All Chapters of Bound by faith : the rise of a rejected mate : Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

Melissa’s POVThings between Dennis and myself had changed since I discovered the prophecy and his hidden knowledge. The trust that previously bound us together seemed to be slipping away, replaced by a nagging unease. As I passed inside the packhouse, I attempted to shake off the turmoil in my heart, but it persisted like a shadow."Melissa." Dennis' voice interrupted my thoughts. I turned to see him standing by the door, his expression tense. "We need to talk."I crossed my arms and kept my tone steady. "About what, Dennis?"His eyes were filled with frustration. "You've been avoiding me since our conversation about the prophecy. I'm trying to protect you, yet you're acting as if I betrayed you."Because you did! "The words came out sharper than I had intended. "You concealed something very vital from me, Dennis. How can I trust you now?"Dennis clenched his jaw and took a step closer. "I did not tell you because I believed it was the greatest way to keep you safe. I did not want yo

THE GATHERING STORMMelissa’s POVEveryone in the pack was busy getting ready for what seemed like an impending onslaught. Nobody in our zone was anxious or apprehensive after Raven's warning. As Dennis organized soldiers and ensured our defences were in place, he was in full command mode. I felt a fresh wave of devotion to him as I saw him leading with such vigour and determination. However, I sensed that recognizable pull in my heart as my eyes strayed to Damon.Dennis called, "Melissa," jolting me out of my reverie. "You must be here for me. The defences along the eastern border are being planned.I nodded as I approached him, attempting to ignore the conflicting feelings that were roiling within me. Dennis gave me a more subdued than normal look as he looked over at me."Willn't you stay close?" His tone was more vulnerable than I had anticipated when he asked.I smiled reassuringly and said, "I will." "We have this in common."With a seemingly relieved nod, he returned to his wor

Melissa’s POVAs everyone milled around the area, getting ready for the impending combat, the tension in the pack was palpable. Sentences were positioned at the borders, and weapons were sharpened. Even with the preparations, there was still a sense of apprehension.With duty weighing heavily on my heart, I stood in the middle. This was no ordinary altercation. Everything could be decided in the battle.Lucas stated steadily, "Melissa, we're ready." I was given a border map by him. "Dennis is guarding the northern edge, and Damon and his group are based here."I remarked, looking at the map, "Good." "Tell them to stay where they are. Don't interact if you see Raven. Let me deal with him.Lucas paused. "Are you certain? He's dangerous."I'm sure," I cut in, my tone steely. Raven is more than simply a threat. He is sly. I must confront him head-on if we are to prevail.Reluctantly, Lucas nodded and left.Dennis stepped forward, his face solemn. "You don't have to do this by yourself, Me

Melissa’s POVAlthough the morning air was clear, there was a lot of tension between us. Dennis and Damon were waiting for me to lead the way at the forest's edge. With solemn expressions, they were both armed.Damon stated firmly, "You don't have to do this."I gave a headshake. "Yes, I do." We cannot afford to ignore the temple if it has the answers we seek.Dennis gave Damon a stern look while crossing his arms. And you believe it's a good idea to go without backup? She isn't travelling alone.With a chilly tone, Damon answered, "I didn't say she was."I stepped in between them and yelled, "Enough." We're squandering time. Let's leave.Ahead, the dark, ominous jungle loomed. The weight of my mother's journal, which was safely inside my bag, served as a continual reminder of the danger.Damon fell into stride next to me as we ventured farther into the woods. "Melissa, I still think this is a trap," he said. Raven desires that you go there."I acknowledge that," I said. "However, I m

Melissa’s POVNow that I was back in the pack's domain, I could sense the tension building everywhere. There was a pervasive sense of dread in the air that would not leave. Despite his wounds, Damon's face was peaceful and pallid as he lay on a mattress. I cleaned the gash on his side with care while kneeling next to him.I tried to maintain my composure as I said, "You should have been more careful."Damon flinched but forced a tiny smile. "You have Dennis's voice."I tensed at the sound of his name. "Well, perhaps Dennis is right. You nearly lost your life back there.Dennis burst into the room, his face black with annoyance, before Damon could reply."Melissa," he angrily said. "We must speak."I looked from Dennis to Damon and back again. Is it possible to wait? Damon is still—"No," Dennis cut in, his tone icy. "It cannot."I got up reluctantly and followed him into the corridor. Dennis turned to me, wrath flaring in his eyes.He insisted, "What is this, Melissa?" "You rush to Da