I Rejected the Bond After the 7th Failed Ritual

1.

My mating ceremony with Aiden Blackwood, the Alpha of the Black Moon Pack, has been cancelled seven times.

Seven times.

The first time, Chloe, the human girl under his guardianship, claimed the full moon gave her anxiety. So she didn't show up.

Normally, a human girls absence shouldn't affect a sacred pack ceremony at all.

But Chloe was different.

Her father, Marcus, was the packs former Beta. Eighteen years ago, he died saving Aidens parents.

Before he took his last breath, Marcus swore a Blood Oath with the Council of Elders using his final drop of wolf blood.

The oath was simple but binding: Until Chloe reached adulthood, the pack had to grant her every reasonable request.

If refused, the Blood Oath would backlash, and the entire pack would be cursed.

This oath became a shackle that trapped us all.

A mating ceremony requires the witness of all core members. Even though Chloe was human, the Blood Oath categorized her as a core member.

The Elders tried to find loopholes, but ancient magic accepts no compromises. Without one core member, the ceremony couldn't be completed magically.

The second time, Chloe said she felt physically ill, claiming it was a side effect of the oath. The Elders didn't dare take the risk, so the ceremony was cancelled again.

After the third failure, I looked into Aidens eyes, my voice deadly calm.

"Aiden, this is the last time. If it doesn't happen today, we are done. For good."

He grabbed my hand. His amber eyes burned with that possessive fire unique to Alphas.

"Don't be silly, Clara. There won't be another failure."

He squeezed my hand tighter.

"The Blood Oath expires on her twenty-first birthday. Thats just three months away. We will hold a grand ceremony then. You are my fated mate, Clara."

I looked at the certainty in his eyes.

Inside me, my wolf paced anxiously.

She could feel the sincere love through the mate bond, but she also sensed something unsettling.

Aidens obsession with his promise to a dead man often outweighed his commitment to me.

I compromised again and again.

In return, Chloe pulled the same stunts over and over.

Every time, she danced precisely on the edge of the Blood Oath. Her requests were "reasonable" on paper, but ridiculous in reality.

And Aiden, bound by the oath and his guilt, compromised every single time.

Until the seventh time.

Chloe claimed she had to attend a piano competition that meant the world to her.

Her twenty-first birthday was only two weeks away.

I took the initiative and announced the cancellation myself.

Just like the previous six times, Aiden filled the air with promises about "next time."

What he didn't know was that this time, I wouldn't be waiting.

...

I went through the motions, sending off every pack member who had come to witness the ceremony, just like I had six times before.

Aiden walked over in his black combat boots, his voice dripping with self-righteous apology.

"Clara, Chloe said this competition is to honor her parents. The oath is about to expire. After that, shell have no excuse to stop us. Our ceremony will happen."

I just nodded. I didn't say a word.

Over these seven times, Chloes excuses ranged from a bad mood to her pet cats birthday. Every single one exploited the gray area of "reasonable requests."

The Elders were helpless. Aiden didn't dare risk the pack getting cursed.

But the wolf inside me was exhausted.

She craved the completion of the bond, that sense of total belonging. Instead, she was pushed away time and time again.

I stood up. "I'm going to walk my parents out."

At the gate of the settlement, my mom gripped my hand, her eyes red. "Clara, this wedding..."

"It's off," I said.

My tone was calm, even carrying a hint of relief.

"You guys go home first. Im going to the Sacred Grounds to reject the mate bond with Aiden. Ill pack my things and come home."

Three years ago, right after Aiden successfully proposed, he took me to the Sacred Grounds to complete the preliminary mate mark.

He said this mark was an Alphas highest promise to his mate, far more sacred than a human diamond ring.

He said it would bind our life force, power, and future together.

"But the mark isn't fully activated yet," he had added back then. "Our souls will only truly merge after the ceremony is complete."

So, since I was leaving, I had to cut it cleanly while the connection was still incomplete.

2.

I watched my parents' car drive away, then turned back toward the territory.

Aiden was looking down at his phone. A photo Chloe sent from the competition made the corners of his mouth lift in a smile.

When he saw me return, a flash of guilt flickered in his eyes, barely noticeable.

"Clara, Chloe won the gold medal. I have to go celebrate with her."

He turned to leave immediately.

"Aiden," I called out. My voice was soft, but every word was distinct. "I told you, that was the last time. So now, you are free."

He paused, then let out a laugh. "Are you throwing a tantrum? Clara, don't be like that."

He thought I was just playing hard to get. He reached out to ruffle my hair, his tone carrying that undeniable Alpha authority.

"Just wait two more weeks. Once the Blood Oath expires, I will make her attend. I promise."

