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The battle for loyalty
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2024-11-16 01:51:14Related chapters
Bound by faith : the rise of a rejected mate The gathering storm
THE GATHERING STORMMelissa’s POVEveryone in the pack was busy getting ready for what seemed like an impending onslaught. Nobody in our zone was anxious or apprehensive after Raven's warning. As Dennis organized soldiers and ensured our defences were in place, he was in full command mode. I felt a fresh wave of devotion to him as I saw him leading with such vigour and determination. However, I sensed that recognizable pull in my heart as my eyes strayed to Damon.Dennis called, "Melissa," jolting me out of my reverie. "You must be here for me. The defences along the eastern border are being planned.I nodded as I approached him, attempting to ignore the conflicting feelings that were roiling within me. Dennis gave me a more subdued than normal look as he looked over at me."Willn't you stay close?" His tone was more vulnerable than I had anticipated when he asked.I smiled reassuringly and said, "I will." "We have this in common."With a seemingly relieved nod, he returned to his wor
Bound by faith : the rise of a rejected mate The refusal
Melissa POVAs I stood at the edge of the meadow, there was a flurry of apprehensive murmurs mixed with excitement. Everyone in the Moonvalley Pack looked forward to the yearly mating ceremony, but I found it to be an anxious occasion. I looked around the crowd, hoping to see someone I knew or feel some comfort, but my heart was thumping in my chest.I clasped my hands together and muttered to myself, "I can't believe this day is finally here."My buddy Lily nudged me and said, "Melissa, don't look so nervous. You'll be fine." Who knows? Perhaps you'll be matched with an incredible person.I attempted a smile, but deep down, I was knotted up with apprehension. Every wolf fantasized about being selected as a mate, but what would happen if my partner rejected me? What if I was turned down by them? I was afraid of the thought.I glanced around, taking in the other aspirants, and then my gaze fell upon Storm Pack Alpha Dennis Bruce. With only his presence, he commanded attention as he sto
Bound by faith : the rise of a rejected mate Coming of age
Melissa POVWith heavy footsteps, I made my way back to the Moonvalley Packhouse. I felt distinct from everything around me. The wind felt harsher across my skin, and the trees were taller. Every scent was more potent, every sound more distinct. My senses were more awake than they had ever been."What's going on with me? I muttered to myself, uncomfortable.I could hear the voices inside the packhouse before I even got close to the door. What should have been far-off murmurs turned into open discussions. I could even distinguish the distinct, powerful smell of each member of the group.Bewildered by the rush of feelings, I stopped at the door. Was this a result of the biting rogue? Was I evolving? I tried to relax myself by pressing my hand to my chest as my heart raced."What about Melissa? I was startled by a voice and turned to see Lily standing close by, her worried expression on her face."Are you alright? You observe... distinct," she remarked, scrutinizing me with narrowed eyes
Bound by faith : the rise of a rejected mate A fresh partnership
Melissa POVI was consumed by thoughts of what the elders had shared with me. The demise of my parents wasn't an accident. There was only one person I could ask for more information, and that someone was Lucas. He was the one who understood more about my parents than anyone else, and he had always supported me.He was reclining against a tree on the forest's edge when I discovered him, his expression thoughtful. He gave me a half-smile that didn't quite reach his eyes as I approached."Melissa," he whispered as he moved in closer. "What is happening? You observe... concerned.I bit my lip, not knowing where to begin. I have a question for you, Lucas. It concerns my parents.Lucas's eyebrows immediately furrowed as his expression shifted. "Your folks? Why this time?""I learned something from the elders... something that is illogical. They claimed that my parents were embroiled in a risky situation. Are you familiar with that?"Lucas paused, glancing at the floor before responding. "Yo
Bound by faith : the rise of a rejected mate Revealed betrayal
