Torn Bonds

Hazel's POV

I could not help but curse inwardly. How could I press on her wounds which she was trying to heal from.

“ I'm sorry, Amanda. You know I didn't mean it that way." I apologized but she just shrugged.

“ It's okay. I am trying to forget him and I know I'll be able to do it." She said but the sadness in her voice could not be concealed.

Getting my mate and having him reject me, I could partly understand her pain. Our situations were different but the pain was the same.

Growing up, Amanda was never shy about showing my brother that she saw him more than a friend. She loved him and sincerely pursued him when she reached eighteen. Unlike me, she didn't find her mate and that even made her think that Lucas and her were meant for each other, until her hope was shattered.

When I left the pack, I thought the two were already dating only to hear about the news of Lucas finding his mate.

Amanda was broken, just like me. After all, he was the man she loved all her life.

There's no way she could just move on so easily. I didn't either and even I doubt if I ever did. They say that where there's hate, there's love.

I hate him for treating me like trash yet I can't count the number of times I stayed awake thinking about him, missing him.

Crazy right? But that's just how fucked up a mate bond can be.

I hate him for all the midnight crumps I had to endure over the years when he took that woman to bed. I hate him for choosing another woman Instead of acknowledging the sacred bond between us.

Pulling her in my arms,I hugged her, letting her understand that she wasn't alone in all this. That I'll always be there for her.

Pulling away, she smiled at me.

“ The goal is to forget everything and move on. That's why you are coming with me tonight to the party." Amanda announced.

“Party? What party?" I wondered out loud.

“ My brother's Beta is hosting a party tonight to celebrate his party.” Amanda offered and I shook my head.

" You know me. I don't like such events.” I refused politely.

Everyone close to me knows that I hate parties. Walking in those high heels and floor sweeping gowns then wearing a smile throughout the evening? That was not my thing.

“ We will have to change your attitude about parties. Tonight, we will go suitor hunting and not attend the party." Amanda said, winking at me.

Jordan's POV

The door burst open revealing a mad Lucas. I could already tell why he was fuming.

“ You knew very well she would be with me, why did you have to keep mindlinking me?" He asked, taking a seat on the sofa.

Lucas had a glare on his face. I could not blame him. I have to admit, that was really reckless and uncalled for. But what could I do, I could not control myself.

" How is Hazel?” I asked, my eyes looking anywhere else but his face. I could feel his anger burning through the air.

" Why do you care? You rejected her , remember?” Lucas scoffed.

His words were a cruel reminder that I didn't deserve asking about his beloved sister. I mean, I rejected her, humiliated her and caused her pain.

But…

“ You of all people know why I had to make that decision." I grumbled. I didn't want to reject her but I was left with no choice. To protect her, I had to give up the one person I would give the world to be with. To protect her, I became a sinner and an asshole in her eyes. I doubt she would even want to see me. She must hate my guts with passion. Who wouldn't? I was the curse of her life.

“ There, you have it. You rejected her for a reason. I'd advise you to just stay away from her or your sacrifice was all in vain." Lucas replied.

Another cruel reminder that I could never hold her in my arms and call her mine. The only thing I could do is admire her from a distance and be an asshole when around her.

“ It's not as easy as you think. I can feel that my beast is slowly losing it. The mate bond curse is getting strong and with the poison, everything is spiraling out of control.” I replied.

After an Alpha finds their fated mate, completing the mating bond makes him even more strong. On the contrary, if he doesn't mate, the mate bond curse is evoked which makes their wolf lose control and go feral. After five years of staying away from my Hazel, the situation with my wolf is getting even worse.

Adding the poison I was forced to take to save her life, I don't see myself surviving for more than a year.

“ Isn't that what they wanted? Only when you go feral and you can't mate with her can they use her for whatever they want. I understand you want to protect her but are you sure your way of protecting her is worth it? In the name of protecting her, you have caused her so much pain and yourself too. Do you think she will appreciate it when she learns that you died to protect her?" Lucas asked, his question striking a chord.

He was right. To protect her, I caused her so much pain.

With every word that left my mouth, it shattered me inside. Seeing her cry so painfully, I wanted to go and comfort. It broke me just like it hurt her.

“ I'm helpless, Lucas. With the witches hovering above me, monitoring my every move,I can't risk it. I can't throw away all the years of keeping her safe. I am willing to bear everything, as long as she is safe.” I replied.

" Why don't you talk to her and explain yourself?”