---- 3 -should I drive you to the research institute?" I shook my head. "No need. I quit." Damon froze, his brow furrowing slightly. "Why did you suddenly quit?" I looked up, my gaze steady. "I'm tired. I want to rest for a while." Damon was silent for a few seconds, then reached out to ruffle my hair. "Quitting is good. Research work is too exhausting, and besides..." His fingers gently traced my waist, his voice low and husky. "If you quit your job, we'll have more time to deepen our bond. And after our mating ceremony, you'll be the pack's Luna. You'll have pack management duties too. You'll be very busy." I stepped away from his touch, my tone cold. "You should go handle your business." After Damon left, I spent most of the day throwing ---- away all those mementos that carried our memories. Standing in the empty living room, I felt like something was blocking my chest, making it hard to breathe. Just then, my phone suddenly vibrated. I picked it up and saw an unknown text message. "3 PM today, Central Street Restaurant. Meet me. I am Damon Blackwood's destined mate." My fingers clenched the phone so tightly my knuckles turned white. I pushed open the restaurant door, and the wind chimes chimed crisply. limmediately spotted a woman in haute couture sitting in the VIP booth, polishing an Ironwood Pack crest ring-a token only the Ironwood Pack Alpha could possess. Yet I had never seen it on Damon. "My name is Lydia Ashford, and I'm Damon Blackwood's destined mate." Lydia cut straight to the point, her tone carrying a hint of provocation. "We ---- recognized each other the moment we first shifted. Our packs have already arranged our engagement." I didn't speak, just looked at her calmly, my eyes as still as stagnant water. Lydia clearly hadn't expected this reaction. She frowned. "You and Damon have already submitted your bonding application, and now he suddenly has a destined mate. Don't you have anything to ask?" I forced a smile, my heart completely cold. Ask? What was there left to ask? Ever since I overheard those words outside the hunting grounds office, I was completely done with Damon Blackwood. Nothing he did could surprise me anymore. Seeing my silence, Lydia's expression darkened. Ihad revealed my identity expecting to see Sage Rivers break down hysterically, but this girl was like a block of ice-so cold I couldn't find anywhere to strike. She gritted her teeth, her tone turning sharp. "To