5

Axel's POV

“Violet” Her name fell from my lips as the world snapped back into focus, and a dull ache pulsed behind my eyes.

How could I have let myself lose control like that? My chest rose as I saw her figure sprawled on the floor.

Panic shot through me like lightning and I dropped to my knees, hands shaking as I gathered her limp body into my arms. Her skin felt too cold, but she was breathing, it was shallow but I was relieved it was there.

I titled her head a little to cradle her in my arms exposing my mark on her neck, instantly a sickening wave of horror crashed over me.

No. No, no, no.

I wasn’t supposed to— I came here to reject her, to cut this bond before it could ruin everything. But the second my eyes locked on her, the second her scent curled through my senses, my wolf lunged forward taking over. I lost control.

And now—

Now she was bound to me.

My stomach twisted painfully. Violet was human. She wasn’t built to handle this. The bond was too strong, too much for her body to bear. And it was my fault.

My arms tightened around her. She looked small curled against my chest. Her lips, slightly parted, held no color. If she had screamed, I wouldn't have heard it. Had she fought? Had she been afraid?

Afraid of me?

My jaw clenched and I had to force down the urge to slap myself, how could I be so reckless.

The pull grew stronger now I had sealed the bond, the overwhelming urge to keep her from harm’s way threatened to consume me, her scent was the only thing worth breathing for and her face… the moon goddess be praised.

She was the most beautiful girl I had ever seen, and she was mine.

No, I made her mine.

Guilt crawled through my ribs as the realization dawned on me, I had taken something from her—something she never agreed to, something she might never want.

She was human, how was she to handle the news that I was a werewolf, will the pack members accept their Luna was human, a weaker vessel who couldn't protect them.

And worse? I couldn’t even keep her.

I had promised Kate, sworn loyalty to her as an Alpha my word meant everything, it was a principle I followed no matter but Violet was an exception.

She shifted slightly in my arms, a faint whimper escaping her lips.

My heart lurched.

I reached up, brushing strands of hair from her face. Her skin burned under my fingertips, feverish from the mate bond trying to root itself inside her. She wouldn’t survive this. Not without me.

And I—

I didn’t know what to do, or how to help ease her pain.

This was a mistake. A terrible, unforgivable mistake.

Through the haze of my thoughts I heard footsteps head towards us, I didn't pay attention to it till she called out to me.

“Axel!” Kate screamed excitedly, the sound twisted something in my chest.

I turned, still holding Violet, and Kate’s smile froze. Her bright eyes flickered over my face, studying me.

She could tell something was wrong.

The bags she held slipped lower in her hands. “What are you doing…?”

Then her gaze dropped to Violet in my arms.

Her mouth parted slightly, confusion flashing across her face. And then she saw it.

The mark.

The bags hit the ground with a thud.

Kate’s hands trembled as she covered her mouth, her entire body locking in place. Horror filled her eyes, drowning out every other emotion.

“Axel…” Her voice cracked. “Tell me this isn’t real.”

I swallowed hard, arms tightening around Violet. “Kate, I—”

“You marked her?” she whispered, like she was still trying to convince herself she wasn’t seeing what was right in front of her.

The devastation in her voice sliced through me like a blade.

“Kate please-

“After all the promises Axel, you lied to me!” She interrupted her eyes glassy filled with tears and I felt her heart break a little more.

“Kate this wasn’t supposed to happen, I—”

“How could you?” Her voice shot up full of hurt.

“Kate, listen to me.” My throat tightened as I struggled to explain. “I lost control, I—”

“You lost control?” Her hands clenched into fists at her sides. “After everything I did for you? After every promise?”

Guilt clawed up my chest. “I didn’t mean for this to happen—”

“Don’t.” Her voice wavered. “Just don’t.”

Pain twisted her features, her lips pressing together like she was trying to hold herself together. Then, in one sharp motion, she pointed at the door.

“Leave.”

I flinched. “Kate—”

“Get out.”

“I need you to listen.”

She took a step forward and shoved me.

I stumbled back dropping Violet stunned. She was shaking, her breathing ragged, but her strength caught me off guard.

“Now look what you've done, you're going to hurt her!” I blurted out before I could realize what I just did.

“You care so much about her huh? Kate accused, frustrated I ran a hand through my face.

“You're not letting me talk” I tried explaining yet she didn't want to concede.

“I don't want to hear it” Her voice broke. “Get out!”

The door slammed in my face before I could say another word.

“Kate please open up let me explain” I pleaded at the otherside of the door.

She didn't respond, instead I heard the lock of the door click.

A muscle in my jaw twitched. My chest heaved as I pressed a hand against the door, heart hammering.

I knocked harder this time. “Kate, please—”

No response.

I hit the door again, harder. “Just let me explain!”

Nothing.

My fists clenched as a growl rumbled low in my throat. “Damn it!”

I cursed under my breath and pressed my forehead against the wood, squeezing my eyes shut.

Violet was my fated mate but I owed Kate my life. Who am I supposed to choose?