***How can you forgive someone when they can’t give a reason why?” – PureDragonWolf*
***Odessa***
“You can’t be serious in allowing that…*thing* to stay here after what it did to you!”
“Kiya is not a thing, Odessa. **She** is a warrior and my mate, and you will treat her with respect.”
I scoffed, following with an eye roll. Neron couldn’t be serious, thinking such a lowly wolf was worthy of any title other than ‘slave’. The commotion today drew in the pack as onlookers, some careless to gamble on who’d win. The reigns to my self-control nearly snapped when I watched that cur slam her fists repeatedly into Neron’s face, blood splattering everywhere. What was worse was Neron didn’t defend himself. He laid there, refusing to strike the rabid bitch.
It was so disgusting that I almost vomited. To see my love laying as he took the hits caused a riot of fury in me, wanting to rip Halima apart. Neron demanding me to treat someone beneath me with respect was an insult to my power.
“Like hell, I will!” I snapped, slamming my hands on his desk. “I’m your true mate, not some ghost of the past! You can’t seriously choose her over me!” My nose flared with my every sharp inhale, claws itching to the surface. What happened to us? Why couldn’t Neron see that he and I were meant to be together? We were the perfect power couple, two perfect pieces of the same puzzle. We promised each other to forgo our mates to stay together because we loved each other so deeply that even the gods in heaven couldn’t reach us. How can that love be forgotten? Why had he now chosen her over me?
However, Ariel howls for Darien and Sirius. Her lust and love ache for him, desperate for his gentle touch. It was fucking annoying! She wanted the wolf, but I didn’t want the man. I’ve been in love with Neron ever since I could remember. He treats me like a queen, always putting my needs above his. He was the apple of my eye, my red string of fate.
I’ll be damned if anyone takes him away from me.
Neron stared, his eyes rigid in a chill. Handsome, yet terrifying. Until now, he has always looked at me with love. With desire. With honesty. Now that’s all gone!
“You have a mate, Odessa. A mate that will love you more than I can. Go to him.”
“I rejected him.”
His eyes went hard, anger boiling like a tea kettle. “You did what?”
“I rejected him.” I repeated. “I told you I don’t want him. I love you and only you. Besides, we promised each other we’ll reject our mates. I did my part!”
“I was a fool back then. Blinded by my selfishness and grief.” He stood and walked to the window, eyes longing. “I still care for you, Odessa.”
“Then why are you throwing me away?”
“I’m not throwing you away.” He looked at me again, his voice somber. “I’m letting you go. Take back your rejection and live happily with your true mate.”
“No!” I yelled, anger bubbling out. “I’m not giving you up, Neron! That bitch will never love you as much as I do.”
My hand went to my cheek, rubbing the faint throbbing pain that cur left on me. “Can’t you see it? You’re pining for a woman that wants nothing to do with you. Why try for her when you already have one who already loves you? I have more than what she could ever give you, and yet, you want her.”
He went silent, his eyes back at the window. I knew he was looking at her as she trained the pups. Anyone with brain cells could see how he was smitten with her. The love in his eyes is for her. He pursuits, although she never gives him the time of day. Why try? Why choose the hard way when he could have the easy way?
Neron and I have history and we knew each other well. She was just a slave who gained some meat on her bones. She is nothing special and will never amount to be a Luna.
I love Neron. So much. He was my first everything, first kiss, first date, and the only person I’ve slept with. I bore my fears and my vulnerability to him, and my heart beats only for him. He was the holder of my heart and I couldn’t imagine my life without him.
Why settle for a Delta when I have a powerful Alpha who could command anyone to their knees?
When Neron rejected that dumb dog for me, I was so happy. The entire pack knew that their Alpha defied the mate bond and *willingly* made the choice to mate with me. He proved to me that the love between us was true. The mate bond meant nothing since we loved each other so profoundly. He hurt for me, killed for me, and protected me.
And now Halima had returned, going by a different name, and suddenly, I was a shadow. I couldn’t find it in myself to be angry at Neron, my heart won’t let me. I concentrate all my rage on that…*thing*! She waltzes in here with half of the unmated men groveling for her attention. Her presence alone enchanted Neron.
*My* Neron!
I don’t care if she is Raina’s little sister. Halima will pay for enthralling my Alpha. Mate bond be damned!
She was a sorceress, her evil spells hypnotizing men to look at her! Deep down, I knew she wanted him. But she doesn’t deserve love!
“You will get hurt, Neron.” Backing towards the door, my eyes remained locked on his beautiful face. “You only love her because of the bond. You don’t love Halima, truly. How could you when you know nothing about her? You chose me—no one will ever forget that. But I’m not giving up on you. You are my only one, the first and the last.”
After no response, I walked out of his office. The desire to get rid of someone had never been so powerful. It rolled through my body, delightful tingles tickling my nerves. It made me feel happy and powerful. Getting rid of her requires some planning, but a minor sacrifice would be worth it.
***The love from our mate will make you realize your mistake**” Ariel growled. She hasn’t been happy since the rejection. ***Are you willing to go down this road to get a man who never belonged to you**?”
“*Neron belongs to me, always and forever*. *And if you won’t help me make that dream come true, stop bitching and screw off*!”
***You’re going down a dark path, Odessa**. **The darkness will swallow you whole and you will be the one hurt in the end**.”
I slammed down a mind-block, silencing my mind. I was sick of Ariel’s insipid protests. I don’t care if I was heading down a dark path—it all would be worth it once I get what I want. I was still Zircon Moon’s Luna. Halima and Neron may be mates, but their bond is weak.
And I will use that to my advantage.
Beware, Halima. Because I will destroy you.
*No one takes what’s mine*.
***Kiya – Two Days Later***
“*I don’t understand how humans could make so many cute baby clothes*!” Lyria exclaimed, holding up her new findings to the camera for me to see. “*I’ve been convincing Dimitri to buy everything on the market, but he complains that the baby has enough!”
“Well, you’ve shown me the baby’s closet…I have to side with Dimitri on this one.”
“*You’re my sister*! *You’re supposed to be on my side, Kiya*!”
“Lyria! I think Alexi has enough clothes, diapers, and supplies to last until when he has kids!”
“*No, it’s never enough!*”