With that, he strode away, his steps hurried.

He didn't even notice me freezing in place.

He had taken my final ultimatum as just another petty mood swing he could brush off with a promise.

My wolf let out a low, mournful whimper.

Three years. She had waited three years, and couldn't even get a complete ceremony.

Like a ghost, I followed him.

I watched him get out of the car at the concert hall.

Chloe, dressed in a pink dress, fluttered into his arms like a butterfly.

Aiden immediately bent down to catch her, a smile blooming on his face. It was a tenderness I had never seen, softening the sharp edges of his Alpha features.

I watched in a daze. It felt like an invisible hand was squeezing my heart.

My wolf paced restlessly in my chest, growling in pain.

Chloe pulled him onto the award podium, forcing him to wear a cartoon headband and take selfies.

Aiden said, "This is too silly," but he still threw up a peace sign for the camera.

I bit my lip until I tasted blood, staring at the massive contrast between this and his usual stern demeanor.

In the past three years, whenever I suggested wearing matching outfits, watching a rom-com, or having a less serious ceremony...

He would frown and refuse. "That doesn't befit the status of an Alpha."

But now, he was doing all the things he claimed were "undignified" for Chloe.

It turned out he wasn't rigid. He just wasn't willing to break the rules for me.

Or perhaps, in his heart, his guilt toward Marcus and fear of the Blood Oath had long surpassed his love for me.

I don't remember how I left.

I only know that when I returned to the pack entrance, the scent-based security system denied me access.

I stood there for a few seconds, stunned.

Then I remembered. Last time, Chloes cat clawed up my cherished photo albumDthe one with pictures of my first date with Aiden.

I scolded the cat. Chloe ran crying to Aiden, claiming my attitude made her "feel unsafe."

That phrase triggered the Blood Oath clause.

To soothe her and avoid the backlash, Aiden temporarily removed my scent signature from the trusted list on the security system.

When I questioned him, he dismissed it lightly. "You always come back with me. The system recognizes my scent on you. It won't matter."

I laughed bitterly and decided to wait at the coffee shop across the street until Aiden came back.

But the moment I stepped onto the crosswalk, a black SUV sped toward me from behind and sent me flying.

In an instant, I slammed onto the pavement like a kite with a broken string.

My wolf let out a desperate howl, trying to force a transformation to heal me.

But the injuries were too severe. Her power was suppressed.

In the final moment before my consciousness faded, through a blur of bloody vision, I saw the driver.

It was Chloe.

She looked panicked as she threw herself into the arms of Aiden, who had rushed over at the sound of the crash.

Aiden held her tight, his face full of heartache, as if she were the one who was hurt.

He didn't even look at me.

3.

When I woke up again, the pack infirmary was blindingly white.

My right leg was in a cast, and my forehead was wrapped in bandages.

My werewolf healing ability was slowly repairing the damage, but I smelled something else.

Silver.

I smelled the lingering scent of silver on my wounds. The bumper of that car had been coated with it.

This was no accident.

From outside the door, Chloes crying drifted in. "Aiden, I really didn't mean to! She just rushed out suddenly! I was so scared... I feel so unsafe right now..."

Unsafe.

That was the keyword to trigger the Blood Oath.

"Shh, stop crying." Aidens voice was so gentle it could drip water, completely devoid of his usual Alpha authority. "I'm here. You'll be fine. The oath expires in two weeks. Until then, I won't let anyone hurt you."

I forced a dry, painful smile.

She smashed me with a car, and he was comforting her.

I propped myself up, leaning against the wall for support, and shoved the door open.

Outside, Chloe was leaning into Aidens chest. When she saw me, a flicker of triumphant malice flashed in her eyes before being masked by innocent tears.

Aiden froze. He let go of Chloe and walked over quickly to support me. "Clara, why are you out of bed? The doctor said you need rest."

I dodged his hand. My gaze locked onto Chloe.

"The car was coated in silver. That wasn't an accident."

The air instantly solidified.

Aidens expression stiffened. Silver is lethal to werewolves. Anyone who knew my identity wouldn't "accidentally" use silver to hurt me.

"No! That's not true!" Chloe shrieked. "I didn't know there was silver on the car! Someone must have messed with it when I got it repaired! Aiden, you believe me, right? How could I hurt Clara..."

Her tears fell like broken pearls, and her whole body trembled.

Aidens eyes shifted between me and Chloe.

I saw the struggle in his gaze. He wanted to believe me, but the pressure of the Blood Oath terrified him.

If he publicly questioned Chloe within the oaths timeframe without absolute proof, the oath could backlash on the entire pack.

