All Chapters of LUNAR BONDS: WHEN FATE DEFIES HIERARCHY: Chapter 71 - Chapter 80

DAISYToday I'm going home to spend the weekend with my grandparents.The thought of leaving Lunar Crest, even for just three days, fills me with a strange mixture of relief and anxiety.There's relief because I'll finally be away from all the drama that's consumed my life since receiving Damian's mark.Then there's anxiety because a part of me doesn't want to be separated from him despite everything that's happened.It's a confusing duality that I've been struggling with all week long.A surprising development is that Melissa has kept her distance from me throughout this entire week.Not once has she approached me since that day on the training field when she threatened me with her vengeance. Her absence is both a blessing and a curse.I'm genuinely grateful to avoid her wrath, but the constant anticipation of what she might be planning keeps me constantly on edge.I catch glimpses of her occasionally in the hallways or during meals and her eyes are ice cold whenever they meet mine.

DAISYHe said he wants me to call him by his name, not his title."I mean, Damian," I correct myself quickly and he returns his attention to the road without a word.But I notice a slight relaxation in his posture, like some invisible tension has finally been released."Are you okay?" I ask, frustration building inside me like a pressure cooker about to explode.The words come out more forcefully than I intended but I can't help it.His hot-and-cold behavior is driving me absolutely crazy."Why do you always ignore me? It's really painful. Is it because of Melissa?" I inquire."No," he replies curtly, his voice giving away nothing.His single-word response tells me absolutely nothing.Does he mean it's not about Melissa?That he's not okay?Or that he's not ignoring me?The ambiguity is completely maddening. It's like trying to solve a complex puzzle with half the pieces missing and no picture to guide me."Well, what does that mean exactly?" I demand, my patience wearing dangerously

DAISYI feel completely overwhelmed and don't know how to respond to what just happened. I push firmly on his chest and scramble out of the car as quickly as possible.The cool autumn air hits my flushed face like a wake-up call and I don't look back as I grab my bag from the floor and close the door behind me with more force than necessary.I run toward my house without a backward glance, my heart pounding so hard I can hear it echoing in my ears like thunder.I eventually reach the front door but I'm breathing heavily and my legs feel shaky beneath me.I pause on the familiar porch in an attempt to compose myself before facing my grandparents.I can still feel the lingering pressure of his lips on mine. I can still taste him on my tongue, and it's intoxicating.It seems absolutely ridiculous to be so affected by what should be a simple kiss. After all, isn't physical affection supposed to be completely normal between mates?But this is the first time Damian has shown any real desire

DAISYThe firmness in his tone leaves no room for discussion, so I nod and follow him outside to the garden, leaving Grandma to her cooking with a puzzled expression on her face.The afternoon sun casts long shadows across the well-tended lawn, and the scent of fresh-cut grass mingles with the fragrance of Grandma's prized roses.The garden has always been their shared passion, combining his strength for the heavy work and her eye for beauty in the arrangement.We sit on the soft grass under the old maple tree that has shaded three generations of our family.Its leaves rustle softly in the gentle breeze, creating dappled patterns of light and shadow across our faces.I pull my knees to my chest as I suddenly feel like a child again, waiting for a lecture about responsibility or pack rules that I might have broken without realizing it.I smile at Grandpa before tilting my head back to look at the sky. The clouds drift lazily overhead, peaceful and unconcerned with the chaos of my life.

DAISYHis words hit me like a physical blow.Not our pack?What does he mean?We've lived here my entire life.This is the only home I've ever known and these people are the only community I've been part of.How could we not belong?"What do you mean, 'not our pack'?" I demand as confusion momentarily override my fear. "We've always lived here!""Even if they helped us before and accepted us as one of them," Grandpa ignores my question, "I would be a traitor if I didn't stand with them now. They gave us sanctuary when we needed it most. I owe them this much."Grandma appears at the top of the stairs. Her face is pale in the dim light. She's dressed with a small bag clutched in her hands."Is it time?" Her voice is remarkably calm given the circumstances.Grandpa nods once, and some unspoken understanding passes between them.Have they been expecting this? Were they prepared for an attack while I remained oblivious?I don't get to process this realization before a deafening explosion r