7. Bound twice

Nalini

My feet froze where I stood. I couldn’t tell if it was fear, shock, or the weight of his aura — heavy, dangerous, and suffocating. His dark, stormy gaze pinned me in place, like a predator toying with prey. The air between us felt electric, cold, and charged with something I couldn’t name.

Just as I made to leave, he lifted a single finger and beckoned me forward.

I didn’t want to go. Every nerve in my body screamed run, but my feet betrayed me, carrying me closer like a puppet on a string.

“Closer,” he gritted out, his voice a low growl of command.

I swallowed hard, my pulse thudding in my ears. My body obeyed before my mind could resist.

“Closer!” His voice cracked like a whip, and I flinched, stepping until there were barely inches between us.

I forced myself to meet his eyes. They were like a storm — cold, violent, endless.

“I… I’m sorry,” I began, my voice trembling despite my best efforts. “I entered the boys’ bathroom by mistake. I’m new. I didn’t know—”

I trailed off as his gaze hardened further, slicing into me.

“I’m sure you feel so important right now,” he said, his low, thick voice vibrating through my bones. “Timothy swooping in to your rescue the other day — that must have made you feel special. Important. Desired.”

His words dripped contempt, and I felt my throat tighten.

“What—what are you talking about?” I whispered.

“You’re not allowed to feel important,” he snarled, stepping closer. His breath brushed my skin like frost. “Because you are not. You are an abandoned, worthless omega, here only because of some stupid inter-pack treaty. That’s the only reason you’re breathing the same air as us.”

The words sliced through me like claws. I could feel the tears burning behind my eyes, but I bit the inside of my cheek hard enough to taste blood. I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of seeing me break. Not him.

I’d been told my whole life that I was nothing. Born low, treated like dirt, punished for simply existing. I should’ve been used to it by now. But somehow, coming from him, it felt worse — heavier.

“Look at me, little mutt,” he hissed.

I fought the pull, but my eyes rose to meet his anyway. He would see the hurt and hatred swirling there; I wanted him to see it.

But he didn’t care. His face remained carved from ice. He leaned in, so close our breaths mingled, his scent drowning me.

My heart hammered against my ribs like it wanted out. I knew he wouldn’t kiss me — there was no warmth in his eyes — but I couldn’t tell what he might do.

Then, slowly, deliberately, he spoke the words that shattered something inside me:

“You disgust me.”

My lip trembled. I held his gaze even as my world tilted. Why? Why did being born an omega mean I had to suffer like this? Why couldn’t I ever be enough?

I was so tired. Tired of the cruelty. Tired of the constant blows — physical, emotional. Tired of being everyone’s target.

“Get out,” he said coldly. There was no softness, no flicker of regret. Just ice.

I bolted before the sobs could break free. I stumbled into the ladies’ bathroom and collapsed onto the floor, clutching my knees as silent cries tore through me.

“Moon goddess,” I whispered into the darkness of the stall, “either send me my mate — someone who’ll protect me — or take me away from all of this. Please.”

By the time Maxine found me, my eyes were swollen, my face pale.

“I’ve been searching for you since I got to school,” she said softly.

She didn’t ask questions. She just pulled me into her arms, and I let the sobs come. Her warmth was the only anchor I had left. I was grateful for her — the only person who hadn’t abandoned me.

I clung to her like a lifeline until sunset.

***************

Evening fell and the field glowed under silver moonlight. We all gathered in the large feild as we stared at the two moons moving towards eachother.

Drinks were served and some got drunk on them, some chattered away in groups, but my hands trembled in Maxine’s.

“It’s taking forever,” she whispered, her voice tight with nerves.

I smiled softly, stroking her fingers. “Patience. The moon never fails us.”

I gazed at Timothy from a distance. He chatted with his friends, laughing into the night.

My heart ached as I memorized every detail of his smile, afraid this night would change everything.

"It's about to happen!" Dahlia howled and my gaze shifted to the moons.

Then silence fell. The two moons touched, glowing brighter and brighter until a blinding light consumed us. I gasped as something deep inside me shifted—an invisible tether wrapping around my soul.

My gaze snapped to Myron. His stormy eyes locked with mine, and I felt the pull—strong, unyielding. Dahlia’s voice trembled in awe. “He’s ours.”

But then… my head turned again, as if guided by fate. Timothy. His golden eyes widened as they met mine, filled with the same undeniable recognition. My breath caught.

Two tethers. Two mates.

“Moon goddess… why me?” I whispered, tears stinging my eyes.