Fractured Trust, Binding Vows

I woke up from a restless sleep, my body aching in ways I hadn't experienced since I first abandoned my mate bond with Rhys four years ago. It had been a week since I left the Silver Moon Pack without a word, and my wolf was punishing me for it. She refused to shift, leaving me physically drained and weakened.

"We had to leave," I whispered to her, but she remained silent, a cold void inside me.

My phone buzzed on the nightstand. Orion's name flashed across the screen. I considered ignoring it but finally answered.

"What?" My voice came out raspier than intended.

"Good morning to you too, sunshine." His smooth voice held a trace of amusement. "Emergency company meeting in an hour. The investors are getting nervous about the new collection launch."

I groaned, forcing myself to sit up. "I'll be there."

"I can send a car—"

"No," I cut him off. "I'll drive myself."

A pause. "Still angry about Faye, I see."