Elaine"W-What did you say?" The moment Trevor scooped me up from the ground, my heart started pounding so loudly that I was sure Trevor could hear it. My insides knotted feeling his arms around me. I should probably say something by now or do something, especially when he began to move. But words felt stuck in my throat. Everything about this moment tangled up with excitement and nerves.We moved through the hall toward his bedroom, and I held my breath in response. My mind spun with a million questions of “what ifs” and “will he?” and yet nothing seemed to have answered it. My pulse raced erratically, but I did nothing to stop him. Deep down, I knew I was more excited than I could ever admit. Whatever he was about to do, I was more than ready to do it too.Trevor nudged the door open with his shoulder and as we entered the room, he lowered me gently onto the bed. I felt the mattress beneath me as he placed me down with such care. When he looked down at me, I couldn't read anything
ElaineThe next day, I woke up wrapped in Trevor’s arms. I shifted slightly, and his sleeping face came into view. I couldn’t help but study every detail. My eyes traced each feature, admiring the person lying beside me. I never expected he would look so vulnerable like this. He was like a baby sleeping peacefully in his crib. It was as if he hadn’t truly slept for days. The thought that he could finally find rest with me made my heart swell.Slowly, I lifted his arm from around my waist, careful not to wake him. I slipped out of bed and tiptoed across his apartment. I grabbed the stray pieces of clothing and items strewn around. Well, I couldn't leave him in this messy place. So, I found myself straightening his space. After tidying up, I took a quick bath. I let the warmth of the water shake off any lingering drowsiness. I pulled out a simple white shirt and shorts from his dresser. I was sure he wouldn’t mind me borrowing them, as I hadn’t brought any spare clothes from yesterday.
ElaineI took a deep breath as I stood in front of the mirror, examining my reflection. My hair was swept up neatly. And the dress I’d chosen, simple but elegant, felt both like armor and an invitation to embrace the night. I was grateful Mr. Smith had sent me home two hours early to prepare. Initially, I’d protested, telling him that I had no problem working until my shift ended. But he’d insisted. He pointed out that I’d never once missed work or asked for time off since I’d been hired. “Elaine, you deserve some time for yourself. Go, enjoy the party,” he said with a smile.So, here I was, looking at myself in a way I hadn’t in a long time. The party was formal, yes, but it was more than that for me. This was a rare opportunity to reconnect with my past and bridge the gaps in my memory with the familiar faces and voices from the orphanage. This was exactly the reason why I decided not to invite Trevor. I wanted to have this time for myself and find the missing piece of life that
ElaineThe spotlight remained focused on us as Tristan inched closer to me. Everyone in the crowd was clapping. In their eyes, you could see how much excitement they were feeling to see us together. Lily made quite an expression by her introduction yet I knew that those words were far from the truth. I kept a small, polite smile on my face, trying to look calm. But inside, I was a mess. I came here to this event to reconnect with my forgotten past. However, Tristan was not part of it. My hands were sweaty, and I clenched them into fists to hide how nervous I was. My nails dug into my palms, just enough to help me stay steady. Part of me wanted to walk off the stage. I wanted to run away from all the eyes watching us that I felt was suffocating me. But I couldn’t move. My whole body felt stiff, and I could feel a chill down my back as if I was stuck in place. I felt trapped.I took a deep breath, trying to push down the uncomfortable feeling in my stomach. Everything felt wrong. This
ElaineI froze. My fingers tightened on my purse. I turned around and glared at him. I didn’t hide my annoyance. “The party’s over, Tristan. I don’t have to pretend to like you anymore,” I scoffed. But instead of stepping back, he smiled. No, he smirked, making my blood boil. He didn’t seem to get what I was trying to say. Instead, his eyes glinted with the same arrogance he kept on showing to me. I stayed still as he stepped closer. I looked away and crossed my arms, determined not to let him pull me back in. I let him sense my irritation just by looking at him."You think this is over?" he said, his voice low and condescending. "You think you can just walk away like nothing happened? We’ve been through too much for you to act like this."I almost laughed. The audacity. "You’ve been through too much? What about me, huh? What about what you did to me?" I could feel the anger bubbling up, but I held it in, keeping my voice steady. "You don’t get to make this about you anymore. I am w
Tristan and I turned toward the direction of the voice. I instantly felt relieved when I saw Trevor standing just a few feet away. I could see the anger and worry that was written on his face. His eyes went straight to Tristan’s grip on my arm and I immediately saw his anger. No, he was furious and immediately showed his protective nature. I hadn’t realized how much I needed to see that in someone right now and I was so glad that it was Trevor who embodied that. Trevor strode forward fast. And before I could say anything, he shoved Tristan hard enough to make him stumble back. “What the fuck?!” Tristan cursed under his breath as he fell yet Trevor didn’t even glance at him. His attention was all on me, like I was the only she-wolf that mattered in his world. And that made my heart melt. “Are you okay?” he asked gently. He sounded so worried. He hovered his hands like he wanted to touch my arm but was afraid of hurting me.I felt the lump in my throat grow. For the nth time, Trevo
