Alpha Mate’s “Dead” First Love Came Back

The day after my Alpha mate's precious childhood sweetheart Sage accused me of sending rogue wolves to attack her, my mate Kael, along with our two sons, suspended my brother above a massive cauldron of boiling silver, threatening to throw him into the molten metal that would burn him alive. I went insane, rushing toward them, but the pack warriors held me back with iron grips. "Do you understand your mistake now?" Kael stood nearby in his perfectly tailored suit, his eyes cold as winter frost, his voice laced with ice. "Will you ever dare to hurt Sage again?" "I didn't attack her!" I cried, struggling against the warriors' hold. "Kael, let my brother go! He's only eighteen! He just got accepted to Harvard!" Five-year-old River crossed his small arms, his face emotionless. "The evidence is clear. Why are you still lying?" Four-year-old Stone nodded along, his tone innocent yet cruel. "Mommy, if you're so scared of Uncle dying, you shouldn't have attacked Aunt Sage. She's our precious one." My heart contracted violently. Sage was their precious one. Then what was I? What did I mean to them? I looked toward Kael, hoping he might spare my brother for the sake of our years as mates. But he only stared at me coldly, his gaze like he was looking at a complete stranger. I suddenly laughed, though tears streamed down my face. They thought it was just a dummy tied up there and they were just trying to scare me. They didn't realize that Sage had someone switch out that dummy. What's frying in the silver now is my dear little brother. In the boiling silver, my brother's body was already burned beyond recognition. But when I completely gave up and left, why did three men kneel down and beg me to come back? Chapter 1 The day after my Alpha mate's precious childhood sweetheart accused me of sending rogue wolves to attack her, my mate Kael, along with our two sons, suspended my brother above a massive cauldron of boiling silver, threatening to throw him into the molten metal that would burn him alive. I went insane, rushing toward them, but the pack warriors held me back with iron grips. "Do you understand your mistake now?" Kael stood nearby in his perfectly tailored suit, his eyes cold as winter frost, his voice laced with ice. "Will you ever dare to hurt Sage again?" "I didn't attack her!" I cried, struggling against the warriors' hold. "Kael, let my brother go! He's only eighteen! He just got accepted to Harvard!" Five-year-old River crossed his small arms, his face emotionless. "The evidence is clear. Why are you still lying?" Four-year-old Stone nodded along, his tone innocent yet cruel. "Mommy, if you're so scared of Uncle dying, you shouldn't have attacked Aunt Sage. She's our precious one." My heart contracted violently. Sage was their precious one. Then what was I? What did I mean to them? I looked toward Kael, hoping he might spare my brother for the sake of our years as mates. But he only stared at me coldly, his gaze like he was looking at a complete stranger. I suddenly laughed, though tears streamed down my face. After all these years, he still only loved Sage. Memories cut into my heart like silver blades. Kael, Sage, and I had grown up together in the same pack. I loved Kael, but he only had eyes for Sage. I could only silently bless them, even helping him plan his confession. But just before Kael was about to confess his feelings, Sage's plane crashed. No remains were ever found. After that, Kael drowned himself in wine every night, becoming a shell of himself. I stayed by his side, watching over him. When he passed out drunk, I made him herbal remedies. When he had internal bleeding, I stayed awake all night caring for him. One night, when Kael was heavily intoxicated, he grabbed my wrist, murmuring Sage's name, and pinned me beneath him. I could have pushed him away. But I loved him too much. I was willing to be a substitute. The next morning, he stared at the blood on the sheets for a long time before finally saying, "I'll take responsibility. We'll get mated." We became mates. After our mating ceremony, I did everything I could to please him. He had stomach problems, so I woke up early every day to prepare healing broths. When he was busy with pack business, I learned to help him with documents. When he had nightmares, I stayed awake all night comforting him. Gradually, the way Kael looked at me changed. He seemed to start caring for me too. He remembered my favorite foods, personally prepared herbal teas during my cycles, and would gently kiss my forehead when I slept. Later, we had River and Stone. Both pups were devoted to me, and Kael would often pull me into his arms with a smile, saying, "My mate, you've worked so hard." Those five years were the happiest time of my life. Until— Sage suddenly "rose from the dead," reappearing before him. In that moment, I clearly saw Kael's eyes instantly ignite with light. What made me even more desperate was that River and Stone, my two sons, quickly turned toward Sage as well. "Aunt Sage is so much gentler than Mommy!" "Aunt Sage plays games with us. Mommy just tells us what to do!" "Daddy, can we make Aunt Sage our mommy?" Every time, Kael would just glance at me briefly, then ruffle our sons' hair, saying, "Don't talk nonsense." But he never contradicted them. I felt like an outsider, watching helplessly as my stolen five years of happiness completely shattered the moment Sage returned. And now, they were using such cruel methods to force me to admit to a crime I didn't commit. "I didn't attack her!" I pulled myself from the memories, my voice shaking. "Kael, let him go!" Kael's eyes were ice-cold. "Since you're so stubborn, then experience the pain of losing what you love most." He raised his hand, and a warrior immediately cut the rope! "No—!" I watched helplessly as the rope snapped and my brother's body plummeted straight toward the boiling silver. I lunged forward like a madwoman, but the warriors pressed me down. I could only scream in despair: "Kael! You killed him! You killed him!" The pain tore through me as I suddenly spat out fresh blood. River saw this and rolled his eyes impatiently. "Enough already. That wasn't even Uncle up there, just a dummy. Mommy, why are you so dramatic?" Stone snorted too. "Yeah, we were just scaring you. That's what you get for hurting Aunt Sage." My whole body went limp as I collapsed heavily to the ground, my heart nearly stopping. Kael looked down at me from above. "Remember this feeling. Sage died and came back to life. I can't lose her a second time." He paused, his tone softening slightly. "I know what you're worried about. I'm already mated to you, so I'll fulfill my duties as a mate and father. I won't sever mate bond with you. So stop trying to drive Sage away." I looked up at him, trembling. But I was already preparing for sever the mate bond... I didn't want this mate who favored Sage, or these sons who adored her more than me. Just as I was about to speak, Kael's phone rang. "Sage?" He answered immediately, his tone instantly gentle. "You're in pain again? Alright, I'm coming right over." After hanging up, he didn't even glance at me before quickly leaving with River and Stone. The warehouse instantly became empty, leaving only me kneeling on the ground, tears falling into the dust. I wiped away my tears and was about to stand when my phone suddenly vibrated. A message from Sage appeared— 【Aria, I had someone switch out that dummy. What's frying in the silver now is your dear little brother.】 