Chapter 4 : Shattered Bonds Chapter 4 : Shattered Bonds ( Elena's POV ) I checked on the injured worker from yesterday's emergency healing session . His vital signs were stable , and the skull reconstruction had healed perfectly . The Patient's Mother rushed toward me as I entered the ward . She nearly dropped to her knees in gratitude . " Please , don't , " I said quickly , catching her arm . " Saving lives is our duty as healers . " Tears streamed down her weathered face . " You saved my son when no one else could . How can I ever repay you ? " "Your son's recovery is payment enough , " I replied gently . " Just follow the care instructions I'll give you " The elderly she wolf nodded eagerly as I explained the recovery process . Her son would need rest and regular check - ups , but he would make a full recovery I left the ward feeling the familiar satisfaction of a life saved . In my years as chief healer , these moments still made everything worthwhile . Back in my office , my phone rang . Richard Blackthorne's name appeared on the screen I hesitated before answering " Father . " " Elena , you need to return home this afternoon . Bring Marcus with you ." His tone was tense , almost desperate . Something was wrong . " What's happened ? " I asked directly " Do we need a reason to see our daughter and her mate ? Just come this afternoon . Both of you . " The line went dead before I could respond . I stared at my phone , unease settling in my stomach , ( Marcus's POV ) I was reviewing quarterly reports when my phone buzzed with a text from Sophia . " Marcus , Oliver has already arrived at Crescent Ridge Academy , thank you . If it weren't for you , he wouldn't be able to attend school ." I typed back simply : " It's nothing . " My thumb hovered over Elena's contact . Her last message was from weeks ago , asking if I'd be home that weekend . I never replied e now . Since then , silence . She was truly maintaining her distance Logan stirred restlessly within me , but I pushed the feeling aside . ( Elena's POV ) Add to Library I stood outside the Blackthorne family resided using territory . esitating before entering my childhood Chapter 4 Shattered Brests Patricia greeted me with a bright smile , then looked expectantly behind me . Her face fell when she realized I was alone . " Where's Marcus ? " she asked , disappointment clear in her voice . 1 came alone , " I said simply . Richard appeared at the top of the stairs , his expression darkening . " Why couldn't you bring your mate for a simple family visit ? " His accusation cut deep . " You can't even get your mate to come for a meal . What kind of Luna are you ? I felt my heart sink . No one understood my situation , not even my own family . He didn't ask why Marcus wasn't here - he only blamed me . This had been the pattern for six years since our mating ceremony . When Marcus first marked me , my parents were overjoyed . But their joy wasn't for my happiness - it was for the prestige . The Blackthorne family was respectable compared to ordinary pack members , but nothing compared to the ancient Blackwood lineage . At first , I thought they genuinely wanted my happiness . But after the mating , the pressure began . They wanted me to use my position to secure favors from Marcus . First for David's territory expansion , then to cover Richard's failed business ventures . Marcus always felt that I was mating with him for money and profit , and it wasn't entirely without reason . In their eyes , David was more important . I was merely a valuable connection to the most powerful Alpha in the Northern Territory . I snapped back to reality and spoke calmly . " I'm severing my mate bond with Marcus . " Richard's face turned ashen with rage . His hand struck my cheek with shocking force . The slap was so sudden I didn't react . Cora snarled in outrage within me . Patricia gasped in shock at her mate's violence . " You cannot sever your bond with the Alpha ! " Richard pointed at me accusingly . " Not everyone gets the chance to be marked by the Blackwood lineage . You're ungrateful ! " I laughed bitterly , my eyes reddening with unshed tears . It was all because I had saved Marcus's life when we were young . The Blackwood family owed me a debt that led to our arranged mating . " Why do you only care about David's welfare ? ' I demanded . " You only want me to leverage my position for money and favors . Everything David does is important to you . Everything I accomplish as a healer means nothing . " Richard avoided my piercing gaze , speechless . " As the elder sibling , it's your duty to support your brother's advancement ," he insisted . " Raising David is your responsibility as his parent , not mine as his sister , " I shot back . Richard raised his hand again , fury blazing in his eyes . I offered my face defiantly . " Go ahead . Hit me again . " Add to Library He was furious but didn't dare strike me a second time . Chapter 4 Shattered Bands Patricia pulled him away and tried to reason with me . " Elena , David is in serious trouble . He's being held at the Territorial Enforcement Station . We need Marcus to use his authority to secure his release . My heart sank . They still only cared about David's predicament . They showed no concern for my emotional suffering . " I can't help you , " I said firmly . " David is your brother , " Patricia reminded me . " Family loyalty should compel you to act . " I couldn't bear the emotional manipulation any longer . The truth burst from my lips like a dam breaking . " Marcus is having an affair with Sophial He's accepted her son Oliver into the Blackwood lineage , effectively . replacing my position in his heart and the pack hierarchy ! " My voice cracked with pain . " How can you expect me to ask for his help when I'm about to be cast aside as his Luna ? " Richard and Patricia stared at me in stunned silence . Before they could recover or respond , I stormed out of the family residence . My wolf's dignity was wounded but intact . ( Marcus's POV ) Evening approached as I finished work at the Blackwood Consortium . I drove to the Northern Territory Central Healing Institute . Passing Elena's office , I paused outside her door . I told myself I was only there to question whether she had complained to Margaret about Sophia's return . That was the only reason . Nothing more . Nurse Rachel approached . " Alpha , are you looking for Healer Elena ? " "I have some pack matters to discuss with my mate , " I replied . " She already left for the day , " Rachel informed me , " Which is unusual for her . " I frowned . Elena never left early . She was dedicated to staying late , ensuring all patients received proper care . Sophia appeared with a warm smile . " Is your business meeting over ? " I nodded acknowledgment . She glanced at Elena's closed office door and took my arm possessively . " Were you here to see Elena ? My office is located elsewhere in the building ." I Rachel looked awkward , perhaps wondering who actually I was here to see , Sophia or Elena ? I didn't explain or correct the misunderstanding . I pulled my arm away from Sophia's grasp . " Are you still working late ? " I asked . Sophia moved closer again , appearing like an affectionate couple to observers . " Would you accompar me to pick up Oliver from Crescent Ridge Academy later ? I was about to respond when my phone rang . Elena's name appeared on the display . Logan perked up with unexpected interest . I subtly smiled before walking aside to answer privately . Chapter & Shattered Bonds " Thought it over ? Ready to apologize for this morning ? " I asked , smugness creeping into my voice assumed she was calling to make amends for the incident with Oliver at Moonhaven Estate . Comments Watch videos get points ( 0/10 ) > Vote Chapter 5 Apology Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!