The Lunar Bond Rekindled

Becca’s POV “You may blow out your candle and make a wish,” my mother said, wrapping her arms around my shoulders. “Hurray! Happy birthday, Becca!” Tears streamed down my face, seeing my family all present to celebrate this special occasion with me. “It’s your 18th birthday Becca, I hope you wished for a mate? You aren’t getting any younger,” my brother Jack, asked jokingly and winked at me. I replied with a large grin as I looked around the whole room to see everyone who came around to celebrate with me. Suddenly, my gaze landed on Nathan’s face. As he walked towards me, a slight shiver ran across my skin. I was excited to see that Nathan also came around—he was the exact person I was hoping to see. “Happy birthday!, Becca,” his voice, deep and soothing. “Hey Nathan, you came around, I’m so glad you could make it,” I responded, my whole face lit up to see my fated mate standing right in front of me. “I know you must be busy at the moment but I was hoping to speak to you,” he said, his expression closing up. A slight shiver ran down my spine. I was worried of what the issue could possibly be, “Oh, I’m all ears Nathan,” I said. “Can we go somewhere private, if you don’t mind?” he asked, as he thrusts his hands into his pocket. “Yeah, let’s go upstairs. My room should be free,” I said. As we walked upstairs, sadness clouded my features, and my thoughts went far. “Why does he have a sad countenance today, of all days, when we’re meant to make our relationship public?” I thought. “I’m so sorry, Becca,” he said as he slipped his fingers into his hair. “What are you sorry for? You haven’t done anything wrong,” I replied, though fear gripped me. “I’m sorry, but we can’t be together. This relationship can’t work,” he said, his voice sharp and firm. “What do you mean it can’t work? You told me yourself days ago that you feel the connection between us. We both feel the connection, and you can’t deny that. Why the sudden change of heart?” I asked as I felt confused at that moment. “I’m… I’m in love with another person, and I want to take her as my mate.” He bent his head slowly as he spoke. “No, you’re not. I know you, Nathan since we were kids. You’re hiding something from me for sure; that can’t be the reason,” I said, trying to cover up my fears. My heart began racing at that moment. “She’s from a wealthy home. Her father is an alpha from a very powerful pack. You know how ambitious I can get,” he said firmly, his voice unwavering. I took a deep breath, my eyes welled up as I couldn’t stand the pain. “Why is this happening to me today, of all days?” I said. “If I get you right, Nathan, you’re breaking your bond with me for mere status and power?” My voice became shaky as I spoke. “Yes, Becca, I’m sorry I have to hurt you this way,” he said, unwavering and determined to stick to his decision. Although we had just found out we were mates a few days ago, it hurt real bad because I had always admired him since we were kids. I’d always wished we would end up together, but now it seemed my little dream wasn’t coming to reality. “Okay then, if that’s what you want,” I said, not meaning a single word but because I didn’t want him to see me broken or weak, even though I was at that moment. “I’m truly sorry, Becca,” he said again as he hardened his face. He said all that because it was needed, not because he meant it. “Since you choose wealth and power over me, I guess you never really liked me then. We just found out days ago, so I’m certain getting over you should be easy.” I said all that, trying to look cool, but I was weeping profusely within. There’s a strong possibility I’d lose not just a mate, but also a friend. We’ve been friends since we were kids. “I’ve always loved Zane. She loves me too. We already agreed to be together.” His words struck me hard, but I pulled off a fake smile, trying to hide my emotions. “Let’s get on with it if that’s what you truly desire. So how will it be? Do we do it now or when?” I asked. “Actually… I would prefer now, but I wouldn’t want to ruin your day. It’s your birthday; you should be out there having fun,” he said. “Oh, please!