CHAPTER 20: CHAPTER 20: FATED BONDS

"Please, Damian. Don’t do this," I beg, pushing him away.

His sultry expression turns dark and wounded. "So, only Alpha Torrin can touch you, and not me? Why aren’t you being fair? I’m also your fated mate. If you think he’ll still come back for you, well let me break your delusion, he won’t."

He truly believes Atticus succeeded in killing Alpha Torrin. So I can’t let him suspect otherwise.

"I know," I whisper, brushing my fingers against his cheek to calm him. "Still, I need time to move on from him completely, so I can give you all of me."

He grunts in frustration and sharply turns his back on me.

Guilt and fear twist in my stomach. I wanna comfort him, but I also fear he... or we might lose control again.

I straighten my clothes and hurry out of his bedroom.

My wolf growls inside me, furious over the missed chance to share intimacy with Damian. She craves that connection, especially after losing some strength when Alpha Torrin had to go. Even so, I don’t regret pulling away.

Back in my bedroom at the Alpha’s mansion, the Gammas stand guard outside the door as usual.

I sit on the edge of my bed, mind racing: How can I meet Alpha Torrin tonight without being caught?

Then,...

An idea sparks.

I grab my phone and browse the online marketplace for a hair dye, the same trick Harper and I used growing up to blend in with the Dunebourne Pack. But instead of a permanent hair dye, I need a washable one.

Within hours, the parcel arrives.

One of the Gammas intercepts it and demands I open it in front of them.

"It’s just u.nderwear," I snap. "Are you really that paranoid?"

My heart anxiously thuds as I tear the plastic slowly. Luckily, before I fully open it, one of the Gammas stops me. "It’s fine. You don’t have to show it."

Relief floods me as I bring my parcel inside and lock the door.

I quickly spray the dye, turning my hair into a pale blonde shade. Then I push open the window overlooking the backside of the mansion.

I climb down, landing softly on the grass.

Most of the Omegas are busy with chores at this hour, so slipping into their locker area is easy. I steal a uniform and change quickly, tying my new hair back so I could look like them.

At the back gate, the Gammas merely glance at me before waving me through. Since this is where the Omegas are required to enter and exit, they don’t find me suspicious.

Keeping my head lowered, I walk through the streets, avoiding familiar faces. I’m also too anxious to ride a taxi, so I walk the entire way.

By the time I reach the western border, it’s already night. I’m exhausted, but determination keeps my legs moving.

"Oi! What’s a low-ranked werewolf like you doing here?" one of the Gammas demands, stepping forward. "Only Gammas and Betas with the Alpha’s permission are allowed near the border. Once you step outside, you’ll be considered a rogue."

My heartbeat spikes. No matter how hard I try, I can’t come up with a believable alibi.

But then,...

By a fluke, a powerful presence leaps out of the shadows: Alpha Torrin in his wolf form lands between me and the Gammas with a low, threatening growl.

The Gammas freeze in shock.

"Alpha Torrin?" they murmur in disbelief.

"You’re alive!" a few cry in relief.

Instead of the same relief, a part of me feels dreadful. If even one of them is secretly loyal to Atticus, this reunion could get us both killed. On the other hand, killing them all so no one can talk, is not only merciless but a waste of life.

"You can’t tell anyone about this, especially Damian and Atticus. Not everyone can be trusted. Once Alpha Torrin regains his memories, he’ll return for us," I say.

The Gammas nod with conviction. None appear suspicious.

Alpha Torrin manages a faint, uncertain smile before he and I cross the border together.

"What did you want to tell me?" I ask.

"I researched about myself and my pack. But no matter how much I learn, the desire to lead and serve them is gone... just like my memories," he answers.

My breath catches. "Has your connection with me disappeared too?"

A heavy silence stretches between us.

When he finally responds, he can’t meet my eyes. "I read a news article about me, you and Damian. So I figured you’re the best person who can help me remember everything, including..." He swallows hard. "...our connection."

His admission cuts deeper than I expect. I assumed that the kiss we shared before his escape meant something remained. But maybe it’s only his adrenaline, and nothing more.

Still, I force myself to stay composed as I explain what I’ve discovered so far: his special power and the toll it takes on his mind, the multi-eyed seer and the elixir.

But nothing sparks recognition in him.

"I think we should see the multi-eyed seer ourselves, and ask for her help," I suggest.

He agrees without question.

When he finally shifts back into his human form, I find myself staring at him, appreciating his beauty, which I’ve missed so much.

Though I feel embarrassed when he catches me staring, I don’t blink away. I expect him to smile like he always does. But instead, he uncomfortably looks away, while wearing a face mask.

"Nobody should recognize me," he excuses, still avoiding my gaze.

Whether that’s really the truth or he just wanna hide his face from me so I’ll stop staring at it, it hurts. But I force myself not to show the pain.

We call a taxi and head toward the Forbidden Woods, the rumored dwelling of the multi-eyed seer and many non-shifter wild animals.

The outskirts of the forest is eerily foggy and quiet, chilling me to my bones.

I reach for Alpha Torrin’s hand as he steps forward. He stiffens, but thankfully doesn’t dare pull away, otherwise, I’ll be hurt again.

Together, we step into the forest side by side.

The forest is massive, but it doesn’t take us long to find the golden, glittering banyan tree. It feels as though some unseen force is guiding us straight toward it.

A moment later, its door creaks open. Hesitant yet intrigued, we step inside.

The multi-eyed seer appears before us. Her grotesque appearance is a stark contrast to her majestic home.

"I’m pleased to meet you, Alpha Torrin Chandler, and Harleigh Hale," she says in a chilling voice. "How can I be of service to you?"

"I heard about the elixir you gave Damian Chandler, the one that made Alpha Torrin forget everything," I say. "Can you help us reverse its effect?"

A soft grunt escapes her dry lips. "Countering my own spell is an insult to me. I won’t do it even if you offer me your weary souls."

"Then how can I regain what I’ve lost?" Alpha Torrin asks, frustration tightening his voice.

The multi-eyed seer smirks, revealing crooked, dirty teeth. "Kill the one who desired it to happen."

Alpha Torrin’s jaw clenches, his eyes darkening, as if he’d kill Damian right now if only he’s here.

"Is there anything else before I send you away?" the multi-eyed seer asks.

"Yes," I answer. "How can I control and perfect my ShadowBind?"

All her eyes grossly narrow at once, making my insides churn. "If there’s no one to teach you, rely on some things that can."

My brow furrows for a second, then my eyes widen as realization hits me.

The Shadowfang ancient books! They contain everything written about ShadowBind! How did I never think of that before?

But,

Are they still available or readable after all these years of neglect? And even if they still are, do I have the courage to go back to our pack’s ruined territory and relieve the horror of the ambush?

"One more thing," she continues. "There’s only one person who must kill Damian Chandler if you wish for the elixir’s effects to cease. The very reason he acted as he did: Harleigh Hale."

My breath catches as a cold stillness spreads through my chest.

My bond with Alpha Torrin may be stronger, but that doesn’t mean I have the heart to harm Damian. If I do, I would’ve rejected him already.

My wolf growls furiously inside me, refusing to accept the multi-eyed seer’s claim that the responsibility should fall on me alone when I have no part in creating that elixir.

"And if I can’t do it?" I ask.

Her response makes my knees buckle that I have to clutch Alpha Torrrin’s arm to stay standing.

"If Damian Chandler is killed by anyone else, or if he dies naturally, Alpha Torrin will forever forget everything, including the desire and the feelings tied to them. In a nutshell, you don’t have a choice but to choose between your fated mates. Who will live and be well, and who will suffer and die?"