Betrayed By My Bonded Mate

2

MAVERICK POV

The door burst open, and Rowan walked in, looking unusually excited.I didn't need to ask to know the job had been done, but I did anyway.

"How did it go?" I asked, leaning back in my chair.

Rowan smirked confidently. "You should know by now that I never disappoint. It went perfectly. She's in the room you assigned."

I nodded slowly, satisfied.

"Good. Let's go see her."

Rowan chuckled as he turned to lead the way.

"That spoiled brat is tougher than she looks. She put up a fight, but we managed to keep her unconscious."

"That's expected," I replied flatly. "Let's go."

We walked through the hallways in silence until we reached the room where she was being held.

The moment I stepped inside, something felt... wrong.My wolf stirred uneasily.

I slowed to a stop.Why do I feel like this?

I had never reacted this way before. Not to anyone.

"Is everything all right, Alpha?" Rowan asked carefully, noticing my hesitation.

I forced myself to nod.

"Let's go."

There was another room inside.

Rowan led me toward it, and as soon as I stepped inside, my gaze landed on her.

She lay unconscious on the bed, her hands and legs bound.She looked... small.

Too small.

And then it hit me.A sharp, undeniable pull.

My chest tightened.My wolf growled.

Mate.

My eyes widened slightly as realization crashed over me.

No.

No, this couldn't be happening.

She couldn't be my mate.Not her.

Not the daughter of my enemy.

I clenched my jaw, trying to suppress the reaction building inside me. My wolf was restless, pacing and demanding that I accept the bond.

But I refused.I wouldn't accept this.I studied her from where I stood.She looked fragile... harmless, even.

Not my type.Not someone I would ever choose.

Disgust rose within me.

"I need to reject her," I muttered under my breath.

"You seem different, Alpha," Rowan said cautiously. "Is everything okay?"

I turned sharply, masking my emotions.

"Let's go to my office."

Before leaving, I gave the guards strict instructions.

"Keep a close watch on her. I don't want her out of this room until I say so."

They nodded immediately.They knew better than to go against my word.Rowan followed me out, and we made our way back to my office.

I didn't want her here.I didn't want anything tying me to her.Now my plan had been ruined.

What the hell was I going to do with her now?

She was better off being sold.Far away from me.

"What's going on, Alpha?" Rowan asked once we were inside my office. "You don't look good."

I exhaled slowly, running a hand through my hair.

"I don't want her in this pack," I said. "She needs to be gone as soon as possible."

Rowan frowned slightly.

"Is that the only issue?"

I hesitated.

"No... there's something else."

He straightened, now fully attentive.

"What is it?"

I clenched my jaw before saying it.

"She's my mate."

The silence that followed was heavy.Rowan stared at me in shock.

"That... that can't be right."

"It is," I said coldly. "The moment I stepped into that room, my wolf reacted. And when I saw her..."

I trailed off, frustration building inside me.

Rowan shook his head slowly.

"Is the Moon Goddess trying to punish you or something?"

"I don't care what this is," I snapped. "I don't want her."

Rowan studied me carefully.

"But she's your—"

"I said I don't want her," I cut him off sharply. "She's Ryker's daughter. That alone is enough reason."

Rowan went silent for a moment before nodding.

"Then what do you plan to do?"

"We proceed with the auction," I said without hesitation. "Sell her off."

His brows furrowed slightly.

"That soon?"

"Yes. Tomorrow evening."

Rowan nodded slowly.

"That works. We'll prepare everything."

"Good."

There was a brief pause before he asked, "Will you reject her?"

I gave him a cold look.

"Of course."

He exhaled.

"All right, then. I'll have the maids prepare her for the auction."

He turned to leave, but I stopped him.

"Make sure she's watched at all times," I added. "I don't want any mistakes."

"You have my word," Rowan said before walking out.

The door closed behind him, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

I leaned back in my chair, staring at nothing.Of all people.It had to be her.

Ryker's daughter.

The man who destroyed lives without remorse.

The man I had sworn to bring down.And now, his daughter was my mate.

A bitter laugh escaped me.What kind of twisted joke was this?I don't want her.I don't need her.

She was nothing but a problem.

And problems were meant to be eliminated.

A knock sounded on my door.

I frowned.

"Who is it?"

The door opened before I could get an answer.

Willow walked in, a playful smile on her lips.

"Well, look who I finally found," she said, closing the door behind her.

A smirk tugged at my lips despite everything.

Willow walked over to me confidently, stopping between my legs as I sat. She leaned down and pressed her lips against mine.

"I missed you," she murmured.

"I missed you too," I replied.

She didn't waste any time, already tugging at her clothes. I stood up and carried her to the couch.

Willow always liked being in control, and I let her.

But tonight...My mind wasn't fully there.

It kept drifting.Back to her.

The spoiled brat.

My mate.

I clenched my jaw slightly.

What kind of werewolf was she?

A few hours later, Willow lay against my chest, tracing small patterns on my skin.

"You seem off," she said suddenly.

I forced a faint smile.

"Why would you say that?"

She looked up at me.

"You're not as... into it as you usually are."

I sighed quietly.

"I've just been busy. A lot is on my mind."

She narrowed her eyes slightly.

"I hope a woman isn't part of that."

I scoffed.

"Of course not. No woman is worth stressing over."

She relaxed and smiled before kissing my lips lightly.

But even then, my thoughts refused to leave her.

I think this is a punishment from the Moon Goddess.