Oliver yourself . All arrangements have been made . " Marcus returned to his vehicle and drove away , leaving us behind . I watched Marcus's car disappear , squeezing Oliver's hand tightly enough to make him whimper in pain . Realizing my grip , I smiled with cold calculation . " You did well , Oliver . " 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 acce , the union . " Margaret laughed coldly . " If Elena had truly complained , Sophia wouldn't have had the opportunity to return Chapter 3 Broken Bonds 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 . Comments Watch videos get points ( 0/10 ) > 78 口 Vote Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!