FAKE MATE, REAL BOND

ter

i

all, and true to his word, I

an hear, leaning in close. I taste

oonlit blues and silvers, matriarchs trading knowing glances. I drop onto the carved oak bench, my mother moving behind us to pour

hrough my veins yet I shiver anyway. Ashley, shimmering beside him like a new moon, smil

ing everything on purpose, whispering the very same

this throne room but I'm pinned by the weight of everyone's gaze, by the flicker of

She moves like a ghost, silent footfalls across the polished floor, as though the music of the violins in the corner might shatter he

ouldn't. That was like signing both our death sentences. So instead

ley's hand leading he

r needed." Brandon said smugly as

ay, when the air suddenly chang

hat's when I saw them two men walking forward, and the c

t his face was often in the headlines, though he

lf, the way he walked si

most feared and dangerous pack across the west. His r

alking towards him. Brandon immediately let go of Ashle

n come get you." Brandon said, even him, he shattered in the face o

on me or someone in my direction, he does not even a

hell is going on. The room goes completely silent especially after

stories I'd glimpsed, tales of his pack's ruthless strength, his own reputation as a conqueror. But he

e, his eyes locked on mine. But h

my throat. All of me quakes, and I can't tell whether it'

the walls absorb it and bounce it back, so every head turns and every

ngue fails me. What

firm and warm through the silk of my gown.

th fall open. I see Brandon's jaw clench as though he'd bite his own tongue rather than

but my throat locks and my legs

a promise of protection. All eyes shift to us. Even th

ray tilts; a ruby drop of wine trembles on the r

h fans my cheek. I smell pine and earth, secrets hidden ben

ss

lows, absolute and breathless. Faces swim around me: shocked,

ho again, this time sof