My blood instantly froze. I stumbled toward the cauldron, scalding heat hitting my face and burning my eyes. In the boiling silver, my brother's body was already burned beyond recognition, his skin charred black, limbs twisted and deformed. But his wolf form was still visible—and those eyes were still wide open, staring at me. "Finn... Finn!" I frantically reached for him, but the molten silver splashed onto my hand, instantly raising bloody blisters. I trembled from the pain but still desperately tried to grab my brother's hand. He couldn't even make a sound anymore, just his lips slightly trembling, as if trying to call me "sister." I had to save him! Even if there was only the slightest hope! I dialed 911 with shaking hands, then frantically lifted Finn and rushed out of the Blackwood family compound. My whole body shook, tears blurring my vision, but I still held my brother tightly, stumbling as I flagged down a taxi. "To the hospital! Fast! Please!" My voice was hoarse, nearly breaking. The driver was startled by my blood-covered appearance and floored the gas pedal. In the hospital corridor, I rushed into the emergency room holding my dying brother, but the nurse looked at me helplessly. "Ms. Aria, Alpha Kael just ordered all doctors to attend to Ms. Sage. There's no one available to operate on your brother..." My whole body trembled as I immediately called Kael. "Kael! Please... please get a doctor to save Finn! He fell into the silver! He's dying!" On the other end, Kael's voice was cold as ice. "Aria, that was just a dummy. How long are you going to keep this up?" In the background, I could hear River and Stone complaining. "Why is Mommy always so unreasonable?" "Daddy, ignore her. Aunt Sage is waiting for you." Kael hung up directly. I knelt on the ground, desperately begging everyone around me, but they all avoided me. By the time I finally found a doctor willing to help, Finn's body had already gone cold. "Finn... Finn!" I held my brother's charred wolf form tightly, crying and screaming in despair, but the young wolf in my arms would never respond to me again. He was dead. Killed by the man I loved most. Chapter 2 Three days later, at the cemetery. I stood before my brother's gravestone, my face completely drained of color. For these three days, I'd been like the walking dead—handling death certificates, taking Finn to be cremated, and burying him with my own hands. Kael and our two sons never showed up once. I opened Sage's social media. Her latest post was a photo of Kael hand-feeding her soup, with the caption: 【Someone insists on taking care of me personally. I just can't handle him~】 Below were comments from River and Stone: 【Aunt Sage, get better soon! We want to go to the amusement park with you!】 【Aunt Sage is so much gentler than Mommy. We love you the most!】 I closed my phone, my expression turning completely cold. I left the cemetery and did only two things. First, I went to a law firm and drafted mate bond severance agreement. Because Kael was an Alpha, I couldn't bear the pain of rejecting the mate bond with him outright. So, I had no choice but to submit the severance agreement to the Alpha Council. Once they approved it, the magic within the seal would automatically sever our mate bond. Second, I went to the Alpha Council's enforcement office and told the duty officer: "I want to report Sage for intentional murder." I'd just returned to the mansion to pack my things after filing the report when the front door was kicked open violently. Kael stood in the doorway with a dark expression, River and Stone behind him. Both children's eyes were filled with rage, as if I'd committed some unforgivable crime. "You're the one who reported Sage for murder?" Kael's voice was ice-cold. "Who did she kill? Are you ever going to stop this nonsense?" Before I could answer, River rushed forward and shoved me. "Bad Mommy! Won't you be happy until you destroy Aunt Sage?" Stone also lunged at me, his small fists pounding my legs. "You're so mean! Aunt Sage is so nice. Why are you trying to frame her?" I stumbled backward from their pushes, my back slamming into the wardrobe. The pain made me gasp. I looked at them with red eyes, my voice shaking. "She switched out the dummy for my brother. Finn was burned alive because of her... Was I wrong to report her to the authorities?" All three of them froze. Kael laughed coldly. "What are you talking about? Sage would never do something like that!" I laughed too, tears streaming down my face. "Then call my brother right now. See if he picks up." Kael frowned and pulled out his phone to dial Finn's number. "Ring... ring..." After a long wait, the call automatically ended. No answer. Kael's expression shifted slightly. Just as he was about to speak, the door was gently pushed open. Sage walked in, her face pale as she leaned weakly against the doorframe. "I heard... Finn went on a graduation trip. The signal might be bad, so he didn't answer." River and Stone immediately ran over, supporting her on both sides. "Aunt Sage! Why did you leave the hospital? Didn't the doctor say you needed to rest?" Sage smiled helplessly. "When I heard that Aria reported me for murder, how could I not come explain?" She looked at me with gentle, helpless eyes. "Aria, I know what you're worried about. Even though Kael and I loved each other before, we missed our chance. Now that you're mated to him, I'll only bless you silently. I would never destroy your family. You really don't need to frame me like this... Murder is such a serious accusation." River immediately looked up at her adoringly. "Look at Aunt Sage's class! Now look at Mommy! The difference is obvious!" Stone also pouted. "Brother's right. Mommy only lies and hurts people!" My whole body trembled as my nails dug deep into my palms. "When the Council investigators get to the truth, you'll know who's right and who's wrong." "Investigation?" Kael laughed coldly. "You framed Sage. That's the truth! What's there to investigate?" He looked down at me, his tone allowing no argument. "I've already withdrawn the case and made some calls. In the entire Northern Territory, no one will dare take your case." I stared at him in disbelief. Just as I was about to speak, my phone rang. It was the enforcement office. "Ms. Aria, we've dropped that case... Alpha Kael spoke up, and there's nothing we can do. You should... accept our condolences. In the entire Northern Territory, no one will dare take this case." The call ended. I stood there, my whole body turning cold. Pain, despair, anger... all these emotions pressed down on my heart. It felt like someone had ripped out a piece of my heart, the pain making my vision go black. But then, I laughed. Looking at my dearest husband and sons, I laughed until tears streamed down my face. For some reason, Kael's heart suddenly tightened. He softened his tone. "Alright, this ends here. I went too far this time and scared you. I apologize." He paused. "Whatever compensation you want, I can give it to you." My tears were still falling, but my gaze grew colder bit by bit. I raised my hand to wipe away the tears and turned toward the drawer. My movements were slow, as if each step was a goodbye to my former self. When I pulled out the mate bond severance agreement, my fingers trembled slightly—not from anger or sadness, but from an almost liberating calm. "Sign this." I flipped to the last page, covering the beginning as I handed it to him. My voice was barely audible. Chapter 3 Kael glanced at it, thinking it was another request for jewelry or property. Wanting to end this drama quickly, he signed without really looking. After signing, he looked up. "Sage isn't well, and there's no one to care for her at home. She'll be staying here for a few days." I nodded numbly. "Do whatever you want." I took the document and left without looking back. At the law firm. The lawyer carefully examined the mate bond severance agreement and nodded. "The signature is valid, Ms. Aria. I'll submit this to the Alpha Council. Once the review is complete in a month, your mate bond with Alpha Kael will be officially severed." I gripped the documents tightly, my fingertips turning white. Finally... it was going to end. That evening, when I returned to the mansion, I heard laughter coming from the living room. Sage sat on the couch with River and Stone snuggled against her on either side, listening to her tell a story. "...And finally, the prince kissed the princess awake, and they lived happily ever