The Ironfang Pack had an old rule.
Before an Alpha heir could hold the Moonlight Oath Ceremony, he had to ask the Moon Goddess for a sign.
A blessed omen meant the ceremony could take place immediately. A cursed omen meant the bond had to be delayed for another year.
My fated mate, David, had received a cursed omen every time.
So after five years together, he and I still had not completed the bond.
This year was his sixth time petitioning the Moon Goddess.
And I overheard what he said to his Beta.
"Alpha David, the Moon Goddess gave you another blessed omen this time."
David answered without a trace of emotion, "Same as before. Change it to a cursed omen. Claire just returned to the pack. She has never liked the idea of Lyra becoming her sister-in-law. Lyra is obedient. She can wait one more year."
That was when I understood.
He still did not want to marry me.
Luckily, the Ironfang Pack's laws had one final clause.
"After six failed petitions, even fated mates are no longer required to complete the bond."
I was free now.
I could finally go to the person I truly loved.
