After My Rebirth, I Gave My Mate to My Stepsister

The fluorescent lights in the Silvercliff Pack registration office buzzed overhead, casting a harsh glare on the blank contract spread before me. My fingers trembled slightly as I held the pen, the black ink seeming to mock me with its permanence.

Across the desk, Axel drummed his fingers against the worn wooden surface, the rhythmic tapping echoing through the sterile room. He wore that black henley shirt—sleeves rolled up to reveal his forearms—the exact look that had made Maren blush and stammer whenever she saw him. Even now, the sight of those familiar muscles made my chest tighten with a pain I'd carried for too long.

"Come on, Ivy," he said, his voice edged with impatience. "It's just a signature. We've been through this a dozen times."

Just a signature. As if binding our lives together meant nothing more than signing a grocery receipt. I stared at the contract's pristine surface, the words "Spouse" and "Alpha Mate" swimming before my eyes. In my previous life, I'd signed this same document with trembling excitement, my heart racing with dreams of our future together.

How naive I'd been.

Memories crashed over me like a tide. That first night after our wedding ceremony, when I'd waited in our new bedroom wearing the silk nightgown I'd saved for months to buy. Axel had burst through the door at midnight, frantic and disheveled.

"Maren's having terrible cramps," he'd said, already changing out of his wedding suit. "I need to get her some medicine and stay with her tonight. You understand, right?"

I'd nodded, swallowing my disappointment like bitter medicine. Of course I understood. Maren was his adopted sister, fragile and sweet. What kind of monster would I be to resent her?

Axel's phone buzzed against the table, yanking me back to the present. His entire demeanor shifted as he read the message, concern flooding his features.

"Shit," he muttered, running a hand through his dark hair. "Maren's feeling sick again."

The familiar ache settled in my chest. Even here, in this moment that should have been about us, she managed to intrude. I watched him type a quick response, his brow furrowed with worry that he'd never shown for me.

"You know what?" I said quietly, setting down the pen. "You have somewhere urgent to be. Just go."

His head snapped up, surprise flickering across his face. "Are you sure? I mean, this is important—"

"I can handle submitting the paperwork myself." The words came out steadier than I felt. "It's not like I need you to hold my hand."

Relief washed over his features so quickly it might have been comical if it didn't hurt so much. He was already standing, grabbing his jacket from the back of his chair.

"Thanks, Ivy. You're... you're the best." He paused at the door, his expression growing serious. "And listen, about Maren—try not to let your jealousy show so much, okay? It's not a good look, and it could damage her reputation if people start talking."

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