Chapter 2
I heard stumbling footsteps outside, followed by the door being roughly shoved open.
Rowan appeared in the doorway, thoroughly intoxicated, his silver-gray eyes unfocused, reeking of alcohol.
"Moira..." he mumbled, staggering toward me, "why can't we be like before..."
What?!
I bolted upright in bed, my amber eyes flashing with alarm in the moonlight: "Stop!"
But he continued approaching, clearly mistaking me for Moira in his drunken haze: "I've missed you, Moira... these days have driven me mad..."
I leaped to my feet, my voice cutting like a blade: "I'm not Moira, I'm Isla! If you can't face reality, then keep your distance!"
Those words hit him like ice water, instantly sobering him up.
He stopped mid-step, his gaze refocusing. Seeing who actually stood before him, his face turned deathly pale.
"Damn it..." he groaned, covering his face in anguish, his voice trembling, "I'm sorry... I drank too much, I thought..."
"You thought I was her substitute?" I laughed coldly.
Shame flickered in Rowan's eyes as he stepped back, his voice heavy: "I'm sorry... I'll move to the study, give you enough space."
As he turned to leave, he paused at the doorway: "Isla... I didn't mean to hurt you."
I didn't answer until the door gently closed, plunging the room back into silence.
The next morning, I sat alone at the dining table.
The omega carefully poured my tea, the entire house shrouded in polite but distant atmosphere.
She asked tentatively, "Should I prepare dinner for Alpha Rowan?"
I cut my eggs with elegant but cold precision: "No need, he probably won't return for meals. Please prepare some simple ingredients for my laboratory."
Watching the omega's retreating figure, I thought calmly: This was actually better—I have more time to focus on truly important matters.
Sure enough, Rowan left early to handle pack affairs, obviously avoiding domestic life.
We established a pattern of mutual avoidance—he focused on his warrior duties, I concentrated on my alchemical research, with virtually no communication between us.
This distant marriage actually brought me unprecedented relief.
In the afternoon sunroom, the Chieftain's wife sat elegantly in a wicker chair, sipping tea.
"Dear Isla, come chat with me." Her voice was gentle, but I detected the underlying command.
I set down my herb specimens and walked toward the sunroom.
"Sit down, child." She indicated the chair opposite, her gaze meaningful. "It's been three days since the blood bond. How are you two getting along?"
I maintained a proper smile: "Still adjusting."
The Chieftain's wife took a delicate sip of tea, then suddenly changed direction: "Dear, now that the blood bond is complete, the most important thing is bearing an heir for the clan."
I nearly dropped my teacup, struggling to maintain composure. "These things need to happen naturally."
Her gaze sharpened. "Moira's bloodline is precious. As her sister, you should understand your responsibilities."
My fingers tightened around the teacup, though my voice remained calm. "Rowan and I will handle our affairs properly."
The Chieftain's wife set down her cup, her tone growing serious: "Child, the wolf clan's future cannot wait."
Rage burned within me, but I maintained politeness: "Thank you for your concern."
Leaving the sunroom, my fists clenched until my nails dug into my palms.
A breeding tool? I would never become anyone's breeding tool!
In the underground laboratory, candlelight illuminated ancient alchemical equipment.
I focused intently on herb formulas, the air thick with mixed aromatic scents.
"If this formula is real," I murmured to the ancient recipe book, "it could transform the entire wolf clan's constitution."
The ancient parchment described a mysterious constitution-enhancing potion that supposedly could dramatically improve a werewolf's abilities.
I carefully mixed various herbs, each step meticulously precise: "Small dose testing first..."
Hours later, the first experimental potion was finally complete.
The pale golden liquid glowed softly in its glass vial, looking mysterious and beautiful.
I took a deep breath and placed a small drop on my tongue.
Instantly!
Unprecedented power surged through my entire body! My senses became extraordinarily acute—I could hear distant night birds' heartbeats, detect the most subtle changes in air scents!
"This reaction..." I whispered in shock.
Suddenly, someone knocked on the laboratory door.
I quickly hid the potion and approached: "Who is it?"
"It's me, Rowan." His somewhat hesitant voice came from outside.
I opened the door to find him standing there.
"What are you researching?" he asked curiously. "I've never seen equipment like this."
"Ancient alchemy," I explained simply. "Potentially beneficial medicinal research for the clan."
Surprise flashed in his eyes. "You're more talented than I imagined."
I replied coolly, "Everyone has their strengths. I happen to excel at this."
Rowan nodded thoughtfully: "Perhaps... I knew too little about you before."
This was our first normal conversation since the blood bond.
"If you need any help," he continued, "like obtaining rare materials, I could arrange something."
I looked at him with slight surprise. "Why?"
"Because..." he paused, "this might benefit the clan. And I want to understand the real you."
I said, "The real me might be different from your expectations."
"I'm beginning to realize that expectations themselves are mistakes." His voice carried a certain enlightenment.
At dinner, we sat at opposite ends of the long table.
The distance was great, but for the first time we didn't completely ignore each other's presence.
"How's the research progressing?" Rowan asked proactively, genuine interest in his tone.
I cautiously shared some inconsequential discoveries, but could sense his sincerity.
"I never imagined alchemy could have such depth," he said, respect in his eyes. "Your knowledge is impressive."
"Knowledge is the only thing that never betrays me." I said quietly.
He fell silent for a moment, then said: "I think we can establish a new way of coexisting—distant, but respectful."
I nodded in agreement: "That's better for both of us."
But just then, the blood bond connection suddenly transmitted an unusual fluctuation.
I could feel some kind of struggle within Rowan.
I stopped my work, feeling sympathy for this forced mate for the first time.