All Chapters of Forbidden Bonds: Secrets of the Alpha's Mate: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

Lyra's POVThe packed house is eerily quiet as I go down the deserted hallway. It's late – most wolves are on patrol or tucked away in their beds. But sleep eludes me, my mind a chaotic whirlwind of thoughts and emotions after the events of the Luna challenge.As I round a corner, hushed voices catch my attention. I pause, recognizing Elara's nasty tone."...can't let her get away with this," she hisses. "That little bitch thinks she can just waltz in and steal everything from me? My mate, my future, my pack? I don't think so.""But what can we do?" another voice – Sarah, one of Elara's cronies – asks. "Alpha Blackthorn seemed impressed by her ideas.""We discredit her," Elara says with a cruel smile. "Make the pack see her for the fraud she is."My blood runs cold as Elara outlines her plan: doctored financial records, planted evidence, and a carefully crafted trail leading back to me. It's devious, thorough, and terrifyingly plausible."By the time we're done," Elara concludes, "the

Lyra's POVThe forest swallows me whole, its dense canopy blocking the rising sun. I run until my lungs burn and my legs tremble, putting as much distance as possible between myself and everything I've ever known. Xander's anguished howl still echoes in my ears, a haunting reminder of what I've left behind.As the adrenaline fades, the total weight of my decision crashes over me. I collapse against a moss-covered tree, sobs wracking my body. What have I done? How can I possibly survive out here on my own?Nova, my wolf, whines softly within me. 'We had no choice,' she reminds me gently. 'It was the only way to protect them.'But the reassurance does little to ease the ache in my chest. Images of Xander's face – the love in his eyes, the devastation as I walked away – repeat in my mind. Will I ever see him again? Will he ever understand why I had to leave?A twig snaps nearby, jolting me from my misery. I freeze my senses on high alert. The forest has gone unnaturally quiet, the usual c

Xander's POVThe first rays of dawn paint the sky in hues of pink and gold, but I barely notice the beauty. My world has narrowed to a single, devastating fact: Lyra is gone.I pace the confines of my room, every muscle taut with tension. The mate bond between us thrums with a dull ache, a constant reminder of her absence. How could I have let this happen? How could I have driven her away?A knock at the door interrupts my spiraling thoughts. "Xander?" my father's voice, tinged with concern. "The pack is waiting. We need to discuss... recent events."I suppress a growl of frustration. The last thing I want right now is to deal with pack politics. But duty calls, as always."I'll be right there," I call back, forcing my voice to remain steady.As I make my way to the great hall, whispers follow in my wake. News of Lyra's disappearance – and the accusations against her – has spread like wildfire. I catch snippets of conversation, each one stoking the fire of doubt burning in my chest.".

Xander's POVThe border of Moonfire Pack territory looms before me, a shimmering veil marking the edge of the known and the beginning of the mystical. My heart pounds in a frantic rhythm as I approach, equal parts anticipation and dread coursing through my veins. I've rehearsed my cover story a thousand times—a diplomatic mission to discuss increased cooperation between our packs. But the real reason for my presence burns in my chest like a living flame.Lyra.As I'm escorted through the otherworldly landscape of Moonhaven, I can't help but marvel at the stark differences from Shadowmoon Pack. Here, nature and magic intertwine seamlessly, creating a realm that defies logic and ignites the imagination."Alpha Blackthorn," a melodious voice calls out. I turn to see a striking woman with silver hair approaching. "I am Selene, Beta of Moonfire Pack. Alpha Asher is expecting you."I nod, forcing a polite smile. "Thank you for your hospitality. I look forward to discussing matters of mutual

Lyra's POVThe great hall of Moonhaven thrums with tension, packed to the brim with members of both Moonfire and Shadowmoon packs. I stand at the center of it all, feeling like a deer caught in headlights as dozens of eyes bore into me. Xander and Asher flank me on either side, their presence both comforting and suffocating.Selene—my mother, a concept I'm still struggling to grasp—steps forward, her silver hair gleaming in the ethereal light. "Brothers and sisters," she begins, her voice effortlessly carrying through the hall. We have gathered you here today to reveal truths long hidden—truths that will shake the very foundations of our world."A murmur ripples through the crowd. I catch snippets of conversation, my enhanced hearing picking up on the speculation and fear."...the half-breed girl...""...war is coming...""...prophecy finally fulfilled..."My heart races, palms slick with sweat. This is it—the moment when everything changes.But before Selene can continue, a cold wind