Mine
994 Words
Adrian’s POV
“Deal,” I said, shaking her hand firmly. I couldn’t help the smile that tugged at my lips when Nianell tipped forward slightly, only to catch herself and straighten up quickly. She cleared her throat, smiling up at me like she’d just pulled off the biggest win of her life.
I turned toward the table, ignoring Liam’s sharp glare.
“What the hell was that?” he snapped.
“I told you,” I replied casually as Nianell followed her mom up the stairs. “Our mate bond snapped into place.”
“Bullshit,” he spat, crossing his arms. “You told me yesterday she wasn’t ready for that yet. You said you were waiting. So what the hell changed?”
I sighed, leaning against the doorframe. “Someone followed her through the park last night,” I admitted. His eyes darkened as I continued. “Whoever it was, they convinced her they were her mate. Now she’s determined to break the bond.”
“What’s that got to do with you claiming her as your mate?” he demanded, standing from his chair and stepping closer. “Did you tell her the truth?”
I shook my head. “No. She thinks this is fake. She asked me to pretend so she can avoid whoever chased her last night until she finds a way to dissolve the bond.”
Liam’s jaw clenched as he glared at me. “And what are you planning to tell the pack?”
I shrugged lazily, letting a cocky grin spread across my face. “An Alpha does what he wants. If they don’t like the mate the fates gave me, that’s their problem, not mine.”
“Thomas isn’t going to be happy about this,” Liam warned. “You’re the only one he’s considering to take over as Alpha.”
I let out a low chuckle. “He’ll get over it. Even if the pack questions me, Thomas won’t kick me out. He needs all the strength he can get right now.”
Liam narrowed his eyes. “You better take care of her, Adrian. She’s annoying as hell, but she’s my baby sister. If you hurt her, I’ll kill you. Best friend or not.”
I clapped him on the shoulder, giving him a reassuring look. “I won’t hurt her.” *Not in any way she won’t enjoy,* I added silently.
The sound of Nianell and her mom arguing upstairs made Liam’s scowl deepen. I just smirked and leaned back as he sat down.
Nianell came down the stairs carrying a suitcase and duffle bag. I took the bags from her and led her out to my car, loading them into the back. Mrs. Santos followed us out, holding a third bag in her hands.
“This is for you, my dear,” she said, handing it to a confused Nianell.
“Mom, what is this?” Nianell asked, hesitating to take it. Mrs. Santos smiled warmly. “I’ve been saving this for you. My mother gave me what she called a Hope Chest on my wedding day. It was filled with her wishes for my future. This is my Hope Bag for you.”
“Mom,” Nianell whispered, trying to give it back. “I’m not getting married.”
“Marriage is a human tradition, my dear,” her mom said, gently pressing the bag into her arms. “The mate bond is deeper than that. It’s timeless, the purest form of love you’ll ever know. I’m giving this to you now because there’s no better time than when you’ve sealed a bond forged by fate.”
Her words were perfect, even though I knew they tore at Nianell. She thought she was lying to her family, and she was afraid of what would happen when the truth came out. Worse, she was terrified the man who chased her last night might truly be her mate.
She forced a smile and turned to me, handing me the Hope Bag. I placed it carefully with the other bags before opening the passenger door for her.
“One more thing,” I said as she reached for the handle. “What’s that?” she asked, her eyes narrowing.
“This.”
I moved quickly, pulling her head to the side and sinking my teeth into the crook of her neck. Her gasp echoed through the quiet street, and I felt the bond ignite between us.
She didn’t understand what I’d done. She’d think it was part of the act, but it wasn’t. The mark wasn’t visible to humans, but every werewolf would know she was mine.
Her hand flew to her neck, her fingers brushing the unbroken skin. She stared at me, confused.
“It’s a scent mark,” I explained, my voice steady. “Wolves will know you’re my mate. It’s necessary to convince people of the bond at the packhouse.”
Her eyes widened, and her shoulders stiffened.
I just smiled, stepping back and letting her get into the car. There was no going back now.
I slid into the driver’s seat, buckling my seatbelt. As I started the engine, I caught Liam’s glare from the porch. Mrs. Santos waved happily, completely oblivious.
This wasn’t how I wanted things to happen. I’d promised Liam I’d wait until Nianell was ready. But the fates had other plans, and I couldn’t help but admire how they’d forced her into my arms.
“Well played, you tricky bastards,” I muttered under my breath.
“Did you really have to bite me?” Nianell demanded, scowling at me from across the console.
I grinned, glancing at her. “You liked it, admit it.”
Her blush betrayed her as she turned away.
“Relax, darling,” I teased. “It’s just part of the act.”
I faced forward, my grin widening. *She’s mine now, whether she knows it or not.*
- Writer
