JAYDEN
I froze in place when my so-called vampire brother burst out of the pack house, somehow managing to get his hands on Catriona. “I’ve had enough, little brother,” he said. Everyone paused including Gabriel, waiting to see whom he was referring to as his brother. Gabriel was quick to react, glancing from me to the vampire. His face turned red with fury, and could tell he wanted to charge at my brother and break him in half. As satisfying as that would be, it was also impossible. Doing anything foolish would put Catriona in danger.
My brother approached me confidently, exuding an air of satisfaction. He sniffed Catriona’s neck and then turned to me, remarking, “She smells good.” He twirled his bloody tongue over his fangs. Gabriel’s voice echoed angrily in my mind, demanding, “Who is this bloodsucker to you, Jayden?” His wolf paced restlessly around him while bombarding me with questions.
“Let her go. It’s me you want.” I said but instead, his smile grew wider, as if he was enjoying himself. Well, not anymore, little brother. I could sense everyone’s eyes on me, and he responded with a burst of laughter. I couldn’t help but wonder why everyone was so surprised. Didn’t you inform your people about me? It hurts, but that’s alright. They know now. But let’s save that conversation for
another day. The real focus is right here, in my hands-your woman. I want you to witness as I drain her dead, just like my father did to your parents.
My heart pounded in my chest and locked eyes with my twisted brother. Anger surged through every fibre of my being, but knew I had to keep my composure. I couldn’t let him see how much his sadistic words affected me.
Ignoring his laughter, I took a step forward, my voice steady but filled with determination.
“You won’t lay a finger on her,” I declared, my eyes never leaving his. “I won’t let you continue this cycle of pain and destruction.
His smile faltered for a moment, but then he chuckled. “Oh, little brother,”
He sneered and then tightened his grip on Catriona’s neck, causing her to wince in pain. Gabriel leapt up furiously making it hard for me to think. Anger burned hotter within me, but I kept my focus. I turned my eyes on catriona. Her shaking voice slipped into my head. Help me, Jayden. Please…save our child. Of course babe, I will do just that. When I do that, you will never get hurt again. You and our child will forever be safe.
With a heavy sigh, I turned back to my disgusting brother.
You’ve got the wrong person. The woman you’re holding isn’t my mate,” I exclaimed. Catriona’s eyes widened, filled with disbelief. Ignoring her emotions, I locked eyes with her and began reciting the spell to break the mate bond. Each chant I uttered caused a pounding ache to ripple through my body, as if the air around me had stopped. Clenching my hand into a fist, my eyes turned red as I swallowed the pain. Catriona’s voice trembled as she watched me, her disbelief turning into a mix of fear and confusion. But I couldn’t let her emotions distract me. I had to focus on the task at hand – breaking the mate bond.
As I continued reciting the ancient words, the tension grew palpable. The air crackled with an intense energy, and the pounding ache in my body intensified with each chant. It felt as if the very fabric of reality was being stretched and tested.
I could see the pain reflected in Catriona’s eyes as she witnessed my struggle. She tried to reach out a hand towards me, her voice filled with concern. Stop, please! This isn’t right. There has to be another way.” But I couldn’t stop now. The mate bond was a powerful force, one that bound two souls together for eternity. It was a connection that could not be broken easily, if at all. Yet, I had to try. For Catriona’s sake, and for mine.
As I reached the final verse of the spell, a surge of energy coursed through me. It was a surge of both pain and relief, as if a heavy burden was being lifted from my shoulders. My surroundings fell silent, the air still, as if holding its breath. And then, with a final burst of power, the mate bond shattered. The invisible ties that had bound Catriona and my wolf through me together snapped, leaving behind a void that echoed with the remnants of what once was.
I collapsed to my knees, gasping for breath, my body trembling with exhaustion. The pain slowly receded, leaving behind a dull ache that lingered in every fibre of my being. But it was a small price to pay for breaking free from a destiny that wasn’t meant to be.
