He Broke Our Bond, I Claimed His Love

Chapter 3

I massaged his temples for a while. He seemed to relax a little, then closed his eyes and fell asleep.

I sat beside the bed, staring at his handsome profile, my feelings tangled.

For the past three years, I had kept telling myself that what we had was nothing more than an arrangement. I couldn’t let myself fall for him.

But he was my fated mate.

How could I possibly not love him?

Especially that one time when my grandmother’s condition suddenly worsened. He immediately sent healers over with the best herbs and even went to see her himself.

Back then, I had almost believed he felt something for me too.

Only later did I find out that Healer Tessa had sent him a message from the Ice Plains that day, saying she had mastered a new healing technique.

He had simply been in a good mood and helped me as an afterthought.

“Demi, what are you thinking about?” Lila asked in my mind. “Don’t tell me you’ve actually fallen for him. Let me remind you—once he gets his memory back, he’ll throw us out for sure. We’re only doing this for your grandmother!”

“I know,” I answered silently. “All I want is Grandma’s healing herbs and that hot spring estate in the South. Once we get them, we leave.”

“That’s more like it.”

Satisfied, Lila retreated into the depths of my soul.

I stayed by Austinn’s bedside for a while longer, until Gamma Liam knocked and came in.

“Luna Demi, the elders heard Alpha Austinn is awake. They’re all outside waiting.”

I nodded, stood up, and smoothed my clothes.

Then I touched my face to make sure I still looked worried before following Liam outside.

Five pack elders and several high-ranking members were standing outside the healing lodge.

The moment they saw me, the Elder stepped forward and asked with concern, “Luna Demi, how is Alpha Austinn? His memory...”

I sighed, my eyes reddening again.

“Elder, he doesn’t remember anything. He could barely recognize me.”

The elders exchanged glances, worry written all over their faces.

“Wolfsbane is truly vicious,” the Second Elder said with a frown. “Even Alpha Austinn’s wolf spirit was affected.”

“Then what do we do now?” the Third Elder asked. “The pack still has countless matters waiting for Alpha Austinn’s decision.”

I chose that moment to speak.

“Please don’t worry, Elders. I’ll stay by Alpha Austinn’s side and help him slowly recover his memories. As for pack affairs, Beta Dave can handle them for now. Once Alpha Austinn is feeling better, I’ll make sure he returns to his duties as soon as possible.”

My words were gracious and appropriate, exactly what a Luna should say.

The elders nodded approvingly.

The Elder patted my shoulder.

“Thank you for your hard work, Luna Demi. With you by Alpha Austinn’s side, we can rest easy.”

“It’s what I should do.”

I lowered my head, looking modest and composed.

Just then, Healer Tessa walked over with a basket of herbs in her hands and a fragile smile on her face.

“Elders, I just returned from the Ice Plains, and I learned several new healing techniques. I’d like to stay in the healing lodge and take care of Alpha Austinn so I can help him recover his memory faster.”

The second she finished speaking, I felt several pairs of eyes fall on me.

I sneered inwardly.

She wanted to stay?

Wanted to use this chance to get close to Alpha Austinn?

Absolutely not.

I lifted my head and gave her an understanding smile.

“Healer Tessa, you only just came back from the Ice Plains. You should go get some rest first. I’ll take care of Alpha Austinn. As his Luna, that’s my responsibility.”

Tessa’s face went pale.

She bit her lip and looked at the elders.

“But... the healing techniques I learned are very effective for amnesia caused by wolfsbane. If I stay, I can help Alpha Austinn recover sooner.”

“Miss Tessa,” I interrupted gently, though my tone left no room for argument, “the healers have already given Alpha Austinn the best herbs available. What he needs now is peace and rest, not more disturbance. You’ve just returned, so you should take some time to settle back into the pack. Once Alpha Austinn is doing better, I’ll arrange for him to see you.”

My words asserted my authority as Luna while still sounding considerate.

No one could fault me for it.

The elders all nodded.

“Luna Demi is right,” the Elder said. “Healer Tessa, you’ve only just returned. Go rest first.”

Tessa’s expression turned even uglier.

She shot me a furious glare, but she didn’t dare argue with the elders.

All she could do was stomp her foot and leave.

Watching her walk away, I quietly let out a breath.

First opponent temporarily eliminated.

Lila cheered in my head.

“Demi, you’re amazing! You sent her packing with just a few sentences!”

“Don’t celebrate too soon,” I warned her silently. “She won’t give up that easily. We need to be careful.”

I spoke with the elders for a while longer. After reminding me to take good care of Alpha Austinn, they finally left.

When I returned to the healing lodge, Austinn was already awake.

He was leaning against the headboard, staring blankly at a silver pendant in his hand.

It was mine.

Three years ago, I had accidentally left it in his office. It was the eighteenth-birthday gift my grandmother had given me, and I had searched everywhere for it without success.

I never imagined it had been with him all along.

When he saw me come in, he looked up and lifted the pendant slightly.

“Is this yours?”

My heart skipped a beat.

Had he remembered something?

But I quickly composed myself and walked over with a smile.

“Yes. My grandmother gave it to me when I came of age. I lost it three years ago. I never thought it had been with you this whole time.”

Austinn looked at me, his gaze unreadable.

“Why would I have your pendant?”