The Breaking Point of Mate: Giving Up on My Alpha novel Chapter 80

apter 80

Melanie’s POV

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I didn’t turn around. I continued explaining the next deployment, my tone steady, as if that scent didn’t exist. Reason governed every movement–this was my meeting, my territory, and I wouldn’t let personal matters intrude.

Still, I knew the others had already begun speculating. They always did.

Some people had once assumed there was a bond between Elmer and me. My influence over his decisions ran deep; he openly sought my judgment in public settings. But the truth was, I had entered into a bond relationship long ago—and even had children.

I simply never spoke of my mate unless necessary.

So almost no one truly understood.

They only knew that my abilities extended far beyond the cold figures listed on my résumé. As our collaboration deepened, even Elmer admitted—half–jokingly, more than once–that my judgment in certain areas surpassed his own.

Naturally, curiosity followed.

More than once, I’d been asked what kind of man my partner was.

And now, that man had finally appeared–if only briefly–off camera.

Just as the room’s anticipation peaked, I quietly adjusted the camera to the side.

As if deliberately avoiding him.

Ainslie and the others looked ready to tease, but before anyone could speak, a deep, even male voice cut into the conference

channel.

“Still busy?”

In that instant, I could almost feel several people holding their breath.

I turned toward the man standing nearby.

“Mhm.”

He nodded, said nothing else, turned toward the wardrobe, took out a change of clothes, and walked straight into the bathroom.

No pleasantries. No questions. No declaration of possession.

Like an Alpha long accustomed to restraining his dominance–checking his territory only when necessary.

I refocused on the meeting.

Two women couldn’t help whispering to me in the chat:

-Your partner has such a beautiful voice.

My fingers paused over the keyboard

“…Thank you.”

That was all I could manage.

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It was already late. After tying up the final points of logic, Elmer adjourned the meeting, leaving the remaining work for the next few days,

Chapter 80

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Even the closing remarks dragged on.

By the time I finally closed the meeting interface, the sound of running water from the bathroom had long since stopped.

When Archer stepped out of the shower, I was still seated at my desk.

He didn’t interrupt me. He simply fastened his cuffs with practiced ease, as though silently accepting this shared state of busyness and mutual non–interference.

Until the light, familiar patter of footsteps reached the doorway.

“Mommy-”

I lifted my head, but Archer spoke first, his voice low and steady.

“Mommy is working.”

It wasn’t a scolding, yet the boundary it set was unmistakable–an Alpha’s authority, quiet and absolute.

Trista’s words caught in her throat. She hesitated, then ran to Archer, stood on her toes, and whispered into his ear.

“Daddy, can I sleep with Camille tonight?”

Archer barely hesitated.

“Yes.”

Trista’s voice shot up into an excited squeal as she threw her arms around his neck, forgetting all about volume control.

“Thank you, Daddy!”

Only then did my work session truly end.

I shut down the camera and stood–but my gaze froze at the doorway the next second.

I smelled her before I saw her: sweet, deliberate, unmistakably marked.

Camille stood there,

She must have been standing there for some time, her expression gentle, yet carrying an unintentional sense of intrusion.

My wolf stirred instantly, teeth bared, instinctively protective of my cub. I soothed it quietly. Trista is grown. We have to let go.

Reluctantly, my wolf settled.

Archer and Trista noticed Camille as well.

Archer rose and walked out. Soon, the two of them left side by side.

Trista watched their backs, clearly wanting to follow but she stopped the moment she saw my expression

“Mom…” she whispered.

I looked away, bent over the papers on my desk, my voice even

“Did you bathe?”

“Yes.”

I didn’t ask who had bathed her.

“Are you sleepy?”

Chapter 80

“…Yes.”

“Then go to bed.”

She visibly relaxed. “Mom, you should rest early too.”

She hugged me before turning to leave.

And I stood there, watching, unmoving.

Bond. Companionship. Love.

Chains that should have been secure and unbreakable now felt loose in my hands–ready to snap with the slightest pull.

I acknowledged it silently.

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