ElaineHis words sent a shiver down my spine. The intensity in his eyes and the way he carried himself left me breathless. I had seen Trevor in so many lights. He was protective, gentle, and even playful, but this was different. This was raw and unfiltered desire paired with his unshakable care for me. He leaned in slowly. Then, he brushed his lips against mine in a way that made my pulse quicken. The kiss was gentle at first, almost teasing, as if he wanted to savor every second. But then it deepened. He slid his hands to the small of my back and pulled me closer. I melted into him, letting the warmth of his body wash over me. His hands moved with purpose. He explored me like I was something fragile that would be broken with careless handling. He held me as though I was delicate, but his grip sent a clear message to me. I was his. And he wanted me to know it. Trevor’s lips left mine to trail along my jawline. When he reached my neck, I couldn’t hold back the soft gasp that esc
TristanThe sound of a metal tray hitting the floor startled me from my thoughts. I glanced up sharply. There I met the sneering gaze of the peacekeeper who stood over me. He was smirking with disdain. He kicked the tray closer with the tip of his boot. “Here’s your food, Alpha jerk,” he said.I glared at him with my fists tightening at my sides. Every instinct screamed at me to stand up and to remind him who I was. But I didn’t move. My pride had already been shattered enough in this place. And I wasn’t about to hand them another excuse to beat and punish me under they stupid laws. The peacekeeper leaned in slightly. His smirk widened as he taunted, “What’s the matter? Got nothing to say now?” I clenched my teeth as I forced myself to hold his gaze without a word. I could still feel the bruises from their last “lesson” throbbing on my ribs and jaw. That humiliation was enough to remind me that no amount of talk would help me here. I have to be smart if I want to get out of he
ElaineWhen I woke up, the first thing I noticed was Trevor lying beside me. His arm was draped protectively over my waist. The second thing I noticed was that I wasn’t wearing anything. My face flushed as the memories of last night came rushing back. Trevor had made me feel like I was the most beautiful woman in the world. His every touch and every kiss had been filled with a love and tenderness I never imagined I’d experience. He hadn’t just been passionate. He had been patient, attentive, and wholly focused on me. The thought made my cheeks burn even more. Carefully, I shifted. I tried not to wake him as I attempted to slip out of bed. But Trevor stirred. His arm tightened around me as his sleepy voice stopped me. “Where are you going?” he asked. There was that familiar husky voice that sent a shiver down my spine again. “I was going to make breakfast,” I answered. I tried to avoid his gaze as my embarrassment grew. Trevor grinned. His eyes went half-lidded but mischievou
TristanThe silence in the car was suffocating. The city lights blurred into streaks of gold and silver outside, but my focus wasn’t on the scenery. My mind spun as I stole glances at Megan behind the wheel. She looked calm. Her hands were resting lightly on the steering wheel with her gaze fixed on the road ahead. For someone who had just pulled me out of chaos, she seemed almost calm. “Who told you I was there?” I finally asked. Megan didn’t flinch. Instead, her lips curved into a smirk. Then she tilted her head slightly, just enough to throw me off balance. “What you did at the orphanage was all over the internet,” she began. She sounded so casual as she said this. “I mean, seriously, Tristan? You blew your last chance to be with Elaine. It would’ve been different if only you’d listened to me.”Her words hit like a gut punch. I turned my gaze to the passing streetlights. I didn’t want to let her see the anger tightening my jaw. Elaine. The orphanage. The humiliation. Trevor...I
ElaineThe bathroom was quiet except for the sound of water dripping into the tub. Warm steam covered the mirror and made the air feel heavy. The smell of lavender soap was still in the air, but it didn’t help me feel calm.I stood still in the middle of the room, staring at the water as it swirled down the drain. The ripples circled again and again, just like my thoughts. My hands hung by my sides while my chest felt tight and heavy.The droplets of water on my skin started to feel cold, making me shiver. My mind was running fast. My heart was beating so hard it felt like I could hear it.Everything inside me was chaos, and nothing around me could make it stop.For years, I believed I didn’t have a mate. I had accepted it. I had moved on. It was a bitter truth, but one I had made peace with.But now, out of nowhere, Neeya had told me I did have a mate. And that I would meet them soon.Why now? Why when everything was starting to fall into place? My heart twisted painfully. Trevor’s
ElaineI stared down at the plate in front of me. I idly pushed pieces of food across my fork. I couldn’t eat. My appetite was long gone. It was replaced by the unease because of Neeya’s words. They kept echoing in my head.You’ll meet your mate soon.The statement lingered. It was like a dark cloud hanging over me. I had already accepted that I wasn’t like others, that I wasn’t destined for the kind of connection everyone else seemed to find so naturally. And now, after everything I’d been through, after I’d finally found peace with Trevor, this was the last thing I wanted to hear.Was Trevor not my mate? The thought alone made my chest ache. I glanced across the table at him. The man who had stood by me through my worst moments, who had loved me even when I felt unworthy. He was everything I needed. He was everything I’d ever wanted. But if Neeya was right, then fate might have other plans. Plans I didn’t want to face.The stories about mates came rushing back to me. The overwhelm
ElaineTrevor tilted his head. Curiosity flashed in his eyes. I continued. “It’s about my about my spirit wolf.”“You didn’t get a wolf then, right?”I nodded. I was relieved that he remembered. “Exactly. That’s why I didn’t participate in the mating ritual. I didn’t have a wolf to guide me, to help me find my mate. I thought I never would.”Trevor’s grip on my hand tightened slightly as if to steady me. “And now?” he prompted gently.I looked away. My gaze dropped to the table. The next part was harder to say, but I pushed through. “When I had the accident… when I almost died… something changed. At first, I didn’t understand it. But over time, I started to feel it.”“Feel what?” he asked, filled with concern.“A presence,” I said quietly. My fingers were curled slightly against the tablecloth. “At first, I thought I was imagining things, but then it became clearer. I have a wolf spirit, Trevor. She’s been dormant all these years. But she’s awake now.”Trevor’s eyes widened. A spark
TrevorI took a deep breath. Then I brushed my thumb lightly over the back of her hand. “Honestly? I understand why you’re scared,” I admitted. “I get it. The mate pull… it’s no joke. It’s strong. And it’s not something you can just ignore. But…” I paused, and then I met her eyes with mine. “What do you feel about it?”Elaine hesitated. Her lip was trembling slightly. “I feel terrified,” she almost whispered. “We’ve only been together for two days, Trevor. Just two days. And now this… this thing is hanging over us. What if… what if it ruins everything?”Her voice cracked. I instantly felt a pang of guilt for the weight she was carrying. “I love you, Trevor,” she continued. “I know that. But the mate pull… it’s hard to fight. What if I’m not strong enough?”Her honesty struck me. And suddenly I didn’t know how to respond. She was scared. And I couldn’t blame her. But I wasn’t about to let fear take over. “Elaine, I understand, really. More than you know.”Her brows knit together in con
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