FATED TO SOMEONE ELSE
1656 Words
NATALIA
People from the pack looked at me with a mixture of worry and pity. I didn’t know why, but I went to the pack house to talk to Tristan. I’ve heard rumors that I don’t want to believe, but have been bothering me for weeks.
I hadn’t even reached the house and had already heard suspicious noises coming from outside. I froze, realizing why everyone had been looking at me like that earlier. My knees wobbled, and I almost stumbled, but I forced myself to head inside.
In my mind, I already knew what was happening. I perfectly knew, but another part of me wanted to see for myself because I couldn’t believe that he would do this to me.
Every step was like stepping on thorns, but I went on until I reached our room. I see trails of garments hastily removed, hear unholy noises coming from inside, and they seem too eager to even bother closing the door.
I stood there, looking like a fool, watching them have the time of their lives.
The rumors were right all along, and I don’t think either of them intended to hide it. They’re doing it here at the pack house, knowing all too well that someone would notice. In our own damn room.
I’m aware that our marriage was nothing but an agreement within our packs, but I learned to love him. I’ve done everything to be a good wife to him, and I thought he was the same. He said he loved me, and I thought we were okay.
How did we end up here? Was all he said about me a lie?
Lorelei quickly noticed me but didn’t spare me another glance. She grinned slyly and pulled my husband close to her, making Tristan’s actions rougher. He was too engrossed to notice my presence.
That, or he didn’t really care at all.
She pulled him in for a kiss while my vision of them was already blurred out in tears. I collapsed on the floor and cried my heart out, drowning out the sound of pleasure from the room.
“Natalia.”
I lifted my head and met his gaze. I saw Tristan standing before me, surprisingly decent, but I could hear him heaving, almost growling. His eyes show primal desire I have never seen before. He is clearly still having a hard time containing his wolf. This is the effect of the mate bond on a werewolf.
“Lorelei is my fated mate.”
I gasped loudly as I shot up from the bed, feeling my whole body trembling in both anger and betrayal.
“Talia, are you okay?” Tristan asked beside me. He immediately tried to hold me, but I quickly backed away from him.
My dream felt too real because it was. That was the first time I caught Tristan cheating on me, but it wasn’t the last.
I looked at Tristan. Unlike the man in my memories, whose eyes were full of desire for another woman, all I saw was worry in his eyes.
“I hear you groaning. Were you having a bad dream?” Tristan asked again, still trying to approach me.
“Do not touch me,” I uttered with poison in my voice. I sounded so bitter and full of spite, but if he knew the truth, then he’d understand why.
It’s truly unfair for him, but it is also unfair for me.
He nodded and backed away until he was at the edge of our bed. “Okay, I won’t, but are you okay? Please talk to me, at least.”
Tears streamed from my face, frustrated that I couldn’t even voice my feelings. How can I say to him that he was the reason for my dilemma, knowing all too well that he hasn’t done anything wrong?
Not yet.
I hastily wiped my tears and nodded. “I’m fine. You’re right. I just had an awful dream. Sorry for reacting like that. I was just surprised. H-have you just gotten back?” I desperately changed the topic, hoping that he wouldn’t push to know more.
I can’t even remember what time I fell asleep. He had me go home first, as he wanted to make sure that Lorelei was in a stable condition before he left. I didn’t argue and went ahead, but I anxiously waited for him to get back. I probably fell asleep from exhaustion from overthinking.
No wonder I had that dream.
“I just got back. Sorry for being held up.” He reached for me and cupped my face. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
I forced a smile before glancing at the windows. It’s already morning.
“Yeah. I don’t even remember what I dreamed about. I guess I’m just a little stressed.” I uttered a lie without blinking before getting up from the bed. “I’m sure you haven’t eaten yet. I’ll just run to the bathroom, and then I’ll go make breakfast.”
My attempt to escape the scene was halted when he suddenly held my hand. My heart skipped a beat, afraid that he’d caught on.
“Is there a problem?” I asked, still feigning ignorance.
Tristan stared at me for a good moment, “You can rest first, you know. I can handle myself.”
“I promise I’m okay. Besides, I’m also hungry. It’ll just take a few minutes.” I didn’t give him time to respond and ran towards the bathroom, splashing water on my face and hoping to get myself together. I can’t keep acting like this or it would only raise questions.
After a quick morning ritual, I immediately headed to the kitchen and cooked food for us. Tristan wanted to help, but I insisted that I could do it on my own. I needed the distraction anyway.
We ate in almost complete silence while I could barely look him in the eyes. I knew that if I did, I’d only see the Tristan who betrayed and ordered my death, so I chose not to.
“How was the girl?” I couldn’t help but ask. Both curiosity and pity for Lorelei.
I glanced at Tristan when he couldn’t respond immediately. He looked a little taken aback by my question, but quickly composed himself. “She was still unconscious when I left, but was already in a stable condition.”
I didn’t respond and waited for him to speak, waiting to hear if he would tell me the truth about what Lorelei was to him, but he remained reluctant. Maybe he was waiting for her to wake up or hadn’t gained enough confidence yet. Either way, I can’t keep pushing him without him realizing that I already knew the truth.
“Get some sleep. I’ll just wake you up later.” I spoke after collecting the dishes. He’s surely tired from everything that happened.
It’ll be better for us to properly talk when everyone has rested. I, at least, have to give him that.
I was about to do the dishes when I felt Tristan embracing me from behind. His scent immediately filled my senses, effectively flustering me at the sudden gesture. Panic surged in me. I can’t hide my emotions if we’re this close.
His breath felt warm against my neck, making my breathing hitch in an instant. I almost hated how my body responded to him despite the chaos in my heart.
“I missed you,” he mumbled in my ear, his arms tightening around my waist. “Last night felt too long without you.”
My eyes widened at his remark. The steady beats of his heart, indicating that he was telling the truth, only made me feel weaker. The sincerity only made it harder for me to resist him.
“I... I need to finish the dishes,” I helplessly stuttered, trying to reach out for the sponge, but he suddenly burrowed his face on my neck.
“There’s something wrong, isn’t it? Are you angry at me?” He asked, voice vibrating on my skin.
His question made me pause. I honestly don’t know anymore. His hold on me loosened a bit.
“I’m not,” I answered after a moment, but it already felt useless.
“Then look at me.”
I hesitated, clutching at the edge of the sink. Slowly, I turned around and met his gaze. Tristan’s face was mere inches from mine. The intensity of his gaze made it harder to breathe.
He cupped my face, his thumb brushing against my cheek, wiping away a tear I didn’t realize had fallen.
How could he be the same man who would one day betray me so cruelly?
Before I could say anything, I felt him inching close until his lips touched mine. I automatically found myself closing my eyes.
The kiss was very gentle at first, almost like a question. His lips moved slowly, inviting me to respond. I clung to his arm, fighting the urge to melt into him. Tristan’s kiss deepened. I could feel it, his emotions, both regret and guilt. I could almost taste his sorrows and silent apologies.
“I love you, Talia,” He uttered, pulling back just enough for our foreheads to touch. “I love you so much. I don’t want to lose you.”
Then why did it feel like he already had?
“Tristan...” My voice faltered. The longer this goes on, the harder it is to hide everything from him.
Tristan took it as an invitation. His hands slid to my waist, pulling me closer, and he found my lips once again. I kissed him back. Maybe this was okay, pretending even for a moment that everything was good and nothing stood between us.
But the desperation in his every touch only proves what he was trying to deny.
He was fated to someone else.
- Writer