"Clara," he finally said, his voice strained. "I'll have people investigate this. But before we have solid evidence..."

"Before that, you choose to believe her," I finished his sentence for him.

"It's not about believing or not believing!" Aiden raised his voice. "The Blood Oath expires in two weeks. Before that, I can'tD"

"Can't what? Can't trust your own mate?" I sneered. "Aiden, your oaths and your guilt have blinded you."

I turned to Chloe. "You want an apology? I can wait for the investigation results. But if the evidence proves you did it on purpose..."

"Are you threatening me?" Chloe screamed. "Aiden! She's threatening me! I feel unsafe!"

That damn keyword.

Aidens face changed. The terms of the Blood Oath began to activate. I saw faint black veins surfacing on the back of his handDthe sign of the curse beginning to erode him.

"Clara, enough." His voice turned ice cold. "Until the investigation results are out, you are not allowed to approach Chloe. That is an order."

I stared at the black veins on his hand. My wolf let out a sorrowful whimper.

For three years, this oath had been an invisible chain, binding Aiden and the entire pack at Chloes feet. And I could never compete with it.

"Fine," I took a deep breath. "Then let's wait for the results."

Over the next few days, Aiden did send people to investigate the accident.

But all the evidence had been wiped clean. The surveillance cameras at the repair shop were "conveniently" broken. The worker who applied the silver paint didn't exist.

Chloe came to the infirmary every day to "visit" me, tearfully apologizing. But she couldn't hide the smugness in her eyes.

Aiden was caught in the middle, stressed and exhausted.

He wasn't stupid. He knew deep down that things weren't simple. But the oath had ten days left.

Just survive these ten days, and everything will be fine. That was his thought process.

On the fourth night, he came to my ward.

"Clara," he held my hand, his palm rough with calluses from battle. "Just wait ten more days. Once the oath is lifted, I will investigate this thoroughly and give you justice. I swear."

Another oath.

"Aiden," I looked at his tired face, my voice soft. "Have you ever thought that for the past three years, every time you asked me to 'wait,' you were burning through my trust in you?"

He fell silent.

"Your oaths, your guilt, your debt to Marcus... I understand," I continued. "But I am not an object that can be shelved indefinitely. My love, my waiting... they have limits too."

"I know." He lowered his head. "Ten days. Just ten days."

I didn't answer.

That night, I lay alone in the hospital bed, staring at the ceiling for a long time.

My wolf had stopped whimpering. She just curled up deep in my soul, quiet like a wounded beast.

I knew it was time to make a decision.

4.

On the day I was discharged, Aiden didn't come.

Chloe had caused some new drama that required his attention.

Dragging my unhealed leg, I went to the Sacred Grounds and applied to dissolve the mate mark.

The Elder in charge took my ID, carved a few symbols onto an ancient stone tablet, and looked up respectfully.

"Clara, removing the mark requires a five-day cooling-off period. During this time, both parties can still sense each others power through the bond."

"Fine. I'll come back in five days to sever it completely." I signed the paper and turned to leave.

Five days.

The Blood Oath had six days left. I could leave before Chloe lost her "amulet," giving Aiden no chance to use more promises to keep me.

I returned to our shared home. Just as I was about to change the dressing on my wound, the front door was kicked open.

Aiden rushed in, holding Chloe in his arms.

She was covered in "injuries." Her dress was rumpled, her eyes unfocused, and she kept muttering, "Don't hit me."

"Are you satisfied now?" Aiden pushed Chloe toward me. His combat gear was dusty, his voice freezing. "You hired someone to kidnap her? To torture her?"

I looked in shock at the gruesome marks on ChloeDburns that looked like silver chains, bruises, and whip marks.

"I went straight to the Sacred Grounds after leaving the hospital, then came here," I said, keeping my voice calm. "You can check the surveillance. I didn't kidnap anyone."

"The footage shows she was taken by a black SUV," Aidens eyes were full of rage. "That car is registered in your name."

"What? I don't even haveD"

"Enough!" He cut me off. "Clara, I know you hate her, but how could you..."

"She's acting, Aiden!" I finally snapped. "Open your eyes and look at her wounds! Those silver chain burnsDI was hit by her car, and the silver in my own wounds hasn't even been fully cleaned yet. Where would I get silver chains to hurt her?"

Aiden paused, his gaze landing on Chloes injuries.

I continued, "And if I really kidnapped and tortured her, she should be barely breathing right now. But look at herDaside from those 'perfectly placed' marks, her mental state is fine. That is not what a victim looks like."

Chloes expression stiffened for a split second, but she quickly reverted to her pitiful act.

"Aiden, she's lying! I'm so scared... I feel unsafe..."

