Shadows of the Bond

"Eight years into our bond, I spotted a child at the kindergarten who looked uncannily like Malcolm—my mate.Malcolm had told me he was away on a business trip. However then he was holding that child in his arms, gently coaxing him."Be good, sweetheart. In a few days, I'll bring you and your mom home. You're my only child. I'll never abandon you." The child smiled, content and trusting. I stood hidden around the corner, unable to breathe from the pain gripping my chest.Eight years ago, I had taken a silver blade to the stomach to save Malcolm. I lost my wolf that day—and with it, the ability to ever carry a pup. Back then, Malcolm had sat beside my hospital bed and made a promise: "You are the only mate I will ever choose. Whether or not we have a pup doesn't change that."However, what I saw now felt like a brutal slap—a reality too sharp to ignore.What value would Luna have if she'd lost her wolf and could no longer bear heirs?How could I possibly compare to someone who could give him a child, and the pack, a future?Choking back the pain swelling in my chest, I picked up the phone and called my father."Dad… would you still want a daughter who's lost her wolf?"His voice came through, steady and sure."Of course. No matter what happens, I'll always be here for you.""