The Marred Bond

Chapter 12

It felt as if they were tied to either ends of a string. Farther away from each other, yet together because of destiny. The drive was silent. Accompanied with songs that blasted through radio, filling the void that was beginning to get awkward. Aurora shifted in her seat, lowering down the window and staring out in space. Her body scent was cloaked, so no werewolf would smell a human presence on their land. That however wasn't very well taken by the Alpha King behind the wheels. He was craving for her scent, for it was the only thing keeping him calm and sane. He pressed on the accelerator, turning the wheel and curving the car in a dense forest. Damon's car followed the Alpha through immediately. The human officer was on board with him.

After the meeting with Werewolves Welfare council, it was clear to Adrian that this is it. Nothing in universe will be coming together to help their union, because their pairing is wrong. The council had made it crystal clear to him. They told him that he's a people's man, and he belongs to them. So even if he wants his mate, he can't because his people wouldn't want that. And to be a great King, you can't go against your own kingdom.

Initially Damon was to stay behind and be Adrian's replacement. But then, William took the matter in his hold and said that he has no problem in handling things in his son's absence. He has did it for 40 years, he can definitely do that now. And as Alpha's shadow, Damon was quick to follow Adrian.

The drive is of eight hours. Leading through dense forests, few scattered villages and a town. They had been driving for two hours now. More six hours to go.

Adrian was annoyed by the silence. He wanted to talk to her. But she looked so forlorn and unattached.

Aurora was ashamed. She gave in for the temptation. She begged him to not severe the bond. She spoke out her wish. But why would he think about her when he has an entire empire to think about. And that Cynthia. She's definitely a Queen material. Aurora is just a simple human. Was Moon Goddess high when she matched this pair? Aurora doesn't know. All she knows is she is suffering and she wants to put end to this all so early. She wants to fly back to her home country and cry in her mother's lap.

It was a wishful thinking, that she may stand a chance. But he definitely favours his father's choice over the natural. That Cynthia, she was beautiful. Confident in her own skin. While Aurora, except a cover of pretence and badassness she has nothing. Her sarcasm and witty nature makes her company enjoyable. And only enjoyable. For a Queen, there are millions of qualities that she does not possess. But Cynthia does.

"What are you thinking?", Adrian broke the silence.

"None of your damn business!", She snapped, gritting her teeth and clenching her fists to resist looking at him. His charm and handsome face is her undoing, and she can't expose her vulnerabilities anymore to him. Once the bond breaks both of them will be on their own merry way anyways. So why to pretend that you care?

'Rude.' Leo snorted.

"What did I do wrong?", He asked, hurt at her tone of repulse.

"Everything! Look, Adrian, I don't want a heartbreak on my way back home. You and your father made it very clear to me that I'm just an extra burden you want to get rid of. So do that!", She exclaimed, sighing out aloud. This man is trying to wiggle through her cracks, wanting to claim her most prized possession. Her Heart. And she can't let that happen. He needs to stay away, for her betterment. And what would be good method than to draw a wall up so high that he can't ever climb.

Adrian's jaw clenched. His knuckles turned white as his grip around the wheel tightened. Pressing on the accelerator, he raced is car on the dark gravel road like a black jaguar. His top notch driving skills not provoking enough to settle her fear. She watched terrorized, as the road grew narrow and hard branches invaded the metal of car. She immediately pushed window up, grabbing on her seatbelt.

"What the hell!", Jay mumbled as he stared at the car ahead of them, racing way above limit.

"What is wrong with you? Slow down the damn car!", She screeched, and he ignored speeding up more. Aurora gasped.

'Calm down, Adrian.' Leo whispered. It wouldn't be his human side if it does not have temper issues. The calm and composed Adrian can turn into a hurricane of destruction if triggered. And his most beloved was angry at him, of course his rage will blow off. He wasn't angry at her though. He was angry at himself, at his father and that Cynthia. He hated all, except her.

"Adrian!", Aurora shouted.

"f**k!", Damon muttered under his breath, changing the gear and speeding up to catch on Alpha who was apparently on his death ride.

"Alpha, please calm down." Damon said softly through mindlink.

Adrian hated this. This weakness. He despised it with passion. He don't want her angry at him. He can go through hell and come out stronger, but he can't handle her trying to push him away. Agreed they are destined to separate, but they've this time. Can't they make most of it? Can't they make memories that will last lifetime. He wants to create zillions of them with her. Because they'll be his reason of survival after the separation.

"Luna, please tell him to calm down."

Aurora remembered Damon's words. He had calmed down then. Will it work now? She hopes it does. Taking in a deep breath, she removed her hold from the dashboard and tentatively touched his arm. His muscles clenched under her warmth, his whole body tensed.

Adrian's breath came out in pants. His wolf was asking for the control so he could calm down. But he was far too gone in rage and self loathing that he had no damn awakening of his surrounding. All that his mind chanted was she's angry, and he hates it.

