All Chapters of Darkbound Mate: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

The rhythmic pattering, clicking, and clacking of countless footsteps echo across the glossy marble floor, blending into a chaotic symphony of movement. The air hums with the constant chatter of shoppers—laughter, hurried conversations, and the occasional excited squeal from a child. Somewhere in the distance, a store’s automated doors slide open with a soft whoosh, followed by the faint chime of a welcome bell.The scent of fried food lingers in the air, a mix of crispy fries, buttery pretzels, and something sweet—maybe cinnamon rolls from a food stall nearby, while bursts of perfume and fabric softener drift from bustling clothing stores. The artificial chill of the mall’s air conditioning brushes against my skin, battling against the warmth of packed bodies moving in every direction. Bright overhead lights reflect off polished surfaces, making the space feel even bigger, yet somehow claustrophobic with the constant flow of people.Amidst the whirlwind of noise and motion, I find mys

I grip the spoon in my hand so tightly that my knuckles turn white, the cold metal pressing uncomfortably against my palm. My teeth grind together as I force myself to swallow my rage. The voice—sickly sweet and grating, like nails scraping against a chalkboard—calls my name again.“Lynette! Oh my God, it is you!”I exhale sharply through my nose, shifting my gaze from my clenched fist to the woman in question.Cheryl.The moment my eyes land on her, a scoff escapes my lips before I can stop it. Of course, it’s her. That stupid face, those fake gray eyes that always gleamed with manufactured innocence, the long, silky black hair that she constantly flicked over her shoulder like she was some kind of goddess among mortals.My beloved maternal cousin.The reason I was labeled the black sheep of my family. The witch who stole the only man I ever considered opening my heart to. And that man—Matthew—was standing right beside her, his posture stiff, his gaze fixed anywhere but at me.Patheti

The conference room feels stifling. The hum of the air conditioning isn’t enough to cool the tension prickling at my skin. The faint scent of varnished wood mingles with the sharp tang of coffee, abandoned in cups scattered across the table. The room is dimly lit, save for the harsh glow of the screen in front of me, which vibrates insistently in my hand.My grip tightens around the phone, its edges digging into my palm. The phone buzzes again, the sound sharp and grating against the silence. My breath feels too loud, my heartbeat heavier than it should be. Fenrir stirs, no longer sulking in the background of my thoughts. His excitement the polar opposite of mine.“Answer it! Please, please, please!” he pleads, his tail wagging in my mind’s eye. The usually ferocious wolf, now acts like a pup eager to play.My thumb hovers over the screen. A video call.The thought makes my stomach twist in knots. I can barely handle her voice without feeling my composure crack. Seeing her, facing her,

The karaoke bar hums with life, a chaotic mix of pounding music, clinking glasses, and the rise and fall of laughter from a crowd that seems intent on leaving their inhibitions at the door. A faint haze of smoke lingers in the air, mingling with the sticky-sweet scent of spilled cocktails and the faint tang of fried food. The lights overhead pulse in sync with the music, casting shifting colors across the packed room, from warm golds to electric blues.I glance at Kassian standing stiffly beside me, his hood drawn low over his face and a baseball cap tilted just enough to hide his sharp features. He’s trying to blend into the shadows, his arms crossed so tightly over his chest that I can almost hear the fabric of his hoodie strain. His presence alone makes the space feel smaller, his quiet intensity a sharp contrast to the carefree atmosphere.“This is ridiculous,” he mutters, the gruffness in his voice almost lost in the music’s bassline.“Relax,” I reply, patting his arm. His muscle

Elliott looks up from his tablet, his stride halting mid-step as his sharp eyes land on me. I’m sprawled on the yellow chair, my legs dangling over one arm and my head tilted back against the other.“You look like bullshit,” he says, his voice flat but edged with his usual sarcasm.A soft, jaded laugh escapes me. “I feel like bullshit.”He arches an eyebrow, places the tablet on the coffee table with a deliberate thud, and crosses the room with a steady, purposeful gait. There’s concern written across his face now, his brows drawn together as he stops just short of my chair.Elliott has this way of looking at people like he’s trying to figure out how to fix them, as if every problem is solvable with just the right touch of logic and kindness. It’s a maddeningly earnest quality, and one of the reasons I’ve grown so attached to him.I chuckle dryly, glancing up at him. “Meet Elliott, everyone. A man who cares far too much about humans for his own good. He’s excellent at his job, an even