---- Chapter 5 A flicker of shock flashed in Ethan's amber eyes, but it was quickly replaced by a dangerous golden gleam. "Are you threatening me with the mate bond?" His voice was low, laced with the natural dominance of an Alpha. "Victoria." He unleashed his full Alpha presence. "I remember telling you that I hate presumptuous people the most. And even more, I hate those who challenge the authority of an Alpha." Under the weight of his pressure, I stood firm. My voice trembled but remained resolute. "I want to break the mate bond. That's my right." His fury filled the air like a storm cloud. Above me, I heard his cold, amused chuckle before he said, ''Fine. Let's go to the werewolf court right now." Ethan dropped all pack affairs and personally escorted me to the court. ---- When I received the draft of the mate bond breakage papers, he left me with just one sentence. "Wait a month before finalizing it. That's enough time for you to come to your senses." Ethan never returned home again after that. I knew he was staying at a hotel in the pack's central district-he had his assistant, Oliver Lancaster, come by once to pick up some clothes. Oliver looked visibly uncomfortable when he saw me. I understood why-before, Ethan's life was entirely managed by me, his Luna. Oliver, as the Beta assistant, only handled Pack business. Now that things were different from before, Oliver's workload had increased significantly. As Ihanded him the suitcase, I mentioned, "It's Joy's birthday the day after tomorrow. Remind him to come." ---- Oliver nodded silently. What I didn't expect was that Ethan didn't come alone to the party. Sophia stood by his side, dressed in a sparkling, starry gown that matched his deep blue suit. Ethan naturally took her hand and introduced her to all the pack members, "This is Sophia." Joy, dressed in her princess dress, suddenly ran over and threw herself into her father's arms. Sophia stood beside them, smiling gently. The image looked so harmonious. They were like a family of three. I could hear whispers among the pack members. "See? The Alpha's serious this time. Word is, they'll break the mate bond soon." "Now that's what you call being pampered. Look at her. She's dressed even more extravagantly than the Luna."