Ashes of the Mate Bond

Two

Astrid Lindgren POV

I cleaned my tears, staring down at the luggages that was scattered on the floor, slowly packing them. They had decided to get on with this. Even after all I have done?

But then, I knew all I could do that was better was leave the vicinity for them.

I left a note for one of my trusted mates, making sure she left it on Liana's nightstand. She would wake up to it in the morning, and by then, I would be far gone. I couldn't stay here, not in this pack, not where my worth wasn't shown, not where Renier stood proudly beside her like she was his life.

Not when he didn't acknowledge all I had done for him. The man I had given everything for. The man I had saved with my own flesh and blood.

And yet, he had tossed me aside like I was nothing.

The world just felt rigid as I kept walking, tears dropping down my face in regret. If I knew all of this would happen then I wouldn't have been stupid. I would have stood on Liana's word and not get myself tangled into love. The pain in my chest was unbearable, a piercing wound that no amount of time could ever heal.

I had nothing left.

Not my title, not my home, not the love I thought would last forever.

And if fate was cruel enough to give me only a few more months to live, then I wouldn’t wait for death to claim me in a bed somewhere. I would take control of my own ending. I just wanted this pain to leave.

The wind blew as I made my way toward the one place that had always terrified me, the cliffs that were beyond the western border of the pack lands. It was a secluded place, a forgotten side of the world.

I could barely feel the cold as I reached the side.

The moon shone above me, as if giving signs that she saw me and what reckless decision I was about to make.

I dropped my bag to the side and took a shaky breath.

I was so tired.

So tired of fighting, of hoping, of losing, of acting rashly and stupidly.

And I couldn't help but break out in tears from my lips as I sank to my knees, pressing my hands against my stomach. “Moon Goddess,” I whispered hoarsely, “If you’re listening… please… let this be over.”

Tears streamed down my face as I clenched my fists.

I wasn’t afraid.

I wanted to be out of this world.

I forced myself to stand and took a step forward. The tips of my boots over the edge, as I stared down at the air that would cover me if I dared to jump into nothingness.

I closed my eyes, letting the wind hovered over me.

And just as I was about letting go of myself, a hand, strong and still warm at that, gripped my wrist.

I gasped as I was yanked backward, my body crashing against a hard chest.

A deep, cold voice coursed into the silent air.

“Do you really want to do that?”

I panted heavily, and I wrenched my arm away, stumbling as I turned. “Who the hell…..?”

My words faltered.

The man standing before me was tall, his silhouette barely framed by the moonlight. His dark hair was tousled by whatsoever, and his piercing eyes…..silver hue bored into me with an amusement and intense that burned through my skin

He was a stranger.

A dangerous one at that. Why was he here?

“Who are you?” I demanded sharply even though I wasn't calm.

The man raised his head slightly with an unreadable expression.. “That’s not important, is it?.”

“Like hell it isn’t,” I spat in annoyance. “What do you want?”

His gaze scanned me, and when he spoke, his voice was plastered with nothing but disappointment.

“Why are you being so ungrateful?” he asked.

I let out a bitter laugh. “Ungrateful?”

He nodded. “The universe gave you life, and you’re throwing it away.”

I felt a sharp pain shot through my chest, and at the same time I was annoyed.

“You don’t know anything about me,” I snapped. “So don’t stand there and act like you understand. Just shut up!”

The man remained still, watching me with a calm expression, his hand tucked into his pocket. “I don’t need to know you to see that you’re making a mistake.”

I scoffed. “A mistake?” My voice cracked. “You think this is a mistake? You think I should just keep going, keep suffering, when I have nothing left?”

His eyes darkened at my statement. “Nothing?”

“Yes!” I shouted, my hands shaking through the process. “I have nothing! I gave up everything for someone who never loved me! I gave him my heart, my body, my kidney and for what?”

My breath seized, tears blurring my vision.

“I have nothing,” I repeated, softer this time. “So it would be great if you let me leave.”

The man exhaled through his nose like all I said still wasn't enough reasons for me to want this. Want to leave the world. “You’re wrong.”

I clenched my jaw, annoyed at his statement. “Just leave me alone. Leave me the f**k alone.”

“No.”

My hands balled into fists with gritted teeth. “Why do you even care?”

His silver eyes held onto my gaze. “Because no one should die alone.”

I turned away, my throat burning. “You don’t understand, Do you?.”

“I understand more than you think.”

I shook my head. “Just… go. Please, you are only wasting my time here” I begged desperately but he didn't even move an inch.

I sucked on my breath and took a step closer to the edge of the cliff. “Then stay back.”

The man’s expression hardened, but he stepped back.

I closed my eyes, inhaling deeply.

One last breath and you have got this. He finally obeyed my instructions which was one goal for me.

Then I stepped forward.

But before I could fall again, strong arms wrapped around me, yanking me back with a forced grip.

I gasped as my body collided with his again.

“Let me go,” I choked, struggling under his grip.

“No,” he shot back at me, his grip tightening on my wrist.

I thrashed in his arms, my heart pounding with anger. “You don’t get to stop me! Damn. I don't even know you motherfucker!” I cursed but he still didn't let go.

“You don’t get to decide who suffers because of your choices.” He said, throwing me a deadly glare.

I was stiff, my breath seizing.

“What?”

His hold didn’t loosen. “You’re not just ending your pain. You’re giving it to me, who saw you jump off the cliff. I cannot allow you to do this even if you are a stranger. You will only add more damage to my health.”

A sinister laugh escaped my lips. “You know what is best don't you? I am giving you this chance to leave now, man. And let me have my peace. Is that fair enough?.” I asked and he shook his head in disagreement.

“No, we are not going to do that. Not on my watch.”

Why the f**k was he so adamant!

“Get out of my f…….” I wanted to shout out in frustration but then a sharp dizziness came in, making me stumble backward unconsciously and before I could get on with what was happening, I fell on my knees and darkness enveloped me.