V

~Kemarion~

It’s been five months since everything. Five months since I’ve come across my fated mate and realized how ill-suited she was to my position. Five months since I had her sent to the cells to keep her away from my life. 

I could say that I’m fine. I could say that I never think of her, but that would be a lie. I stand by my decision regardless of how I feel sometimes. I did what needed to be done. 

Destini and I finished school, along with Dean. He and I will be taking over soon. Destini will be coming to our territory so she can get to know the people and the area. She will be the Beta female after all. 

Unfortunately for me, her dad wouldn’t agree to letting her take over. Her older brother is showing promise, so he wants to give him the chance to develop and be a leader before he takes it away from him. I didn’t agree with that, but what could I say?

This is our last night at her place, the Ambermoon pack. We came to help her pack, and her parents decided to throw a graduation/going-away party for her. She is their only daughter, after all, so it makes sense. 

Her family invited some friends and those from nearby packs. The party is in full swing, and I have to admit that I’m enjoying myself. That’s been a hard thing to do since my mind still keeps going to her. 

Always at odd times, when I least expect it, she pops into my mind. I wonder how things are going for her. I know she’s still locked up, but I don’t know if she’s okay. I could check on her, but that would draw too much attention. 

She’s 18 now; her birthday was a month ago. I catch myself wondering what her wolf looks like. What color is she? How strong is she? I don’t let the thoughts linger because all it does is get Sid worked up. 

I don’t know why I keep thinking about her. I purposely locked her away so I wouldn’t have to be bothered with her. My father was too happy to act on my false evidence because he saw it as me taking power. He doesn’t really care about wolves under him; lower wolves are meant to serve and nothing else. We are of Beta blood, and that affords us a certain authority. 

Father is excited about Destini coming to the pack. She’s an Alpha’s daughter, after all. Her bloodline mixed with mine ensures that our pups will be strong. If her brother is found lacking, I’m automatically taking over as Alpha. That’s more than I could have ever dreamed of. I still don’t know how I got lucky enough to catch the eye of an Alpha female, but I’m here for it. 

Arms wrap around my neck, and her floral scent settles in my nose. It isn’t a mate bond, and it doesn’t fuel me like her scent does, but I’ll take it. I love Destini, and she will add a lot to our pack. “You look like you’re in deep thought.” I pull her body around me so she lands in my lap. 

“I’m just thinking about getting you home tomorrow.” Destini smiles and leans in to rub her nose along my cheek. 

“Home. I like the sound of that.”

“Are you nervous about coming home with me?” She leans back and looks at me. 

“Not at all. I’m excited to start our lives together.” I smile and lean in, ready to kiss her, but her body stiffens. She pulls back more and sniffs the air. “Do you smell that?” I push my senses, but come up empty. “It smells like… like a fire pit.” I look around the room, expecting a small fire or something. There’s nothing there, and I’m confused. I turn back to Destini, but my heart drops. 

Destini is looking over my shoulder, and she looks mesmerized. I slowly look behind me and find a body standing in the doorway. His eyes are on Destini, and Sid growls. “Destini?” I look back at her, but she doesn’t answer. She slowly stands from my lap, her body facing the door. “Destini?” Her hand is still in mine, but it’s slack. 

“That smell…” Destini takes a few steps forward, letting my hand drop from hers. “Mate.” My heart shatters at that one word. I scoot the chair back, ready to grab her and hold her to me. I can’t move no matter how much I want to. 

It’s like looking at a train wreck or a bad car accident. I watch Destini practically glide over to the boy standing in the doorway. He still hasn’t moved, but his look has turned lustful. The music has practically stopped, and all eyes are on the same scene that’s ripping my heart out. 

When Destini gets close enough to him, he reaches out and runs a hand down her face. Sid growls again and starts to pace in my mind. “Mate.” His voice is clear and claiming. He wraps his arms around her and holds her close. They step out of the ballroom together; Destini doesn’t even look back. 

I’m immediately embarrassed and feeling shame. How could she do that? How could she claim another right in front of me? I don’t even think he holds any rank or anything. There was nothing coming from him, no strength, no importance. A hand touches my shoulder, making me jump. “I’m sure she’s letting him down right now.” I turn my head to look at Dean. There’s pity in his eyes, and that pisses me off. I don’t need his pity or anyone else’s, for that matter. I push his hand off my shoulder and stand abruptly, causing the chair to scuff along the floor. I hurry to the opposite doors and find myself on a balcony with wind swirling around me. I take long, deep breaths, trying to figure out exactly what the hell is happening.