Natalia’s POV
My fate shocked me. How could he possibly be my mate? Being with the man who had broken me in the past was impossible.
He hadn't forgotten that night and still held me responsible. His cruel remarks pierced my heart, surprising me with their lingering impact. Tears welled in my eyes as I fought to control my emotions.
"You're still so rude; you haven't changed a bit," I said, staring at him.
Adrian's grip loosened, and he released my arms.
"This is the last time I'll explain: I didn't drug you that night."
He scoffed, as if I were lying. I sensed his ambition, but knew he'd never change. He was still the same Adrian Miller I'd left five years ago.
I tried to leave, but his words stopped me.
"What about this bond?"
I paused, gazing at him. "What bond?" I pretended ignorance.
As he approached, I stepped back.
"Stop acting like you can't feel the mate bond."
I shook my head. "You can't be my mate. We ended our marriage five years ago. I moved on. This bond is meaningless."
His fury erupted in a growl. I gulped, feeling my wolf's urge to submit. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and opened them to icy eyes. What he'd done to me over those two years was unforgettable.
"This mate bond will be erased automatically when someone else marks me. There's nothing to worry about, Alpha Adrian."
I left him, dominating the exit as he'd once dominated me.
Leaving the room, I bumped into Adrian's beta, Patric. He casually waved. "Oh, hi."
I nodded and continued on. In the hall, I spotted Eric talking anxiously with an Alpha. He rushed to me. "Where's your phone? I've been calling for ten minutes! Where were you?"
He bombarded me with questions. I grabbed his arm, pulling him aside.
"Calm down, Eric. I was wandering around and got lost," I lied, unwilling to worry anyone. I'd told Adrian what I needed to. His deep-seated hatred remained, and I was sure he wouldn't pursue me.
Eric handed me a glass of red wine. I smiled, joining the conversation.
While drinking, I saw Doctor Max. My eyes lit up.
"Hey, isn't that him? Max Harrison, the best healer we've ever known!" I overheard a group of young women.
I turned to Eric, my expression clear. "What?" he asked.
"I'm going to meet him," I replied, approaching Doctor Max. He was the reason I'd come to the party.
Ecstatic, I introduced myself. "Hello, Doctor Max, may I speak with you?" I cleared my throat.
He was talking to someone, but turned his attention to me, raising an eyebrow and nodding to the other person. He was an attractive man in his late twenties.
"Sure," he replied.
"I'm a fan."
He chuckled. My behavior wasn't typical fan-girl, but I was a huge admirer of his skills.
"I'm not a celebrity or head Alpha."
"But I've studied you for years. I truly appreciate your work ethic and healing abilities."
He rubbed the back of his neck, clearly surprised by my praise. He was kind and welcoming, asking about me.
"I qualified for my license and finished medical school four years ago. I always hoped to be as great a doctor as you, Doctor Max."
He smiled warmly. After expressing his admiration, he invited me to dinner at the Blood Moon Pack.
Stunned at first, I smiled. "It's a pleasure."
Heading back to Eric, I encountered those vicious women again.
"How dare you speak to Doctor Max? We only let you go because of our Alpha!"
They began to taunt me.
"Shut up! Who gave you the audacity to speak to her like that?"
Adrian's father, Alpha Lucas, scolded them. Fearful, they left. I didn't understand their animosity.
Alpha Lucas's eyes held sadness as he looked at me. I smiled and greeted him. "Alpha."
I harbored no resentment. He and his wife had always supported me during my marriage to Adrian.
He sighed, apologizing. "It's been a long time, but I'm overjoyed to see you. You were always the best choice for my son, but…"
He paused, searching for words. His words evoked a range of emotions, which I hid by lowering my head. Then, Adrian's voice cut through my feelings.
"Who said she's the best choice for me?"
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