The keyword again.

Aidens hand twitched. The black veins surfaced once more.

"Clara," his voice was strained. "Before the truth is clear, I must... I must protect her first. Its the requirement of the Blood Oath."

"So what are you going to do?" I asked coldly.

"Place you under... temporary house arrest." He squeezed the words out through clenched teeth. "Just for five days. Once the oath expires, I will investigate fully and clear your name."

Five days. Exactly the cooling-off period for the mate mark removal.

I suddenly laughed. "Okay."

Aiden clearly didn't expect me to agree so easily. He blinked, stunned.

"But I have one condition," I looked into his eyes. "For these five days, I want to be held in the official confinement room, supervised by the Elders. Not the 'dungeon' she described. I want to ensure my physical safety."

It was a reasonable request. Aiden nodded.

I was taken to the packs confinement areaDa clean, single room with a bed and a window, guarded by two Elders outside. Compared to the dark dungeon Chloe described, this was like a hotel.

The Second Elder personally inspected the room to ensure there were no torture devices. He looked at me, wanting to say something, but eventually just sighed.

"I'm sorry you have to go through this, child. The oath is ending soon. Just endure it a little longer."

I nodded, staying silent.

That night, I accessed the home security app remotely through the monitoring system in the confinement room.

On the screen, Chloe, wearing a nearly transparent nightgown, slipped into Aidens bedroom.

"Aiden, I'm so scared..." She hugged his arm. "Clara looked so terrifying. I'm afraid she'll take revenge on me when she gets out..."

"She won't," Aidens voice was hoarse. "The oath expires in five days. By thenD"

"Aiden," Chloe looked up, her eyes glinting with a strange light. "Have you ever thought... that maybe you actually like me?"

Aiden stiffened.

"Why do you cancel the ceremony for me every time? Why do you choose to believe me over her?" Chloes voice turned seductive. "You say it's because of the oath, because of the guilt towards my dad... but if you truly only loved Clara, how could you hurt her again and again?"

"Shut up," Aiden pushed her away. "You are Marcuss daughter. I swore to take care of youD"

"We aren't related by blood," Chloe interrupted. "And that oath is about to expire. You'll be free."

She leaned in close, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Tonight, let me replace Clara... just this once."

Aiden froze in place.

I saw the struggle in his eyesDexhaustion, repression, and the suffocating feeling of being bound by the oath for years.

He was too tired. He had been torn between the vow and love for three years, and his spirit was worn thin.

Chloe had struck precisely at his weakest moment.

Through the rustling of clothes, a loss of control echoed in Aidens low growl.

I closed my eyes and clicked save on the video.

My wolf let out a long, desolate howl. It was the heart-wrenching pain unique to a betrayed mate bond.

Through our not-yet-fully-severed connection, I could vaguely sense his emotions at that momentDguilt, lust, and a trace of self-destructive abandonment.

I understood his exhaustion. I understood the torture of the oath.

But understanding does not mean forgiveness.

After the numbness of the heartache passed, I felt nothing but ice.

The next day, I received a message from Aiden:

[Clara, Chloe has forgiven you. The oath expires in four days. I will come to pick you up personally, and we will redo the ceremony. I promise.]

I looked at the message and found it incredibly ironic.

He slept with another woman last night, and today hes promising a wedding.

I replied with one word:

[Okay.]

5.

Five days later.

The Blood Oath expired, my house arrest was lifted, and the cooling-off period for the mate mark officially ended.

On the same day, Aiden arranged the eighth mating ceremony.

All the pack members gathered at the Sacred Grounds, waiting to see if this disaster of a wedding would finally happen.

However, the ceremony was about to start, and the bride was nowhere to be seen.

Just as Aiden was about to call me, the giant screen in the center of the Sacred GroundsDusually used to play pack historyDsuddenly lit up.

The screen displayed the intimate video of him and Chloe.

"Ahhh!" Chloe let out a piercing scream. "Turn it off! Turn it off!"

Aidens face went pale as he rushed toward the control room, but the video had already automatically synced to every pack members phone.

At the same time, everyone received a mass text from me:

[Aiden, the seven chances I gave you are gone. This video is my parting gift. From today on, I am no longer a member of the Black Moon Pack, nor am I your mate. The mate mark was officially dissolved this morning. Goodbye.]

The moment the message was sent, I felt a sharp pain in my chest.

That was the feeling of the mate bond snapping completely.

My wolf let out one final howl, then curled up and sank deep into my soul.

I sat in a coffee shop far away from the territory, watching the messages and calls flooding my phone screen.

I pressed "Decline" on every single one.

Then, I changed my SIM card and boarded a flight to the East Coast.