The Marred Bond

Chapter 10

• Aurora •

I watched as the pure black wolf in front of me sat proud. His fur as dark as night. And his sea blue eyes, a whirlwind of vast infinity. He is simply gorgeous. His warm gaze contrasted the hatred of silver gems that had once struck my heart hard. Yet, I felt nothing. Neither the pain that once those silver eyes made me feel, nor the flutter to my heart that it sent when I first had made contact with them. Those silver and hazel were a different story. A completely different fantasy of fairy tales for me. One that hit happy endings, and other, a broken tragedy.

"We should leave.", Jay murmured. I had totally forgotten about him. He's the officer President White had companioned me with. When Adrian had barged in suddenly, he was out to handle a call. He must have followed us out here when Adrian dragged me out.

I looked back at the wolf. He was closer now. I smiled at his failed secrecy. He thought I wouldn't notice. But I did.

"How do I sit, Damon?", I asked as I looked at him, wary if I had mistook his name. I remember it was Damon, but I could be wrong.

"Just sit like you would sit on a bike. But clutch tightly on his fur."

"What if it hurts him?"

"It wouldn't.", He shook his head.

My eyes fleeted back to the gorgeous wolf, contemplating whether to walk closer or just run away. It was as if he had caught on my conflict and gingerly stood straight. My instincts demanded me to step back, but my feet stayed rooted. He tenderly stepped closer, his large bushy tail swaying with the wind like a loose tendril of vine . He stopped right in front of me, and his head slowly pared down. As if, he was submitting to me.

"Allow me, Luna. He'll do no harm.", Damon gently placed his hand on my lower back, nodding his head for me to go ahead. A low growl made me flinch and I looked back as hazel flashed across the sea blue for a fleeting second. Damon immediately stepped back, and I understood the silent exchange of warning Adrian had sent his way. "Please, Luna. We're running out of time.", He said again, glancing back in alert.

I sighed and moved ahead. My hand hesitantly rose, and I laid it on the wolf's head. It felt as if my heart was on sleeve. I was terrified yet enchanted all at once. The wolf let out a soft sigh, and his eyes reflected the innocence. I smiled. And softly caressed his head.

"Luna, hurry.", I took a deep breath and clutched on the fur on his neck, before throwing my leg across his huge back. He was as huge as a sports bicycle. I internally thanked the stars that my jeans made it easy for me to sit.

"What about me?", I heard Jay's confused mumble.

"Our head warrior will help you.", Damon said.

I yelped when the black wolf underneath me suddenly turned. He made a sound, one that I think meant an unsaid apology for startling me as his ears dropped. I heard the zips of jeans being undone and realised why he had suddenly turned.

"Wait! Why are you getting naked?", Jay gasped. "Oh my God!", He later on added and I guessed that they all shifted.

"I-I've to sit on this?", Jay said incredulously.

The black wolf again turned, startling me. But I didn't yelp unlike last time. He then growled at Jay who sighed in defeat.

"Jeez, forgive me for being afraid to sit on a wolf that can have me for his leisure dinner.", He said before moving ahead and sitting on the large brown wolf who was waiting for him.

The black wolf prodded my hand that was on his neck with his muzzle. I stared confused as to what he was trying to say. He continued, and I understood that he was trying to drag my hand down. I did, and locked my arms around his neck. This is weird. So very very weird.

I nuzzled my face in his thick fur and closed my eyes, afraid to get my face hit by some wandering branch of a tree as he took off on his paws, slitting through the strong winds like a blood bathed sword.

We encountered a running stream of water and I stared horrified as the black wolf slowly crouched, his paws inching further.

"Are- are we gonna jump across?", I heard Jay's terrified hiss.

"I think so.", I said before dropping my head in the previous position. I felt my body levitating ahead, and embraced myself for a deathly fall. Then twigs crunched as paws hit the ground and a small smile slipped it's way on my face as I brought my head up and noticed the darkness of forest ahead, gentle moonlight sneaking through the slits formed by the space between sky reaching trees. The water stream was left behind as we rode ahead.

He eventually slowed down as we neared a beautiful modern style castle. I gasped at the beautiful architecture and then frowned when I saw a group of men making it's way towards us. The huge electronic gates soon opened and the black wolf stalked inside, others followed us behind.

I clumsily climbed down his back, before falling on my knees and hugging the beautiful wolf. "You're amazing!", I said as I pecked his head. He stiffened before retreating back. I gingerly caressed his fur before standing up on my feet.

The huge doors to the mind dazzling castle opened and a stunning lady walked out. Her hour glass frame accentuated with an alluring knee length olive dress. And her black tresses made into a thick side braid. I grabbed on the few familiar features and concluded that it must be Adrian's mother.

"I take it you're my son's mate?", She asked and I nodded. She smiled before placing a gentle hand on my back, "Let's go in.", She said and I nodded again. Nothing in me ready to defy her soft command.

