Mates at War: A Battle of Hearts

Bound by Expectations

Jade Nightshade

The scent of home hit my nose, pulling me from a dreamless sleep. I fluttered my eyes open and blinked in the dim light of my living room. I was... being carried? My gaze travelled upward, locking onto Darius’s strong jawline and broad chest as he carried me inside. For a second, I admired his solid build, the warmth radiating from his skin where he held me close.

But then reality slammed into me.

My parents could be home.

“Darius, put me down,” I whispered, panicking, my eyes darting toward the hallway. “My mom—she might see us like this!”

He just smirked, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Too late.”

My head whipped around, and sure enough, there she was—my mother, sitting in the living room with her mouth hanging open in sheer shock. Her eyes darted between Darius and me, taking in the closeness, the way his arms were still wrapped around me, and I felt the heat rise to my cheeks.

“Are you… Is he your mate?” She stammered, pointing between us, her voice high-pitched and disbelieving.

“No!” I screamed, just as Darius confidently and calmly answered, "Yes."

We both froze. My heart raced in my chest as I awkwardly scrambled out of Darius’s arms, nearly tripping over myself to create some space between us.

“He’s not my mate, Mom!” I blurted, smoothing down my shirt as if that would somehow erase the awkwardness. “He’s just helping me out, that’s all.”

My mother’s face twisted in confusion and worry as her eyes scanned me, stopping when she spotted the bloodstains on my clothes. She gasped, rushing toward me. “Jade! What happened, sweetheart? Were you attacked by a wild boar?”

I swallowed hard. “I wish,” I muttered under my breath, glancing at Darius, whose eyes hadn’t left me since we entered. “It’s… not something I want to talk about right now.”

My mother’s lips pressed into a thin line, but she turned to Darius, offering a grateful smile. “Thank you for bringing her home safely. I’m sorry if she stressed you out—especially since you’ve just gotten back.”

Darius shrugged, his expression unreadable as he nodded. “It’s no trouble at all.”

There was an awkward pause, my mother eyeing him curiously. "Why don’t you stay for dinner?" she offered.

Before Darius could say a word, I quickly cut in, “No, Mom. Darius is tired. He hasn’t even had time to greet his family properly. He should go.”

Darius shot me a brief, amused look but didn’t argue. “I’ll see you later, Jade.” His gaze lingered on mine for a moment longer before he turned and left the house.

As soon as the door shut behind him, my mother turned on me, her expression shifting from concern to irritation. “What’s gotten into you, Jade? Why are you acting cold?”

“I’m not,” I muttered, walking toward the stairs, my feet heavy. “I’m just tired.”

“You’re tired? You’re avoiding everything!” She followed me up the stairs, her footsteps quick behind mine. Before I could close my bedroom door, she wedged her foot in the gap, stopping it with a determined glare.

I sighed heavily, leaning against the doorframe. “Mom, can we not do this right now? I’m exhausted.”

“No, Jade. You’re not a child anymore. Do you understand how much is expected of you as Alpha?” Her voice softened slightly, but the edge remained. “Today was your chance, an opportunity your father created for you to find someone responsible to stand by your side. You’re supposed to lead, Jade. Instead, you’re running around with blood on your shirt and pushing away good men like Darius.”

“I didn’t ask to be Alpha!” I snapped, my voice rising. “I hate the pressure—everyone constantly pushing me to find a mate, like it’s the only thing that matters! I never asked for this life.”

Her eyes darkened, and the familiar scowl tugged at her lips. “Do you have any idea how many girls would kill to be in your shoes? To have the privilege, the power you were born into? If you don’t want it, fine. Denounce your blood, your title. Go ahead, be a pitiful Omega.”

Her words cut deep, but I held my ground, my fists clenching at my sides. "Maybe I don’t want any of it, Mom! Maybe I just want to be... me."

The silence between us was thick, suffocating. Her eyes searched mine, but she didn’t understand. How could she? She’d spent her whole life living this role, thriving in it. But I… I felt trapped.

“Jade. My dear,” she said, her voice trembling slightly, “this isn’t about what you want anymore. It’s about the pack. It’s about your duty.”

I stared at her, disbelief coursing through me. Without another word, I turned and shut the door in her face. I leaned my forehead against it, listening to her footsteps retreating down the hallway. The knot in my chest tightened, and for the first time, I wondered if I’d ever truly be free.

I let out a sharp breath, my forehead still pressed against the door. My mother’s footsteps had barely faded when I flung the door back open, catching her mid-step as she descended the stairs.

“Mom,” I called, my voice laced with a biting edge. “Do you even know why there’s blood on my shirt?”

She paused, her hand gripping the railing, and slowly turned back to face me with a raised brow. “No, but I’m sure you’re about to enlighten me.”

I crossed my arms, leaning against the doorframe, a bitter smile tugging at my lips. “I just helped Rowon and his mate deliver their baby.”

Her expression didn’t change, but I saw the flicker of surprise in her eyes. “So?” She shrugged, as if I’d told her I’d helped a neighbor with groceries. “That’s what happens when wolves find their mate. They have babies. You should get over it.”

I blinked, momentarily thrown off by her casual dismissal. “Get over it? Seriously?”

She stepped back up, folding her arms, a mocking smirk playing on her lips. “What? You’re so caught up in Rowon that you can’t see a better man right in front of you? Like Darius, for instance.” She leaned in slightly, lowering her voice as if sharing some juicy gossip. “He seems very much interested in you.”

My stomach twisted at her words, but I refused to let her see it. “Darius?” I scoffed. “Mom, Darius carried me home because I was literally too exhausted to stand. That’s not ‘interest,’ that’s basic decency.”

Her smirk deepened, and she gave me a knowing look, her eyes gleaming. “Oh, Jade, darling... I’ve seen the way he looks at you. That man wants more than to just carry you.”

I rolled my eyes, pushing off the doorframe and turning to shut the door again. “Well, I don’t care how he looks at me,” I shot back, voice dripping with sarcasm. “I’ll keep that in mind while I’m busy not falling in love with anyone.”

Without waiting for her response, I slammed the door shut, cutting off whatever smug comment she was about to make. My pulse was racing, emotions swirling in my head. I leaned my back against the door, sliding down until I was sitting on the floor.

Darius. My mate. The man I hadn’t even accepted, yet now seemed to be at the center of everything. And, of course, my mother already had him pegged as the perfect solution to all my problems.

I closed my eyes and sighed. This is exactly why I didn’t want anyone knowing we’re mates yet—until I can figure out my own emotions.