after." Sage gently stroked both children's heads. River looked up at her adoringly. "Aunt Sage, you're so much gentler than Mommy." Stone nodded too. "I really wish you were our mommy..." I stood in the doorway, feeling like someone had stabbed me straight through the heart. I went upstairs expressionlessly and took a shower in the guest room bathroom. The warm water washed over my body, but it couldn't wash away the coldness in my heart. I closed my eyes, thinking, Don't worry. That wish of yours will come true very soon. I'd barely laid down when the other side of the bed dipped. Kael had finished his shower and lay down beside me. I faced away from him, not moving. Suddenly, he moved closer, his arm wrapping around my waist as his lips pressed against the back of my neck. My whole body went rigid as I shoved him away! Kael frowned. "I've given you the compensation you wanted, and your brother wasn't really hurt. How long are you going to keep this up?" I was about to speak when— "Knock knock knock!" The door was tapped, and River's little head peeked in. "Daddy! The weather forecast says there's going to be thunder tonight. Didn't you say Aunt Sage is really scared of storms?" Stone squeezed in too. "Daddy, hurry and keep Aunt Sage company! She's scared!" Kael glanced at the dark clouds gathering outside and got up without hesitation. Before leaving, he tossed out, "Sleep by yourself tonight." He didn't close the door completely. Laughter and chatter drifted from the room next door. "Kael, you came?" Sage's voice was soft. "Daddy! Aunt Sage tells the best stories!" River said excitedly. Stone whined sweetly, "Daddy, can we let Aunt Sage live here forever?" Kael chuckled low. "Sure." I lay in bed listening to their laughter and slowly closed my eyes. The next morning, when I came downstairs, laughter was coming from the kitchen. Kael stood at the counter wearing an apron, his long fingers gripping a spatula while Sage stood beside him, occasionally leaning in to smell the aroma, her eyes curved like crescents. River and Stone circled around their legs, chattering with their little faces turned up. "Kael, I can't believe you still remember what I like to eat after all these years." Sage's voice was soft, touched with emotion. Kael turned to look at her, his gaze holding a tenderness he'd never shown me. "I've never forgotten for a moment." He plated the sunny-side-up eggs and pushed them toward Sage. "Try it. See if the taste has changed." Sage took a bite, her expression brightening. "It tastes even better than before." River immediately raised his hand. "Aunt Sage, when Daddy's busy, I'll cook for you!" Stone bounced along in agreement. "I'll learn too! I'll make it even better than Daddy!" Sage laughed out loud, ruffling both children's hair while Kael watched them, his stern features softening with a smile. I stood at the bottom of the stairs, pulling my lips into a self-mocking smile. All these years, because Kael was very picky about food, and both children had been pampered and picky since birth, I'd worked tirelessly to serve this family. But it turned out... Someone like Kael, who never lifted a finger for household tasks, would cook for the person he loved. Children like River and Stone, usually spoiled and willful, could be this considerate. I was as humble as dust before them, yet they willingly bent over backward for Sage. The one who loves first really does lose completely. When Kael turned around with breakfast, he finally saw me. "You're up?" His tone was flat. "We're heading out in a bit and didn't have time to make yours. Handle it yourself." I didn't say anything. I knew Kael wasn't short on time. He just wanted to focus entirely on cooking for Sage alone. The aroma from the kitchen made my stomach clench painfully, but I said nothing. I quietly walked into the kitchen and made myself a bowl of plain noodle soup. After breakfast, Kael and Sage were taking the two children to an amusement park. River suddenly grabbed them. "Wait! We have something for you!" He and Stone ran upstairs and came back down with four matching T-shirts—obviously a family set. Sage looked troubled. "This... isn't really appropriate..." River looked up stubbornly. "But in our hearts, you ARE our mommy." Kael ruffled his son's hair and said to Sage, "The kids are just playing around. Humor them this once." Sage nodded with a blush. The four of them put on the matching outfits. Kael and Sage wore navy blue shirts while River and Stone had miniature versions with cartoon prints saying "Daddy and Mommy Love Our Babies." Sage suddenly looked at me. "Aria, why don't you come with us?" I shook my head. "No need." "But you're their mother. It wouldn't be right if you didn't come..." Sage walked over and took my hand without argument. "Come on, families should stick together." She dragged me into the car. The amusement park was bustling with crowds. The four of them in matching outfits were so stunning they drew countless stares. Young girls came over blushing to ask for photos, and Kael surprisingly didn't refuse. "Your wife is so beautiful!" one girl said enviously to Sage. "And your kids are super cute!" Kael didn't correct her. Sage lowered her head shyly while River and Stone puffed out their chests proudly. I followed behind them like a ghost, watching them get surrounded and praised, watching Kael's hand naturally rest on Sage's waist, watching the two children call Sage "Mommy" over and over. My heart hurt so much it went numb. I couldn't even feel the pain anymore. As evening approached, we came to the Ferris wheel. The operator smiled at Kael and Sage. "You two are such a perfect match! They say if couples kiss at the highest point of the Ferris wheel, they'll never be separated!" River and Stone exchanged glances and broke into mischievous grins. The cabin slowly rose as city lights flowed beneath our feet. When the Ferris wheel was about to reach its peak, the two children suddenly darted behind Kael and Sage and gave them a hard push— "Ah!" Sage cried out as she tumbled into Kael's arms. The moment their lips touched, both of them froze. Sage tried to pull away in panic, but Kael inexplicably cupped the back of her head and deepened the kiss. River and Stone covered their mouths to stifle giggles, secretly making victory signs. Chapter 4 I watched the scene unfold before me, feeling like my heart was being torn apart alive. The two sons I'd nearly died giving birth to were pushing Kael toward another woman right in front of me. Kael kissed Sage for a long time before pulling away, a thin strand of intimacy connecting their lips. Sage's cheeks were flushed red as she lowered her head shyly. "Sorry," Kael's voice was slightly hoarse. "I lost my balance just then." Then he turned to River and Stone with a stern expression. "What the hell are you two doing?" Though his tone was harsh, I knew him too well. He was more satisfied with that kiss than anyone. Kael looked at me and explained, "That was an accident. The kids were just messing around. Don't take it personally." I shook my head calmly. "I don't mind." And I really didn't mind anymore. Because I was done with all three of them—the father and both sons. After we got off the Ferris wheel, everyone went to watch the parade. Under the brilliant night lights, amid laughter and cheers, the floats slowly approached. But just then, the horses pulling one of the floats suddenly spooked, whinnying as they charged toward the crowd! "Watch out!" In the chaos, I saw Kael and the two children immediately throw themselves toward Sage, shielding her protectively. While I stood there and got knocked down by the panicking crowd. After nearly dying from blood loss giving birth to those two children, my wolf had fallen into a permanent coma. So now I was basically like an Omega—no fighting ability, not even any healing powers. "Ahhh—!" Excruciating pain hit me as horse hooves trampled over my ribs and wheels rolled across my legs. I clearly heard the sound of my own bones breaking. Everything went black, and I passed out completely. ... When I woke up again, the hospital room was dead silent. I struggled to sit up, cold sweat pouring down my face from the intense pain in my ribs and legs. I reached for my phone on the bedside table to check the time. The screen lit up, showing a social media notification on the lock screen— Sage had posted a photo. Kael and the two children were gathered around her hospital bed. One was holding a glass of water, another had medicine, and Kael was gently tucking her blanket. The caption read: 【It feels so good to be loved.】 