---- still expected me to forgive and forget, to keep chasing after him like nothing ever happened. Furthermore, he expected me to stay single for him too; in his eyes, it was impossible for me to love anyone else but him. What he didn't notice was Ryder's fist slowly clenching at his side. But I did. I could hear the sharp crack of his knuckles as his wrist tightened. August continued fearlessly, "I'm sure you know just how deeply Sophia once loved me. We shared a long and meaningful relationship. Catching up isn't exactly unreasonable, is it?" At some point, Ryder had picked up a wine glass. All that followed was a sharp crack. The glass shattered in his hand, and blood began to spill from his palm. My heart ached at the sight. "August, have you no shame? If you keep trying to stir things up between my mate and me, I swear I won't let you off! ---- "T must've been far too kind to you, letting you think you could run your mouth in front of my mate! There's only one werewolf I've ever truly loved in this life, and that's Ryder." I quickly reached for some gauze to bandage Ryder's hand, all while continuing to reprimand August. A flicker of hurt flashed in August's eyes. Then, ina low voice, he said, "Sophia, I know you resent me... but I've already severed the mate bond with Hailey. We can have a pup of our own again. "T know you must've formed a mate bond with him just to spite me, and that's okay. I forgive you. Just sever your mate bond with him, and we can be together right away. "Can a cold, distant werewolf like him love you the way I do? You should've chosen me! "As long as you're willing to come back and bea caretaker for my pup, take care of him, he'll acknowledge your place. If you don't like Hailey, I'll get rid of her right now." ---- August's shamelessness was almost impressive. He was still trapped in his own delusions, building a dream that never belonged to him. I gently picked the glass shards out of Ryder's hand, my heart aching for him. My eyes were beginning to sting. "Don't do that again!" When I shot him an annoyed glare, he actually let out apleased chuckle. I frowned. "Why are you laughing?" Ryder cupped my face with his uninjured hand and pressed a tender kiss to my forehead. "Honey... just now, you said I'm the only werewolf you've ever truly loved." Darren quickly pouted and asked with a hint of grievance, "But Mommy, what about me?" Ismiled gently. "You're also one I love deeply." Just those two simple lines were enough to make the two most important werewolves in my life light up with joy. To all who are witnessing this moment, the scene was ---- nothing short of enviable. Ryder, once thought to be cold and ruthless, now revealed a tender side that seemed to embody an entirely different persona within him. "Tf a werewolf ever treated me like that, I'd die happy. " "T'm so jealous Sophia found someone who loves her that much."