I was left awestruck yet again as I captured the beauty of interior with my wide eyes. The roof touched as high as sky, a magnificent chandelier hung in the center. Lengthy and with the looks of it, expensive couches occupied the left of huge hall. Sculptures, vases, rare paintings, luxurious show pieces adorned every corner.

"Mom!", A panting sigh grabbed my attention and I turned my head, a smile sneaking on my lips as I watched the ever so handsome Adrian striding close to us. The blue shirt clinged on his frame, fitting him perfectly. His steps were smooth and his hazel eyes flickered to me, a hint of rage passed through them. His eyes were hard and lips thinned. My smile fell as I noticed he merely glanced my way before looking back at his mother. Discarding my presence. My stomach coiled at the obvious ignorance he showed.

"Yes, son? I was just about to show her, her room.", His mother replied.

"That is not needed. She'll be staying upstairs.", He asserted, not a bend of hesitation in his words.

"But, Adrian, that's your--"

"Mom, she'll be staying on second floor and that's final.", He said again, his eyes fleeting towards me for a second. He appeared so closed off. I wonder what happened.

"Okay. Your dad had already informed all pack members so don't worry about them. Just be ready to face the council members tomorrow.", His mother said before walking past us. Just as she left, Damon appeared with my suitcase. His footsteps were followed by Jay.

"Accommodate his stay on the ground floor. I'll take her to second floor."

Damon gasped. "But Alpha, that's your--"

"I know, Damon. Give them to me.", He said taking the suitcase. "See to his hospitality.", He added before turning to face me. "Follow me.", I did without another word as he climbed upstairs.

His sudden retreat in emotions was starting to irk me. But I gulped my worries and stared as his muscles flexed with each step he took. It was worth the distraction that I needed.

My phone vibrated and I stole a glance. Sighing as it was Bella dropping a message to know about my whereabouts. I hadn't told her anything as of now. Neither I'm planning to. President White did everything on my behalf. Like, the office colleagues and my friends believe that I'm on office trip over seas. Bella and Elijah were surprised. My mother was shocked to say the least. She was in disbelief when I informed her. Her initial reaction was; "They are really sending you on a overseas trip? You're really doing a good job huh." I was offended. Really.

I halted when he stopped suddenly. He opened door to a room and a gasp escaped past my parted lips as I peeked over his shoulder. The room looked as if it was a master bedroom and not a guest room.



"Come in.", He said as he stepped inside. I followed his queue gingerly. Even the rug beneath my feet seemed expensive than my annual income. And I'm sure it must be.

The room looks bedroom less and an apartment in itself more. He left my stuff alongside a table that had a beautiful vase on it before turning towards me. I stood straight. The dim throb of light washed over him and his crafted features enlightened like a single star in lone dark sky. This man is simply beautiful. And if the flutter in my heart means something, then I'm a goner.

"We'll be leaving tomorrow afternoon. You can rest until then.", He said before he fell in the step beside me to walk out. I grabbed his wrist, hurt by the lack of attention he was giving me. I didn't turn, simply tugged him back hard. "Wh-What?", He whispered, avoiding my gaze.

I sighed. Losing a fight that pushed me more close to him. My body was practically begging for his warmth. I laid my head on his arm, his wrist still in my grasp. "Did I do something? Why are you avoiding me?", I asked in a whisper. His tensed body relaxed before his other arm came to drape over my back. He dropped a kiss on my head and I smiled.

"You shouldn't have kissed him.", He murmured and I pulled back with a frown.

"What?"

"Kevin.", He sighed. "I know it sounds childish. But that's how we werewolves are, Aurora.", I ignored the summersaults that occurred in my stomach when he pronounced my name through his bow shaped blush lips. "We're possessive. And when you kissed him, me and leo didn't like it. We were already on edge when I allowed him to bring you here. But when you kissed him, it was like a jab to my heart.", The words were whisked out past his beautiful lips and I smiled.

"I'm sorry. I thought of him nothing except a cute wolf. I never had a pet. My mum despises dogs. So this was the only close contact with the animal that seemed like a dog to me. I couldn't control myself. I'll be careful now. It was not my intention to hurt you.", I mumbled, my finger mindlessly tracing a protruding vein on his forearm which ran towards the back of his palm.

He chuckled, deepening my frown. "What happened?", I queried curiously.

"Kevin whined when you called him dog.", He let a smile come on his face and my heart melted.

"The length of my apologies is likely to be neverending.", I mocked.

"You did say that your middle name is troublemaker.", He flicked the tip of my nose.

"You remember?", I gasped.

"I remember every little syllable that slipped past your mouth.", He smiled and I felt crimson covering my cheeks as my face heated.

"You've way with your words.", I admitted, nodding my head in a mock humor.

"I aim to please, my lady.", He said holding his head high. A short laugh bubbled out of my mouth, and he chuckled after me.

