Chapter 3 End the Bond

• Chad's POV
• "What did she say?" Zuen's agitation was evident and far more intense than my own.
• I was overwhelmed by a surge of anger and embarrassment. How could Madison be so audacious? How dare she suggest ending our bond?
• "Madison, do you even understand what you're saying?" I struggled to keep my temper in check, hoping she would see the ridiculousness of her statement and take it back.
• "I said I want to end the bond!" Her voice was resolute, and the strength behind her words unsettled me.
• How could I, an Alpha of a pack, be thrown off by a woman's declaration?
• "This is absurd! Just name your price. The doctor says Penelope is in critical condition. If you don't come, I'll—"
• Yes, my real concern was Penelope's safety, not Madison's desire to leave. Her departure would endanger Penelope.
• Before I could complete my thought, Madison interrupted me.
• Her boldness was shocking, leaving me stunned—she had never cut me off like this before.
• "What are you planning to do? Send werewolf guards to drag me there? Don't bother; I'll come myself."
• Madison was coming on her own? I was taken aback. It wasn't what I had anticipated, but as long as she agreed to come, Penelope would be safe.
• Since Madison was willing to come, I chose to ignore her insistence on ending the bond.
• I softened my tone. "That's better. Let's forget about the bond for now. The surgery is in thirty minutes. Don't be late."
• "She's still compliant," I remarked with a hint of satisfaction to Zuen, who seemed to disregard my comment.
• Zuen's resentment was apparent—he clearly felt I hadn't appreciated my destined mate properly, managing her only with money.
• I ended the call and instructed the Beta to transfer 150 thousand into Madison's bank account.
• 150 thousand should be more than sufficient for Madison. With this amount, she could afford to consult a witch for potions to restore her health.
• "Don't forget. She wants to end the bond," Zuen reminded me. It seemed that Zuen didn't know her well enough.
• End the bond?
• That was nothing but a foolish joke. Madison was clearly unhappy and tried to get my attention with threats of ending our bond.
• I headed towards the ward, where the doctors were speaking to Penelope in her hospital bed. They fell silent as soon as they saw me.
• Penelope, though looking pale, managed a weak smile. I nodded in acknowledgment and then turned to the doctors. "Is there no alternative kidney match besides Madison?"
• The doctor's eyes wandered for a moment before he answered solemnly, "As you know, Ms. Hammond has a rare RH-negative blood type. Kidneys from other blood types cannot be used. Coincidentally, your mate has the same blood type. She is the only viable donor."
• I thought for a moment and asked, "If we broaden the search, could we find another donor? I'm sure a substantial offer would convince someone to donate."
• Just as the doctor was about to reply, Penelope, who had been quiet until now, spoke in a faint voice.
• "Chad, it's fine. Don't trouble yourself. Just discharge me from the hospital. Madison is your mate; I don't want you to harm her for my sake."
• I paused for a moment before speaking softly, "Penelope, please don't say things like that. I can't just stand by and watch you suffer. It's only a kidney donation; it won't drastically affect her life. Once you're back to full health, you can thank Madison properly."
• It might have been my tiredness playing tricks on me, but I thought I saw a flicker of slyness in Penelope's eyes as I finished speaking. Perhaps I was just overthinking.
• At that instant, the doctor interjected, "In theory, there are numerous people with RH-negative blood across the country, but locating and reaching out to them will take time. Ms. Hammond can't afford to wait any longer."
• "Then let's go ahead with the surgery immediately!" I pushed aside my fleeting doubts and decided not to dwell on them.
• Just then, my Beta entered the room, whispering, "Alpha, Luna is downstairs and insists on seeing Ms. Hammond."
• I looked at him, frowned, and told Penelope, "I need to step out for a moment. Please follow the doctor's instructions." I then turned and left the ward.
• I picked up Madison's scent and hurried towards it, feeling an unfamiliar irritation rising within me.
• As an Alpha, I had a strong sense of danger and felt that this situation was more complex than it appeared.
• My subordinates, connected to me through our mental link, informed me that Madison was on her way up and demanding to see Penelope.
• As I rounded the corner, I ran straight into Madison.
• She was breathless, her face unusually pale, and sweat beaded on her forehead. Ignoring the werewolf guards trying to stop her, she pushed forward with determination.
• I signalled to her escorts, and one of them nodded and left. Seeing this, my Beta also discreetly withdrew.
• For a moment, the air seemed to freeze. I looked down at her from my higher vantage point. Zuen had advised me to be accommodating, and I had already offered a generous amount; wasn't that sufficient?
• "Why do you want to see Penelope? The surgery is about to begin. I'll take you to see the doctor."
• Over the past three years, my perception of Madison as a mate has been one of docility and obedience, so I had never thought she would be defiant.
• She brushed past me like a swift breeze, not even glancing in my direction.
• Before I could react, she had reached Penelope's private room and pushed the door open. I was left startled and quickly followed after her.