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Chapter 12: Shadows of the Past
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Forbidden Bonds: Secrets of the Alpha's Mate Chapter 13: Dangerous Desires
Lyra's POVThe afternoon sun beats down mercilessly as I make my way through the pack grounds, every step feeling like wading through molasses. The events of the past few days weigh heavily on me, and I have a constant ache in my chest that refuses to subside.Elara's mocking words from earlier still ring in my ears. She had burst into my room, triumph gleaming in her eyes as she recounted her intimate moments with Xander in excruciating detail. Each word was a dagger to my heart, twisting deeper with every syllable."He doesn't need you, Lyra," she had sneered. "He doesn't want you. When will you get that through your thick skull?"I tried to explain and defend myself, but she cut me off with a dismissive wave. "Face it, sister, dear. The only reason the rejection didn't work is because you're too pathetic to let go. How sad."As I wander aimlessly, her cruel laughter echoes in my mind. The mate bond thrums painfully, a constant reminder of what I can never have. Xander chose Elara. M
Forbidden Bonds: Secrets of the Alpha's Mate Chapter 14: Conflicted Hearts
Xander's POVThe walk back to Elara's house feels like the longest journey of my life. Every step is a battle between duty and desire, and my mind is a chaotic whirlwind of conflicting emotions. The memory of Lyra's body pressed against mine, her scent enveloping me, plays on repeat in my head. I can still feel the ghost of her touch, the electricity that sparked between us.I shake my head violently, trying to dislodge these dangerous thoughts. What am I doing? I made my choice. I chose Elara. Lyra is off-limits, no matter what our bodies – or the mate bond – might want.Blaze, my wolf, growls in frustration. 'You're being a fool,' he snarls. 'Lyra is our true mate. You can't keep denying it.'"Shut up," I mutter, earning a strange look from a passing pack member. Great. Now, I'm talking to myself in public. As I approach Elara's house, I force my features into a mask of calm. I can't let her see the turmoil raging inside me. I can't let her suspect that anything is amiss.But as soo
Forbidden Bonds: Secrets of the Alpha's Mate Chapter 15: Unspoken Tension
Lyra's POVThe party's remnants lay scattered across the living room like the wreckage of my life – empty cups, crumpled napkins, and the lingering scent of too many bodies in too small a space. I move mechanically, gathering trash and straightening furniture, desperate for any distraction from the storm raging inside me.But even as I try to focus on the mundane task, I'm acutely aware of his presence. Xander is my mate, my sister's boyfriend, and the source of both my greatest joy and deepest pain.He's across the room, helping my mother move a heavy bookshelf back into place. The muscles in his arms flex with the effort, and I find myself mesmerized by the play of light across his skin. As if sensing my gaze, he looks up, our eyes locking for a breathless moment.The intensity in his hazel depths sends a jolt through me, like touching a live wire. I quickly averted my eyes, cheeks burning, but the damage was done—our mate bond hummed with renewed vigor, a constant, annoying reminder
Forbidden Bonds: Secrets of the Alpha's Mate Chapter 16: Pack Politics
Lyra's POVThe great hall of the Shadowmoon Pack thrums with tension as I slip through the ornate double doors, my family in tow. Wolves from every corner of our territory have gathered, their hushed whispers creating a cacophony of anticipation. At the far end of the room, seated on an intricately carved wooden throne, is Alpha Blackthorn – Xander's father and our pack's formidable leader.I try to make myself as small as possible, acutely aware that I don't truly belong here. This gathering is to discuss succession – Xander's future as Alpha. My presence feels like an intrusion, a painful reminder of the mate bond we both desperately try to ignore."Stand up straight," my mother hisses, nudging me gently. You're representing our family. Try not to embarrass us."I bite back and retort, forcing my spine to straighten. Across the room, I spot Xander standing beside his father. Our eyes meet briefly, electric, before we both look away, the unspoken tension between us palpable even from
