He Doesn't Love You Anymore (Amber and Ethan) novel Chapter 14

My Mate

+25 BONUS

My Mate

(Amber’s POV)

My phone buzzed for the twentieth time that morning. I glanced at the screen and rolled my eyes at yet another message from the Northern Territory wolf forums.

“Amber Chase pushed Melissa James down the stairs at Ryan Quinn’s birthday party!”

“Just like when she pushed Victoria and Melissa into the water at Victoria’s birthday!”

“She deserved to lose Ethan Can’t control her jealousy!”

I tossed my phone aside and stared at the hospital ceiling. The rumors had spread like wildfire throughout Silvercrest City. Everyone was talking about how Ethan’s “poor mistress” had been viciously attacked by his “unhinged ex–fiancée.”

I snorted. If they only knew the truth.

The gossip didn’t bother me. I’d been the center of public scrutiny since high school. What was one more scandal?

My phone rang again. Mother. I reluctantly answered.

“Amber Chase!” Melanie’s voice crackled through the speaker. “How dare you cause another scene? I’m abroad with Victoria trying to enjoy ourselves, and now all I hear about is you pushing that poor girl down the stairs!”

I rolled my eyes. “Hello to you too, Mother.”

“Don’t you take that tone with me! Why can’t you be more like your sister? Victoria would never-”

“Victoria would never what? Sleep with her adoptive brother? Cause his mate to miscarry? Is that what you were going to say?” I snapped.

There was a shocked silence on the other end.

“How dare you spread such filthy lies about your sister!” she finally sputtered.

“I’m hanging up now. Enjoy your trip with your precious Victoria.”

I ended the call and promptly blocked her number. My head was pounding enough without her adding to it.

An hour later, my father called.

“Amber,” Harrison’s deep voice sounded tired. “What’s this I hear about you and Melissa James?”

“It’s not what you think,” I said, massaging my temples.

“It doesn’t matter what I think. The entire supernatural community is talking.” He sighed heavily. “You need to tolerate Melissa. All male wolves are the same–they have wandering instincts.”

“Is that what you told Mother about your university student?” I asked sweetly.

He cleared his throat uncomfortably. “This isn’t about me. This is about our alliance with the Blackwood Pack. We need those territorial rights.”

“Don’t worry about your precious territory, Old Chase, I have it handled.”

“What does that mean?” he asked suspiciously.

“You’ll see,” I replied cryptically before hanging up.

My brother Henry called next, his tone a mixture of concern and criticism.

“Amber, what were you thinking?” he asked.

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My Mate

“I didn’t push her, Henry.”

“Even if that’s true, you’ve been foolish.” His voice lowered. “Victoria says

“Of course she does,” I interrupted. “How is your dear ‘sister‘ anyway? Still sharing your bed?”

“That’s enough!” he snapped. “You’re being childish.”

“And you’re being manipulated.” I ended the call, fuming.

I was gathering my belongings to check out when Ethan appeared in my doorway. His face was tight with anger.

“You’re faking amnesia just to spite me, aren’t you?” he accused, storming into the room.

I looked at him blankly. “I’m sorry, do I know you?”

His face reddened. “Stop it! You’re manipulating Dominic, and it won’t work.”

“My husband doesn’t seem to mind,” I said, dropping the amnesia act.

Ethan’s eyes widened. “Husband? You can’t be serious.”

“Very serious.” I smiled sweetly. “You’re getting what you want–Melissa. And I’m getting what I want–Dominic.

“You don’t even know him!” Ethan exploded. “You’re just using him to get back at me!”

“Bold of you to assume everything I do revolves around you.” I zipped up my bag. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m being discharged.”

“This isn’t over, Amber. I’m taking Melissa as my mate, and there’s nothing you can do about it.”

I shrugged, unconcerned. “Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials. I wish you both all the happiness you deserve.”

+25 BONUS

His eyes narrowed at my calm demeanor. I merely smiled, remembering my grandmother’s advice: Act quietly before striking. After being discharged from Crescent Moon Hospital, I called Dominic.

“Are we still on for tomorrow?” I asked when he answered.

“Yes,” his deep voice replied. “The Northern Territory Registry Office at ten.”

“I’ll be there.” I hesitated. “Thank you, Dominic.”

“For what?”

“For going through with this. For helping me.”

There was a brief pause. “Get some rest, Amber. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

The next morning, we met for breakfast at a venison house near the registry office. Dominic looked impeccable in a tailored black suit that emphasized his broad shoulders.

“Did you sign the prenuptial agreement?” I asked after ordering.

“No,” he replied, stirring his coffee.

I frowned. “Why not?”

“The terms were unfair.” His blue eyes met mine. “Particularly clause ten of the marriage terms.”

I pulled out my copy of the document, scanning for clause ten. My eyes widened as I read it.

“This isn’t what I wrote,” I said, my cheeks burning. The original clause had stated that if Dominic brought another woman home, I would make room and not interfere. But this version…

My Mate

+25 BONUS

“The husband agrees to fulfill the wife’s physical needs as a mate I read aloud, mortified.

I immediately texted Paige: “What did you do to my prenup?!”

Her reply came seconds later: “Made it fair! You deserve a real marriage!”

I groaned and showed Dominic the exchange.

“Paige changed it without telling me,” Lexplained, embarrassed.

“I assumed as much,” he said, his expression unreadable.

“I’ll have it corrected immediately,” I promised.

My phone buzzed with another message from Paige: “Your temperamental nature is from frustration. It’s common in unmarried women. You need proper bonding!”

I nearly choked on my coffee, quickly hiding the phone from Dominic’s view.

“Is everything alright?” he asked.

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