"Adrian, calm down.", She called out softly, her hand travelled up, and settled on the spot where his neck and shoulder meets. Caressing and rubbing in slow irregular pattern. The throbbing vein in his neck, ceased to calm and he took a deep breath. Aurora watched as his pressure on the gas pedal considerably slowed and the hand in speedometer came down to fifty.

Aurora continued to soothe his skin, and he hummed in approval. Loving the touch of her soft skin on his. She rubbed his ear with her fingers, then proceeded to thread them into his silky locks. The action was innocent to them but may look sensual and suggestive to onlookers. There weren't any though.

When Adrian sensed her retrieval, he immediately grabbed her hand and kissed the back of it. Aurora gasped soundlessly, a shudder coursed through her whole body. She stayed silent as he interlaced their fingers together and placed it protectively on his lap.

"Don't be angry at me. I don't like it.", He whispered and she hummed before directing her gaze outside the window, leaving her hand in his care.

He smiled, satisfied. He was always stubborn since childhood. His anger would always work in favour when he couldn't get his way through things. It helped again.

Aurora however was not very pleased about this. His temper issues might have landed her in front of the doors of heavens. What is his problem anyways? He doesn't want her in life, then what problem he has if she's angry or not. She was just trying to save herself from a heartbreak. Is he that dense to understand that they need distance between them so it wouldn't hurt more in future. Staying oblivious to the obvious won't give out any fruitful results.

She thought he was perfect. Obviously, he is not. What he counts as his way to get things done, she concluded it as his worst flaw. He needs to work on his anger management.

Eventually she fell asleep, with his thoughts swiveling in her mind. Adrian heaved a relaxing breath when they left the dense forest behind and climbed up on highway. Now all they need is to find a gas station to refill the cars. He spotted one immediately and drove inside, Damon followed quickly.

The glasses are tinted so it gave him enough time to cover his face with mask and sunglasses until the knock came.

"Refill it full.", He said and the worker nodded before heading to the back of car. After the payment, he removed the mask and glasses before driving the car out and stopping on the side of highway for Damon to follow up.

Adrian stole a glance at her, the wind from outside sifted through the window. Her silky strands covered half of her face, and she stirred. Annoyed by the disturbance. He hunched over, reaching out to push her hair behind. His breath hitched when her eyes opened. Her silver pearls met his hazel emeralds and it felt as if the world stopped. Her heart skipped a beat, as his handsome face glowed under the moonlight. A single lock escaped his raven hair, kissing the corner of his eyebrow. Adrian's eyes flickered down to her lips and she gulped when his eyes shifted back to hers. His hand on the window caged her from moving ahead. All the pent up emotions came gushing out and Adrian found himself leaning down, Aurora's eyes fleeted down at his blush full lips and her own parted in anticipation.

The two separated with jerk when a horn sound hollered.

"You could have mindlinked me, Damon! What was the need to blow the horn?" Adrian chastised through mindlink, dragging a frustrated hand down his flushed face.

Aurora sat straight, suddenly feeling hot and bothered. Embarrassment wasn't too far away. She gulped and plastered her gaze front as he pulled the car back on road.

It was 10 pm when they reached. The four of them were completely worn out. Mostly Adrian and Damon as they had to drive for eight hours without break.

"Good evening, Alpha Adrian.", A young man came to their aid as soon as everyone of them stepped out of their respective cars. Aurora examined her surrounding. It looked like a small colony, with small cottages scattered around. It was beautiful and very magical.

"Good evening. Is Daphne available?", Adrian asked out of formality.

"Sadly, no, Alpha. A neighboring town had an emergency so Grandmother was requested there. But she'll be back before dawn. She had given me keys to two cottages. You should rest. You clearly need it.", He said, his eyes flickering back to the tired humans behind Adrian and Damon. Although he didn't know that they are humans.

Adrian grabbed the keys and nodded.

"Come on, Aurora.", He said after he handed one key to Damon and told the young boy to escort them. Adrian knows his way. He had been here once with his grandfather. And his brain is way too sharp to not forget a short but memorable trip.

"We're staying here?", Aurora gasped as they neared a beautiful cozy cottage.

"Hmm.", Adrian hummed as he keyed the hole and unlocked the door to small cottage. Aurora's gasps were unstoppable there after.

"This is so beautiful!", She was amazed to say the least. It was small but so cozy and warm. She wandered around the small place, wanting to explore the kitchen and bedroom. Aurora wasn't disappointed.

"I love this!", Adrian watched amused as his mate came barreling back to living room, grabbed his hand and showed him around. There was glee in her eyes, as she excitedly pointed at everything. Although he had been here once and the things had changed only minorly, but he pretended to look as excited as her and participated in her little adventure. "We should cook! I'm hungry!", She patted on her empty stomach and he smiled.

"Grayson, the young boy who gave us the keys, will come back with food.", He said but she shook her head.

"No! Look at the kitchen, Adrian! How can we let this chance go! I want to cook.", She said as she picked up an apron and wore it. She washed her hands with handwash beside the sink and then directed her puppy dog eyes at him. "Will you help me?"

