Moonlight Deception

Chapter Two: The Mate

Amber’s P.O.V.

"You sure you’ll be okay on your own, Amber?" Victor asked. He was worried about me going on my own. But this was my cross to carry, my own oath. I needed to do this.

I nodded, my heart racing with some excitement but mostly fear. All this while, I had at least one person follow me. If anything went wrong today, I’d have to deal with it all on my own.

"I’ll just watch them for a bit." I said, my voice low. "Find out what their strengths and weaknesses are and maybe figure out their routines. I’ll tell you if I find anything noteworthy."

“Remember what I told you.”

“Yes, Victor. I won’t go too far in.”

“Good. Stay safe.” I nodded.

I set off immediately, making my way to the border of Aidan's pack. I moved stealthily, my senses on high alert as I scanned the area for any signs of danger.

As I reached the border, I caught sight of Aidan's pack moving through the forest. Why were they so close to the border? I watched from a distance, taking note of their numbers and their movements.

All of a sudden, I heard the sound of voices approaching. I quickly hid behind a nearby tree, holding my breath as Aidan and his beta, Kieran, came into view.

"It should be right around here,” Kieran said.

Aidan frowned, his eyes scanning the area. "I don't smell anything," he said.

But then, his eyes landed on me. Immediately our eyes locked, he inhaled sharply.

Kieran's eyes narrowed in my direction. He growled, charging forward but stopping abruptly when Aidan spoke. “Mate,” he whispered, his voice barely audible.

I felt my heart skip a beat as I realized what was happening. The mate bond, which was legendary among wolves, was kicking in.

Kieran's eyes widened in surprise, and he took a step back, his aggression forgotten.

Aidan took a step forward, his eyes locked on mine. "Come out," he said, his voice low and husky.

I hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do. But the mate bond was already making the decision. The pull I felt towards Aidan was undeniable and inexcusable, leaving me with no choice.

I stepped out from behind the tree, my heart pounding in my chest. I looked into his eyes and when he looked into mine, he gasped ever so slightly, his eyes widening.

We continued standing there, frozen, completely ignoring Kieran’s presence. I knew my life was about to take a huge turn of events. I couldn't shake the feeling of guilt and betrayal. I was here to spy on him, to gather information that could be used against him.

I thought back to my parents, to the pain and suffering they had endured at the hands of Aidan's pack, to the little girl who had cried and cried, begging her mummy and daddy to come back. I had sworn to get revenge, to make them pay for what they had done. And yet, as I looked into his eyes, I felt a deep connection that I couldn't ignore. I felt torn, caught between my loyalty to my oath and my growing feelings for Aidan.

Staring at Aidan, I couldn't help but wonder if I had been wrong. Was he really the monster I had made him out to be? I felt a surge of confusion and uncertainty. I didn't know what to do, or who to trust.

As Aidan took another step forward, his eyes locked on mine, I knew that I had to make a choice. I could continue with my mission, gathering information and waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Or I could follow my heart, and see where this strange and unexpected bond with Aidan would lead.

I knew that whatever I chose, there would be consequences. Part of me wanted to run away, to escape the feelings that were swirling inside me. But another part of me wanted to stay, to see where this strange and unexpected bond with Aidan would lead.

I knew that I couldn't resist the pull of the mate bond. I was his, and he was mine. But I still needed to make a decision. Taking a deep breath, I turned and ran. I could hear Aidan calling after me, but I didn't look back. I kept running, ignoring the intense need to stop and catch my breath, until I was sure I was safe. Away from Aidan, and away from anything that could make me lose focus.

Finally, I slowed to a stop, gasping for breath. I looked around, taking in my surroundings. I was deep in the woods, surrounded by trees that seemed to stretch up into the sky.

I took a deep breath, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. I am safe, for now.

As I walked through the woods, I stumbled upon our makeshift camp. It was a small clearing, surrounded by trees and filled with the rogues who had become my family.

I sat down by the fire, my friends gathered around me. There was a fierce and loyal wolf who had lost his family to Aidan's pack. There was Caedmon, a young and hot-headed wolf who was eager to prove himself. And there was Raven, a quiet and reserved wolf who was a skilled healer.

They all looked at me with concern when they noticed my expression.

“What’s wrong?” Sarah asked.

“I met my mate today.”

“What?! Wow! That’s great news. Why do you look like this then? You should be elated.” Sarah replied.

“It’s Aidan,” I explained.

“Saw that coming,” Caedmon said.

“Did he see you?” Raven asked. I nodded.

“This doesn’t change anything, Amber. You still have a mission. You swore.” Sarah said vehemently. She, too, had suffered a great deal at the hands of Aidan and his pack. And she is hoping for me to finally be able to get the justice we deserve.

“I know, Sarah. You don’t need to remind me. I know I swore to avenge my parents. I know I swore to avenge all of you. But he’s still my mate. You don’t expect me to feel good about spying on him and plotting his downfall, do you?

“Amber, we love you, and we will support whatever decision you make,” Raven said. One could easily see that she was the most mature out of all of us. Maturity comes from intense suffering. Her story was painful to tell. Imagine how it must have been living it.

“Just don’t leave us alone and run off to your mate.” Caedmon said.

“Mate? Who’s mate? Amber has a mate?”