Prologue

Nathan blinked, his chest releasing the tension it suffocated him with but his heart was relentless it harmmered against it ribcage like it would burst out of his skin anyone. And he instantly knew who he held close to his heart. 

He held her so tightly, wanting to merge both their bodies into one. He can't explain the feeling as it overwhelmed throughly. 

When she struggled slightly, he feared she wasn't breathing well and let her go but she withdrew father than he expected. A flustered expression drawn on her face. 

She thanked him for saving her life, without her eyes meeting his. He wondered if her heart raced in the manner his did. Did she feel the same for him? She looked meek, and shy as she muttered those words to him, they shared no enthusiasm in seeing him after so many months. 

Nathaniel's frowned as Kiara withdrew from him, her back turned and started a walk away from where he stood. 

Not this time, he promised himself. He reached to her hand and held on to her wrist, holding her back. His feet was firm, and he doubled her tiny self she couldn't pull her hand off his grasp.

And she passed him a stern look, filled with the desire to incinerate him.

“Don't you recognize me?“ Nathaniel said gently, drawing her back to his arms. 

Her big hazel orbs encased in that slanted catty eyes of hers, gazed at him rather strangely. She was so beautiful just like he last remembered but he noticed healing bruises on her skin, her silky hair falling down her shoulder in a tame manner.

“Kiara…” He called her name. And she let out a breath she never intended her to hold against her chest. 

He was…. Her first mate, a voice stuttered mindlessly within her. 

Her past came faster than she expected.

Kiara blinked recognizing the frigid blue orbs that ran over her, but they held too much warmth this time. Nothing like the frosted blue she saw in the final days of their failed love story but it was warm almost green with life. 

“Don't you recognize me?“ His question rang hard in her mind. Her body want to react in a shudder but she composed herself strongly, blinking out any familiarity her eyes once held. 

He drew her closer, his eyes roamed her face like she was unreal or never existed. 

“You have been gone for so long.“ He said, his voice filled with emotions that almost broke the indifference she wanted to feel for him. 

It was the bond, it forced them together when all she wanted to do was to run from his presence, away forever. 

His thumb rubbed carefully on her face, drawing little circles on her cheeks. She felt the odd stares people gave them. Mother's blocking the face of their kids as they passed. The crowd dissipated giving them space as they guessed they were maybe lovers and needed privacy.

He noticed her silence and his brows furrowed slightly into uncertainty. “You haven't said anything, Kiara.“ 

She shifted away from his hold, “I think you have mistaken me for another person.“ 

Nathaniel face distorted into one of worry, as he questioned his thoughts, visibly conflicted. 

“What do you mean? Are you not Kiara? There's no way I am mistaken. This is your scent, I tracked you down here and you are my mate.“ He stroked her hair gently. “Caine told me you have suffered severe shock and trauma. I understand you have been through many traumatic events, but it's fine. I am here now.“

Kiara blinked, her chest constricted as he was not buying into her act. For someone she was madly in love with, despite cheating her it was almost unbelievable she feels nothing again for him and sadly he wants redemption. 

The Moon goddess did say she has a choice but with him being as relentless as this she doubted she had one except to escape. 

“You are mistaken. Truly, I don't know you.“ Selena said, trying to remove his strong hold off her hand. 

“What's your name?“ He asked, his mind racing. He was certain this was her but something was wrong somewhere. He would be a fool if he lets her go as she wants.

“Selena.“ 

“You are Kiara, mated to the Alpha of the Luminous Stone pack. It's fine, you would be taken to the doctor once we get back home.“ 

Lena forced her hand forcefully out of his hold.

“I won't be coming anywhere with you.“ She shook her head at him.

“You have no choice but to.“ Nathaniel stated with a tone of finality and dragged her to come with.

“Are you doing this out of pretence? Are you still bitter about our past?“He asked, getting almost all the boxes ticked out except one. 

She wasn't in love with him.