Blake

Chapter 3

FLASHBACK:

"Let’s end this."

"What? Why?"

"You’re not my mate, and I’m not yours."

"I don’t care! All I need is you."

"You don’t belong with me, Cat."

"Why are you saying this now? We were fine last night. What changed, Blake? Did I do something you don’t like? Tell me."

"It’s just that… eventually you’ll find your mate, Cat. And that’s not me. I’m only doing what’s best for us," he muttered, more to reassure himself than her.

"But you are what I need, Blake."

His fist clenched around the steering wheel, jaw tight at her words. That was the last thing he wanted—to treat Catleya like another fling. He didn’t want her broken the way he was. He knew she was special. She deserved the best.

"You have your own mate to love, Cat. I don’t want to hurt you. So let’s end this now."

"Blake—"

"You’ll just end up getting hurt if we keep this up…"

"But we were happy, Blake. You told me you were happy with me. Not even a day has passed since you said that."

"Forget what I told you. It was just a spur of the moment. Forget me starting today, Cat. Forget whatever feelings you have for me. You and I can’t be together. You’re still young. You have a bright future ahead—a mate who will love you unconditionally. Don’t ruin yourself over me."

That day has kept repeating in my mind ever since I saw Catleya again. The memories I wanted to bury so deep kept resurfacing, unwanted.

I drove off so fast after that last conversation, leaving her alone outside my house in Florida. It was stupid of me. I just wanted to get so far away she couldn’t follow—or maybe so far I couldn’t go back. That was the last time I saw her. The last I heard was that she returned to her pack, the Red Valley Moon Pack, and carried on like nothing had happened. I went back to minding my own business.

I knew I was a mess—and I still am. I didn’t know how to express what I felt because I feared rejection. So I buried my emotions. Rejection that only I knew about. I was broken when the woman I had cared for all those years was meant to be with someone else. The woman I had protected since she was born. The only woman who made my life meaningful as we grew up.

Though I was her protector, that didn’t change how I felt. I loved her. But the curse bound me to be mate‑less. A curse I am now free from—free to love, free to have my own mate.

But my damn self is still afraid to try. I don’t know how to explain this to anyone. I can’t even explain it to myself. I just can’t move forward. Maybe loneliness is my purpose. Or is that really what I want?

Ugh! This sucks. I keep thinking of things that only complicate everything.

Most of my life has been focused on protecting Skye. And even now, curse lifted, I still want to protect her at all costs. Even though she’s the most powerful hybrid deity I’ve ever known, the promise I made to my mother and Cordella remains unbroken. That promise is now my personal dedication.

But my case with Catleya makes me doubt myself. It makes me afraid of losing control—afraid of keeping her close, knowing she’ll eventually meet her fated mate.

I admit, Catleya has a special place in my heart. She was the first woman to show me compassion and patience when I came to this pack. She has a pure heart, and I didn’t want to stain it with hatred. So I did what I thought was best—for her, or maybe for me.

The Moon Goddess told me not to worry about what might come, because she would be there. Even free from her curse, my connection with her lingers like air—you feel it, but rarely see it.

"Everyone… gather at the pack’s assembly hall in ten minutes."

Caspian’s mindlink pulls me back to the present. Cody had left to talk with Julius. My plan to speak with Catleya didn’t happen because of my meeting with Kent. I’m still debating whether to talk to her again or stay away while I’m here.

I sigh deeply and head to the meeting hall. Caspian must have an important announcement. I have a feeling it’s about Alpha Valkan. I haven’t met him yet, but Cody’s words didn’t paint a pleasant picture.

As soon as I enter, several men are already gathered. My attention is caught by the one standing beside Caspian. He must be Alpha Valkan. His build is almost the same as Caspian’s. He seems normal—except for the way he looks at everyone. Then his gaze meets mine.

Madic prances in my mind, restless. Alpha Valkan grins at me. He probably senses my wolf’s agitation.

I grit my teeth silently, refusing to back down from his conniving look. I wait for his next move. But Caspian mindlinks me.

"Keep it cool, Blake."

My eyes shift to Caspian and Skye. I hadn’t noticed Skye earlier, but now she’s staring at me too, giving me a knowing smile.

I nod and move to an empty chair in the corner. Cody and Kent are talking nearby, unaware of me.

"Hey, Blake." It’s Vladimir. He sits next to me.

"Weren’t you on a mission?" I ask.

"I just got back. Actually, I came straight here when Alpha Caspian mindlinked me."

"I see. Do you know what this is about?"

"Nah. Alpha just said it’s urgent."

"I see…"

Soon, the hall fills with wolves in human form.

Caspian sits on his throne with Skye on his lap. Alpha Valkan and his beta sit in the front row, two rows ahead of me. My instincts tell me to keep an eye on them.

"I know you are all wondering why I call you here. But we have important guests right now so let me introduce them. They came all the way from the Southern state. We have Alpha Valkan and his trusted Beta. He is the alpha of the Dark Night Moon Pack. I’m sure you know his pack well," Caspian says, his tone carrying a hidden message.

Alpha Valkan rises and steps to the center the moment Alpha Caspian gives the floor to him. His look may be dominating but nothing compares with Caspian. But there's something that tells me I should be cautios around them. I sense danger with these two.

"Alright! I am not going around the bush here. I want everyone to know that my intention is clear and the reason I am here is to see all the unmated she‑wolves tonight. I am searching for my mate. If I don’t find her in this pack, this will be the last time you see me. I am not here to create misunderstanding, so I expect your cooperation. I don’t want any of you to intervene."