Chapter 4

• Aurora Maxwell
• "Mate."
• This was definitely not how I imagined meeting my mate—on top of another she-wolf, both of them caught in the heat of the moment. I had envisioned him riding in on a horse, wearing shining armor, ready to protect me and save me from harm or destruction—not riding a she-wolf to climax.
• How disappointing.
• Tears slipped down my cheeks as I watched the scene unfold before me, the image forever seared into my mind. My wolf was furious, clawing at the walls of my control, wanting to tear the eyes out of the she-wolf who dared to touch my mate. He was mine—ours to love—but clearly, he didn't feel the same.
• The possessiveness of the mate bond hit me hard, even though we hadn't even touched. Just looking into his eyes had awakened the bond between us.
• I had expected something entirely different. I imagined him searching for me, desperate, like a madman, only to find me, sweep me into his arms, kiss me like tomorrow didn’t exist. Then we would mate, have children, and live happily ever after.
• I had watched too many movies and read too many books.
• But now I found him with another woman, looking more annoyed than anything, as if he couldn’t wait to be rid of me.
• My heart shattered as I stood there, frozen in disbelief. Then, without thinking, my legs carried me away from the scene. I heard his footsteps behind me, but thankfully, my wolf surged to the forefront, pushing my speed to its limits.
• My wolf was devastated, the constant whimpers echoing in my mind. She was livid and, if she could, she would have ripped our mate’s face off. But we were trained to act like a Luna, to maintain our composure, and that was the only thing keeping us from losing it completely.
• I desperately scanned my surroundings for Nina. I could barely breathe from the weight of what had just happened, and I was on the verge of collapsing.
• Two large figures appeared before me, and my heart skipped a beat. I squinted at them, unable to make out their faces, but I could sense the danger. As I stood there, trembling, another figure joined them, and a sense of dread filled me.
• One of the men—a blonde with sharp features—spoke, his voice cold and commanding. "Grab her."
• That voice. The voice of my mate.
• The words sent shivers down my spine, and I knew then I couldn’t outrun them forever.
• I sprinted into the crowd, weaving through the bodies on the dance floor in a frantic attempt to lose my pursuers and find Nina.
• “That’s my mate. Grab her,” I heard again, his voice growing more aggressive.
• I bolted toward the exit, hoping to find a way out. But outside, there was no one else. Where was Nina? How had I gotten into this mess?
• I collided with a solid chest, my body slamming into him. Strong arms wrapped around me, pulling me into a secure hold. I looked up, my breath catching in my throat.
• Blue eyes stared back at me, their intense glare filled with... hatred?
• "W-what do you want?" I stammered, my voice trembling with a confusing mix of fear, sadness, anticipation, and something else... something I couldn't quite place.
• "You're mine," he growled, his voice low and possessive. "Mine only."
• I whimpered at the harshness in his tone. Not long ago, he had seemed displeased by my presence, and now, here he was, calling me his. Male wolves were definitely unpredictable.
• He dragged me through the night toward the woods, his grip on my hand unyielding as he led me into the trees. Despite my protests, I allowed him to guide me. Suddenly, he pulled me close, his body pressing against mine, and his touch burned through the thin fabric of my dress, sending a fire racing through me.
• His gaze locked onto my lips with a look of raw desire. I felt a strange pull, the tension between us crackling. Without warning, his lips crashed onto mine, and the kiss was nothing like I expected. It was forceful, aggressive, as though he was trying to claim me.
• There were sparks, yes, but no butterflies. Only the sensation of being swept away by a force I had no control over. His lips moved quickly against mine, his tongue slipping past my lips, teasing me, leaving me wanting more. I clenched my legs together, feeling the heat building inside me.
• I had always dreamed of a passionate kiss with my mate, one full of sparks and love. But this—this felt more like a punishment. It was as if he was taking his frustration out on me, and the thought of him kissing the other she-wolf, without even brushing his mouth, made me want to puke.
• His arms tightened around me, his body so close that I could feel the warmth radiating off him. A strange part of me wanted to give in, to embrace him, but my wolf was fighting it.
• I shook my head, refusing to let myself fall into his embrace. This wasn’t how it was supposed to be. I only wanted to have some fun with Nina, to forget about everything for a night.
• My mate leaned down, his breath hot against my neck. I shivered at his touch. His lips kissed a trail down my neck, each kiss sending sparks through me. I let out a soft moan, caught off guard by the intensity of it.
• Then he bit my weak spot, sending a surge of pleasure through me. I moaned louder, unable to control my response.
• He chuckled darkly, the sound sending another shiver down my spine.
• I felt his body press even closer to mine, leaving no space between us. My arm instinctively draped over his neck, and I buried my face in his neck, my wolf warring with me internally.
• “Do that again and I might not let you go back home,” he murmured, his voice low and dangerous.
• "Do what again?" I asked, confused.
• "Run," he growled.
• I shivered at the harshness of his words, but before I could process them, he released me. My legs wobbled, and I stumbled, needing his strength to keep me steady. But after a brief moment, I gathered myself together.
• I shoved him away with all the strength I could muster, pushed by my wolf’s energy, and ran. My legs carried me as fast as they could through the forest, ignoring his enraged growl behind me.
• I reached the edge of the woods, transformed into my blue wolf, and ran back toward my pack, not caring how long it took. I didn’t need anyone—especially not him.
• “Aurora, where the hell are you?” My father’s voice broke into my mind, cold and filled with authority.
• I winced at his tone. “I went out with Nina to a club, Dad,” I whimpered, feeling ashamed.
• “Get your butt back to the house. Now.” His voice left no room for argument.
• “Okay, Dad,” I replied, closing the mind-link. I knew I was in big trouble, and only the moon goddess could save me now.
• I sighed, feeling the weight of my situation. "I know, Dad. I know, and I'm sorry."