Melissa POVThe two packs were becoming more and more tense. Even in the absence of conflict, every day seemed like a struggle. But it was Raven that was causing me trouble. I was unable to continue to ignore his tactics since they were getting more and more blatant.He was speaking to a bunch of wolves when I observed him strolling through the pack's area; his voice was believable and low. They nodded in agreement as though he—and not Dennis—was their leader, clearly ready to listen to him.Why do people want to follow him so badly? I murmured to myself as I observed from a distance."Because he poses a threat," a well-known voice replied from behind me.I looked around and saw Lucas approaching me. He looked serious, more serious than usual. He came to a stop beside me and looked over at Raven.I have been investigating him, Melissa. I believe he is connected to a negative activity. Incredibly awful.I scowled. "What are you trying to say?"Lucas gently continued, "I've been looking
Bound by faith : the rise of a rejected mate Struggle to survive
Melissa POVThe air was calm and frigid in the early morning. Something was off; I had a queasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. There had been rumors of an impending attack for days, which had made the pack anxious. But nobody anticipated it happening so quickly.Abruptly, I heard someone shout in the distance. With my pulse pounding, I ran toward the sound. Dennis was standing close to the forest's edge, his face blanched with astonishment and his chest heaving. His arm was covered in blood, but it wasn't his."What took place? Breathlessly, I rushed to his side and asked.Dennis clenched his jaw, rage blazing in his eyes. "Raven... He attempted to kill me.My heart fell. "Are you serious?"Dennis whispered, "Serious as death," as he wiped the blood from his arm. "I got duped by one of my men. An ambush occurred. I would not be alive if I hadn't been faster.I looked around to see if there were any more warning indications. But it was silent for the moment. Far too silent."He refu
Bound by faith : the rise of a rejected mate Storm’s heart
Melissa POVIt was a chilly and tense night. As Lucas and I stood in the clearing and stared forward at the dark jungle, my heart was pounding. Dennis was being held captive somewhere in Raven's fortress, and it was up to us to free him. But my mind was racing as we got ready for the task.My emotions were jumbled. My partner Dennis, the one I was meant to be with. He was extremely proud and difficult to approach. Then there was Damon, who was always there for me, encouraging and teasingly revealing emotions I wasn't sure I was ready to deal with. Lucas, too... the constant, dependable presence that, until recently, I hadn't even realized was there for me. Regarding each of them, how did I feel? I was tormented by the uncertainty."Are you prepared for this? Damon interrupted, jolting me out of my reverie.I swallowed my doubt and nodded. Indeed. Dennis has to be saved.Lucas nodded comfortingly at me from his position to my left. "We'll manage to free him. Raven won't recognize what
Bound by faith : the rise of a rejected mate Revealing secrets
Melissa’s POVI felt the weight of Raven's message bear down on me as I clutched his note in my palm. As I explained the contents of the letter to Damon and Lucas, they stood beside me, their faces tight.I muttered, my fingers shaking, "He said... my lineage holds a secret that could destroy both packs."Damon's hand extended to rest on my shoulder as his eyes grew softer. "We'll work this out, Melissa. I will not allow you to suffer any harm. But first, we need answers.Lucas looked intently as he nodded. Perhaps it's time to research your ancestry. You don't have any knowledge of your forefathers, do you?Slowly, I shook my head. "No, all I know is fragments. My parents never talked about much. However, we must find out the truth if Raven's claims are accurate.I could feel the warmth of Damon's confidence as his hold tightened. Then, collectively, let's find out. We'll find whatever is hidden.I gazed at them both, with a peculiar mixture of appreciation and perplexity. Their enco
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Bound by faith : the rise of a rejected mate The gathering storm
THE GATHERING STORMMelissa’s POVEveryone in the pack was busy getting ready for what seemed like an impending onslaught. Nobody in our zone was anxious or apprehensive after Raven's warning. As Dennis organized soldiers and ensured our defences were in place, he was in full command mode. I felt a fresh wave of devotion to him as I saw him leading with such vigour and determination. However, I sensed that recognizable pull in my heart as my eyes strayed to Damon.Dennis called, "Melissa," jolting me out of my reverie. "You must be here for me. The defences along the eastern border are being planned.I nodded as I approached him, attempting to ignore the conflicting feelings that were roiling within me. Dennis gave me a more subdued than normal look as he looked over at me."Willn't you stay close?" His tone was more vulnerable than I had anticipated when he asked.I smiled reassuringly and said, "I will." "We have this in common."With a seemingly relieved nod, he returned to his wor
