CHAPTER 1

TRISTEN

Leave and dont come back

Ever! You hear me?

Dont ever come back here again Tristen!

5 YEARS LATER...

Those were the last words she said to me before our lives went adrift. The hurt was written all over her face. She was broken. I broke her, if i'm being honest both of us will be broken forever.

We will feel it until the day we die. Breaking a mate bond, It shouldnt never happen to anyone. The pain in that moment shook me to my core, still lingers under my skin. A void in my soul that cant be replaced or filled. I feel it everyday and it doesnt get easier.

When I close my eyes, I can still see her eyes full of tears and disappointment. I've resigned myself to the fact, this is how it will be. Me hating myself for what I've dont to her, What I have done to us. 

I'm expected to accept a bond with a chosen mate, one of which I have no inclination to deal with. I cannot look at the woman without feeling excruiciating pain in my chest of the one I really want. My proposed intended, jokes on me. 

How can my father expect another woman to fill the shoes of my true mate, when the strings of my heart and soul is tethered to another. My dreams are consumed by her and what our lives could have been.

She was now promised to another, and so am I. Both of our fathers prominent Alphas and they despise each other. Days before our birthday she was adament about us being mates, that we should run away together, throw caution to the wind, leave all of it behind us. We both were constantly pressured by the burden of being Next in line to our respective packs. Jaela was ready to give it all up for me, and i was weak. 

I rejected her, to appease dear old dad. His opionion meaning less and less to me as the years have passed. Werewolves are all raised to respect the sanctity of the mate bond, to honor Selene for bestowing the gift of true love to animals like us. My parents were mated for years. I grew up watching the love they have shared with one another.

What changed? Why am I the exception?

Sighing, slamming my fists onto my desk. Documents and other supplies spilled into a heap on the floor.

Two months until my mating ceremony, I'll be expected to mark Bree as my Luna and chosen mate. Only problem, Jaela. She never accepted, I'd have to look her in the eyes yet again hoping she will accept it. A part of me hopes she doesnt, the other knows she has to.

My wolf will never recognize Bree as my mate if we dont sever the bond completely.

Seeing Jaela could cause so many things to go wrong. Will I have the strength to not pull her into my arms, kiss her, make her mine? Just one look at her now may crumble my very foundation. 

"Bro what are you doing in here? and why does it look like a windstorm came through?" Skylar my Beta and bestfriend asked. I was so lost in my own head I never heard him come in. 

He looked around the room, his brows raised in questions. 

Grimacing, I shrugged. 

"T, I know when you're in your own head, you hide out in your office and sulk. Not to mention it looks like you had a fight with yourself in here. So tell me whats going on with you?" He narrowed his eyes at me, crossing his arms across his chest. Skylar knew me better than anyone, and its anoying to say the least. 

"Just leave me be Sky" I warned him with my eyes. 

He Smirked as if he already knew what was going on in my brain. He unfolded his arms and rested both his hands on top my desk. His unwavering gaze making me uncomfortable. He didnt speak, or move just stared. 

"NO!" I yelled. 

"For the love of Selene, No! The wheels are turning in your head, the answer is no!"

"You've been Alpha for two years T, if you want Jaela go get her. Stop listening to those old dogs, you can do whatever you want. Did you think I didnt see the longing in your eyes? your nothing but a shell of the person you use to be. Tristen you walked around for years like your hollow!

Hiding the pain, I'm your brother, your bestfriend. I know you" Pity blazed in his eyes. 

I could always count on Sky to give it to me straight, I'd be lying if I said everything was ok. If I'm being honest I just learned to hide it better. I'm not okay, faking it was the only thing that worked for me. 

I didnt need his pity though, we both know I'm responsible for all my pain. 

Rubbing my palms against my face, releasing the breath I've been holding. 

"T, go get Jaela, get rid of Bree" seriousness written all over his face. He pushed away from the desk, walked to the door opening it before leaving. Sparing me one last glance, then closing the door behind him.

Though he made it make sense, I cant renege now. I've given my word to the council and my father regardless of my position now. What kind of man would I be if i declined now? Chuckling to my self, man? well were-man.

'Were stupid if you'd ask me' my wolf sighed in a bored voice. 

'Shut up Adriel! You know, you need to get with the plan and accept what's happening'

'I dont need to do anything, you made this decision for your father, and left me out of the conversation. If I was you I'd fix this mess now or else" He growled 

'Or else what?' I asked in curiousity.

'Or else you'll see, think about it there has to be a reason they dont want us to be with our mate, pull your head out of your bum before its too late' Curling up in the back of my mind, he turn his back to me with a huff. 

Sighing, I faced the bay windows of my office, looking out at the pack warriors training in the yard. Some in human form others as thier wolves sparring. We have the second largest pack in the state, also one of the strongest. Shadow Moon has been around for years, passed down from my great grandfathers to me. 

There was alot I changed when I took over as Alpha. One of which I made it so every pack member was trained. Each member needed atleast the fundamentals to protect themselves and our pack. 

When my father ruled, he was old fashioned ruled by the elder council. Woman would take care of the homes and when the children turned twelve they would experience their first shifts. The boys would start Training and the girls would be sent to learn the sanctity of mating. 

I couldnt stand for it. 

Demolishing that outdated rule, I angered the council and my father. I didnt care though. Woman will learn to be strong, learn to protect themselves a well as their loved ones. 

The possibilites for being a warrior should be available to both male and female. With those changes the pack has made a significant turn around. Pack members are happy doing their jobs and loving every minute of it. Not only the males but the woman have set new goals for themselves. 

The vote of the people are in my corner, and with it makes me a stronger Alpha.