'No! Don't give in, Adrian! I'm hungry. Feed me before entertaining this little MasterChef!' Leo grumbled.

"Okay.", Although every bone and muscle in his body contradicted with the statement, his heart was not ready to see the look of disappointment on her face if he says no.

'Whipped.' Leo scoffed.

Kevin, will you help me? You know I'm not very good at cooking. Tyler was. Adrian asked.

At the mention of his human side, Kevin felt a jab of pain to his already broken heart. He's definitely living a life on lease.

Ye- Yeah sure. Kevin answered.

'Y'all are crazy! Just eat and sleep damnit!' Leo groaned.

Adrian pushed up his sleeves and washed his hands after telling Grayson over the call that he doesn't need dinner. He then wore the apron and stood by the kitchen slab. Waiting for her to decide as she was rummaging inside the fridge.

"Okay so in main ingredients we've beef, salmon and chicken. What do you think?"

'Chicken! Please please.' Leo requested, his mouth salivating as he imagined the juicy chicken in his mouth. Yum.

Beef and salmon, Adrian. I don't know any recipe for chicken. Kevin said.

'Are you being petty right now, Kevin!?' Leo growled.

If you think so. Kevin shrugged. If they weren't a figment of souls in body but physically against each other, Leo would have had his head for dinner.

"Beef and salmon.", Adrian said and ignored the loud cry that his wolf moaned out.

"Okay.", Aurora shrugged before getting the ingredients out.

"How about some beef stew and lemon-butter salmon pasta?", Adrian repeated that Kevin suggested.

"Sounds good!", She chirped and they got down to work.

Halfway through their work, Adrian cleared his throat. "Aurora?"

"Hmm?", She was busy in breaking the salmon in large chunks with fork.

"I always had a fantasy to play food fight with my mate. What do you think?", He smirked.

Dude no! I didn't rattle out recipe like a f*****g parrot for you to play a f*****g food fight! Kevin scowled.

Aurora picked up a chunk of salmon and turned before throwing it at him. It hit his forehead. "Happy?", She smiled before going back to her work.

"Bummer!", He snorted.

"I don't like to waste food.", She shrugged.

She then turned the burner on and adjusted it on medium heat before placing the skillet over. She added butter and let it melt. Afterwards she added chopped garlic and cooked it until fragrant for one minute. Then went in heavy cream, lemon juice and zest, and ¼ cup reserved pasta water and whisked the ingredients to combine. She seasoned her dish with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. She turned the heat off before adding linguine and tossed it to coat. She then grabbed the bowl of pasta water and added it to bring the pasta sauce together. After adding salmon and parsley, she topped it with parmesan to serve.

Adrian was almost done with his stew.

After dinner, they retired to bed immediately. There were no fights for bed because both of them were too tired to argue over something so silly.

The silly thing however brought a heavy coat of blush in morning when Aurora woke up all wrapped in Adrian's arms. She successfully pried herself off without disturbing his sleep. Brushing her teeth using the toothpaste and her finger, she washed her face and decided to explore out a bit.

"Tré Vestellà!"

"Tré Vestellà!"

"No! I think you're doing it wrong! Do it like me!"

"Okay...."

Adrian woke up to two chirping voices. One of a little kid, and other of his little goofball. He wondered what she was up to so early in the morning. Dragging himself off the bed, he strolled out and halted beside the wooden beam at the sight before him.

"I can't do it.", Aurora said to the little girl, or more precisely to the little witch.

"It should work!"

"But it isn't!"

The little brunette huffed. "Tré Vestellà!", She said and the butterflies came rushing out, flapping their delicate and glorious wings. Aurora watched transfixed. They were of all colors. Blue, red, yellow, purple, pink, green. She couldn't get enough of the sight.

"Now you try!", The stubborn midget said. For her little age, she was surely too demanding.

"Tré Vestellà!", Aurora tried again and nothing happened.

"How is this possible?", The little girl mumbled to herself.

"May be because I'm not a witch?", Aurora offered to her confused little brain and the kid gasped.

"Oh god, yes. It totally slipped my mind.", Aurora laughed as she grumbled to herself.

Adrian stared at the perfect sight. He was craving for that beautiful genuine smile.

"Do it again. I want to see them.", She said and the little girl nodded.

"Antrè Vestellà!", She said and the butterflies came back, but this time, instead of wandering around, they circled Aurora.

"Yes! They finally agreed."

Aurora giggled as she was surrounded by the beautiful butterflies. "What do you mean?"

"Whenever I try to do this with my elder sister, they never listen to me. It seems they like you.", She replied. "Hey look!"

Aurora stiffened as the butterflies gathered over her head. "What are they doing?", She whispered, afraid of fleeing them away.

"A tiara!", The little girl giggled, jumping up and down as she clapped her hands joyously. "They made a tiara above your head! You look like a princess!", She added gleefully.

Aurora's eyes twinkled. Her grin widened, innocence and grace spilled from her every gesture.

Adrian smiled as he pocketed his mobile after clicking a picture of his beautiful mate.

Not a princess. But a Queen indeed.

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