With the agreement tucked under my arm, I said goodbye to Selene and shifted into my wolf form, running swiftly through the forest paths toward the Duskmoor Central Den.
I pushed open the heavy oak door to the Alpha's council chamber. Fenris sat behind his carved wooden desk, a territory report in hand. When he looked up and caught my scent, a faint smile tugged at his lips.
"Running late today? Don't think being the Alpha's mate means you can slack off from your liaison duties."
His tone was warm, almost brotherly—but there was no love in it. There never had been. My wolf whimpered inside me, sensing what my heart already knew.
"The forest trails were crowded with patrol wolves," I said, walking toward him. I placed the Bond Severance agreement on his desk and drew a steadying breath, fighting to keep the tremor out of my voice. "Alpha Duskmoor, I just closed a new alliance pact with the northern packs. This is the blood oath—I need your seal here."
The moment he reached for the document, I looked up and met his sharp, golden-flecked gaze. My heart stuttered. What if he catches my nervous scent?