As I looked up, I saw Catriona standing before me, without a scratch on her body, smiling so broadly. She knelt down and held my hand. “Everything is over now,” she said, communicating through a mind link. I was shocked that despite breaking the mate bond, she could still mindink with me. How is that possible? I wondered. I turned to look at her, but her attention was elsewhere. I followed her gaze and was horrified to see a blurry, huge snake detangling itself from my brother. I watched in shock as it slithered away and vanished into thin air. Everyone around me except Catriona were unconscious. And more shockingly, I couldn’t spot Gabriel among them.
I stood up and tried to process everything that had happened, but my legs went numb and my head started spinning. I ended up back on the ground, my vision going blank. Slowly, I opened my eyes and saw doves soaring high in the clear blue sky. I felt a cool breeze and heard the sound of ocean waves. It all seemed so familiar. I got up and sat upright, looking around. There was nothing else in sight, just the ocean and the birds in flight. I have been here before. As I remembered the place, a blurry figure dressed in white sauntered towards me. Each step she took echoed through the air, blending with the sound of the waves creating a peaceful instrumental melody.
As she approached, the blurriness cleared. She was a stunning woman in her 50s, a splitting image of Catriona. It felt like I was staring at an older version of Catriona herself. She smiled at me and began using sign language. Despite my lack of knowledge, I was amazed to find that I could comprehend
every sign she made. She started by saying, “I’m thrilled that we’ve finally met, son. But before we continue, I want you to meet someone.” With a gesture, she motioned for me to turn around. I complied and was immediately frozen in absolute shock. Standing before me was Luciana, looking flawless like a celestial being descended from the moon just like how I remember her.
Just as I was about to express my happiness at seeing her, I suddenly recalled what had happened. I had hurt Catriona so deeply that I severed the mate bond between us, all because of this deceitful imposter pretending to be Luciana. Anger surged through me. Before I could voice my outrage, a figure appeared behind her. It was my mom. “Mom,” I managed to say, my voice barely audible.
My mom took Luciana’s hand and reassured me, “She’s the real one, son, and she’s safe with me.
Your father and I will always protect her for you. So please, stop blaming yourself for her death and embrace the mate the moon goddess has blessed you with.”
“It wasn’t your fault. You were just trying to protect me,” Luciana added, causing my knees to buckle.
I stepped forward and extended my hand to touch her, but they both stepped back, which broke my heart.
The person you should reach out to is your new mate, Catriona, Jayden. She needs your support. Luciana said but deep down I knew I dont have a mate anymore.
what you think is not true. You are still mated to Catriona, she affirmed. I stared at both of them for a while before the woman behind me
spoke up. Whatever happened there was between Gabriel and Catriona. She said. Shocked, I turned to face the woman, bewildered and confused. What does that mean? I was the one performing the spell chants. Not Gabriel. I exclaimed.
Because we made you see it that way,” the woman added on. Before I could inquire further, Luciana and my mom began to vanish, reassuringly stating, “Don’t worry about us. Just be a good alpha and a good mate.” And with that, they disappeared.
This woman touched my shoulder, causing me to turn towards her. “Son, you shouldn’t be surprised anymore when you see changes in the inevitable disasters, like what happened at your house,” she continued… “Just know that we are alway around, and always will be.” With that, she blew cool air onto my face, which felt refreshing and brought me a sense of peace.
When I opened my eyes, the woman was no longer there. Instead, I found myself in my bedroom with someone snuggled beside me. The scent was Catriona’s. She must’ve felt my movements because she swiftly sat up, eyes wide.
“You’re awake,” she uttered before rushing out of the room. Moments later, she returned, this time accompanied by Jerome. He looked remarkably well, as if the silver that had nearly taken his life had never penetrated his body. I was confused, but I knew it must be the work of those old people.
“For how long have I been here?” I asked. “Two days,” they both answered simultaneously.