ElaineI froze. Suddenly, I felt the world came to a halt. I couldn't believe what just came out of his mouth. Tristan had always been a master manipulator. He was an expert in twisting truths to suit his own needs. But this? This was a different level. This was vile. This was plain evil. Judging by the crowd's frowns, his act was scarily convincing. He made himself look like the hurt husband, that he was a victim of a cheating wife and her lover. He made everyone believe he was the perfect husband who loved his wife but was betrayed in the worst possible way. He painted Trevor and me as the villain, and everyone took his bait. I could hear the murmurs in the crowd growing louder. Their judgmental eyes cut through me, like I was a lab rat they were experimenting on. Their comments about us were like sharp daggers piercing our souls. “Shameless! How could she cheat on her husband?”“She was pretending to be generous to hide her sins. Gross!”“What a lustful she-wolf. I hope karma w
ElaineMy mind went blank when I recognized the men stepping out of the car. My breath caught in my throat. And at that moment, I felt relieved. I felt a sliver of hope cutting through the chaos.They were peacekeepers from the grand jury. I could recognize them because of their uniforms. Trevor turned toward the head peacekeeper. “Sir, why don’t you tell everyone what he did to Elaine?”The head peacekeeper gave me a quick, reassuring glance before pulling a document from his bag. He held it up for the crowd to see.“This is a copy of the restraining order that Ms. Elaine Scott filed with the court against her soon-to-be ex-husband, Mr. Tristan Hale. It was issued after Mr. Hale trespassed in her apartment and threatened her safety. The court found sufficient probable cause to grant the request.”I could feel the energy in the crowd shift as silence fell over them. The accusations they had hurled at me earlier seemed to hang in the air. They looked regretful now.I looked at Tristan
ElaineI spent the whole day happily with Trevor. There was nothing more fulfilling than having him by my side. His presence brought me so much joy and a reason to fight. His love became a new hope for me. How could I let anything destroy us? We spent our time watching a movie, being cozy under a thick blanket and snacks he personally made. I feel like the world belongs to us.But there was one thing that I couldn’t get rid of my head.That was the reality of me being fated to another and I couldn't seem to do anything about it.At least, for now.“Are you okay?” Trevor asked as he wrapped his other arm around my shoulders. “Yeah. Why do you ask?” I responded calmly, not hinting that something was off with me. “You’re more quiet than usual.” Trevor worriedly stated. He paused the movie we were watching and focused his attention on me. I tried to let him know what happened at the mating ritual. But seeing his sweet smile made me unable to express my words. How could I let myself br
TristanEver since the mating ritual, Elaine had taken over my thoughts like a parasite.Each day, my instincts became stronger. I couldn’t stop thinking about her, no matter how hard I tried not to. I couldn’t think of anything else except for her. It felt impossible to live my life while holding back these feelings. I never knew being away from my mate could be this difficult.Every second that passed made me want her even more.“What is she doing now? Is she with Trevor? Does she think about me the way I think about her?” I whispered to myself in the office.After the ritual, I could never feel calm again. Sitting still without her near me was impossible. Whenever I thought of Elaine, my mind felt broken. I couldn’t focus. I couldn’t act right. The bond between us was so strong it controlled everything I did.I wanted to be with Elaine so badly that I would do anything to make it happen. I gritted my teeth as frustration filled me. I had no ideas left to win her over. And the thou
Elaine“You must be starving now. I made you breakfast,” Trevor said as he placed the tray on the empty nightstand.I greeted him with a smile and warmed by his kind gesture. He sat on the bedside and revealed the food he had prepared. The tray held freshly made pancakes drizzled with honey syrup, a pile of crispy bacon, and two sunny-side-up eggs. To pair with the meal, Trevor had included a glass of orange juice and water.“That’s too much, Trevor,” I said with a smile as I looked at the spread he had made.Trevor shook his head lightly.“Looks just right to me,” he replied with a playful tone. “Anyway… how are you feeling?” His warm hand covered mine as he gently stroked it, waiting for my response.“I feel better now,” I replied, though my mind was still preoccupied with a strange dream I had earlier. Suddenly, panic shot through my body as a thought hit me.“What time is it?”Trevor glanced at his wristwatch. “It’s 9:30,” he answered.I leaped out of bed in a flurry of panic and
