Mate

Trenton's POV 

The moment I felt the snap, I wanted to tear something apart.

The bond, the unmistakable surge of heat that rolled through my chest, down my arms and into my very soul. It felt like wildfire under my skin, like chains wrapping around my bones and it had a name.

Isabella. 

Freaking Isabella Leigh.

Of all the women in the world, the Moon Goddess had the audacity to mate her to me?

After storming out of the living room, I headed straight for my room, slamming the door shut as the whole building shook in a protest. 

Biting my fingers, I began to pace back and forth like a caged wild beast waiting to be released. 

My wolf howled inside me, pacing about like me but for entirely different reasons.

My wolf wanted her. He wanted to claim her, to protect her, to bury his nose in her scent and never let her out of sight.

But me? I wanted her gone.

“Unbelievable,” I muttered, pushing my hand through my hair. 

I couldn’t even look at Darcy or Oliver without my blood boiling. That was why I left before I did something I would regret. 

Why weren’t they losing their minds just like me? Didn’t they realize how messed up this was?

Our mate wasn’t just any girl. 

She was Isabella Leigh, the same annoying know it all who humiliated me in college. She had beaten me in every academic competition, scored higher on every test, and even won the Alpha’s Future Leaders Award, the one that should have been mine.

She didn’t just outshine me, she dethroned me.

And now, fate decided to toss her back into my life as my mate?

Hell No.

I’m not going to sit back and watch this happen. — I growled, my veins pulsating as my eyes went all over the room, looking for what to destroy.

Storming towards my desk, I grabbed the nearest object which was a framed picture of me and my brothers from our graduation ceremony and without thinking, I hurled it against the wall. 

The glass shattered, sending shards of the glass across the floor.

Staring at the damage I had done, my chest rose and fell in rhythm. My anger was yet to be abated, I was still boiling with rage that was threatening to take away my sanity.

Why her? — The question repeated itself in my mind, over and over again.

Was this some kind of punishment? 

Was the Moon Goddess mocking me?

My door creaked open, and without turning, I knew who it was.

“You're going to regret breaking that,” Oliver said coolly, stepping into the room and closing the door behind him.

“I’ll just get another one,” I snapped back, swirling around to face him. “Unless you're here to whine about our mate bond too.”

Oliver didn’t answer right away. He moved toward the desk, brushing the shards of glass off the surface before leaning against it.

“You felt it,” He said finally. “The bond. All three of us did.”

“And what? You’re just going to accept it? Pretend it’s not a problem?” I yelled, glaring murderously at him. 

“I didn’t say it’s not a problem. I’m just saying… maybe it’s not a mistake.” He shrugged like it was nothing. 

I let out a bitter laugh, I was losing my mind but here was my brother acting all cool about it. 

“That girl is a walking disaster. I’ve known her longer than you think. She’s not innocent. She plays sweet, but she’s a manipulative overachiever who never knows when to stop.” I spelt out, my veins popping out of my neck in protest.

Oliver raised his eyebrow at me, a smile forming on his lips. 

“Don’t tell me you’re still all over some high school rivalry? Dude, let it go, we’re not kids anymore.”

My jaw clenched at his words. 

“It’s not just college,” I growled. “You don’t know her like I do. She’s trouble. She’s emotional, impulsive, and she already rejected one mate. She has no loyalty, no stability and in no time, she will reject the bond you are holding onto.”

“Or maybe… she was hurt. You didn’t see her face when we asked the reason for her action. She looked wrecked.”

“She should be wrecked. That’s what happens when you reject a bond. Actions have consequences you know.”

“Careful, Trent,” Oliver said, his voice colder now. “You’re acting like you’ve never made a mistake.”

I turned away, fists clenched at my sides. I didn’t want to feel sympathy. I didn’t want to care. I didn’t want to be mated to a girl who made me feel less down myself. 

But deep down that wasn’t the truth.

I cared about everything that pertains to her and that was what scared me the most.

My wolf clawed inside my chest restlessly. 

“Her mating ceremony to Alpha Cain was scheduled to be held in three days but she caught her mate cheating on her with her best friend." Oliver reeled and immediately, my palm formed into a fist.

The thought of seeing her in pain made me livid. I wanted to punch something. 

No, Alpha Cain. 

What kind of mate cheats on his girl with her best friend?

He was the kind of scum I hate with everything I had in me but still, that doesn't mean I was going to accept her. 

“I’m still going to reject her anyway.” I said, more quietly now.

“You keep saying that, but I don’t think you really believe it.”

I didn’t answer. 

The fact that Oliver could see through me no matter how much I tried to mask what I truly felt made me furious.

The door creaked open and this time around, it was Darcy who stepped in.

“She tried to leave.” He announced, his voice low  and solemn. 

“What?” I snapped, straightening up immediately.

“I caught her in the hallway, she was going to sneak out. Good thing she doesn't know the floor plan.” 

My heart slammed against my chest but I don't know why. 

“And?” I asked, crossing my hands on my chest to show my disinterest. 

“And I talked to her. I told her we should at least try to understand the bond before we make any rash decisions.” He murmured, pushing his hand into his hair before plopping on my bed.

“You’re all seriously considering this?” I yelled, my blood boiling furiously. 

“She’s our mate.” Darcy snapped. "I’m not saying we should marry her and have ten pups, Trent. I’m saying she deserves a damn conversation, she’s not the only one confused.”

“What did she say?” I asked against my will.

“She said she felt like the Moon Goddess was playing a cruel game, like she was cursed.”

My breath caught. 

Cursed; that word pierced something in my chest. I remembered what it felt like.

“She’s not the girl you think she is, Trent. Maybe it’s time you see past what happened in the past.”

“You two do whatever you want. But I’m not falling into this trap. The bond? It’s a mistake. It has to be.” I said with a clenched jaw. 

Without a word, Darcy left and he was followed by Oliver who has masked his expression with the lingering smile on his lips. 

Left to myself, I plopped on the spot Darcy was occupying, my head buried in my palms.

My wolf growled in protest. It was restless and angry.

For the first time in years, I felt completely lost.