Bound by the Moonlight

Chapter 3 – The Pull I Can’t Explain

Jade's POV

Two days.

That’s all that’s left between me and my mate. Between me and freedom.

The thought is the only thing keeping me going. Because if I had to endure another year of this without a glimmer of hope, I think I might just break.

Today starts like every other—with me trying to disappear into the background. I’ve gotten good at it over the years, moving through the school halls like a ghost. Still, it’s never enough. Bullies have a way of finding you, even when you’re silent, even when you’re invisible.

"Watch it, mutt."

A shoulder slams into mine, knocking my books to the floor. The laughter that follows isn’t even malicious anymore—it’s casual, like it's just part of the routine.

I crouch to gather my things, cheeks burning. No one helps me.

And then I feel it again.

That strange tug in my chest. Like a thread being pulled taut. My breath hitches as I glance up—only to meet a pair of familiar eyes.

Hunter.

He stands a few lockers down, surrounded by his usual group—Caleb, some other pack warriors in training, and a couple of girls who giggle at everything he says. But he isn’t laughing now.

He’s staring at me.

Not sneering. Not smirking.

Just... watching.

For a heartbeat, our eyes lock. My wolf stirs again, this time stronger, almost eager. She wants to go to him. I don’t understand it. I don’t want to understand it.

Then, just as quickly, the look disappears. He turns away like I’m nothing. Like always.

But the feeling stays.

At lunch, I barely touch my food. Ashley prattles on about this senior from another pack who smiled at her in training class, but I’m half listening. My mind is elsewhere. On that look. On the pull in my chest. On the way, my wolf reacted to Hunter like he wasn’t the same boy who’s made my life hell for years.

“I swear,” Ashley says, frowning at me. “You’ve been acting weird all day.”

“I’m just tired,” I mumble.

She leans in. “You felt something, didn’t you?”

I go still.

Her eyes widened. “Oh my goddess. Jade. Did you—?”

“I don’t know what it was,” I cut her off quickly. “It’s too soon.”

She lowers her voice. “It could be the mate bond starting to form. Sometimes, wolves sense their mates before their birthday. Not often, but it happens.”

I shook my head. “No. It can’t be.”

“Why not?”

Because it felt like him.

Because the Moon Goddess wouldn’t be so cruel. Would she?

That night, I lay awake in bed, my heart a restless drum in my chest. The moonlight filters through my window, silver and soft, painting my room in pale light. My wolf is pacing inside me, unsettled.

“What’s wrong with you?” I whispered.

She answers with a feeling—a mix of yearning and confusion. Like she’s missing something. Or someone.

I curl tighter under my blanket and bury my face in the pillow.

Please, I beg silently. Let my mate be kind. Let him be good. Let him love me.

Because if it’s him… if it’s Hunter…

I don’t know if I’ll survive it.