Chapter 6
463words
Ethan waits at arrivals.
"You look like hell," he says bluntly.
"Thanks for noticing."
He smiles, taking my bag. "Your apartment's ready at the institute."
"Private entrance. Top-notch security."
"No Alpha can track you there."
"Thank you."
We drive through orderly streets.
The air lacks that oppressive pack presence.
No hierarchy. No politics.
Just freedom and equality.
"How's the bond dissolution going?" Ethan asks.
"Still in progress."
"Is it painful?"
"Less than the heartbreak."
He glances at me, concern evident.
As a Beta, he'll never understand what it feels like to have a bond ripped away.
That's for the best.
At least he's not enslaved by instinct.
The apartment is modern and bright.
Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the city.
No pack territories marking the landscape.
No judgmental pack members.
Just me.
My phone rings.
Unknown number.
I hesitate before answering.
"Luna… no, Emma."
Eleanor's voice.
I say nothing.
"I heard about the baby."
"And?"
"I want to apologize," her voice uncharacteristically subdued.
"I pushed too hard."
"It's my fault Alexander lost everything."
"He's… not well."
"Not my problem."
"Emma—"
"Are you calling to convince me to return?"
"To forgive him?"
"To play perfect Luna again?"
"No, I—"
"Then we have nothing to discuss."
I hang up.
Block the number.
That chapter of my life is officially closed.
***
Three months later.
My research paper appears in the prestigious "Werewolf Genetics Journal."
Title: "Breaking the Bond: Physiological Independence for Bonded Omegas."
It creates an academic firestorm.
Omegas worldwide write to thank me for changing their lives.
Ethan knocks before entering my office. "Conference invitation."
"Next month in Zurich."
"Interested?"
"Absolutely."
My focus now is solely my work.
Relationships?
Bonding?
Laughable concepts.
"One more thing," Ethan says.
"Someone asked me to give you this."
"Who?"
"Alexander Thorn."
My hand trembles slightly.
"Trash it."
"He said if you don't read it, he'll keep coming to Berlin."
"Let him try," I scoff.
"This is neutral territory. He'd be expelled immediately."
Ethan reluctantly places the envelope on my desk.
"Maybe… just read it."
"For closure."
He leaves quietly.
I stare at the envelope.
For a long time.
Finally, I tear it open.
Inside, just one sentence:
"I'm sorry I destroyed everything. I've signed the final papers. You're free now. Find the happiness you deserve. —A"
Attached: a legal document.
"Certificate of Complete Bond Dissolution."
His signature, final and official.
He's actually letting me go.
I should feel relieved.
Instead, tears fall.
Not for him.
For the naive girl who once believed in love.
For the child who never had a chance.
For three wasted years.
I cry until I have nothing left.
Then dry my face.
Stand up.
Walk to the window.
Outside: a new city. A new life.
I'll never look back.