I pulled my lips into a bitter smile and put the phone down. A doctor came in, flipping through test results. "Ms. Aria, you have three broken ribs and a hairline fracture in your left tibia. You'll need to stay for observation for a few days." He looked around the empty room. "Where's your family? We need a family member to sign." I said calmly, "I don't have any family." For the next few days, the hospital room remained empty. The nurses looked at me with pity, occasionally sneaking me an extra box of painkillers. Kael didn't show up until my discharge day. "Sage was traumatized and couldn't be left alone these past few days," he said flatly. "How are your injuries? Do you need to stay longer? I could bring the kids to take care of you." I shook my head. "No need. I don't want to waste your time." Kael frowned slightly. In the past, whenever he was busy with work but managed to spare even an hour for me, I'd be happy for days. Now I was actively refusing? But he didn't think much of it and had the driver take us to a high-end boutique in the city center. The store was brilliantly lit as Kael held up various gowns against my body. I thought he was trying to compensate me and said softly, "You don't need to. I don't really like any of these..." "Don't like what?" Kael interrupted. "Sage's birthday is coming up, and I want to get her the perfect custom gown." He studied my figure. "You and she are about the same size, so I brought you to try them on." I laughed. Laughed at my own wishful thinking, laughed at how Kael knew exactly where to stick the knife to hurt me most. For the next three hours, I was like a mannequin as Kael had me try on gown after gown. Finally, he settled on a mermaid-style dress covered in crystals. "This one." When we got home, Kael tossed me a paper bag. "Got this for you while I was at it." I glanced inside. It was a freebie that came with the custom gown—a plain black dress with a tag that read "Free Gift with Purchase." I took it and gave a flat "mm-hmm." Back in my room, I threw it straight into the trash. Chapter 5 For the next few days, I barely left my room except to eat. I just wanted the cooling-off period for the divorce to pass quickly, turning a blind eye to how Kael and his sons bent over backward to please Sage. Soon, Sage's birthday arrived. Kael had wanted to throw a grand party, but Sage gently refused. "Let's just celebrate at home. I don't like things too fancy." River immediately chimed in. "Perfect! I don't like outsiders sucking up to us either. It's so much better with just our family!" On her birthday, the mansion was decorated luxuriously yet warmly. The staff bustled around while Kael personally placed a birthday crown on Sage's head. "Make a wish." His gaze was tender. Sage clasped her hands together and closed her eyes in the candlelight. After blowing out the candles, Kael and the two children presented their gifts. Kael gave her a set of antique jewelry, River presented keys to a limited-edition sports car, and Stone proudly offered the deed to a private island. Sage's eyes filled with tears of emotion. "Thank you all..." She suddenly looked at me, where I'd been sitting silently, with a sweet smile. "Aria, what did you get me?" All eyes turned to me. I looked at Sage's expectant expression and said calmly, "I didn't prepare anything." I didn't want to, and I wasn't about to. River's face immediately darkened. "Mom! How could you? You knew it was Aunt Sage's birthday!" Stone pouted too. "That's so rude!" The two little ones exchanged glances, and River's eyes suddenly lit up. "Hey, doesn't Mom have tons of nice stuff Dad gave her in her room? Let's pick something for Aunt Sage!" Stone nodded eagerly. "Yeah!" Before I could react, both children had already rushed upstairs and straight to my bedroom. "Wait!" My face went pale as I stumbled after them, not caring that my leg hadn't fully healed. When I pushed open the door, the two children were ransacking my room. My jewelry box was overturned on the floor, and things from my drawers were scattered everywhere. "Found it!" River suddenly held up a gold necklace with a small moon pendant. "This one's pretty!" My pupils contracted. That was the last gift Finn had given me before he died. "No!" I rushed over to grab it back. "That's from your uncle!" River nimbly dodged aside. "It's just a necklace. Can't Uncle buy you another one later?" My voice shook. "He's dead!" Stone rolled his eyes impatiently. "You're lying again! Last time it was just a dummy. Our real uncle is obviously traveling! He promised to bring me a present!" Then he leaned over the railing and shouted downstairs, "Aunt Sage! We found Mom's present for you! You're gonna love it!" I reached for the necklace, but River shoved me hard. "Why are you being so stingy!" "Ahhhh—!" I lost my footing and tumbled down the entire staircase! "CRASH!" The back of my head slammed hard against the silver candelabra that decorated the bottom of the steps, and blood immediately gushed from my temple. This was a fatal blow to me since the wolf had already fallen into hibernation. I lay in a pool of blood, my vision blurry and ears ringing. "Mommy!" River and Stone were terrified and rushed downstairs. River's voice trembled. "I... I didn't mean to... It's your fault for trying to grab it..." Stone burst into tears. "Mommy, you're bleeding..." Hearing the commotion, Kael strode over. His face went ashen when he saw the scene. "What the hell happened?" Chapter 6 River sobbed as he explained, "We just wanted to find a necklace for Aunt Sage... Mom wouldn't let us, and she tried to grab it... I accidentally..." Kael crouched down to help me up. "Where are you hurt? I'll take you to the hospital." The two children also scrambled to help. Just then— "Ahhhh!" A scream came from the dining room, and a maid ran over in panic. "Alpha! Miss Sage got burned by the candles!" Kael froze mid-motion. "How bad is it?" he asked urgently. "A huge burn..." Before the maid could finish, Kael was already standing up. "Aria, call an ambulance yourself. We need to get Sage to the hospital first." The two children immediately let go of my hands too. "Mom, you go to the hospital by yourself!" "Kael... River... Stone..." I weakly reached out, but all three of them rushed toward the dining room without looking back, carefully helping Sage leave. Blood blurred my vision as I tremblingly pulled out my phone and used my last bit of strength to dial 911. "Help... me..." The moment the call connected, I fell into complete darkness. When I woke up again, the hospital room was still empty. A nurse came in to change my bandages. Seeing I was awake, she sighed. "Your mate and children are in the VIP room next door taking care of Miss Sage." She paused, her tone carrying some indignation. "Miss Sage only has a small red mark on the back of her hand, but they're making such a fuss. Alpha Kael is personally applying medicine for her, the older boy is blowing on her wound, and the younger one even went to buy ice cream to cheer her up. You're hurt so badly, but..." I listened quietly, my heart already numb from the pain. My phone buzzed, and the screen lit up. It was a reminder text from the Alpha Council: 【The mate bond severance has been approved. You may receive your mate bond severance certificate in three days.】 