Semua Bab Rejected by My Mate, Fated to the Lycan King: Bab 131 - Bab 140

CereliaThe journey back to Soren’s pack lands is a quiet one at first. The rhythmic pounding of paws against the dirt, the rustling of leaves in the wind, the occasional crack of a branch underfoot, it all fills the silence we’re too lost in thought to break.Soren moves beside me, his pace steady but slower than it once was. He’s healing, but he’s not healed. I know the weight of returning to a pack who may no longer view him as an ideal leader is heavy on his shoulders.Damon’s betrayal, because that’s what it is, no matter how much I would like to deny it, lingers between us.Soren won’t voice his anger, not in front of me, for fear of burning me with the heat of his fury. But I can see it in the tight set of his jaw, the way his hands occasionally clench into fists before he forces them to relax.I decide to be the one to break the silence. “You don’t have to hold back because of me, you know.” He glances at me, brow furrowing. “I’m not.”I scoff lightly. “Soren.” My voice is fla

HildaThe air is crisp and golden with the late afternoon sun, the scent of pine and blooming wildflowers wrapping around us as Arlo leads me through the trees. His fingers are laced with mine, warm and solid, his grip effortlessly guiding me along the mossy path.“I hope you’re not stealing me away for some nefarious reason,” I tease, nudging his side. “You’ve been suspiciously charming today.”Arlo smirks, the wicked glint in his eyes making my stomach flip. “Suspiciously? Love, I’m always charming. It’s one of the many, many reasons that you find me so utterly irresistible.”I hum in consideration. “Mmm, if you say so. What are some of the others?” Arlo leans down, his lips brushing my ear. “You seem to get a kick out of seeing me naked and apparently my kisses make you lose your mind. That’s a direct quote by the way.”He has me there. I arch a brow, but before I can pry further, he tugs me forward and pulls me into a clearing.My breath catches. A blanket is spread over the soft

DamonThe fire crackles, snapping like sharp teeth as I swirl the whiskey in my glass. The bottle sits beside me, mostly empty, and I’m debating whether to get up and grab another. I probably should. One isn’t enough to take the edge off. Not tonight.Around me, my warriors sit in a loose circle, the orange glow of the flames throwing flickering shadows over their faces. The mood is sour, the tension thick. No one’s saying what we’re all thinking.We weren’t invited. King Arlo and Hilda’s wedding is happening in two days, and every damn pack has been welcomed, except mine. It wasn’t a mistake. It wasn’t an oversight. It was a message.I take another slow sip, letting the burn slide down my throat before I lean back against the log I’ve claimed as my seat. “So, we’re the only ones left out of the grand celebration,” I say at last, my voice dripping with sour amusement. “Anyone surprised?”No one answers. A few exchange glances, but they know better than to say the wrong thing. Cowards.

CereliaOur homecoming should have been a cause for joyous celebration. Instead I spent a sleepless night in Soren’s arms, staring at the bare walls of our cabin. I can feel the tension in the air.Soren was exhausted after making the trip here. His lungs aren’t working at full capacity yet and it’s a long way to travel for someone who should slowly be regaining his stamina. He didn’t want to wait and I’m glad now that we didn’t. The fact that Damon showed up as soon as we did, means he was in the vicinity and not with his pack.Damon. My brother. My erstwhile protector. A cold, calculating man who’s never cared about anyone but me. Why did I never notice that before?He never spoke about our dead mother, or brought up our absent father. He never brought any friends home. Never owned a pet. Never dated. He guarded me like I was an invaluable prize that someone was going to try and steal from him.That’s not a normal way for a sibling to act. His continual lessons on how I should behav

CereliaThe air is thick with tension as the packs gather to witness the challenge. The field just outside the main village is packed with wolves. Some are standing in tight clusters, others keeping a wary distance. They murmur among themselves, their eyes flicking between Soren, me and Damon, who stands with his second, Marcus, on the opposite end of the clearing.I try and force my shoulders to relax, but I can’t deny the weight pressing against my chest. I never wanted to fight Damon. Despite everything, his manipulation, his need to control me, his obsession, I never pictured myself standing against him like this.But this isn’t just about me. It’s about the pack. About the people who trust Soren and me to protect them. And the ones hoping for a better life for themselves and their families.Soren’s hand is steady in mine, anchoring me when I feel adrift. He doesn’t need to say anything, his presence by my side is enough. Confidence radiates from him, calm and unwavering. He belie