Chapter 1: His childhood friend

Cheska’s POV

How far can you really go for love?

If you asked me back then, I would’ve said, pretty far. Far enough to argue with my parents and far enough to disappoint people who mattered to me. A mate only happens once, and I truly believed that if I didn’t protect my happiness, no one else would. Even if it meant leaving others behind.

My grandmother used to say mates were fate made like humans and in flesh. One soul stitched into yours before you even understand what that means. 

Growing up, I believed that. Most shifters do. We’re raised thinking the bond is the greatest gift we’ll ever receive. Something will warm us and someone will keep us safe. Someone who will love us no matter how imperfect we are.

What no one tells you is that the bond doesn’t come with instructions. It doesn’t ease you in gently. It doesn’t ask if you’re ready. It takes over. One day you feel unstoppable, like every missing part of you finally fits. And the next day, that same bond can turn on you and tear everything apart. Slowly, quietly, until you’re left wondering how something that felt so right can hurt this much.

That’s the risk no one talks about.

A mate isn’t just love. They’re also the one person who can break you completely.

And once the bond exists, there’s no stepping away from it. Mate is also accompanied by rejection. It was not unusual but it's there, just dormant. Two mates agreed and loved each other, and formed a bond. One-sided love is equal to rejection but this is rare to almost nonexistence.

So when I learned that I was mated to a wolf, Vladimir Arkansas entered my life, he became my sun before I even realized it was happening. He didn’t have to ask for control. I gave it willingly. I trusted him with every part of me. Vladimir isn’t just for romance. He's my comfort, my best friend and the person who feels like the missing piece of me didn’t even know was gone.

I didn’t choose it. My heart did. My leopard did. The moment it recognized him, everything else faded into the background. That was what a mate was to me then, certainty, no doubts or even hesitation.

Vladimir became the place where I felt calm. Where I didn’t feel like I had to explain myself or guard my thoughts. He understood me without effort, and being with him made the world feel quieter, safer and breathing felt easier.

With Vladimir, I stopped holding back. I let him see my fears, my weaknesses, the things that could hurt me the most. And I trusted him not to use them against me. I never once stopped to question that trust.

“Cheska,” my father asked me once, not long after Vladimir found me, “wolves are proud. They don’t easily accept someone from another race. Are you sure you’re ready for that life?”

“Yes, Dad,” I said. “I am.”

I saw the worry in his eyes. I understand that. Because when a female leopard chose to leave her Den willingly she lost the chance to return back even when she wanted to. That’s the law for us, Leopard. But I chose to ignore his warning anyway.

That night, my phone buzzed.

“Everything’s already started. Where are you?” my best friend texted.

“I’m on my way,” I replied. “I’m just waiting for Vladimir. He’s still out patrolling.”

I watch the three dots appear and then disappear like she was hesitating. Then finally another message appeared.

“Are you sure? Because I can clearly see Alpha Vladimir on the dance floor. With Erica.”

I stared at my screen.

“That’s not possible,” I typed back. “He said we’re leaving together.”

A second later, my phone vibrated again.

This time, it was a video. I opened it.

Vladimir and Erica were dancing. They were close and relaxed like nothing else existed. Vladimir held Erica like she was vulnerable, like if he didn't hold her enough, she would disappear. 

My chest tightened. I told myself it was just small jealousy. Vladimir had always said Erica was like a sister and that he chose me because I was his mate.

I wanted to believe him. But something about seeing them like that without context and explanation left a crack in my trust.

Erica wasn’t just anyone. She was next in line to lead the largest pack in Central America. Her family funded half the alliances that kept the packs running. Vladimir worked with her family. His parents had always made their preference clear, even if they never forced the issue.

And now she was back. After four years in Europe.

I shook my head. I didn’t have time to spiral. This was Vladimir’s birthday. A big one. And as his mate and Luna I couldn’t afford to be late. I checked my dress again. And again. Everything had to be perfect.

I tried calling Seb, his beta, for a ride. No answer. Lately, even he’d been distant. I noticed it. Pretended not to. In the end, I grabbed my keys and drove myself.

When I arrived, I took a deep breath. I didn’t want my insecurity to ruin the night. Cool air brushed my skin as I stepped out of the car, music already filling the space around the venue. I felt a small spark of pride. I’d never organized something this big before. Cars lined the entrance. More than I expected.

I handed my keys to the valet and walked toward the glowing building, searching for Vladimir as I went. I greeted familiar faces, climbed the steps carefully, and stepped inside.

The music hit me first then the laughter and the glass clinking. The party was alive even if I wasn’t there yet.

I suddenly felt heavy stares like I entered a room but I ignored them and I kept smiling, greeting people I knew, even though the attention made my skin prickle. I was the only cat shifter in a room full of wolves but it didn’t bother me until now. 

My parents still hadn’t arrived.

I moved deeper into the crowd. That’s when I saw Vladimir’s parents. Luna Cassandra’s laugh carried easily through the room. Alpha Knox stood beside her, strong and commanding. Impressive but my eyes kept searching past them.

Vladimir still wasn’t there.

I heard someone gasping and every head turned. So did mine.

A woman stood beneath the lights, she was wrapped in gold. The room seemed to tilt toward her. She didn’t try to draw attention, it just followed her. Her diamonds flashed. An expensive looking ring gleaned on her hand almost the same ring that Vladimir’s family heirloom.

I felt the jealousy hit sharp and fast.

She didn’t have to do anything. She simply stood there, glowing, untouchable. And in that moment, a quiet truth settled in my chest.

This night wasn’t about me. And the woman at the center of it all was Erica.