"You should go to sleep now. We've a long day ahead tomorrow.", He said and I nodded, letting go of his arm and the comfort of our close proximity as I stepped back in reluctance. "Good night.", He whispered and I repeated. He then walked out, and I was left staring at the door. Like a traveller who finally found his destiny that was so close...... Yet so far.

I sat down on bed, clutching my chest as a tear slipped down my right eye. I want him. I want him as someone who I could look at lovingly after a tiring day. I want to touch him as if he is only mine. But there was a barrier between us. A huge, invisible yet strong barrier which neither of us have the courage to climb upon or break. I was losing my heart to the one who might have already tossed away millions before. I hope once the bond is broken, these feelings too are gone. I don't think I want to fall deeper.

Changing into my nightdress, I snaked under the cloudy soft sheets and flickered lights off before dropping my head on the gently succumbing pillow and sighed in content. This is the comfort I try to seek every night in my bed. But alas.... It's money that differs people's living style.

I closed my eyes, tired due to jet lag and gave into the night.

It was one am now, and I couldn't fall asleep. Even if the bed was expensive and emitted rich level of comfort, it was not mine. And hence, failed to provide me that level of coziness which only my small home is able to. My senses were swept to height when a certain petrichor scent invaded the air I breathed. This scent, mixed with seductive musk was enough to alert me that he is close. So close.

I switched the lights on and tossed the duvet off my body, dropping my feet to floor and wearing the silky soft slippers before standing up on my feet. I slowly approached the door and then swiftly opened it, only to gasp when my eyes fell on his sitting figure. "Adrian?"

He stood up bashfully. His cheeks flaming up in hot red and I clenched my hands in fists to stop them from reaching up and pinching his cheeks. "I-uh- I"

"What are doing here instead of sleeping in your room?", I demanded placing my hand on hip. He eyed my little action with amusement before his gaze caught mine and he again looked down at floor.

"This is my room.", He said.

I stifled a surprised gasp, because I had gasped a lot today so let's keep the quota for tomorrow now. "Why did you tell me to stay here then? Aren't there any other rooms on this floor?", I asked looking around the empty hallway.

"Just a study room and library.", He answered.

"Then why not down? I could have stayed down. I had no problem."

"But I have. I can't let my mate stay in guest room.", He replied. I swear this man makes me feel hundred unknown emotions all at once. How does he do that?

"Come inside.", I said grabbing his wrist and pulling him inside. He obliged instantly. I eyed the lengthy and luxurious couch before nodding to myself. "This will be okay for you.", I mumbled before collecting a pillow and duvet from bed.

"Come here, Possessive Alpha.", I said and he walked in my direction. "Sleep here. This will do for tonight.", I said and he nodded before sitting down. I ruffled his hair as I moved back to bed and went under the single duvet.

"Goodnight.", I said before clicking the lights off.

"Good night.", He said back.

It was no surprise that I fell asleep immediately with him in the same room. He exhibited the same comfort of my home, may be more.

I woke up to a dull throbbing in my head. The jet lag got to me, I thought rolling in the sheets and groaning in dismay. Getting off, I admired the sight of Adrian sleeping like a sleeping beauty before shoving my thoughts away and grabbing my brush and toothpaste from the bags of toiletries, and headed inside classy bathroom.

After I was done, I came back and frowned after seeing him still in deep slumber. Walking closer, I crouched down slightly and shook his shoulder. "Adrian, wake up. It's already morning.", I said.

I squeaked. One moment I was attempting to wake him up and the next moment I was under his heavily built body, his silver eyes glaring down at my trembling form and I gulped at the hatred his irises glimmered with.

"Le-Leo?", I whispered, uncertain.

"That's definitely me, Mate.", He growled the last word and I shrunk further down. "He's asleep so I was able to take control. And I did it for only one thing, to remind you.", He gritted out. "Ask what?", He mocked.

"Wh-What?", I stuttered.

"That there's nothing possible between us. Let's not forget where we belong. Our worlds are different, Aurora. And I'll be glad if you stop sweet talking Adrian. He's gullible. Falls for kindness very easily. But I can see through your facade. You're a very cunning, woman. Don't try to convince him to do anything wrong, because if he rebels against his own people, I will have your head on silver platter.", He warned, and I felt rage overcoming me.

"What have I ever done to you!?", I snapped back.

"You sinned. And your sin was my cease.", He whispered, it felt as if he was retelling an entirely different tale. One which ended as a tragedy. There was pain behind his silver eyes which he quickly masked with hatred and anger. "We're worlds apart, Aurora. You're as bright as day and I'm as dark as night. You need to go down, for me to claim the throne of my monarchy. We can never stay alongside, but always in two different timelines.", He whispered before getting off me and storming out.

His words confused me to no extent, yet it felt as if my heart understood all.

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