ElaineWalking down the aisle toward the man of my dreams, I couldn’t imagine this day being any more perfect. The eyes of the lovely guests were all on me. Their bright smiles lit up their faces. The joy of this day radiated through everyone in the garden.I still couldn’t fully grasp the reality. I was finally going to marry the man of my dreams. As they say, things are sweeter the second time around. It would be my second marriage but this time, I would be married out of love.Happiness enveloped me as I reached the end of the red carpet. At that moment, I knew all the sacrifices had been worth it. I had finally reached the peak of life. I could hardly wait.But then, something strange caught my attention and made me restless. Trevor wasn’t facing me. Perhaps he was crying and didn’t want to show it to everyone. The thought made me smile.I was about to call out his name when he turned around. My jaw dropped, and my lips trembled as I saw a different face. My body’s immediate react
TrevorTwo hours had passed, but still, there were no signs of Elaine and Liz. The mating ritual didn’t usually take this long. It was just a matter of moments to see who your fated mate was. Two hours had been more than enough time for a lot to happen. Deep down, I couldn’t help but feel anxious about the outcome.My body couldn’t stay still. I paced back and forth inside our apartment, waiting for them to tell me I could fetch them. I constantly glanced and hoped to see a message from Elaine or Liz coming out of the screen.But as the seconds passed, there was still none. I pulled out my phone and checked for missed calls or messages, but the empty inbox only added to my frustration. I heaved a deep sigh. I had waited long enough to expect at least an update, but I heard nothing from either.“Should I follow her?” I asked my wolf, almost ready to drive into the place myself.“Don’t be impatient. Relax, Trevor,” he responded calmly.My heart raced, my instincts screaming that someth
Elaine“What do you mean?” Holding my tightened chest, I could barely manage to ask. Neeya’s words made no sense. My head spun as I tried to understand her. But when I looked down, I saw blood dripping from my mouth and pooling on the floor. I coughed hard, more blood coming out, and fear filled my mind.This couldn’t be real. My chest hurt more, and my breathing became faster. I needed answers, and I needed them now.“How can a simple rejection spiel kill?” I added. Neeya took a deep breath before answering. “It will, if your wolf power is like mine.”Her words were calm and sounded convincing. Yet still, it was still hard to process. Wolf power like hers? What did she mean?My head spun as none of her words made sense. I placed my fingers on the side of my head and massaged it. I wanted to ask more questions, but the tightening in my chest and the stabbing pain that came out of nowhere held me back. Perhaps sensing my weakened state, Neeya continued to shed some light.“I am not a
ElaineWhat I thought was the end between Tristan and me turned out to be the start of my own misery. Seeing Tristan standing right in front of me made me believe that the moon goddess was treating me unfairly. It felt like she was playing favorites, and I was the one she cared for the least.Why else would she make me cross paths with him again? Why would she tie us together for the rest of our lives? It was as if she wanted to see me suffer, to remind me that no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t escape his grasp. My heart felt heavy, and the pain was impossible to ignore.Tristan was silently watching me cry. No words could express how furious I was at every living creature. Life hadn’t been kind, and now they had dealt me the final blow. I was falling apart in front of Tristan. Perhaps that was enough to make him stay rooted in place.“I can never accept this, Neeya. Not now, not in the future, not any day of my life.”I wiped the tears that kept pouring down like a stream. Sinc
TristanI despised myself for setting foot in this boring place. Why had I let my foolish inner thoughts take over? And wouldn’t it have been insane if someone caught me there, knowing I had a wife?Until now, I didn’t even know what I was doing here. In fact, I had my means not to participate. Everyone knew I wasn’t a bachelor Alpha. That means my body wouldn’t be as receptive to the effects of the mate bond as long us I would keep the council informed. And yet, here I was. It was like I was put in a trance that convinced me that something good would happen tonight.As if I cared. I didn’t understand why I allowed this part of me to win and dragged me to a place I knee I didn’t even enjoy. The polished floor reflected my image at me, and I couldn’t believe how much effort I’d put into witnessing such nonsense. My plain black suit and red necktie mocked me in the reflection. It did nothing but remind me how low I had sunk tonight.“SHALL WE START?” a loud voice rose above the murmurs
Elaine"How could this be possible?” I whispered to myself. My hand trembled as it covered my mouth. “It can’t be.”Tears spilled from my eyes and streamed relentlessly down my cheeks. I took a shaky step closer and my hand fell away from my lips.Is this real? I asked myself. Another step forward would confirm my fear. As I looked again, my lips quivered uncontrollably.“Why does it have to be you!?”My mind resisted the truth. I already rejected the idea of someone’s soul being tied to mine. Let alone, to be tied with him. I forced myself to take another step. I inhaled deeply and closed my eyes. I pulled the air around me into my lungs. My instincts confirmed it. I couldn’t lie to myself any longer.Seeing the wolf in front of me, there was no denying it anymore.I broke down, collapsing to my knees as sobs wracked my body. I didn’t understand. I refused to understand. Of all the werewolves on this continent, why did it have to be him? Why did destiny insist on binding us like an i