Chased By My Possessive Stepbrother

Jayden Is Gone

Chapter 3

Eleanor's POV

I pushed past the overgrown vines as I stepped into our secret garden, where Jayden was already waiting, leaning casually against the old oak tree. When our eyes met, his lips curled into that boyish smirk that always made my heart skip.

“You're late,” he teased, reaching for my hand. “I was starting to think you had finally run away from me.”

Before I could retort, he pulled me in, pressing a kiss to my lips. His warmth and familiar scent filled me, which made everything about him feel like home. When we pulled apart, he brushed a stray curl from my face, his fingers lingering.

“Your hair is a mess,” he chuckled with mischief dancing in his eyes.

I smacked his arm. “It's windy, idiot.”

He laughed, twining his fingers as he led me down the garden path. “Come with me. I want to show you something.”

We walked in silence until we reached a lake. It was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen. The clear, blue water shimmered like liquid glass, reflecting the sky in a breathtaking hue. I was awestruck.

“Eleanor,” Jayden said softly.

I turned, and my voice got trapped in my throat. He was already kneeling on one knee with a small velvet box in his hand.

“Eleanor…” he called again, and I gasped at the thought of what was about to happen.

“Even though it's been a few months since we met, my love for you felt like eternity,” he smiled. And I want it to be for eternity; I desire to be by your side forever. "Will you marry me, Eleanor?”

My heart pounded so hard I barely heard myself whisper. “Yes.”

“You will?” His eyes brightened.

“Yes,” I nodded.

Jayden rose to his feet and slipped the diamond ring onto my finger before pulling me into his arms and kissing me. At that moment, under the setting sun, I knew I had found my forever.

**********

A few weeks later, I awoke at the same time as the sun rose in the sky, barely containing the excitement in my chest. Today I will be pledging my forever with the man I love. I stood before the full-length mirror, running my hand over the expanse of my wedding gown. It was a perfect, flowing white crystal dress that fit me like a glove.

“You're glowing, Eleanor.” One of my bridesmaids gushed, adjusting my veil.

I was, and I couldn't help it. I had never felt so beautiful and complete. Because today, I was going to be Jayden's wife and Luna.

I closed my eyes, remembering his warm gaze, the way he said my name like a prayer, his soft smile that sent butterflies rioting in my stomach. I gush at the thought that after today, I'll see and experience those things every day.

I saw my step-brother, Stephen, in the mirror, leaning on the door frame with his arm folding around his chest. The look in his eyes was intimidating, and the way he stares at me makes me uncomfortable, but I choose to ignore it.

Perhaps he was already going to miss his sister. Well, I am also going to miss him too, but I won’t allow his pitiful look to spoil my day today. He will get over it and adjust to living without me sooner or later.

“Stephen,” I turned to him with a bright smile. I couldn't believe this was happening. I'm getting married.”

His jaw clenched for a brief second before he forced a smile. “Sure. It's… happening.”

I twirled in my dress. “I look pretty, don't I?”

He stepped closer, his eyes darkening. “You always do.” His actions were making me feel more uncomfortable, but now was not the time to feel paranoid.

I laughed it off, playfully nudging his shoulder. “Come on, be serious. Do you think Jayden will like it?”

Stephen's fingers twitched. “Of course, he'd be an i***t not to.”

I didn't care about the coldness in his voice or why a storm was brewing in his eyes. All I cared about was Jayden’s arrival. And we'd finally be together.

Two Hours Later

The wedding hall was set, the guests had arrived, and the air was filled with quiet chats and music. Everything was ready, but we had yet to begin because the groom wasn't there yet.

I brushed all the worried thoughts and probabilities to the back of my mind. ‘I shouldn’t be too nervous right now.’ I recite over and over again in my head.

Jayden was fine. After all, he was an Alpha and the son of the Silvermoon pack Alpha King. Surely, he had lots of things to take care of on the way here. Maybe that was why he was running late.

I clutched my rose bouquet, smiling to myself. As time passed, cold sweats clouded my body beneath my glittering dress.

“He'll be here. Don't worry, Ellie.” I whispered to myself yet again, trying to be positive with my eyes shut in silent prayers.

“Eleanor.” I heard my name from behind; I gasped and immediately threw my eyes open. “Jay…” I began but stopped.

It wasn't my beloved, but Alpha Marcus, Jayden's father. I was confused as to why he was here in place of Jayden. Where is Jayden? I contemplate within me.

Had he backed down from this marriage? Did he not want me again? Several scenarios clouded my thoughts as I watched Alpha Marcus walk towards me.

A closer look at him caused a wrenching chill to run through my body. His eyes were haunted, and his steps were too heavy. Did something happen? I looked behind him for a clue as to what was happening, but nothing was there to behold.

Alpha Marcus stood before me with his gaze cast down; his body was trembling. Dread coiled in my stomach; subconsciously my grip on my bouquet loosened, sending the beautiful bouquet flying to the floor.

“Your Majesty… where's Jayden?” I forced myself to ask the most wanted question that I desperately needed an answer to, but all I got was a deafening pregnant silence for what seemed like hours.

My shaky scream echoed through the room once again, breaking the silence. “Jayden… where's Jayden? "Where's my mate?!” I didn't care if I was yelling at the king. All I cared about was seeing the love of my life again.

Alpha Marcus looked up, and I swallowed. I shook my head frantically before he said those words that shattered my entire world. “Jayden is gone.”

The world around me tilted. “What?” I couldn’t comprehend what he meant yet.

Alpha Marcus swallowed hard. I could see the pain in his eyes as he was forcing himself to explain, “Jayden…. My son was attacked by rogues on his way here, and he didn't make it.”

No!!! No, no, no, no! My head was screaming. My heart races heavily with my breath coming in deep, swallow-like beeps. I was feeling cold and at the same time sweaty as my heart bled in desperation. I fumble with my hands, my lips trembling, searching for my voice to be heard.

Finding my voice, I spoke. “You're lying. He's coming. Jayden is coming to get me. He promised. He can't…” I walked past Alpha Marcus, trailing my eyes forward, waiting for Jayden to step through those double doors and say it was a prank.

But I waited, and he didn't show up. He never would.

“His body…” Jake, Alpha Marcus's Beta, spoke this time. “We found it near the western border.”

“No…” I stumbled back, the weight of his words crushing me. Someone reached for me, and I flinched and screamed. “Don't touch me!”

No. Jayden couldn't be dead. He was supposed to be here. We… We were supposed to be getting married. I turned desperately to Stephen, who had always been there to protect and shield me, seeking assurance, but he just stood there, watching me.

Why wasn't he saying anything? Why wasn't he telling me it was all a lie?!

“Stephen...” my voice broke. “Come on, tell me they're lying. Jayden is coming, isn't he?” But he didn't say anything. Instead, he reached out and hugged me.

At that moment, everything became clear. Then I realized it was real. Jayden was indeed gone.

An agonizing scream rippled from my throat, and then… everything became dark.