I stared at that message for a long time, then suddenly smiled. Finally, it would be over. After being discharged, I began preparing to leave. On the first day, I went to the cemetery. Next to my parents' headstones, a small new marker had been erected—Finn's. I knelt before the grave, gently wiping the young, smiling face in the photo. "Mom, Dad, Finn..." My voice was soft. "I loved the wrong person." "I shouldn't have fallen for Kael, shouldn't have had those two children..." I smiled, tears silently falling. "I'm leaving... This time, I really don't want them anymore. I'll live well for the rest of my days. You take care down there too, don't worry about me. Years from now, we'll meet again underground." The mountain wind lifted my long hair, and the white chrysanthemums in front of the headstone trembled slightly, as if responding to me. On the second day, I went to Lovers' Bridge. Years ago, Kael and I had hung a love lock there, engraved with both our names. I found that lock and viciously cut it with pliers, throwing it into the river. The moment the metal hit the water, I seemed to hear the laughter of my younger self. How ridiculous—vows of "eternal love" apparently only had a five-year shelf life. After that, I visited every place where Kael and I had shared memories— Our usual restaurant, the park where we had our first date, the church where we got married... Bit by bit, I erased all traces of our love. Back home, I packed up all the gifts Kael had given me over the years and threw them in the trash. Finally, I packed my luggage, just waiting to get the Alpha Council's approval to sever our mate bond tomorrow before leaving for good. Chapter 7 On the third evening, Kael came back with the two children. As soon as he walked in, he unusually took the initiative to explain. "Sage has been sensitive to pain since she was little. That's why we took her to the hospital first." River mumbled quietly, "Yeah, Mom, you're way tougher than Aunt Sage. You don't need us..." Stone nodded. "Aunt Sage is an Omega. She's too fragile and needs our protection." "Enough." I cut them off. "You don't need to explain." I understood too well. All their explanations boiled down to one thing—they loved Sage, not me. Once, this realization would have destroyed me. But not anymore. Because I... didn't love them anymore either. Seeing how calm I was, Kael felt a strange flutter of panic. He seemed to want to make up for something and spoke again. "There's a meteor shower tonight. I'll take you to the mountaintop to watch it." "No need." "Don't be stubborn." Kael glanced at the two children. "Help your mom get changed." River and Stone immediately grabbed my arms from both sides. "Come on, Mom!" I was forcibly stuffed into the car, only to discover Sage was there too. "Don't mind me, Aria," Sage said softly. "I've been afraid of the dark since I was little. Kael didn't want to leave me alone at home..." Kael immediately chimed in. "Sage has night blindness. She gets scared being alone at night." The two children also chattered supportively. "Poor Aunt Sage!" I closed my eyes wearily, not wanting to hear another word. Throughout the drive, Kael and the two children fussed over Sage. Adjusting her seat, handing her blankets, feeding her fruit—terrified she might be even slightly uncomfortable. Sage kept glancing at me, trying to catch jealousy or anger on my face, but found me just quietly looking out the window as if none of this concerned me. Halfway up the mountain, everyone got out to walk. Suddenly, Sage slipped and cried out, grabbing my wrist— We both tumbled down the slope together! "Aria! Sage!" Kael and the two children rushed down frantically, only to see that Sage had just scraped her palm and was pitifully holding back tears. Meanwhile, I had hit a rock. My calf was sliced open by a sharp stone, blood instantly soaking through my pants, and my face was ghostly pale. "I'll take Sage back first." Kael made a quick decision. "Aria, hang in there a bit longer. I'll call the pack warriors to rescue you." After saying this, he scooped up Sage and left without looking back. River and Stone hesitated, looking at my bleeding leg, then at Sage in their father's arms, before ultimately following them. I lay on the cold mountainside, watching their figures disappear into the night. I waited all night. No one came back. At dawn, I gritted my teeth and dragged my injured leg, crawling bit by bit up to the road. I flagged down a car, went to the hospital to bandage my wound myself, then headed straight to the Alpha Council. When the mate bond severance certificate was handed to me, I looked at the gold lettering and actually felt relieved. When I returned to the mansion, it was empty. Kael and the others were still at the hospital with Sage for her "comprehensive examination." I placed Kael's copy of the severance certificate on the coffee table, next to a note: 【I'm gone. Don't bother looking for me. I don't want any of you anymore.】 Then I picked up my pre-packed suitcase and left without looking back—escaping the cage that had trapped me for five years. Behind me, the morning sun was rising, and ahead of me— Was a brand new life without Kael, River, or Stone. Chapter 8 Three days later, Kael finally came back with Sage and the children. "Mom! I'm starving! Hurry up and cook something!" "Yeah, and Aunt Sage needs to get her nutrition back too." River and Stone burst through the door, shouting up at the bedroom. Their voices carried that particular whining tone children used when they were tired and hungry. They dropped their backpacks carelessly by the entrance, already expecting me to appear and take care of everything. Kael chuckled helplessly, following behind them with his arm supporting Sage. She was moving slowly, still weak from her hospital stay. "Let Sage sit down first. She must be uncomfortable after lying in the hospital for so long." His voice was gentle as he guided her toward the living room. Every movement was careful, protective. He treated her like she might break if he wasn't careful enough. Sage nodded shyly, her arm wrapped tightly around Kael's shoulder. "I feel bad troubling Aria as soon as we get back." "What's the big deal? She's got nothing else to do at home anyway. If something had happened to you, I'd never forgive myself." Kael's words cut through the air without him realizing how dismissive they sounded. To him, I was just part of the household, someone whose job it was to take care of everyone else's needs. He carefully set her down on the sofa, making sure she was comfortable before stepping back. When he looked up to call for me again, he spotted something unexpected on the coffee table. Official documents. An envelope. My handwriting on a note beside them. The smile slowly froze on his face. His eyes narrowed as he tried to process what he was seeing. His strange expression caught everyone else's attention. River muttered, "A severance certificate? That's gotta be fake." Stone nodded vigorously, but his voice sounded less certain than his words. "Definitely fake. Why would Mom break the mate bond with Dad?" Both children kept nodding, but their eyes kept darting to the coffee table. They were trying to convince themselves as much as anyone else. Kael had lost all his earlier composure. His hands shook slightly as he reached for the certificate. The paper felt real enough. Heavy. Official. He frowned in disbelief at the contents. Legal language filled the page. My signature at the bottom, clear and unmistakable. The moment his gaze fell upon the validated stamp at the bottom, something inside him snapped like a severed chain. A howl of agony erupted from deep within his chest—not from his human throat, but from his wolf. The sound was raw, animalistic, filled with a pain he'd never experienced before. The mate bond, that sacred tether that had connected us for years, shattered like glass. The pain was instantaneous and overwhelming. It felt like someone had reached into his chest and ripped out a vital organ. His knees buckled and he grabbed the edge of the coffee table to keep from falling. "Kael!" Sage was