Forbidden Bonds: Secrets of the Alpha's Mate Chapter 17: Midnight Rendezvous
Lyra's POVThe full moon hangs low in the sky, a silver eye watching the sleeping world. But sleep eludes me, my mind a chaotic whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. The events of the pack meeting replay on an endless loop—the unexpected praise, Elara's threats, and Xander's words that felt too much like hope.With a frustrated growl, I throw off my covers. I can't stay in this room for another second. Nova, my wolf, paces restlessly within me, yearning for freedom.'Run,' she urges. 'Let's run until we can't think anymore.'For once, we're in perfect agreement. I slip out of the house silently, padding across the dew-dampened grass. As soon as I reach the tree line, I let the shift take me. Bones crack and reform, fur sprouts across my skin, and in moments, I'm no longer Lyra the girl but Lyra the wolf.I take off into the forest, reveling in the feeling of the earth beneath my paws and the wind in my fur. The physical exertion helps quiet the tumult in my mind, if only temporarily. I r
Forbidden Bonds: Secrets of the Alpha's Mate Chapter 18: The Stalker's Game
Lyra's POVThe morning sun filters through my curtains, but its warmth does nothing to dispel the chill that's settled deep in my bones. I've barely slept, the mysterious man's threats echoing in my mind like a sinister lullaby. As I drag myself out of bed, my phone chimes with a new message. My heart leaps into my throat as I read:"Enough games, little wolf. It's time we met face to face. Tonight. The old willow by Moonstone Creek. Come alone, or there will be consequences."My hands shake so badly I nearly drop the phone. This can't be happening. How did it come to this?"Lyra? You up?" My best friend Mia's voice calls from the hallway. "We're gonna be late for training!"I quickly hide my phone as Mia bursts into the room, her usual exuberance faltering as she takes in my haggard appearance. "Whoa, you look like you've seen a ghost. What's wrong?"The concern in her eyes breaks something inside me. Before I can stop myself, I'm spilling everything – the mysterious gifts, the threat
Forbidden Bonds: Secrets of the Alpha's Mate Chapter 19: Family Secrets
Lyra's POVThe tension in Alpha Blackthorn's office is thick enough to cut with a knife. I stand before his imposing desk, flanked by Xander and Elara, feeling like a prisoner awaiting sentencing. The Alpha's steely gaze sweeps over us, his expression unreadable."Explain," he says, his voice low and dangerous.Elara immediately launches into a tirade, her words a poisonous mix of accusations and crocodile tears. "She's trying to steal Xander from me, Alpha! That photo proves it. She's been seducing him behind my back, trying to worm her way into the Luna position-""Enough," Alpha Blackthorn cuts her off, his eyes fixed on his son. "Xander. What do you have to say about this?"Xander hesitates, conflict clear in his eyes. "Father, I... It's not what it looks like. Lyra and I ran into each other in the forest. We were talking. Nothing happened.""Nothing happened?" Elara screeches. "You were about to kiss her!""We didn't-" I start to protest, but Alpha Blackthorn silences me with a ra
Forbidden Bonds: Secrets of the Alpha's Mate Chapter 20: The Alpha's Test
Lyra's POVThe great hall buzzes with anticipation as pack members file in, whispers and speculative glances flying like arrows. I slump in my seat, trying to make myself as small as possible. After the events of the past few days – the mysterious photograph, the overheard conversation about my parentage, the cryptic messages – I want nothing more than to disappear.But there's no escaping the weight of expectation hanging heavily in the air. Alpha Blackthorn stands at the front of the room, his imposing presence commanding silence as he raises his hands."Thank you all for gathering on such short notice," he begins, his deep voice resonating through the hall. "As you know, our pack is entering a time of transition. My son, Xander, will soon take on the mantle of Alpha. And with that comes the need for a strong, capable Luna by his side."My stomach churns as I catch Elara preening in the front row, already sure of her victory. Standing beside his father, Xander keeps his expression ca
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