My Destined Mate is In Love With Another

Prologue: Elsa's Point of View The coronation sounds from the grand ballroom reached me and dragged me into a celebration I never wanted to join. The large doors opened before me as my feet dragged along the ground while their golden handles pressed cold against my skin. The room was full of stunning people wearing elegant outfits, yet I only sensed the heaviness of my heart. He was in there. The man who captured my heart throughout the years now stood before me prepared to pledge his love to another. Someone who wasn’t me. I swallowed hard. This moment will not destroy me. Not here, not now. I stood in for my brother Magnus, who was currently attending Alpha training. Despite being the Alpha’s daughter, my parents paid me little attention. On the day I turned eighteen, I remained by myself with unknown people rather than joining in celebrations. I had no choice about being here because it was mandatory. Eighteen. The day I would meet my soulmate was supposed to be today. Entering the ballroom, I prepared myself for what was to come. I understood that tonight would be when my heart would shatter. I held onto a tiny hope that my true partner might be among the leaders and their families present. A girl could dream, right? I scanned the room to find Freya, who was my best friend. Though Magnus and Freya were going to be together, nobody else from our family would share my current loneliness. Not completely. I would become the third wheel because Magnus and Freya had been flirting with each other for years. Their energy shone bright whenever they spent time together. The sight brought me a small pang of sadness, yet I found myself smiling despite it. Their bond was beautiful. I understood tonight would bring someone their perfect match while I prepared to watch it happen. Then, I felt it. The scent I recognized instantly made my entire body respond. The warmth enveloped me and pulled me toward it with the force of gravity. My heart pounded loudly against my chest while I moved through the crowd toward it without conscious thought. Inside me my wolf awakened as it whispered the word "Mate," and I felt deep coldness spread through my body. I spun around to face him, and our eyes met. The room vanished around us when his blue eyes locked with mine. His strong features stood out against his untidy black hair while his presence dominated the space. I recognized his face instantly, yet something about this encounter felt completely new. The way I felt about him had moved beyond ordinary attraction. This was him. My mate. I dared to hope. Perhaps he experienced the same magnetic attraction. Perhaps he experienced the same emotions that I felt. But then, I saw her. His arm moved, and she appeared beside him, laughing at his words while remaining oblivious to our shared moment. I froze. The truth hit me hard, and it felt like someone punched me right in the chest. He would never pick me as his choice. Why would he? She stood next to him. I forced my eyes to stay dry while fighting to conceal my tears. I wanted to keep my suffering hidden from everyone. I started to walk away to blend into the crowd when I suddenly heard it. A growl. A low, protective growl. His growl. My heart skipped a beat. He stood before me and pushed me against the wall while his hand held my arm. When our skin made contact, electricity surged through me, and time stood still. “Mate,” I said in a whisper while my voice shook. His growl deepened, and his voice, low and full of intensity, said just one word: “Mine.” The entire room stopped moving. Time stretched out. The wolf within me awakened with her excitement flowing through my body until sudden pain tore my heart apart. Was this real? Was he really my mate? Had he known? Had he always known? Numerous questions burned on my mind, but fear forged silence between us. The words stuck in my throat. I envisioned this moment endlessly, but genuine fear overwhelmed me when its reality arrived. He drew me nearer while his hold became stronger, and he maintained eye contact with me. The air entering my lungs felt like it was scorching my chest. His heart pounded in rhythm with the wild beat of mine. Was this the sensation people described when they met their destined partner? Did this moment represent what I had been anticipating? My uncertainty remained, but my eyes stayed fixed on him. His voice emerged softly with a slight hesitation. He spoke my name with such intensity that it sounded like the most crucial word anyone could utter. I blinked, my head spinning. “What do you mean?” I asked the question, but it didn’t make sense to me. He pushed his tangled hair aside while showing his frustration. I fought against this for so long, but now I must accept that I can fight no longer. I can’t deny what I feel. I can’t deny you.” “Fight what?” My voice trembled while I asked because I couldn't grasp the significance of his words. A gentle change appeared in his eyes that revealed something mysterious that I couldn’t identify. Despite the gentleness of his tone, his admission, “You’ve always been my mate,” showed unmistakable resolve. “I’ve always known. I never wanted to hurt you. He stopped speaking as his eyes briefly scanned the woman who stood next to him without realizing our connection. “What’s going on?” She demanded, her voice sharp. He held my gaze through silent eyes that showed his internal struggle. Everything around me stopped moving while my heart pounded loudly in my ears. He started to speak again. “Elsa, I…” I stopped him before he could complete his sentence. “No,” I said quickly while moving away from him. I didn’t want to hear it. I didn’t need an explanation. His choice was clear. As I walked away, my heart grew heavier with every step I took. He didn’t follow me. Not yet. But I knew he would. I couldn’t face him. I realized I couldn’t manage facing that truth. I knew from the start that he would never belong to me. The duration of my walk remains unknown, but I ended up outside, breathing heavily in the chilly night air. Everything around me rotated as if grounded reality had lost its footing next to me. My heart felt chaotic while my mind stopped functioning correctly. Then I heard his voice. “Elsa!” I stopped, frozen. I couldn’t turn to face him. My voice broke into a whisper as I told him he shouldn’t have followed me. He answered with a gentle voice. "I couldn't let you go." I should have spoken up earlier. I’m sorry. You should never have believed I didn’t want you. The ache within my chest became even sharper and more penetrating. Closing my eyes became necessary to prevent myself from breaking down. “Why didn’t you say anything?” I asked, my voice trembling. Why didn’t you share this information with me earlier? His face showed deep guilt as he looked downward. “I was scared. I didn’t want to hurt anyone. I didn’t want to hurt you. I must admit this truth because I can no longer hide it. You’re my mate, Elsa. I’ve always known.” Tears welled up in my eyes, yet I found myself unable to speak. I wanted to ask so many questions about things I didn't understand, but I couldn't bring myself to speak. My exhaustion and emotional fatigue left me unable to do more than stand there in silence. In a gentle, low voice, he approached me and began to speak. I have no idea what to do to solve this problem. I have no idea what to do, but I can’t let you leave. Not now. Not ever again.” I drew in a trembling breath as I attempted to understand his words. This was it. Here stood the destined point to potentially alter every aspect of our existence. It was scary. Even though the future remained uncertain, I detected for the first time in many months a real sense of forward movement beginning. This all could mark the beginning of new opportunities for me. My only option at this moment was to breathe. My only option was to wait and discover my next destination.