Bound by faith : the rise of a rejected mate The battle for loyalty
Melissa’s POVI entered the common room in the eerily calm morning. There stood Lucas, pacing, looking at the door like he was waiting for someone."Lucas?" I frowned as I asked. "What's happening?"His expression was filled with worry as he turned to face me. Dennis is gone, Melissa. He departed early this morning to face Raven."What?" My heart was pounding when I gasped. "He went by himself. He is aware that it is a trap.Lucas shook his head and remarked, "I suppose his pride prevented him from returning." "He is directly putting himself in danger."Damon heard us and came in at that very moment. Then we can stop wasting time. Before he kills himself, let's leave.I swallowed my dread and nodded. "Leave now."We hurried outside, running across the woodland in the chilly early air. Every stride I took made my heart race. I didn't want to consider the consequences of not getting to him in time.Dennis and Raven were heatedly arguing when we discovered them in a clearing. Dennis was
Bound by faith : the rise of a rejected mate The bond starts to break
Melissa’s POVThings between Dennis and myself had changed since I discovered the prophecy and his hidden knowledge. The trust that previously bound us together seemed to be slipping away, replaced by a nagging unease. As I passed inside the packhouse, I attempted to shake off the turmoil in my heart, but it persisted like a shadow."Melissa." Dennis' voice interrupted my thoughts. I turned to see him standing by the door, his expression tense. "We need to talk."I crossed my arms and kept my tone steady. "About what, Dennis?"His eyes were filled with frustration. "You've been avoiding me since our conversation about the prophecy. I'm trying to protect you, yet you're acting as if I betrayed you."Because you did! "The words came out sharper than I had intended. "You concealed something very vital from me, Dennis. How can I trust you now?"Dennis clenched his jaw and took a step closer. "I did not tell you because I believed it was the greatest way to keep you safe. I did not want yo
Bound by faith : the rise of a rejected mate Revelation and betrayal
Melissa’s POVBack at the packhouse, I collected Dennis, Damon, and Lucas in a meeting room. The hush was oppressive as if everyone knew something enormous was approaching. I took a big breath and looked at each of them."Raven told me something strange," I said. "Before he left, he said I didn't know the real enemy."Dennis lifted his eyebrow. "That's Raven attempting to scare you, Melissa. "He wants you confused and afraid."I shake my head. "No, Dennis." This felt odd. He wasn't simply attempting to intimidate me. It was as if he knew something we didn't.Damon clenched his jaw as he gazed at Dennis. "Maybe Melissa is right. We should not disregard a warning simply because it originated from Raven."Dennis scoffed and crossed his arms. "So, what?" We start hunting for an enemy who may not even exist. Raven is the enemy, and he's only trying to play with your head, Melissa.Frustration rose within me. "Why don't you believe me, Dennis?" "You're always trying to dismiss things as if
Bound by faith : the rise of a rejected mate The confrontation
Melissa’s POVThe woodland was silent, with shadows reaching between the trees and the only sound being my heartbeat pounding in my ears. I took a deep breath and tried to stabilize myself. I was here alone to meet Raven. I wanted answers I needed them but I was afraid of what he might say.Then I saw him. Raven emerged from behind a tree, his eyes flashing in the dark light. His smile was piercing and unnerving, sending shivers down my spine."Melissa," he said, his tone low and silky. "I knew you'd come.""I came for answers, Raven. Nothing else," I answered, attempting to maintain my tone.Raven chuckled and tilted his head. "Oh, I'll give you answers... but you may not like them."I gulped, but my gaze remained on his. "Then start talking."He took a step closer, staring at me with weird intensity. "You come from a line of powerful wolves, Melissa. Your ancestors weren't ordinary, they could alter the destiny of entire packs. They could bring prosperity... or destroy everything."
