Back in Time for Goodbye

The time machine really did take me back to the past, but unfortunately, not to before I met Raven Fuentes. Instead, I found myself three days before our marking ceremony, when I was trying on wedding dresses at the bridal shop.

When I opened my eyes, I saw Raven standing right before me, alive and breathing. I stared at him wide-eyed, feeling incredibly relieved that he wasn't dead yet. I thought there was still a chance to change things since he was still alive, and I didn't mind the tension between us at all.

Raven stood across from me with his hands casually shoved into his pockets, his eyes laced with undisguised contempt. He said, "My parents are using their deaths to pressure me into marrying you, Allie Bradshaw. Is that what you wanted? Even if we go through with the marking ceremony, so what? You'll get nothing out of it, and we won't be happy."

I felt a sting at the back of my nose as I faced this ten-year-younger Raven. He hated me and didn't want to be bound to me as mates. Nonetheless, none of that mattered—at least he was still alive, and that was enough.

I stared at him, unable to hide my longing, and asked sincerely, "Raven, if the one standing across from you for the marking ceremony was Lyra Ross, would you be happy?"

Raven's body trembled slightly, and his gaze turned cold. "What are you trying to say? You know we're having our marking ceremony in three days."

I hurriedly explained, "It doesn't matter, as long as in three days—"

"Enough, Allie!" Raven cut me off harshly. "Stop talking about things that don't matter. If you're here to try on dresses, then hurry up and do it. I'll wait outside."

I watched him walk away, and it felt like a dozen silver needles had stabbed through my heart. I loved Raven, both in my past life and now.

He risked his life twice to save me, and I believed it meant he had feelings for me. Even his parents thought so too.

They'd say, "Would he risk his life to save you if he didn't love you? The Moon Goddess didn't choose a true mate for him, yet he nearly died twice to save you. He only cares this much about you!"

So, I believed our love was mutual, and I was genuinely thrilled about forming a mate bond with him. However, that confidence was shattered the moment Lyra's tragedy happened. Only then did I realize that she was the one Raven truly cared about.

And when he died in our last life, the last words he said drove me into complete despair. To him, our bond had always been a curse.

Before I activated the time machine, the Alpha of the Silvermoon pack told me that to completely sever my fate with Raven, I had to help Raven resolve his three greatest regrets. If I could change the course of destiny, I'd be free to start a new life, and Raven wouldn't have to die at 28 trying to save me. Then, we'd both get to live on—just not in each other's futures.

I returned my wedding gown to the boutique assistant and scribbled down Lyra's measurements. "Please alter this dress to these sizes. I need it ready in two days."

I remembered Raven's regrets clearly. During the last full moon ritual, I heard him whisper to the Moon Goddess, thinking no one was listening. He said he had three greatest regrets—bonding with me, obeying his parents, but most of all, failing to save Lyra.

At the marking ceremony three days later, I would give my place to Lyra. This would resolve his first regret, and I was sure he would be overjoyed.

I walked out of the bridal shop where Raven was waiting at the entrance. When he saw my empty hands, he frowned and asked, "Where's the dress?"

I smiled softly at him. "It still needs a few adjustments. I promise—you'll be blown away in three days."

He stared at me, brows furrowed tightly. "Are you really that excited to go through with this ceremony with me?"

Of course I was, because I finally got to see him alive again. I smiled and replied, "You're the strongest wolf in the pack. Anyone would feel lucky to be bonded to you."

Raven's face flushed red, and he looked away. If I didn't know how much he disliked me, I'd almost believe he was blushing because of what I said.