Denied by Destiny: Trapped in the Shadows of the Mate Bond

- Jace -

I should have taken another shot of liquid wolfsbane, the only thing that stopped my wolf from returning each time I left.

There's a reason an alpha doesn't leave a pack unless challenged for the positon, disowned or frankly....dead.

I couldn't cope at first, thinking my wolf would claw my skin off in my sleep.

The animalistic urge trying to dominate me daily to return back to my family, back to my pack...back to her.

He's running on adrenaline fuelled by vengeance against me, for refusing what is his.

I've loved Cleo all my life.

At first as a friend, a protector...a member of the family. A devotion to keep her safe, I thought a result from our families relationship...no...the mate bond was working even as children. Trying to manipulate me even then for when she was older.

Then something changed, she changed.

I remember the moment vividly to this day.

She travelled down behind her family, arriving half way through a typical group dinner her long blonde hair curled at the ends as it used to do, wearing a mini skirt...showing off just how long her legs are. I didn't see her like that, never, until that very moment.

I made the mistake of hugging her, of leaping out of my chair and being the first to greet her as I have always done since she was born.

There has always been a connection between us...when I smelt her it was an overwhelming reaction to my senses.

Peaches, she smelt like ripe sweet peaches.

It took all my strength not to claim her as my mate at the dinner table.

I had to leave, she wasn't part of my plan.

I always knew my luna would be marked the moment I claimed her, my family has enemies everywhere.

Ones we don't even know about, our reputation bringing on jealousy in others. Those that would want to destroy us for their own power gain.

I couldn't bear for something to happened to Cleo, not when I have been protective of her my entire life.

So I made the decision to leave, to work on myself, to deny the mate bond.

To fight fate.

I can't accept Cleo is part of the moon goddess' plan for me, I won't accept it.

I can't spend the rest of my life fearing for Cleo's life, I love her too much.

I thought I had it in hand, I thought had it under control until the

wedding...her approach to me to ask for a dance was a simple request.

She knew no different, she was just that little bit too young to recognise the mate bond.

But if I had danced with her, I would have struggled to let go.

I know I was cruel, I embarrassed her in front of my friends, in front of our family, but I didn't it to protect her.

I was being cruel to be kind.

When I met Callie she was in a similar situation as me, although her exit from her pack wasn't exactly her choice.

Along with Colt, we decided to make

a new future for ourselves but she could see I was struggling to

the pack bond, fight mynt.

I hadn't rejected my pack, I was caught in between being an alpha and being a rogue.

I was a drifter, a nomad.

I've thought about giving it up, rejecting my title but I can't do that to Mum, and I need my family as much as they need me.

Callie was the obvoious choice.

There is nothing romantic between us, there never has been. She's become my bestest friend, my confidant.

In agreeing to be my Luna I can continue to deny the mate bond, distancing myself from Cleo until she takes another. Rejecting her would destroy our families.

One shot does nothing to keep my wolf at bay. He's supercharged just knowing she is the same four walls as her.

The intoxicating scent of sweet peaches hits my nostrils as soon as I take the first step down the staircase.

Each step down the stairs with Callie by my side, my pretend luna, is painful.

My wolf sending me shots of guilt laced with pure stomaching clenching anger.

He'll never forgive me for this.noveldrama

My eyes lock on to her back instantly as she sits, cupping a glass of champagne in her hands...her eyes fixed on Jaxon's.

That smirk of his finally disappeared and now a murderous glare aimed towards her.

I want to leap in-between them,

block her from him. That need to et

protect her from his glare surges through me from my wolf but I keep my feet firmly

glued where I stand, any swift movement on my part will give everything away.

Tonight might have well never happened.

Callie pulls off my arm, moving into the crowd to be introduced to Orpheus, Rosa and Ares.

I watch as Cleo discreetly moves into the corner of the room, her eyes still watching Jaxon.