Betrayed Bonds

I am Kiana Hunter, Luna of the Storm Pack. Everyone thinks I am the luckiest woman in the world because I am mated to the future Alpha, Dion Hunter. My position carries dignity, privilege, and respect that anyone would envy. However, it also includes secrets, sacrifices, and an impending deadline that would change everything in my life.

The Storm Pack had been thriving for generations, guided by strong alphas and wise Lunas. The Alphas made sure to always mate with their fated mates. There are legends about how the previous alphas searched the entire world to find their destined mates, ensuring a strong bloodline and unity within the pack. That was the tradition—an unbroken bond between two souls, unifying them as partners and guardians of the pack.

I was abandoned as a newborn and discovered on the outskirts of the forest by Storm Pack members. They had adopted me as one of their own and raised me as if I had been born among them. 

I had no recollection of the family who had abandoned me in the woods, and the pack was all I had ever known. My days were filled with frolicking, hunting lessons, and running through the forest. I never expected to be Dion's fated mate until that fateful day when our eyes met on my 18th birthday. Dion's wolf lost control as he claimed me as his. But there was a twist in our story that no one knew about.

Dion offered me a deal–three years, he said. "Our marriage's only for three years," were his words.

At first, the weight of that promise felt like a crushing burden, a heavy stone that threatened to shatter my fragile heart into a million pieces. But even though that idea hurt me so much at first, I had the courage to accept his offer. It was not because I accepted this as my fate in life, but because I held onto the bit of hope that maybe, just maybe, Dion would grow to love me as much as I loved him.

I knew deep down that the odds were against me and that this deal was a gamble with my emotions. However, I couldn't ignore the flicker of possibility that whispered to me, urging me to take a leap of faith. I would try my best to be his perfect mate. I believed that if I could show Dion my unwavering devotion and loyalty, he might eventually see the depth of my love for him. I will take the risk, even if it meant potentially getting hurt. 

 I threw myself into my newfound obligations head-on. I gave my everything to the prosperity and well-being of our pack, working nonstop. I committed myself wholeheartedly to managing the intricacies of the pack. Days became weeks, and weeks became months, and before long, I was not only supervising but also expertly handling every aspect of our pack's internal operations.

Dion was now free to focus on the pack's business endeavours. While he thrived in his professional life, I became his unwavering support for the next three years.

Our relationship turned into a delicate balance of support and autonomy. I threw fancy parties and events for Dion and was always dressed to impress with my ease and style. I went to business events with him and was his "perfectly poised mate." Working together to keep up the appearance of a perfect relationship. Yet I yearned for the moments when Dion's gaze held love, instead of his icy stare. 

"Madam Luna, you must get ready soon," Gilly's voice gently disrupted the reverie that had taken hold of me. "Alpha Dion will be here shortly."

Free waves of silvery blonde hair framed my features. Gilly was working on my hair. She was trying her best to tame the smooth curls into a hairdo.

 I chose my dress for the evening's event with great care, fully aware of how important it was. Dion, my mate, would join me for dinner for the first time tonight. This wasn't just any dinner; it was the moment I had been waiting for—the time to reveal my deepest emotions to the man I had been connected to for three long years.

I got up and went to my closet. The dress I picked was made of deep purple silk, and it fell to the floor in beautiful waves. It was strapless and had delicate lace on the bodice, which made the entire outfit look even more elegant. 

I put on a pearl choker necklace, and its shine matched the sparkle in my eyes. Gilly helped me hold it down; her hands were steady and quick. This was the first time I had ever worn something so dressy. 

"You look beautiful, madam," Gilly said.

"Thank you, Gilly," I replied with a smile, feeling a surge of confidence. 

I slipped on my delicate silver heels and walked towards the lobby. When I saw him, I had just walked into the Grand Hall. Dion was talking with Gary, his beta. My heart skipped a beat, and I could feel my wolf's restlessness inside me. There was an undeniable link between me and Dion that made it hard for me to stay away, no matter how hard I tried to be calm. My eyes trailed over his tall, lean frame, dressed in a charcoal suit. The dim light emphasised the rugged strength of his form and the flex of muscle under his shirt.

My wolf wasn't as calm. It moved around and paced inside me in response to Dion's closeness. It made me think of the strong bond we had as mates, a bond that made my feelings and instincts stir. That was impossible when the link was that strong. I wished I could bottle up my troubled emotions and hide them away.

"Hello, Kiana," Dion greeted me with a stony face, his voice a deep, resonant melody.

I smiled, feeling the unspoken understanding between us. "Dion, it's wonderful to have you here."

His 6"5 frame towered over me as he offered me his hand. I took his hand, feeling the warmth and strength in his grip.