… Whatever, I’ll call you tomorrow whenever I’m less busy,” I replied, rolling my eyes and pushing him out of the way. “Easy there… I’m leaving already. Tomorrow is the weekend, so you shouldn’t be too busy. Please call me in time,” he said as he stepped out with a proud look and slammed the door hard behind him. I couldn’t hold it any more so I cried profusely as he stepped out. Not long after, I heard a loud bang on the door. “Becca! Becca! Are you there?!” Janet called. I jumped up immediately, grabbed the red scarf on my bed, and wiped my eyes with it so no one would notice anything had happened. She opened the door since she didn’t get any response. “What are you doing here, Becca? Everyone has been searching for you; it’s your special day.” “Yeah, nothing much, Mom. Just searching for my earrings. The one I have on doesn’t look good on me.” I bent down, scattering a bag in the corner of my room so she wouldn’t notice the tears in my eyes. “Okay, Becca, don’t stay too long. We’re all waiting for you downstairs,” she said. “Okay, Mom, I’ll join you all in a bit. Give me a few minutes.” When she stepped out, I washed my face and dried it well so no one would notice I cried. As I went back downstairs, I heard the sound of music playing loudly. Everyone was dancing, rejoicing, and keeping each other busy. “Let’s welcome the celebrant!” my brother screamed as he sighted me from afar. Everyone clapped and screamed, “Happy birthday!” as I walked down the stairs. For a minute, I forgot all that happened earlier and felt so loved. “Happy birthday, Becca,” Nathan’s father touched me from behind and said. I tilted my head to check who wished me, and I saw Nathan behind his parents. He had his hands fully in his pockets and kept a straight face. “Thank you, I’m so glad you came around to celebrate with me.” “Oh Becca, I can’t miss today for anything,” he said as he held his wife’s hand softly. “Nathan couldn’t stop mentioning it,” he added. “Oh, really?” I said as I rolled my eyes and forced a smile. “Now that you’re 18, we all expect you to find your mate. Put yourself out there, Becca. I’m sure you’ll find a connection with someone soon; we all do,” his father advised. I nodded my head without uttering a single word. They kept on advising me, and the whole time, I stood there, staring directly at Nathan. “I was shocked when Nathan told me last night that he has found his mate. I’ve waited so long for that. She should be here any minute now, if I’m not mistaken. She’s the daughter of an Alpha, Shadowclaw pack to be specific; the most powerful and wealthiest among us all,” he added. My face went blank, and I swallowed heavily as I heard the news. It seemed like I never really processed it at first. My thoughts went wild. “So he told his parents about her already? I guess this is official then,” I thought, feeling disappointed. I had hoped he might still change his mind and come back to apologize. My face went dull, and it caught the attention of my mother. “Bella!” she called out for me from the stairs. “It’s really nice meeting you, Mr. Duncan. Can you give me a minute, please? I need to attend to my mother,” I said as I excused myself from there. I was sick of staying there, by the way. “You look pale. What’s the issue?” my mother asked as she drew me closer to herself and hugged me in a tight embrace. “Nothing much, Mum. I’ll explain in detail after the celebration, I promise,” I said, my eyes welling up as I responded. Everyone who saw me thought it was tears of joy, but the reverse was the case in reality. “Okay, my love, but for now, I need you to cheer up,” she said. “I will, Mum,” I responded. I was so lucky to have a very loving family; they made me forget all my worries around them. Just as I was getting comfortable in the arms of my mother, we heard a voice from the speakers. “Everyone, can I get your attention! Once again, happy birthday to Becca. Eighteen years is always a memorable year for every werewolf, as we all know.” I was so curious about what Nathan’s father could possibly want to say that he would put the whole party to a pause. “Since I heard the news about my son last night, I couldn’t keep it to myself. I just thought I’d share it here since Nathan and Becca are best friends; she’d love to celebrate with him as well,” he said. My heart started beating uncontrollably. “Easy, Becca, easy,” I said to myself in a still, small voice. “Nathan found his fated mate recently, and I want to officially introduce her to the pack. Please come in.” Everyone’s attention was drawn to the door as it creaked open.