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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
TristanI felt the oozing lust in the way Elaine looked at me. But at the same time, I caught a glance of tremendous desperation in her. That broke me into pieces.“I promise. We will get through this night together,” I responded.Elaine smiled. There was still some sense left in her. I knew it was the drug that was doing this to her.Soon enough, Elaine folded her knees and held onto her chest. The pain struck her.“I feel warm inside… so warm that I can’t take this anymore… help me, Tristan.” Then violently, Elaine pulled my arms into a hug.After years of struggling through a life without her, the embrace that felt like home touched my skin again.“Your hug is like water quenching decades of thirst in my body.” Her breathing became heavy in my ears.Elaine pulled the back of my head.“Hey, handsome.” Her voice started to sing a different melody. Elaine now wore a tune of seduction.I instantly pulled away from her embrace.“No, Elaine. Stop this.”Earlier, Elaine was begging desper
TristanI carried Elaine until we reached the camp. I put her inside our quarters before confronting Elsa. Elsa was completely calm. From the outside, we could hear Elaine’s agony, but these wolves seemed to have no care at all. By the way they stood and portrayed strange calmness, it was like everyone expected it to happen.“Something is off about your medicine!” I shouted at Elsa. “You’re not deaf to hear those screams, are you? Why are you standing here doing nothing?!”Elsa suddenly jumped from the porch, launching at me. It was good that my reflexes were fast enough to dodge the attack. I jumped away from her group.“What the fuck was that?” I exclaimed. Ruther and Mike didn’t bother to help and just watched.The second I removed my eyes from Elsa, she launched another surprise attack. This time, I saw an injection in her hand. I jumped to the side, dodging another shot.“Stop running away,” Elsa told me.Elsa twisted her left ankle and pounced on my whole body. She managed to
TristanI looked at Elaine, checking every detail of her body. Clearly, the exhaustion in her body was pushed to its limits. We made it up to the last second. The training was a success. But at what cost?“Elaine… Can you hear me?” I asked her.I felt something was odd with her body heat. I touched Elaine’s forehead using the tip of my fingers. It was as hot as a kettle. Her body temperature was soaring high.“This is bad…” I muttered, turning my head around, seeking Elsa and Ruther.Elaine started moaning because of the fever. She twitched her body in different directions. I saw how Elaine clenched her fist, battling against the pain in her.“Elsa!” I called out to her.I gently placed Elaine’s head on the soft pillow and grabbed the towel I threw earlier. Then I soaked it deep into the water in the sink, ran back to Elaine, and placed it on her forehead.“Don’t worry, you’re gonna be alright.” I carefully wiped her head down to her neck, hoping the wet towel would help with the high
TristanA soul binding? I have never heard such a word. I never knew such a thing existed in our timeline.I put my hands on my head, feeling helpless, not knowing what to do or how to help. Is it even safe? Will it throw Elaine into danger?“This is the most vital part of being a Silvermare. Finally, her wolf wholeheartedly accepted Elaine.”“I don’t understand a single word you say. But this could kill Elaine. She’s not ready to morph. She’s not ready for this.”Elsa countered with a much louder voice.“It wasn’t you who would decide that. It’s her wolf.”Elsa has a point. I have no right to any part of Elaine’s life. I wish to know what’s running inside Elaine’s wolf. Why did she choose Elaine over everybody else? Her gift only leads her to more pain.Elaine continued the process. I could barely stand the sight. The groans of pain drilled into my head. I tried to turn away my gaze.My heart ached and pierced right through my soul. I slammed my arms against the ground in frustration
