Page 12 of Shattered Soulmates

I shoot him a warning look, and his demeanor shifts. He’s not getting away with that BS. What they did to Paisley was inexcusable, and before this is over, he’ll understand that completely.

Rach, our medical assistant, is working with Dr. Roberts to prepare and present a workshop on Cheating Mate Syndrome. On Friday, after I return, the entire pack will attend. However, I have instructed her to omit the information about the medication that helps alleviate the symptoms. Cheating mates don't deserve that kind of relief. Call me a dictator if you want. These wolves need to learn to cherish mate bonds, or our entire species will go extinct.

"Good,” I reply. “And Enforcer North is ready to go?"

"Yes, Alpha," he answers, his tone stoic.

I nod. "Okay. I plan to stop by and visit the injured pack member as I head to Stone Mountain City this morning. The tech conference is tomorrow. If no unforeseen issues arise, I should be back by Tuesday. In the meantime, I want you two to work closely together to run this pack."

"Will do, Alpha." They respond almost in unison.

After the meeting wraps up, I grab my overnight bag and head for the helipad. We have three choppers, so taking one won’t interfere with any potential medical emergencies. Our prisoner is secured in the back with an enforcer. I take the front seat next to North.

Even though the helicopter is too loud for conversation, Marissa keeps trying to get my attention. She’s still wearing that little red dress she wore to bait Miles, along with her black stilettos. However, I notice with sick satisfaction that it looks a bit wrinkled and stained this morning. Miles isn't innocent in all this. He will get his comeuppance if it's the last thing I do.

"Alpha!" Marissa shrieks. North shoots her an angry look, while I turn and glare. She speaks again, butI can’t hear her over the roar of the engine; I can only see her lips move."Alpha,"she mouths."Please,"she begs.

As Alpha, I can mind-link anyone in my pack, but she's been gone for a year, so I don't even try. I just shake my head and turn to look out the windshield.

When we finally reach the hospital, North lands the helicopter and cuts the engine. As I start to deboard, Marissa begins again. "Alpha, please, don't do this to me."

"Marissa!" I barely leash my anger. I don’t like to Alpha-command my wolves to obey me, but I will her if she doesn't stop.You brought this on yourself.

“No! You know what, I want you to see what you and Miles did to his mate. A lovely and kind person.”

“Gentlemen, will you escort the prisoner?"

North nods, smiling in grim satisfaction.

"What do you mean, whatwedid to her? I’ve never even met the female, let alone touched her," Marissa protests, her brows pinched in confusion.She’s always so self-absorbed. It’s never about anyone else with her.

We enter the hospital as onlookers gawk. Marissa, wrists cuffed behind her back, struggles as she’s half-dragged down the hospital corridor.

Today, she learns.

We reach the med-surg floor, and I greet the nurses. "Good morning. Is Dr. Roberts in?"

One of them lifts her head and stands. "I'm Dr. Roberts. Most call me Dr. Skye." Her smile is warm. "How can I help you?"

"Dr. Skye." I shake her hand. "I'm Alpha Stone from Wind Howl Pack."

Her smile falters, eyes clouding with recognition. “I see. You’re our new Jane Doe’s Alpha,” she murmurs, gaze shifting to my companions, pausing as she takes in the defiant, restrained Marissa.

"Yes. While I want to check on my pack member, I was hoping you had a moment to give us a brief overview of CMS,” I say, tilting my head and grinning. The malice I feel toward Marissa is unmistakable. “You see, Ms. Marissa Hunt here has been arrested for mated bond interference and is on her way to the capital to face punishment." I pause to gesture toward Marissa.

"She enjoys playing games with people's lives. Last night, she enticed her former lover into a motel room during his bachelor party. He disregarded his mate and went willingly."

First, confusion followed by understanding flits across Dr. Skye’s face, as she narrows her eyes at Marissa.

"So, what you're saying is that this female is one of the reasons I had to get up in the middle of the night to come to the hospital? To save a wolf from dying with Cheating Mate Syndrome?"

Marissa gasps. "Dying? What's wrong with you freaks? I never touched Miles’ intended mate."

“I just want Marissa to see firsthand what tampering with a bond does to the innocent third party, the cheater’s true mate. I think it’ll leave a more lasting impression than anything I could say,” I add, ignoring Marissa’s outburst.

Dr. Skye nods, her voice steady as she glares at Marissa. “I agree. I admire you for holding your pack members accountable and making them face the consequences of their actions. I wish more leaders would follow your example. I actually have a short presentation on CMS prepared for medical staff and trainees. It’s somewhat graphic and contains anonymized patient and cadaver photos, as well as video footage, including surgical procedures.”

“Perfect,” I say, stepping up.Let Marissa see what real-life suffering looks like.”

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