Unlikely Bonds

Chapter 1

Ever wonder why I am the way I am?

So, I got rejected by my mate, and you can probably guess how I am feeling about it. I was just 15 when it all went down. He turned 18, and it felt like my life just came to a halt right then and there. He was the Alpha, and I just did not fit the bill as his mate. It was a total surprise to everyone, including me, that I was his mate. I was the small one, pretty weak compared to the other boys my age. I came from a low-ranking family, surrounded by a bunch of Lycan purebloods, and honestly, I felt pretty insignificant among them all. My wolf did not show up often, but when it did, it brought a quiet, dark vibe that no one in the pack really got or, thankfully, dared to challenge. It was totally different from my human self, but at the same time, it was the same as it just stood there on the sidelines, watching life unfold around it, just like I did. We never really found our groove in that mutualistic relationship.

My mate's rejection felt pretty formal, just like his role in the pack required. I went ahead and accepted it without any fuss, and there were quite a few reasons behind that. It was really tough, both physically and emotionally. It was like my skin was being stripped away, and my soul was thrown into a dark, chilly emptiness. But once the bond was broken and the connection faded, I could finally breathe again, hoping for a somewhat normal life in the background, out of sight and sound. The strong pull, that craving for him that started when he turned 18, eventually turned into a more manageable ache in my chest after the rejection. Time has gone by, but I still feel that occasional sharp pain, like a thin blade poking at my heart, reminding me of that awful time.

It is hard to believe, but I am about to turn 18 in just a few days! I’ve walked away from my pack, cut ties with them and my ancestors, and I’m done with my undeserving mate for good. I have become a rogue Lycan now. I live a pretty chill life in another state, staying out of the spotlight. Even those old full moon troubles? I have got them all under control now. I still feel that spark and I am ready to connect, but now I get to decide with whom. And if my old mate happens to sense me around, I really hope he can feel the joy I experience when I’m with my lovers... I hope it stings a bit. At first, my dislike for them was intense, almost like a furnace, and it gave me a strong determination. I’ve decided I won’t ever bow or bend to their rules again. I am going to take charge of my nature, the bits of me that bring them to mind, and live life on my own terms.

The bond between a Lycan and a werewolf is something else—it is like the most addictive drug you can imagine. It’s all-consuming, and honestly, no amount of rehab can really set you free from it. Just like any addictive substance, it steals away your genuine feelings and thoughts, filling that space with illusions, compulsions, and an unending, unnecessary desire for more. It pulls you in, captivating you with its passion and allure. You find yourself suddenly loving and feeling a strong connection with someone who used to mean nothing to you, maybe even someone you considered an enemy, or perhaps not even your usual type. It really takes away your choice, independence, and, you know, that sense of individuality that’s so important.

It also goes hand in hand with the ranking system of Lycans and werewolves. It is there to maintain the Alphas, Betas, and others in their high-ranking roles while keeping their subordinates in line. It gives the strong the freedom to take charge while pushing the weak to give in, either out of necessity or without feeling embarrassed. I can still picture that moment when I suddenly wanted to submit to my mate, even though normally I would have fought back with everything I had. That thought really gets under my skin.