Bound to My Sister's Mate

6.

Ava’s POV

The clearing was heavy with tension, the silence only broken by the murmurs of the crowd and the occasional crackle of a distant fire. I stood beside Luna, my elder sister, my hand hovering near hers as if I could somehow shield her from the weight of what she was carrying. She stood trembling, her gaze flicking between Jack and Liam, the two men who had unknowingly turned her life into a battlefield.

“I can’t decide tonight,” Luna finally said, her voice cracking under the strain. Her words felt like a stone dropping into the still water of the crowd, sending ripples through the gathered wolves. “I need time… until tomorrow.”

My eyes darted to Rowan, the Alpha leader, his towering figure radiating authority. He studied Luna carefully, his expression unreadable, before he gave a single, deliberate nod. “Very well. You have until tomorrow,” he said, his voice calm but firm.

“But no more delays. The wedding will take place by tomorrow night, and your decision must be final.”

The crowd murmured, their whispers a mix of relief, judgment, and curiosity. Jack and Liam exchanged one last glare, the tension between them palpable. I wanted to say something—anything—to diffuse the moment, but what could I possibly say?

“Let’s go, Luna,” I murmured, touching her arm. She didn’t resist as I guided her out of the clearing, her steps dragging as if the earth itself were pulling her down.

By the time we reached the house, she looked like a ghost of herself, her face pale and her eyes distant. I opened the door, letting her step inside first. She barely made it to the couch before collapsing onto it, burying her face in her hands.

I closed the door behind us and hesitated, unsure of what to do. Seeing her like this broke something inside me. Luna had always been the strong one, the one who could face anything with her head held high. But now, she looked so small, so fragile.

I walked over and sat down beside her, placing a hand on her arm. “Luna, talk to me,” I urged gently. “Please.”

Her shoulders shook with quiet sobs, and for a moment, I thought she wouldn’t answer. Then she lifted her head, her face streaked with tears. “I don’t know what to do, Ava,” she whispered.

“Jack… he’s my mate, chosen by the Mating Moon. But Liam… he’s been my rock, my safe place. How am I supposed to choose between them?”

I leaned back, rubbing my temples. “Luna, Jack’s your mate. Isn’t that enough of a reason?”

She shook her head violently, her tears falling faster now.

“No! It’s not that simple! With Liam, I feel… safe. Like I can be myself without anyone expecting anything from me. With Jack, there’s so much pressure, so many expectations. I love him, but it feels like loving him will break me.”

I opened my mouth to respond, but the sound of the front door creaking open cut me off. I turned to see our parents stepping inside, their faces etched with concern.

“Luna,” Mom said softly as she crossed the room, her hands reaching out. She sat beside Luna on the couch and pulled her into a warm embrace. “Sweetheart, it’s okay. We’re here.”

Dad followed, his footsteps measured and deliberate. He placed a hand on Luna’s shoulder, his voice steady. “Your mother’s right. You don’t have to go through this alone.”

Luna clung to Mom like a lifeline, her sobs turning louder, more raw. “But I have to choose,” she cried. “And no matter what I do, someone’s going to get hurt. What if I make the wrong choice?”

Dad crouched down so he was at eye level with her, his gaze soft but firm. “The only wrong choice, Luna, is the one you don’t believe in. Follow your heart, not what anyone else tells you. We’ll stand by you no matter what.”

I watched the scene unfold, my chest tightening. I’d always thought of myself as the strong, practical one, but seeing Luna like this, I felt completely useless.

“Luna,” I said softly, stepping closer. “You’re not alone in this. You have us. Whatever happens tomorrow, we’ll still be here.”

She turned to look at me, her tear-streaked face filled with desperation. “But what if I make the wrong choice, Ava? What if I ruin everything?”

Mom cupped her face gently, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “Life doesn’t come with guarantees, sweetheart. But no matter what you choose, you’re not going to ruin everything. You’re going to find your way, just like you always do.”

Luna’s sobs began to quiet, her breathing evening out. For the first time that night, a small semblance of calm settled over her.

Dad straightened up, his hand still on her shoulder. “Why don’t you get some rest, Luna? Things might feel clearer in the morning.”

She nodded slowly, her exhaustion evident. Mom helped her to her feet, guiding her toward her bedroom. I stayed behind with Dad, the silence between us heavy but comforting.

“You’re a good sister, Ava,” Dad said quietly, breaking the silence. “Luna’s lucky to have you.”

I smiled weakly, sitting back down on the couch. “I just wish I could do more.”

“You’re doing enough,” he assured me. “Sometimes, just being there is all someone needs.”

As I sat alone in the living room, I thought about what Dad had said. Maybe he was right. Maybe I couldn’t fix this for Luna, but I could be there for her. And for now, that would have to be enough.

---

The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, highlighting the storm brewing inside me. I sat at the dining table, still in my pajamas, holding a cup of tea that had long gone cold. My mind was spinning with the chaos of last night.

Luna’s decision had thrown everything into disarray, and I wasn’t ready for the new bombshell she was about to drop.

I heard her footsteps descending the stairs, and I stiffened. Luna entered the room, her face pale but resolute. She didn’t hesitate. She walked right up to me and stood tall, like she was preparing for battle.

“Ava,” she said, her voice calm but firm. “I’ve made my decision.”

I looked up at her, my heart thudding. “About Liam and Jack?”

“Yes.” She crossed her arms, as if bracing for my reaction. “I’m marrying Jack.”

“What?” I jumped out of my chair, nearly knocking my tea over. “You’re marrying Jack? But you said Liam was—”

“I know what I said,” she interrupted, her tone clipped. “But last night, I realized I can’t marry Liam. Jack is my mate, and no matter how much Liam has been there for me, I can’t deny the bond. It wouldn’t be fair to either of them if I ignored it.”

I stared at her, struggling to process her words. “Okay… so where does that leave Liam?”

She hesitated, guilt flashing across her face. “That’s where you come in.”