Bound by faith : the rise of a rejected mate The increasing influence
Melissa’s POVThe library echoed with the growls of the rogue wolves as they continued to close in. As my hands began to glow golden once more, my only thought was to keep my friends safe.As Dennis had said, I tried to focus and channel the energy by closing my eyes. Gradually, I visualized a wall erecting around us, a shield of defence that would deter the outlaws. The light intensified, and all of a sudden, I sensed an invisible wall of power pulsing outward.The wolves yelled in astonishment as they were flung backwards after running into it. As the shield held firm for a few while, I gasped and felt a wave of tiredness sweep over me. However, the light around my hands quickly faded as my knees gave way and I staggered.I was caught by Damon, who had worried eyes. "How are you, Melissa?"I was so exhausted that I could hardly stand. I gripped his arm and muttered, "I... I think so." "However, using my power drains me so much."Looking around, Lucas saw the outlaws fleeing. However
Bound by faith : the rise of a rejected mate Revealing secrets
Melissa’s POVI felt the weight of Raven's message bear down on me as I clutched his note in my palm. As I explained the contents of the letter to Damon and Lucas, they stood beside me, their faces tight.I muttered, my fingers shaking, "He said... my lineage holds a secret that could destroy both packs."Damon's hand extended to rest on my shoulder as his eyes grew softer. "We'll work this out, Melissa. I will not allow you to suffer any harm. But first, we need answers.Lucas looked intently as he nodded. Perhaps it's time to research your ancestry. You don't have any knowledge of your forefathers, do you?Slowly, I shook my head. "No, all I know is fragments. My parents never talked about much. However, we must find out the truth if Raven's claims are accurate.I could feel the warmth of Damon's confidence as his hold tightened. Then, collectively, let's find out. We'll find whatever is hidden.I gazed at them both, with a peculiar mixture of appreciation and perplexity. Their enco
Bound by faith : the rise of a rejected mate Storm’s heart
Melissa POVIt was a chilly and tense night. As Lucas and I stood in the clearing and stared forward at the dark jungle, my heart was pounding. Dennis was being held captive somewhere in Raven's fortress, and it was up to us to free him. But my mind was racing as we got ready for the task.My emotions were jumbled. My partner Dennis, the one I was meant to be with. He was extremely proud and difficult to approach. Then there was Damon, who was always there for me, encouraging and teasingly revealing emotions I wasn't sure I was ready to deal with. Lucas, too... the constant, dependable presence that, until recently, I hadn't even realized was there for me. Regarding each of them, how did I feel? I was tormented by the uncertainty."Are you prepared for this? Damon interrupted, jolting me out of my reverie.I swallowed my doubt and nodded. Indeed. Dennis has to be saved.Lucas nodded comfortingly at me from his position to my left. "We'll manage to free him. Raven won't recognize what
Bound by faith : the rise of a rejected mate Struggle to survive
Melissa POVThe air was calm and frigid in the early morning. Something was off; I had a queasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. There had been rumors of an impending attack for days, which had made the pack anxious. But nobody anticipated it happening so quickly.Abruptly, I heard someone shout in the distance. With my pulse pounding, I ran toward the sound. Dennis was standing close to the forest's edge, his face blanched with astonishment and his chest heaving. His arm was covered in blood, but it wasn't his."What took place? Breathlessly, I rushed to his side and asked.Dennis clenched his jaw, rage blazing in his eyes. "Raven... He attempted to kill me.My heart fell. "Are you serious?"Dennis whispered, "Serious as death," as he wiped the blood from his arm. "I got duped by one of my men. An ambush occurred. I would not be alive if I hadn't been faster.I looked around to see if there were any more warning indications. But it was silent for the moment. Far too silent."He refu
