Claimed

As I reached the house, panting and out of breath, I came to a stop at the sight before my eyes. I could hear my own heartbeat echoing rapidly in the silence, the weight of Jax's rejection heavy on my heart. I knew that what had transpired between King Magnus and me, regardless of its innocent nature, had irreversibly damaged my relationship with Jax but it didn't prepare me for what was before me.

My belongings were strewn carelessly around the doorway. It was like a whirlwind had entered my room and deposited my things outside. I had an idea who the whirlwind was.

I found him in his study engrossed in a book. He definitely heard my footsteps but feigned deaf ears to it.

"Why are all my belongings thrown outside? Some of them are fragile and are surely broken." I said.

"Isn't it obvious, I rejected you. We're divorced. There's no need to stay here anymore" He said, finally dragging his eyes away from the book.

"You're not innocent yourself" I said with sparks in my eyes, finally tired of trying to reason with him.

"What was that you said" There was a threat in his voice now.

"You're fucking Nikini. I heard you two going at it the day before the ceremony" I spat out and steeled myself against the inevitable blow that was sure to come.

I wasn't sure what I was expecting but it wasn't what happened next. 

Jax threw his head back and roared with laughter.

"Took you long enough to catch on, she's twice the woman you are. I was never attracted to you in the first place."

"Then why marry me" I screamed at him pained at his words.

"You're a useless trophy to be paraded on display, nothing more. You can have all the time with your new boyfriend while I have fun with mine" He said, walking to the door and opening it. I understood the gesture and knew there was no going further with him.

I was still numb long after I heard the door shut behind me.

***

I drew a deep breath as I ventured into the grove in response to the council summons. The hushed whispers of rustling leaves surrounded me, creating an almost mystical ambience. The aged trees stood tall, their gnarled trunks etched with symbols and runes that told tales of generations past. A sense of reverence settled over me, as if the very air hummed with the energy of rituals performed here. The scenery was spoiled by Jax's presence as his gaze fell upon me, and a mixture of anger and relief flashed across his eyes.

"Sophie," Jax's voice was cold and devoid of any affection. "You've come to witness the consequences of your betrayal. Let's get on with it."

My heart sank further as I realized he quickly wanted to get this over with. How long had I being blind to everything going on around me. I took a look at the council before me.

The council members, clad in traditional ceremonial robes, formed a semi-circle around the center of the Grove. Their expressions ranged from stern to contemplative, and their eyes held a mixture of curiosity and anticipation as they awaited the unfolding events. They consisted of the most respected and influential members of our pack and were tasked with upholding the pack's traditions and laws, and their judgment would be binding.

"I did no wrong, perhaps you'll like to tell the council why you suddenly want to break the bond with your Luna and disorganize the pack."I said glaring at him.

Jax scoffed as he looked around and saw the eager questioning looks on the elders faces. He couldn't tell the council about what he had seen in the garden. That would have been a death wish. The bitterness was evident in his voice as he spat.

"Do you take me for a fool, Sophie? Your attempt to gain sympathy won't sway them. I've had enough of this; our union was a mistake..Please proceed with the ceremony." He said, turning to one of the elders.

The elder drew himself to his full height and asked us to face each other.

"You'll both repeat the words I say to you inserting your names when appropriate and cutting each other in the spot where you were marked." He said in a grave voice.

We were glaring at each other so much the other wolves felt the tension around the grove and started fidgeting. The mind link made that emotion shared too.

"I break the featal bond under the sacred Grove and free myself from the obligations I made to the moon goddess" I repeated after the elder as I drew my nails sharply on the nape of Jax's neck as he did mine.

I immediately felt a difference as I was cut out of his thoughts. I felt lighter and was giddy at being completely myself.

Before I could say anything more, a deep, authoritative voice broke through the tension in the grove. "Is that all."

All eyes turned toward the source of the voice. It was King Magnus, standing at the entrance of the grove, his presence commanding and regal. The council members bowed their heads in respect, acknowledging his authority.

"What a surprise, King Magnus," Jax spurted out in surprise. "What brings you here?"

King Magnus stepped forward, his gaze steady and unwavering. "I am here to watch over in my capacity as the Lycan King and to rectify the unjust treatment of Sophie."

The room fell into a stunned silence. The council members exchanged glances, unsure of how to proceed. King Magnus continued, his voice resonating with power.

"I wish to claim her as my mate." He said. 

The whole grove grew silent as the impact of his words drove home. The wolves turned to each other in disbelief.

I could see the effort Jax was making trying to control his temper, his voice was close to the edge. "Sorry my Lord. Did you say you want to claim her as your mate."

Lycan King Magnus's gaze turned piercing, his voice steady but filled with a warning. "You heard right so I won't repeat myself. You forget, Jax, that I have the power to claim Sophie as my mate seeing as you just rejected her. Or are you prepared to face the consequences of standing in my way?."

"I wouldn't dream of it, whatever the King wants" He said with a slight bow in his direction as he backed down.

King Magnus nodded and then turned his attention on me and I felt small all of a sudden.

"Let's get out of here, may I?" He said stretching out his right hand which i nervously held as we walked away from the grove.

How more strange could my day get? I wondered as I walked on with a thumping heart.