beside him in an instant, her hands on his shoulders as he gasped for breath. "What's wrong? What's happening?" The children rushed over, their earlier bravado forgotten. "Dad? Dad, are you okay?" River's voice cracked with fear. Stone grabbed onto Kael's arm, his small hands shaking. After several long minutes, Kael slowly straightened. His breathing was still ragged but more controlled. The worst of the pain had passed, leaving behind a hollow emptiness where the bond used to be. He wiped sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand. His shirt was damp, clinging to his skin. He frowned in disbelief as fragments of memory began to surface. When had this certificate even been issued? The date on the document was from a week ago. He couldn't remember ever signing any severance agreement. He gripped the thin document tightly, and suddenly a memory flashed through his mind. After forcing me to give up reporting to the pack authorities, I had handed him a piece of paper. He'd been angry, distracted by everything happening with Sage. He'd thought it was some other transfer agreement and hadn't looked closely. He'd just signed where I pointed, eager to end the conversation and get back to more important matters. Could it have been the severance papers? Was this all because he hadn't let me report the incident? The realization hit him like a physical blow. I had tricked him into signing his own mate bond severance. Kael angrily slammed the coffee table with his fist. The sound made everyone jump. "This is ridiculous! You don't joke about stuff like this! Where's Aria? Go find her and bring her back!" Just as he was about to tell the butler to search every room, Sage stopped him. "Forget it, Kael." Her voice was calm, soothing. "She's probably doing this because she expects you to come after her. If we just ignore her, she'll definitely come back on her own in a few days." She moved closer to him, her hand gentle on his arm. She soothed his anger while pulling the two children close to her sides. "Besides, you still have me. If Aria's gone, then she's gone. I can take care of you all during this time—be your temporary mom, okay?" She looked down at the boys with a gentle smile. Her voice was sweet, maternal in a way that made the children light up. River and Stone immediately cheered, their earlier worry forgotten. "Yes! Aunt Sage can be our mom!" "Yeah! We don't want that mean mom anymore. She doesn't want us, so we don't want her either. Aunt Sage is all we need!" Their words stung, but Kael barely registered them. He was still processing the reality of what had happened. Faced with his sons' expectant eyes, Kael had to suppress his unease. Something felt wrong about this whole situation, but he couldn't put his finger on what. "That's a lot of work for you, Sage. Just bear with it for a while. When Aria comes back, I'll definitely have a serious talk with her." He forced a smile and leaned over to kiss Sage's forehead. Sage blushed prettily and headed to the kitchen to cook for them. "I'll make something simple for now. I'm still not at full strength." River and Stone followed behind her eagerly, chattering about what they wanted to eat. When only Kael remained in the living room, he picked up the note I had left. 【I'm gone. Don't bother looking for me. I don't want any of you anymore.】 His grip tightened involuntarily. The paper crumpled slightly under his fingers. This was just another one of my attention-seeking stunts. I'd done plenty of similar things before to make him notice me. Threatening to leave, making dramatic gestures, creating scenes. This time had to be the same. Finally he threw both the certificate and note into the trash without another glance. If I wanted to play games, he wouldn't give me the satisfaction of reacting. Kael got up and walked toward the kitchen. The sound of cooking and conversation drifted toward him. He could hear his sons' delighted voices. "Sage-mom is amazing!" "Yeah! We're so lucky to eat food made by Sage-mom!" River and Stone were already helping carry plates to the table. They moved around Sage like she had always been their mother, eager to please and be useful. "Thanks for all this, Sage." He went to help serve the food. The three of them sat around the dining table like a real family. Happy and harmonious. Chapter 9 No one woke River and Stone up for school or reminded them about homework. The two children did whatever they wanted at home, staying up late playing video games and sleeping until noon. Their school bags sat untouched in the corner. Homework assignments piled up on their desks, forgotten. The house felt different without my constant reminders and structure. Sage and Kael slept in the same bed, holding each other every night. The master bedroom had become their shared space, with Sage's belongings scattered across the dresser and her clothes filling half the closet. If they slept in too late, the boys would burst into their room without knocking. "Dad! Sage-mom! You're still sleeping?" River would jump on the bed, bouncing between them. "Yeah! It's already past ten!" Stone would add, crawling under the covers with them. Each time, Sage would blush and hide in Kael's arms like a fragile little bird. She would pull the blanket up to her chin, acting shy and embarrassed. "You two are such troublemakers," she would giggle, triggering Kael's protective instincts. He would wrap his arms around her more tightly, shielding her from the children's playful attacks. "Leave Sage alone. She needs her rest." The domestic scene felt natural to him. This was what a real family looked like. Warm, affectionate, uncomplicated. Soon enough though, reality intruded. Kael had to return to work, and River and Stone had to go back to school. The vacation period was over, and responsibilities couldn't be ignored forever. "Don't worry, leave it to me. I've got this." Sage stood in front of the mirror, adjusting Kael's tie with careful precision. She smoothed down his collar and brushed imaginary lint from his shoulders. When she finished, she rose on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek, just like a real married couple would do. After seeing Kael off at the front door, Sage closed it behind him and leaned against it for a moment. She hadn't even reached River and Stone's room when both children came running out, already dressed in their school uniforms. "Sage-mom! Sage-mom!" They had gotten themselves ready without any prompting, something that had never happened when I was in charge. They hugged her legs tightly, one on each side. "We got up by ourselves! Sage-mom, we saw you kiss Dad. We want kisses too!" Their faces were bright with excitement, looking up at her with adoring eyes. Sage crouched down helplessly, her expression soft with affection. She gave each of them a gentle peck on the forehead. "There, happy now?" River nodded with a wide grin. "Yes! Thanks, Sage-mom!" Stone hugged her back and planted a wet kiss on her cheek. "Let's go to school! I want all the kids in my class to know I have a better mom now!" The two children took Sage's hands eagerly as they headed toward the car. They chattered excitedly about their plans for the day, about how they would show off their new mother to their friends. They walked around the campus when they arrived, introducing Sage as their new mom to everyone they met. Teachers, other parents, classmates - everyone got the same enthusiastic announcement. "This is our Sage-mom! Isn't she beautiful?" "She's so much better than our old mom!" "Look how pretty she is!" Only when the school bell rang did they reluctantly say goodbye, waving enthusiastically as Sage drove away. Sage finally returned to the mansion. The moment she walked through the front door and confirmed she was alone, her gentle smile completely disappeared. Her face twisted into irritation, all pretense of maternal warmth vanishing instantly. "School starts so damn early, and I have to drive them there. I've been running around all morning and