Two
869 Words
In my world, males held the power to acknowledge the mating bond—to claim or to cast it aside.
Justin never even glanced my way. His indifference sliced through me like a blade.
Was I truly that unworthy?
Heat burned behind my eyes. I blinked fast, pressing my fingertips beneath them.
The thought of anyone witnessing my weakness terrified me.
I could already hear the whispers and see the smirks. Gossip would spread like wildfire.
I took a shaky breath and stepped back, putting space between me and the Lycan who had just shattered me.
My nails dug into my palms. I had to stay steady
The festival raged on.
I stayed in the shadows. Invisible. Forgotten. The world moved on as if I were nothing.
Except for Brian, my younger brother.
He was too busy keeping the festival from falling apart. As the future Alpha, Brian had more to prove than anyone. At nineteen, he already had a mate.
Brian passed by with her, then saw me.
He paused, turned, and walked toward me.
"Rissa, are you all right?" Brian’s voice dipped with concern.
"I’m fine." The words came out too fast.
Brian’s eyes narrowed. He wasn’t buying it.
I couldn’t tell him. Not when I knew exactly what he’d do—march straight to the Lycan and cause a scene.
Unlike our dad—who groveled at the Lycans’ feet—Brian had no love for them. To him, they were nothing but arrogant bastards who thought themselves untouchable.
"I’ll be back." My voice barely made it out. I turned before he could press further.
His gaze burned into my back as I slipped toward the garden. I needed air.
I had to brace for Justin’s rejection. I wouldn’t be the first. I wouldn’t be the last. But knowing that didn’t soften the blow.
After years of waiting, this was my reward.
The Moon Goddess had bound me to a man who didn’t even see me.
My wolf howled, a cry of longing and grief.
She wanted her mate, but what could I do? Humiliate myself further by approaching Justin and announcing that we were fated?
I kicked off my ridiculous heels, wincing as my feet sank into the cool grass.
The night air kissed my skin, but my ache only deepened.
My breath hitched.
That scent.
Cedar and rain. Rich. Intoxicating.
And then—my mate.
Moving like he owned the world.
For a moment, I thought he was coming to do the proper thing. Instead, he leaned against the glass wall and lit a cigar. Smoke curled upward as he took a slow drag.
He said nothing. Did nothing.
And yet, I couldn’t look away.
It was like he had cast a silent spell over me.
He looked good—better than good. Broad shoulders filled out his shirt, and it wasn’t hard to imagine women, and possibly men, lining up for a night in his bed.
An unexpected thought struck me.
Was that it? Was he gay? Is that why he ignored the bond?
Then, as if summoned by my thoughts—his eyes found mine.
Holy f**k.
I looked away, pretending to pick a flower. Sweat trickled down my neck, slipping to my n****e and causing an uncomfortable itch.
My wolf whined, begging.
But this wasn’t my move to make.
That was his job.
"Are Lycans too much for little werewolves like you to handle?" His voice dripped with amusement.
A sharp retort burned in my throat, but no words came.
I couldn’t move. I couldn't look away.
"You're cute. But I don’t do werewolves—though, I’ll admit, those hips are tempting."
His gaze raked over me, shameless and slow.
A tremor ran through me—desire and fury tangled into one.
He chuckled mockingly, taking another drag of his cigar.
"No need to play shy. Your eyes are screaming for me.”
I blinked. Heat flooded my face.
His grin deepened, and a single dimple appeared on his left cheek. His eyes flickered—gold, then hazel. Hypnotic and impossible to ignore.
He stepped closer, closing the space between us.
For a heartbeat, I thought he would claim me and whisper the words that would bind us forever.
Instead, his fingers skimmed across my waist dangerously low.
His other hand slipped into his pocket. A moment later, a golden card gleamed between his fingers.
My heart slammed against my ribs, erratic and lost.
"Or maybe, if I’m feeling generous, I’ll give you a night you won’t forget. Just one, though. No strings. My family’s at your weakling Alpha’s house tonight. Be outside at eight."
Rage ignited inside me—not just at his insult but at the sheer wrongness of it all.
Why was he ignoring the bond like it meant nothing?
And what did he mean by one night? Didn’t he know that having s*x with me would seal the mate bond?
"Are you drunk, or just naturally this stupid?" The words shot out before I could stop them.
"Playing hard to get? Cute. But don’t flatter yourself—I’m not that invested.”
My mouth parted. Shock froze me in place.
He walked away and never looked back.
- Writer
