Chapter 5 The Witch Bond

• Darius POV
• The room felt colder as Liana left. I leaned back in my chair, staring at the spot where she had stood just moments ago. Her courage surprised me; not many had the guts to look me in the eye, let alone make a deal. But it wasn’t just her bravery that intrigued me — it was the opportunity she presented, and something I couldn’t put my finger on.
• My mind drifted back to Rowan and Victor, names that made my blood boil. Rowan had been a thorn in my side for years, always trying to expand his territory and muscle into my affairs. Victor, her father, was no different. He had betrayed our alliance years ago, joining forces with Rowan to strengthen their hold. Their combined power had made them formidable enemies, but having Victor’s own daughter as my mate? That was a delicious twist of fate.
• This could be the leverage I needed to turn the tables. Having Liana by my side would infuriate both of them, showing the world that their prized alliance wasn’t as strong as it seemed. But to make it believable, we’d need to fabricate a mating bond. And for that, I needed the help of a witch.
• I called in Kaden. “Bring me Irina,” I ordered him. The witch had been a loyal ally for years, her skills in magic unparalleled. If anyone could help me create a convincing witch bond, it was her.
• “Whoa! Why?” Kaden asked, totally surprised.
• When I explained everything to him, he gaped at me. “Darius,” he said. “You’ve never taken such an impulsive step. I mean, wolf, you’re thirty and haven't once shown deep interest in a woman. Why now?”
• “Because Liana is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
• Kaden must have conveyed Gamma Nero via mind link about Irina. Within minutes, Irina walked in, her dark robes trailing behind her. She raised an eyebrow as she looked at me, sensing the weight of my thoughts.
• “You need my help, Alpha?” she asked. Irina loved to walk through her various portals, and was ready to work for us, of course at heavy prices. And she was an ally.
• “Yes. I need you to perform a ritual to create a mating bond,” I said. “I want it strong enough that it feels real to others, but temporary so it can be broken when necessary.”
• Irina’s eyes gleamed with curiosity. “Interesting. I’ve heard whispers about the girl you brought in. Liana, isn’t it? Victor’s daughter?”
• “Correct,” I confirmed. “I want to make sure it looks authentic. Rowan’s mark is already on her, but I need mine in the right place.”
• Irina nodded. “It can be done, but it will require both of you to be willing participants. You must mark her during the ritual, and she must accept it.”
• “That won’t be a problem,” I said confidently.
• As Irina left, I asked Kaden to inform Liana about it.
• An hour later - The ritual
• Liana walked in, her eyes wary but determined. I could see the tension in her shoulders, the uncertainty in her steps. Yet, she stood tall, ready to face whatever I had planned.
• “We’re going to perform a ritual,” I explained. “It’s to fabricate a mating bond between us. It will make our bond appear real.”
• Her eyes widened slightly. “And this will make them believe we’re mated?”
• “Yes. It’s the only way to protect you from being taken back by your father or Rowan,” I said, watching her closely. “Are you willing?”
• She hesitated but then nodded. “I am.” Her eyes went to Irina and her heart raced. I was surprised how my wolf pushed me to hug her and calm her.
• Irina winked at us playfully. Then she stepped forward, setting up the candles and drawing a circle around us with special herbs on the floor. The air filled with the scent of sage and lavender as she began to chant. The room darkened, and I felt a surge of power as the magic began to work. Irina came to stand behind Liana. She brushed her fingers over Rowan’s mark on her, and the mark faded. I knew it was an illusion. That worked to my advantage.
• I took Liana’s hand in mine. Her skin was cold, and I could feel the rapid beat of her pulse. I leaned in, close to her ear, and whispered, “This will hurt, but it’s necessary.”
• She gave a short, stiff nod. “I’m ready."
• Irina stepped back. “Mark her. Now!”
• With one swift motion, I sank my fangs into her neck, marking her as mine. At the right place. She gasped in pain but didn’t pull away. I felt a rush of energy as our bond formed, the magic sealing it. For a moment, it almost felt real — like she truly belonged to me. She clutched my shirt, stifling her scream, as I wrapped my arms around her to keep her steady. To my utter surprise, my cock became painfully hard. I didn’t want to pull out my fangs. And I wanted to sink my cock inside her.
• Reluctantly, I removed my fangs from her and stepped back, looking at Liana in amazement. She was breathing heavily, her hand still on my chest.
• “Mark me now,” I whispered, inclining my neck for her.
• She rose on her toes and marked me without hesitation. I had to clench my jaw and steel myself to not take her down then and there. Irina’s magic was really strong.
• Irina finished her chanting, and the air around us seemed to settle. The candles flickered out, leaving the room in silence. “It is done,” Irina said, her voice soft. “To everyone else, you are now bonded. The mark will hold until you choose to break it. But you must break it within a month, else things will become difficult.”
• “Thank you,” Liana whispered, her voice shaky.
• I nodded, feeling a strange mix of satisfaction and something I couldn’t quite name. “You’re safe now, as long as you stay by my side.”
• After thanking Irina, I left the room, holding her hand heading back into the main hall. “Do you want to rest?” I asked her.
• “Yes,” she breathed, an awkwardness coating both of us. I didn’t want to leave her, but I reminded myself that it was the effect of the bond.
• As we walked, I noticed someone waiting by the doorway — Elara Jenkins, Gamma Nero’s sister. Elara had always been around, making her interest in me very clear, projecting herself as my girlfriend. Honestly, I never objected to her claim. She was a beautiful brunette with dark eyes and a curvy figure. I might have taken her once or twice.
• Now, seeing Liana by my side, she looked ready to pounce.
• I gave her a tight nod and went into the room, feeling heavy, leaving Liana to go back and rest.
• Liana POV
• She was glaring at me with a look I’d seen before: pure jealousy. “You must be Liana,” she scoffed as Darius left us.
• “Hi!” I said. “And you are?”
• “I am Elara, Alpha Darius’s future Luna.”