haven't even had a bite to eat!" She threw her purse down on the entrance table with unnecessary force. "And I have to pick them up this afternoon too. Can't we just hire a nanny to do this crap?" Sage kicked the coffee table and shouted impatiently toward the kitchen, "Get me some food now! I'm starving!" A maid rushed out of the kitchen, looking startled by the sudden change in Sage's demeanor. She had been expecting the sweet, gentle woman who had left with the children. "What would you like to eat, Miss Sage?" the maid asked carefully. "I don't care! Just make it fast!" Sage snapped, collapsing onto the sofa. The maid hurried back to the kitchen and immediately got to work. Within twenty minutes, she had prepared a full breakfast spread - eggs, bacon, toast, fresh fruit, and coffee. Sage finally took her first bite, but before she could finish chewing, the maid quietly approached again. "Miss Sage, I'm sorry to interrupt, but it's time to pick up the young masters. They come home for lunch and a nap before going back to school in the afternoon." Sage's fork stopped halfway to her mouth. "What? Already?" "Yes, miss. Their lunch break starts in fifteen minutes." Sage frowned deeply. "Doesn't the school have a cafeteria?" "Well, yes, but the young masters are used to coming home for lunch. Luna Aria always-" "Then that's settled! I just got back, and now I have to run out again. Don't I deserve a break?" Sage slammed down her utensils, sending them clattering against the plate. Her face was flushed with anger. "I'm not their servant! They can eat at school like normal kids!" The maid didn't dare say another word. She quietly picked up the dishes and retreated to the kitchen, leaving Sage to fume alone. Sage lounged around the house all day, watching television and taking a long bath. She painted her nails and tried on different outfits, enjoying the luxury of having nothing to do. When the afternoon came, the maid approached her again, this time even more hesitantly. Sage looked up from the magazine she was reading. "What now?" "Miss Sage, the young masters' regular school day is ending. Time to pick them up," the maid reminded her. The woman's voice was barely above a whisper, clearly afraid of another outburst. "Fine, I know. Such a pain." Sage got up with obvious reluctance. "Make sure dinner's ready when we get back, and tell them I cooked it myself. Got that?" Sage headed out to the school, checking her appearance in the car mirror multiple times during the drive. She wanted to make sure she looked perfect for any other parents who might see her. River and Stone had been waiting by the school entrance for over an hour. Their teacher had stayed with them, growing increasingly concerned as other children were picked up one by one. When they finally spotted Sage's car pulling up, their faces lit up with relief and excitement. "Sage-mom!" They waved and shouted, running toward her. "Look, teacher! That's our new mom. We call her Sage-mom." The teacher looked surprised, glancing between the children and Sage. "What about your previous mom? Luna Aria?" River and Stone's expressions immediately darkened at the mention of my name. "That old mom didn't want us anymore. Actually, we didn't want her! Sage-mom is way better." "Yeah! She's prettier and nicer and she doesn't make us eat gross vegetables!" Stone added. Sage had walked over and heard what the boys said. She smiled sweetly at the teacher, slipping back into her gentle persona. "The children are just playing around. Aria has some things to handle out of town, so I'm helping take care of them for now." "I see." The teacher nodded, though she still looked confused. "Luna Aria was always so responsible with little River and Stone. She never missed a pickup. I was wondering how she could possibly not want them." The teacher's innocent comment hit exactly where it hurt. Sage's smile tightened almost imperceptibly. "Yes, well, sometimes life gets complicated," Sage said with forced cheerfulness. She made an excuse about traffic and quickly ushered the children to the car. The drive home was filled with their excited chatter about their day, oblivious to Sage's irritation. When they arrived at the mansion, the maid had already prepared an elaborate dinner spread. Multiple dishes covered the dining table, making it look like a feast. Both children's eyes widened in amazement as they entered the dining room. "Sage-mom, did you make all this? That's incredible!" River exclaimed, his mouth dropping open. "Our old mom only knew how to make gross health food," he added, climbing into his chair. "Yeah, Sage-mom is the best!" Stone nodded enthusiastically and couldn't wait to sit at the table. They threw their backpacks, shoes, and jackets all over the entrance hall floor without a second thought. Sage glanced at the mess they had created and her jaw tightened. She turned toward the maid and barked orders in a low voice, "Are you blind? Don't you know how to clean up?" Her tone was cold and sharp, completely different from the sweet voice she used with the children. The children didn't notice the change in her demeanor and laughed along. "Dad pays you to serve us, so can you work faster? Sage-mom shouldn't have to remind you!" The maid knelt down immediately to pick up River and Stone's scattered belongings without a word of complaint. Just as she was gathering the last of their things, the front door opened and Kael's voice carried into the house. "I can smell something amazing the moment I walk in. Did you make such a feast today?" Chapter 10 Sage turned around with a smile spreading across her face. The harsh expression she'd worn moments before melted away completely, replaced by the sweet demeanor Kael expected. "I don't have much to do at home anyway. Figured I'd make something nice for you guys. It's nothing really." She smoothed down her dress and walked toward him, her movements graceful and welcoming. Kael walked in and saw the table full of elaborate dishes, his two sons eating happily, and gentle Sage waiting for him. A wave of contentment washed over him. This was exactly what he'd always wanted - a peaceful home with a loving woman taking care of his family. He wrapped his arms around Sage's waist from behind, pulling her close. "Thanks for all this, Sage." "It's really nothing, Kael. I told you I'd take care of you all. This is what I should be doing." Sage spoke softly, leaning back against his chest. She reached up to brush a strand of hair from Kael's cheek. "You should eat too. You must be hungry after such a long day." "Yeah, okay." He nodded, hung his jacket on the chair back, then casually asked, "Aria hasn't come down yet?" As soon as he said it, River looked up from his plate and chimed in, "Mom's not here anymore, Dad! You forgot!" Stone added cheerfully, "Now we only have Sage-mom! And she's way better!" Only then did Kael remember that I had left. The mate bond severance, the empty house, the strange quietness that had been bothering him. But he still couldn't get used to the fact that I was gone. Every time he heard about my absence, he felt confused and unsettled. I had loved him so much for so many years. How could I have actually left? It didn't make sense. His movements paused as if he was remembering something important, then he quickly moved past the topic. "Right. Of course." But Sage caught every bit of his reaction. The way his face fell slightly. The pause in his movements. The confusion in his eyes. She filed it all away for later. That night, as soon as Kael entered the bedroom, a warm, soft body pressed against him. Sage had been waiting for him, dressed in her most seductive nightgown. "Kael, you can't forget Aria, can you?" Her voice was small and vulnerable. "She'll definitely come back in a few days. Just for these few days, you're mine, okay?" She looked up at him with wide, pleading eyes. Her hands rested on his chest, feeling his heartbeat. "Sage, I've always been yours." Unable to bear seeing the woman he'd loved for years