Rejected bond

Chapter 7

Gonzalo growled, the Alpha in him rising.

“Don’t forget I’m still your father—and your Alpha, Tristan. Coming here has clearly made you forget your place.”

Tristan didn’t respond. He walked out of the house, leaving his father alone with his disappointment.

Gonzalo exhaled. Something was clearly wrong with his son—more than anger. But for now, he let it go.

He walked into the bedroom, imagining what it would look like, but he was disappointed. The room was clean and neatly arranged. He sighed and lay down to rest.

Tristan said he felt the need to check on his mate—me. Even though he was mad at me for being a weak mate, I was still his mate, after all.

He used his werewolf speed because he didn’t want to be seen by anyone, and in no time, he was at my doorstep.

He heard my voice and someone else’s as we chatted happily. He considered walking away, but Ace, his wolf, wasn’t satisfied—or rather, felt jealous that I was enjoying someone else’s company.

Tristan stood at the door for several minutes, trying to tame his wolf. If Ace came out, Tristan would be breaking not only school laws but national ones too.

The school is a shared space for humans and all supernatural creatures. It was built by the first Alpha, the witch queen, and the human king to unite our kinds. No one is allowed to transform or use their powers. If caught, the punishment could be death or banishment, depending on the offense.

“Ace, you have to stay back. It’s not the right time. We can come back tomorrow,” Tristan whispered, his fingers curling into a tight fist.

By the time he got home, his father was already asleep. Tristan flashed a quick smile and made his way to the kitchen to cook something for himself. But he couldn’t concentrate. His thoughts kept drifting back to me—wanting to hold me, touch me, make me his… start a family.

The mere thought of me made him hard, and it confused him. He remembered how much he’d once hated me for being weak and how he used to play cruel games just to torment me. Yet now, all he wanted was to claim me.

Frustrated, he threw the burnt food in the trash, grabbed his jacket, and stormed out of the house to clear his mind.

All night, he couldn’t stop thinking about me.

It was still dark when he woke up, got dressed, and waited impatiently for daylight so he could return to the school and find me. This time, he walked—no werewolf speed.

Students passing by gawked at him. Some stood with their mouths hanging open, astonished by his beauty—like a thousand gods blended into one man. Those who recognized him as the prince bowed respectfully.

He ignored all of them. His mind was locked on one thing—me.

He checked the science department first but found no trace of me. His patience was wearing thin, and he was about to head to my hostel when Calista appeared, blocking his path.

“You’re looking for her, right? She’s not here,” she said, her voice dripping with irritation and jealousy.

Calista wanted Tristan as her chosen mate. But as long as I was around, that dream was slipping out of her grasp.

“I’m in love with you, Tristan, and I want to be your chosen mate,” she said loudly, not caring about the curious stares from nearby students.

Tristan looked at her and gave a quick, dismissive smile. “I already have a mate. Why don’t you go find yours instead of begging someone else to be your mate?”

With that, he walked away, unfazed by the fury on her face.

“How dare you, Tristan,” Calista fumed silently. “When you start begging me to forgive you, I won’t make it easy. Just watch.”

Tristan headed back to my room but realized I wasn’t home. With no other option, he returned to his house, where his father was now awake.

“Hello, Father,” he greeted, bowing respectfully.

“Hello, son,” Gonzalo replied.

“I need you to return to the pack and make the arrangements. Tonight, I’ll be coming back home—with my Luna,” Tristan announced, a genuine smile spreading across his face.

“I’m happy for you, son,” Gonzalo replied, moving closer and embracing him.

“So, where is she?” Gonzalo asked eagerly. He had been worried Tristan wouldn’t find his mate even after reaching his late twenties. The Moon Goddess had finally answered his prayers.

“I don’t know where she went. I’ll check on her later,” Tristan replied, unable to hide the trouble in his voice.

“You seem uneasy. What’s wrong?” Gonzalo asked.

“She’s human… and the weakest human I’ve ever seen,” Tristan confessed, frustration darkening his expression.

“Are you afraid she might reject you?” Gonzalo asked, his voice filled with concern.

“Even if she does, that won’t stop me from making her mine,” Tristan growled. Ace, his wolf, growled too—angered by the mere suggestion.

“Humans always struggle to accept the mate bond at first, but they always fall in love eventually,” Gonzalo said, trying to calm his son—and his wolf.

“I’ll take my leave now. We’ll be waiting for you,” Gonzalo said before walking out and heading to the pack.

Tristan, unable to rest, decided to stay close to my room until I returned.

**************

It was already getting dark when Ruby and I came back from her family’s gathering. Her family had hosted a get-together, and she’d invited me along.

We were still chatting and laughing as we entered the room, completely unaware that Tristan was standing just a few feet away, watching us.

The sight of me smiling with someone else sent waves of jealousy through him. He could have torn Ruby’s head off if not for the school’s strict rules.

He clenched his fists and waited, forcing himself to stay calm until I was alone.

“Thank you for coming with me, Daciana,” Ruby said with a smile as she stood to leave.

“It was nothing, Ruby. Honestly, it made my day—thanks to you,” I replied, returning her smile.

We hugged goodnight, and she left for her room.

The moment she stepped out, Tristan walked in.

His eyes—burning red—locked onto mine, piercing through me as if staring into my soul.