<h4>Chapter 23: Chapter 23: REJECTION PLANS</h4>


    <strong>IVAN’S POV</strong>


    "It doesn’t matter what I think," I gritted out, my voice clipped with irritation. "If Maeve wants to sever all ties with me, I’ll give her what she wants."


    "And Asha? You don’t think she ns to leave with him once the treatment’s over, do you?"


    "If she did, she wouldn’t have dered him so publicly as my son and heir."


    "So, you’re appointing him then. As your heir." Not a question. A fact.


    Before I could respond, there was a brisk knock on my door. The handle turned, and a momentter, Barty entered.


    One of the oldest members of the Ash Creek council. One of the few who’d been here long enough to know the deepest roots of this pack.


    When I left Maeve’s quarters, furious and humiliated, I’d already decided who I needed to call. If anyone knew how to sever a bond like ours, it would be him.


    Barty bowed deeply before me. "You sent for me, your Highness. I came as fast as I could."


    "Yes," I gestured for him to sit. Francis moved silently toward the windows, closing the shutters.


    "Well, I’m here now," Barty said, folding his hands over hisp, his voice patient but curious. "How may I be of service to you?"


    "I wish to dissolve my mate bond with Maeve Oakes," I said tly. No hesitation. "I was hoping you could assist."


    Barty blinked, visibly caught off guard.


    "Ah." He cleared his throat, shifting slightly. "That is... a rare request, Alpha. Severing a wrath bond is not an easy decision. Nor is it easily undone once broken. Before proceeding, you must be certain this is truly what you want."


    "I know that," I snapped, irritation ring in my chest. "I didn’t summon you here for your counsel. I called you for the solution."


    "Of course," Barty said quickly, adjusting himself in his seat. "In cases such as this, a rejection ritual under the full moon would be the most effective approach."


    "A rejection ritual," Francis echoed thoughtfully. "That sounds workable."


    Barty nodded, encouraged. "Yes. The full moon strengthens the severing process. If both you and Miss Oakes consent, the ritual should be sessful under the right conditions."


    "When’s the next full moon?" I asked, turning to Francis.


    "In a week," he answered.


    "Good." I looked back at Barty. "Begin preparations."


    "Of course, your Highness. I’ll begin immediately."


    As he spoke, something twisted in my chest — not pain exactly, but a greasy pang. My wolf bucked against me, resisting the decision. Instinctively rebelling.


    I shoved him down, tightening my control, locking him out.


    This was the right decision.


    Regardless of how drawn we were to Maeve, the bond didn’t change my reality. I had a crown to inherit. A pack to rule. Duties to uphold.


    Maeve may have returned different—sassier, more confident, her body even more maddening than before—but I didn’t trust her. Not enough to entertain the fantasy of rekindling what we once had.


    Serena was the safer choice. Predictable. Manageable. Yes, she was dramatic, and often insecure, but at least she carried no secrets.


    At least, that’s what I told myself.


    But as I sat there, my mind shifted back to what Maeve said. The usation she threw at me — about Serena.


    About what may have happened five years ago. About what Serena might’ve done to her... to my child.


    Back then, I hadn’t let myself believe it. It was easier to side with Serena. Safer. Lessplicated. But now, the thought wed at me, unwee but refusing to be dismissed.


    Before I could fall deeper into it, the doors to my study suddenly burst open.


    My gaze shot toward the intruder.


    Serena.


    Speak of the devil.


    What did she want now?


    I was barely past our fight fromst night. Honestly, thest thing I needed was more of her tantrums.


    But of course, Serena never understood the concept of space. Not even when you shoved it down her throat.


    At least I had Asha now.


    The only silver lining in this entire mess.


    His existence made up for the gnawing weight sitting in my chest — the weight of knowing I had likely lost Maeve for good, and I had no fucking clue what to do with Serena’s endless insecurities.


    "Ivan," she shrilled, storming into the room with quick strides.


    She didn’t so much as nce at Francis or Barty, her entire focus locked on me like a hunter tracking prey.


    "You said we would continue our conversation in the morning," she snapped. "It’s been hours, and since you’ve made no effort to seek me out, I figured I woulde to you instead."


    "I’ve been busy." My voice came out stiff, clipped, offering her nothing.


    She didn’t care.


    "Really?" Her sneer twisted into something ugly. "Busy with Maeve? Someone told me they saw you going into the queen’s rooms with her. And you were both in there for quite some time."


    I exhaled through my nose, shaking my head, unable to fully suppress the disgust curling through me.


    "I see you’ve resorted to spying on me now."


    "I don’t see what other choice you’ve left me," she fired back, her voice rising with each word. "Maeve humiliated me. She ruined our wedding, and you rewarded her by giving her rooms this close to the queen’s chambers. Right under my nose."


    "Again with the room," I muttered, my patience wearing thin. "I already told you—I did that for my mother."


    "I don’t care what your excuse is." Her eyes zed, voice sharpening into a high-pitched hiss. "I want Maeve gone, Ivan. I want her and her son out of this pack—and out of our lives."


    "I can’t do that." My jaw tightened as I forced the words out.


    The irritation in my chest bloomed hotter.


    For a moment, my gaze shifted toward Francis and Barty.


    They stood there awkwardly, clearly recognizing this was a fight they had no business witnessing, but neither dared leave without my dismissal.


    "You can’t?" Serena practically spat the word, as if offended by the very idea.


    "I can’t," I repeated, voice lower, rougher, the weight behind my words deliberate.


    "Really? Even after all her lies? After she tried to pass off another wolf’s bastard as yours?"


    "She didn’t." My voice cut through her usation. "The DNA test confirmed it. Asha is my son."


    Her breath caught sharply. The color drained from her face before her voice shot up, shrill and desperate.


    "WHAT!" The scream rang so loud it nearly shattered my ears. "You’ve got to be kidding me!"