look so hurt, Kael held her tightly. He pushed aside his strange feelings about me and focused on the woman in his arms. Sage wore only a thin silk nightgown that clung to her curves and showed off her perfect figure. The fabric was almost transparent in the bedroom lighting. Her hands began wandering over Kael's body, trailing along his chest and shoulders, making his Adam's apple bob continuously. "I missed you today," she whispered against his neck. Just as her hand was about to touch his lower abdomen, Kael grabbed her wrist, his voice already husky with desire. "Sage, you're the one seducing me." "Maybe I am," she smiled up at him teasingly. With that, he picked her up easily and threw her onto the bed. She laughed as she bounced on the mattress, her hair spreading out around her like a halo. Clothes were carelessly tossed to the floor. Kael's shirt landed on the chair. Sage's nightgown was pulled over her head and thrown aside. Soon passionate moans filled the air. "Kael, yes..." "You feel so good, Sage." He moved above her, his hands gripping her waist tightly. Their bodies moved together in perfect rhythm. Sage wrapped her legs around him, pulling him deeper. "Kael, no more... I can't..." But Kael didn't want to stop. The stress of work, the confusion about my departure, everything melted away in Sage's embrace. He gripped her waist, leaving countless marks all over her pale skin. Red marks bloomed across her neck and shoulders. They made love for hours, changing positions, exploring each other's bodies with desperate hunger. Finally, they collapsed together, exhausted and satisfied. After their passionate night, Sage didn't have the strength to get up the next morning. Her body ached pleasantly, covered in evidence of their lovemaking. Meanwhile, the man beside her had long since left for the office. There was some big business deal these past few days that Kael said he had to handle personally. The bed was still warm where he'd been lying. Sage stretched lazily, enjoying the luxury of having nothing to do. She was still half-asleep when someone knocked on the bedroom door. The sound was sharp and intrusive in the quiet morning. She frowned and reluctantly opened her eyes. "What?!" Her voice was harsh, completely different from the sweet tone she used around Kael. "Miss Sage, if you don't take the young masters to school soon, they'll be late," the maid said from outside. Her voice was careful, respectful but urgent. Taking the kids again! Sage's good mood evaporated instantly. She rolled over in bed, pulling the covers over her head, and snapped irritably, "Let them go themselves. They know the way." Outside the door, River and Stone had been waiting eagerly in their school uniforms. They'd gotten themselves ready again, hoping Sage would take them like she had the first few days. But when they heard her words through the door, the hope in their young eyes died. River's shoulders slumped. "Sage-mom must be really tired. Let's go to school by ourselves today." "It's okay. Let Sage-mom rest. We're big boys now," Stone said, trying to sound brave as he adjusted his backpack straps. The maid looked at the four and five-year-old children, her heart aching. They were so small, so trusting. "Let me call Alpha Kael and have the driver come back to take you to school. What if something dangerous happens on the way?" The school was several miles away through busy streets. It wasn't safe for children so young to walk alone. River and Stone shook their heads stubbornly. "No, Dad's working. If Sage-mom wants us to go to school alone, it must be to make us stronger. We're going now!" They ran toward the front door, their small legs carrying them as fast as they could go. The maid couldn't stop them without using force, and she didn't dare disobey Sage's indirect orders. Inside the bedroom, Sage had already gone back to sleep, not caring about anything else. She didn't wake up until afternoon and had no particular reaction when the worried maid told her about the morning's events. She just shrugged and asked what was for lunch. After that, whether for going to or coming from school, Sage was too lazy to drive them. She let both boys get around on their own, rain or shine. Even when Kael was too busy with work to come home for dinner, she was too lazy to have the maid cook proper meals. She'd eat first, ordering whatever she wanted, then have the maid give River and Stone whatever leftovers remained. Often it was just bread and cold soup. Only when Kael came home would she return to her previous gentle demeanor. She'd greet him at the door with kisses and warm smiles, asking about his day and making sure he had everything he needed. As this went on for weeks, even the two children who had always liked Sage couldn't stand this kind of life anymore. They were tired, often hungry, and confused by the dramatic change in her behavior. After school one day, they came to Sage's room together. They knocked politely and waited for permission before entering. "What's wrong, River and Stone?" Sage was lying on the bed, scrolling through her phone. She didn't look up when they entered. "Sage-mom, can you cook something for us?" River asked quietly, standing at the foot of the bed. His voice was small and hopeful. He twisted his hands in front of him, looking up at Sage with wide, expectant eyes. "But it's already so late. Doesn't the maid make breakfast in the morning? Can't you wait until then?" Sage didn't even move from her position sprawled across the bed. She was still scrolling through her phone, not bothering to look at the children. Her tone was dismissive, as if they were bothering her with something ridiculous. "But we're really hungry, Sage-mom." Stone's voice was even smaller than his brother's. "The maid only gave us bread today. Don't you love us at all? We're gonna tell Dad!" He grabbed onto River's shirt for support, his lower lip trembling slightly. They just wanted to eat one more meal that Sage had supposedly cooked, hoping to recapture those first few days when she'd seemed to care about them. But they didn't expect her face to completely change at the mention of their father. Her expression shifted from lazy indifference to cold fury in an instant. She sat up from the bed abruptly and walked over to the two children with deliberate steps. Stone thought his words had worked and started to smile hopefully, but Sage raised her hand without warning and slapped him hard across the face. The sound echoed through the bedroom like a gunshot. River jumped in shock and shouted, "Sage-mom, why did you hit him?!" His voice cracked with disbelief. Stone's hand flew to his cheek, tears immediately springing to his eyes. But the next second, Sage's other hand came down and slapped River too, just as hard. Children's skin is tender. Even though they had Alpha bloodline, they were still too young to shift and couldn't handle much pain. Their wolf healing hadn't developed yet. Even though Sage was just an Omega she-wolf, she hit River and Stone hard enough to make their cheeks red and swollen immediately. Tears welled up in their eyes, spilling over and running down their bruised faces. Sage spoke without any trace of caring, her voice cold and threatening. "If you dare say anything to Kael, next time it won't just be going without food. Got it?" She leaned down so her face was level with theirs, her eyes hard and dangerous. "I can make your lives much worse than they are now. You think you're hungry? You think you're tired? I can show you what real suffering looks like." In River and Stone's eyes, Sage had instantly transformed from the gentle woman they'd known into a terrifying monster. They didn't dare fight back and could only nod frantically, agreeing to whatever she said. "Good. Now dry your tears and act normal." Sage straightened up, smoothing down her hair. Just then, a familiar voice came from downstairs. "Sage, River, Stone, I'm home!" Kael's voice carried up through the house as he pushed through the front door.