TristanElaine suddenly emitted a beaming light coming out from her body. Those bursting beams penetrated the whole area. We took more steps away from Elaine. Elsa and Ruther stood tall in front of Elaine who levitated more into the ground. Probably the same height as the tall trees around us. Fear succumbed to my heart. I was scared and confused as hell. I’m like a child witnessing some things only adults could understand. “ELAINE!” I called out to her. My veins popped on my neck as I tried to scream her name. Her eyes were glowing yellow, shining so much that it made my eyebrows scrunched protecting my eyes. Elsa smirked. While Ruther remains unshaken. These two looked at Elaine like they had witnessed this kind of stuff before. “Now, you will see a Silvermare’s true form,” Elsa proudly declared. Elaine flows with the air. She dances with it. Elaine totally lost will over her own body. The place soon filled with more blazing lights, sparkling magically on the river and any li
TristanThe waterfall crashed down with so much force. It had overpowered many before, and now, it was pushing Elaine to her limit.“10 more minutes!” I shouted as loud as I could. “It’s just a blink of an eye, and you’ll be done!”From where I stood, I could see how much she was struggling. Her whole body was shaking, her legs barely able to keep her up. She was trying so hard to stay standing, but I knew she was almost at her breaking point.At that moment, I had to accept the truth.Ten minutes probably felt like forever to her. The training had reached its hardest point, and Elaine just couldn’t hold on much longer. No matter how badly she wanted to, her body was giving out.Hope left in me. I know as Elaine’s mate, there was nothing more to do. I threw the towel in already, as a way of saying we did well at this training. This is brutal enough for Elaine’s physique. I knew from the start it was an impossible task. “That’s enough,” I shouted at Elsa. I went down to the water, tr
ElaineAnother boost of energy surged through my body, but exhaustion was creeping in. I knew 30 minutes wasn’t that long anymore. I was so close to the finish line. Yet, the relentless force of the waterfall felt heavier than before, pressing down on my shoulders like a mountain. My muscles screamed in protest, and my breathing turned ragged.My knees started to bend, trembling under the weight of my own exhaustion. I clenched my fists, digging my nails into my palms, desperate to keep myself upright. I couldn’t fail now. Not when I had come this far. Not when Tristan was watching, his eyes filled with silent encouragement.“20 more minutes. Hang in there a little longer, please.” Maybe Tristan saw how I was about to lose consciousness that’s why he’s yelling desperately. I know I have little to no strength to continue. But I am almost there at the finish line. At that point, I decided to call out to my spirit wolf. “Neeya…” I whispered at the back of my head. My body lost balanc
ElaineHis words mean a lot to me. It added some boost to my energy. This training improved my relationship with Tristan. We learned to work like a real team. We did well until the first 3 hours. My knees gave up on me again. Elsas stood up from her spot and yelled. “3 hours wasted, Elaine. You let the 3 hours of hard work be taken away by that fall.”Her yelling added another weight like usual. Soon, my mind and body won't work as one. As I see the disappointed face of Elsa, my mind sends signals of pressure and discomfort. My body reacted along with Elsa’s words. It lost half of its strength because I was nervous. Under the waterfall, I feel like a warrior battling for the lives of others. As long as I don’t master this special gift as a Silvermare, more lives will be put in danger. This is war already. So I gathered my strength again and stood tall. I didn’t guard the time. Until I realized how much time had passed when Ruther called out Tristan. “You did it, Alpha Tristan.” T
ElaineThe next day came, and everyone acted like nothing happened. But I could somehow sense Ruther’s awkward stance towards us. Meanwhile, Mike was left in the cabin like usual.I tried to read Tristan’s mind. But he was strangely quiet throughout our journey. I’m not sure if everyone still dwells in the story of Elsa’s past. I was staring behind her. My heart aches for Elsa. I could definitely not handle her tragedy if that was me. Truly, as a she-wolf, Elsa is an admirable lady for her strength and resilience. “I forgot to tell you something…” Elsa suddenly speaks, still leading our way to the waterfalls. “What is it?” I humbly asked. “If you can’t pass the training today, I believe this has to stop. It’s gonna be pointless anyway.”Tristan suddenly stopped from walking. I bumped into his huge back. “Did I hear it right?” Tristan asked. Elsa didn’t say anything. Tristan chased her. It’s not just him. Even I was shocked to hear about this last training. Though my body recovere