Chapter 11: feeling the mate bond and rejecting it.

Sofia pov:

I opened my eyes slowly, the sun spilling through the parted curtains, its light painting the room in gold. My body felt oddly refreshed, and a strange, new energy thrummed beneath my skin. I reached out, checking on my wolf to make sure it was all real, not just a dream.

A gentle laugh echoed in my mind. Relax, Sofia. I’m still here, I’m not going anywhere. I’m your wolf, and I’m part of you forever.

“Thanks, Albaz,” I whispered, a smile tugging at my lips. “It’s nice not being alone.”

I shifted, feeling the plush mattress beneath me softer than my own bed. My heart thumped with surprise as I sat up, eyes scanning the space. The room was luxurious, high‑ceilinged, and unmistakably, Damian’s. I recognized the sleek furniture, the dark wood, the faint scent of his cologne lingering in the air. I’d cleaned this room countless times; I knew every corner.

Why am I in his room? I panicked, my mind racing. Clam down, Albaz’s voice soothed, he brought us here.

Before I could gather my thoughts, the door clicked open and Damian stepped in, fresh from the training grounds. He was shirtless, his skin glistening with sweat, muscles defined, abs sharp—every inch of him radiating raw, masculine power. He looked hotter than I’d ever before, and I couldn’t help but stare, my cheeks heating.

He caught my gaze, a smirk playing on his lips. “Had enough view? Want to feed your eyes more?” he teased, his voice low and teasing.

I blushed, looking down, then forced myself to meet his eyes. “Why am I in your room? What’s going on?” I asked, voice barely steady.

His expression hardened, a frown creasing his brow. He tossed a small, dark object onto the nightstand with a silent curse, then turned his gaze toward me, eyes flickering as if he were communicating with someone—perhaps his wolf, Storm.

I reached out to Albaz, “What’s happening?”

_Stay calm, she replied. _I’m about to lower the block. You’ll feel the connection but remember what the Moon Goddess said give it a chance.

She lifted the mental barrier, and a wave of sensation crashed over me. The scent of freshly rained wind mingled with chocolate, mint, and strawberry, overwhelming and intoxicating. My senses swam, and for a brief, dizzying moment, I felt so drawn to him.

The sense of overwhelming confusion hit me hard. Damian’s lips curled into a knowing smile as he whispered, “It’s about time.” He reached out, his fingers brushing my palm, and then again, a spark of electricity crackling between us. My eyes widened, and I gasped, Albaz…his our mate?” The word slipped out, shocked and raw. Panic surged through me. “No, no, no, this can’t be true. There’s no way I’m mated to him,” I stammered, heart hammering.

Albaz’s voice echoed in my mind, calm and steady, “Calm down, Sofia.” But I couldn’t. “You don’t get it—he’s going to reject us. He’s Vanessa’s boyfriend, that’s why he’s been nice to us since last night. He’s looking for a gentle way to lay off the rejection. Luna Elena must have told him to, begged him not to reject me cruelly. That’s why he’s been so kind.”

When Damian tried to touch me again, I recoiled, pulling away. “Calm down, Sofia, you’re panicking,” he said, but the words felt hollow. “No, there’s no way you’re my mate,” I said, voice trembling.

He swallowed, eyes flickering with concern and whispered, “Yes, Sofia, we are mates. I found out after I came back to the park, then I went to school to look for you. We are mates.” His words were tangled, uncertain.

I stared at him, defiant. “Fine, you can reject me already. You don’t have to keep playing nice just to reject me.” His eyes widened in shock. “Reject? Who’s rejecting? No one is rejecting anyone, Sofia. You’re my mate, and I’ve accepted you.”

“Hell no, there’s no way I’m ever going to be mated to you. If you don’t reject me now, I’ll do it myself,” I spat, standing up, ready to leave. He grabbed me, dragging me back, pushing me against the wall, locking the door behind us. “You’re not going anywhere. Let’s talk this out,” he said, voice low and urgent.

The tension crackled between us, a wave of attraction, fear, and fierce resistance. My heart pounded, torn between the strong pull I feel for him and the terror of surrendering to it.

I shoved him hard on his chest, breathless, “Hell no, Over my dead body, Damian. I'd rather mate a rogue wolf than stay mated to a man who stood by and did nothing while the pack, and you’re precious Vanessa, break and abuse me. If you're too gutless to reject me, I'll do it for you. I, Sofia Volko……."Damian smashed his lips against mine, silencing my rejection. His kiss was fierce, leaving me breathless. As he pulled back,his voice was low and husky,'Your body reacts to my touch already, baby it’s knows who it belongs to, Sofia. You're mine.