ALIYA'S POV
After the shocker from my parents the previous day, I realized that I needed some time to cool off and unwind.
Immediately, I heard someone enter into my room without any permission. I turned and saw it was Jayden.
He strode into my room, his confidence and authority preceding him. Suddenly, I looked up from the book I was holding , a hint of wariness in my eyes.
"Jayden, what are you doing here?" I asked, my voice firm but polite.
"I've come to talk to you, Aliya," He said, with his deep voice filling the room.
"We need to discuss our future."
"Our future?" I repeated, my brow furrowed.
"Yes, our future," He said, with his eyes locked on mine.
"We're meant to be together, Aliya. We're mates. And as the Alpha, I need a strong partner by my side."
"Jayden, I—"
"No, listen," He interrupted, his ego and determination driving him forward… "We can't keep pretending this mate bond doesn't exist. We need to embrace it, to make it official. We need to embrace it. I, Jayden Julian want you to be my mate, married and forever be together. What say you?” He says with a smile dancing across his lips.
Immediately, my eyes widened, and my face became pale. "Married? Jayden, we can't just—"
"Why not?" He demanded, his voice firm, but curious. "We're meant to be together. And think of the pack, Aliya. They need stability, unity. Our union would bring them that."
"Jayden, this isn't about the pack," I said, my voice bareky audible above a whisper. "This is about us. And I'm not ready for this."
"Ready or not, Aliya, this is happening," He said, with his Allha side showing up.
"We'll make this work. Together." He says which sounded like an order.
My eyes flashed with defiance, but he could see the hint of doubt in them. He sounded crazy. But how could he make that happen when there's Evan?
JAYDEN'S POV
As I stood there, trying to convince her to marry me, I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. I was being harsh, forceful, and dominant - everything I knew she hated. But I couldn't help myself. I wanted her so badly, and the thought of losing her was unbearable.
Aliya looked at me, her eyes searching mine, and I could see the hurt and confusion there. She didn't understand why I was being so cold, so distant. But I couldn't show her my true feelings, not yet. I had to keep my guard up, for my own protection.
Because the truth is, I am deeply in love with her. I love her strength, her courage, her demeanor. I loved the way she made me feel, like I was the only person in the world. And I loved the way she looked at me, with a spark of attraction and admiration in her eyes.
But I couldn't let that show. Not yet. I had to keep my ego in check, my instincts in control. I had to make her see that this was the right decision, for both of us.
So I stood there, my heart aching with every word, and tried to convince her to be mine. I tried to ignore the way she looked at me, the way her eyes seemed to bore into my soul. I tried to ignore the way my heart raced with excitement every time she was near.
But it was no use. I was trapped in my own web of desire and duty. And all I could do was hope that someday, she would see the real me, the me who loved her with every fiber of my being.
A few moments later
I go to see my mom, and to tell her about the updates concerning our supposed arrangements.
“Where have you been?”
“Trying to make you and father happy.”
“What do you mean?” She asked with curiousity”
“You and Father gave me eight months to find a mate, and now, I have just asked Aliya to get married to me.” I said, while avoiding her gaze.
“That's good news then! We can just mate the both of you together at once! Aliya is a good girl…”
“What if she doesn't agree to get married to me?”
“Stop being pessimistic my darling… leave that to me.” My mom said as she runs her hand through my hair. “Meanwhile, I'm off to tell your father the good news!” Her voice filling the air with ecstasy.
********
As I stepped out into the hallway, the weight of my dilemma pressed heavily upon me. Aliya's presence stirred a whirlwind of conflicting emotions within me, and I knew I couldn't continue down this path of uncertainty.
With each step, I found myself grappling with the reality of the situation. How could I expect Aliya to abandon her life for me? And what about Evan? Despite my feelings, I couldn't simply ignore the bond they shared. Werewolves? I hated them.
Lost in thought, I wandered the dimly lit corridors of the mansion, the echoes of my footsteps mirroring the turmoil in my mind. As I reached the grand staircase, a sudden realization struck me like a bolt of lightning.
I couldn't force Aliya to choose between us, but I could offer her a choice. With newfound determination, I resolved to confront Evan and lay all my cards on the table. Only then could we find a resolution that honored everyone's feelings.
With a firm resolve, I ascended the staircase, each step bringing me closer to the moment of truth. Whatever the outcome, I knew I had to face it head-on, for the sake of everyone involved.
ALIYA'S POV:
“Aliya… Are you avoiding me now?” Jayden grabbed my hand, while I tried to walk pass him as he climbed the stairs.
“The other night, you refused me of my desires, now you want me to do what you desire?” I responded almost sternly.
“Don't say that… I did that to protect the both of us.” He said while looking into my eyes.
“Oh please… Let me be”
“You of all people should know that I can't.”
“ Then suit yourself” I said and tried to walk out. Immediately, he pulled me back and leaned me against the wall.
“Aliya… Don't torment me”.. He almost whispered. Fear gripped me as he looked at me straight in the eyes, and before I knew what was happening, Jayden's lips brushed against mine.
Immediately, a spark of electricity ran through my body. His gentle kiss sent thrills down my spine, and I felt my heart racing with excitement. I had never felt this way before, and I knew I was in trouble. This was the first time we gave in to our desires, and it felt like the whole world had come to a standstill. Jayden's strong arms wrapped around me, pulling me close as our lips met in a passionate entanglement. His touch ignited a fire within me, and I felt myself melting into his embrace.
Jayden's kiss left me breathless, his touch left me wanting more, and his love left me feeling complete.
Suddenly, I jerked back to reality and pulled away almost immediately.
“I'm sorry, but I can't do this anymore.” I said and walked out, expecting him to follow suit. As I returned back, I saw him standing there… looking confused.
I knew that the feeling we had for each other was a flame that burned bright, but it was also a dangerous secret that could destroy everything we held dear.