Chapter 7: The Bond

CHAPTER 7: The Bond

“Hello, my lady,”

Hana turned from the bed she had been lying on. She had been in this room for weeks without coming out or meeting anyone.

“I am Sasha, and the Alpha has asked me to dress you up for the event tonight,” said a lady in a blue gown.

She seemed to be the designer Jarrel had talked about last night. Mia was standing beside her.

“What event is that? I have no desire to be at any party. Please leave,” Hana responded.

“My lady, the Alpha has warned that there is no room for refusal and not to push him further,” Mia said, stepping forward.

Hana fully understood what that warning meant. He would do anything if she refused to attend.

“It’s the Alpha’s birthday party, and he needs his mate beside him,” Mia said, trying to convince Hana to see reason to go.

Hana looked at the pleading eyes Mia was giving her. She knew she was trying to tell her to save them all trouble and just go.

“Alright, Mia. Let me wash up,” Hana said and walked into the bathroom.

She wondered how far her life could go from here, and truly, she couldn’t find out anything if she stayed in this room. She clutched at the wooden wolf out of habit, but this time, Jarrel’s words echoed in her head. Who was Jarrel?

After her bath, Sasha and Mia helped her into an elegant silver gown that hugged her figure and made her feel like a stranger in her own skin. While Mia carefully applied the makeup onto her flawless skin, Sasha twisted her hair into a complex design that emphasized the shape of her face.

Hana was staring at herself in the mirror not knowing who it really was. She was stunning, but it felt like a mask. A mask she had to wear to survive this night and the many nights to come.

As they walked to the grand hall, Hana felt a mixture of anxiety and defiance. The room was already bustling with activity. The laughing and chatter of the mingling people from different packs filled the air. With its elaborate décor, food-filled tables, and crystal chandeliers, the hall exuded an overwhelming sense of opulence.

When Hana saw Jarrel in the middle of everything, surrounded by three stunning women who were drawn to him like moths to a flame, her heart fell. Their hands caressed him in ways that made Hana's blood boil as they laughed at his jokes. Although she detested him, she was jealous of him even if she didn't want to admit it.

Jarrel looked up and his eyes locked onto Hana’s. For a moment, the room seemed to fade away. His intense gaze sent an unwelcome shiver down her spine, the mate bond flaring to life despite her resistance. He motioned for her to come near him and the women who surrounded him were made to follow his gaze, their faces becoming grim.

When Hana approached, the three women had no choice but to let her pass but looked at her with scornful eyes throughout their glances and stares.

“You look stunning,” he said, his voice low and intimate.

Hana forced a smile, her skin tingling where he touched her. “Thank you,” she replied, trying to keep her tone neutral.

Throughout the night, Hana stayed by Jarrel’s side, enduring the whispers and stares from the crowd. She felt like a prize on display, her presence a statement of his power and control. She tried to focus on the handsome man she was mated to, despite her hatred for him.

There was no denying that he was striking, his dark hair and piercing eyes commanding attention. She found herself admiring him, against her will, noting the way his suit hugged his muscular frame and how effortlessly he carried himself.

But the three women didn’t stay away for long. They circled back, their eyes gleaming with malice. When Jarrel was momentarily distracted by a conversation with another alpha, they seized the opportunity.

“Enjoying the party?” one of them sneered, her voice dripping with disdain.

Hana looked at them, their perfect smiles hiding sharp claws. “I’m trying to,” she replied coolly.

“You should know your place,” another woman said, her eyes narrowing. “You’re just a temporary distraction. The Alpha doesn’t keep his playthings for long.”

”You should go back to the prison you came from” the third woman accused, her tone harsh. “This place has no use for people like you. ”

Hana recoiled from fear and at the same time she felt angry. She wanted to scream, to explain herself, but she knew that doing so would only make matters even worse. But she only inhaled sharply and adjusted her posture.

“I am his mate,” she said determinedly. “Whether you like it or not.”

The ladies looked at each other, their faces darkening. “We’ll see how long that lasts,” the first one said, and they both strolled off, their snickers ringing in Hana’s ears.

Hana moved from anger, sadness to being overwhelmed by a strange desire to do something. She would not allow them throw dirt at her. She had to be around Jarrel, to ascertaining what had befallen her pack and how to rescue them.

As the night wore on, Hana found herself watching Jarrel. Despite everything, there was something captivating about him. She hated herself for feeling anything but revulsion for him, but the mate bond was a force she couldn’t completely ignore.

She saw the way he commanded respect, how individuals were drawn to him. He had an unmistakable strength, and at that moment she dared to consider the experience of being with him fully, not merely as a prisoner but rather as a partner.

The idea sent chills down her spine, and she brushed it aside in haste. She couldn’t afford to have such thoughts. Her priority was her pack, and she needed to stay focused.

As the party began to wind down, Jarrel finally turned his full attention to her. “You handled yourself well tonight,” he said, his eyes searching hers.

Hana met his gaze, her heart pounding. “I had no choice,” she replied.

Jarrel’s expression softened slightly. “No, you didn’t. But you did well.”

Hana just simply nodded her head not knowing what to say next. Even though she despised him, she could not help, but to be attracted to him in some odd way. She had to know him, to learn his vices if she ever wants to help her pack again she had to know all of this.

“Come, it’s time to go,” Jarrel said, offering his arm.

Hana took it, the warmth of his skin against hers sending another unwanted jolt of pleasure through her. She hated how her body betrayed her, but she knew she had to endure it. For her pack, for her people, she would endure anything.