Astrid
"I can't believe you're mated to Arlo Blackburn."
Her light blue eyes blinked up as if searching for the solution amongst the stars. The whispers of the wind gave no response, only offering goosebumps on her fair skin.
Nicole and I laid on the roof of my house just like old times. The only difference between then and now we faced bigger problems than scheduling matching outfits and mustering enough courage to speak to our crushes.
"Yeah," I sighed heavily, "Sorry for keeping you this long. I hope Michael isn't too mad at me for interrupting date night."
"He doesn't mind. He understands the importance of emergency BFF meetings," She assured, but it didn't stop me from feeling guilty. Her fresh makeup and stunning updo would go to waste, and Michael was probably at home making the best out of a microwavable dinner.
From my peripheral, I saw her glance at me with uncertainty before she turned her gaze back to the moonlight. The wheels were spinning viciously in her head to form the right words, but it was impossible. No amount of her comfort could make the situation disappear.
"So, you're really going to reject him?" Her voice came out weak, but I heard her perfectly. She felt sorry for me.
"No," I shook my head. Her eyes widened, and she snapped her head in my direction at the idea of me possibly giving into the mate bond. I clarified, "He has to be the one to do it. I'm not strong enough for that kind of pain," Her body visibly relaxed, but her expression turned sorrowful.
"I can't even begin to imagine how that feels," She mused, sitting upright and hugging her knees. She gulped audibly, "You know it doesn't have to be like this."
I sat upright next to her with my brows furrowed, not fully understanding what she meant. Before I could express my confusion, she explained further, "You could avoid putting yourself through all that torment and sorrow."
"How?" I asked, intrigued by her newfound tricks to escape the mate bond without suffering the consequences. She could win a noble prize if it worked.
"Well..." She hesitated, "You could just give him a chance," She shrugged as if her words had no gravity to them.
Did she really say that? I must be hearing things.
Moments passed as I stared at her blankly. No amount of time could help me process her words correctly. The grimness in her face told me she was dead serious, and I indeed heard her right the first time.
"Are you crazy?"
"What? I don't see the problem in choosing your happiness over everything else. Maybe he's a nice guy."
"No, Nicole!" I exclaimed, my eyes bulging out of their sockets with the stupidity of her idea, "He's a hybrid—a demon hybrid for that matter. People like him and I don't belong together. Mating with him would only cause more damage in the long run, and the council will have our heads!"
"That's not true. If that were the case, the world would have no hybrids. The council gives chances to those who are mates," She argued.
"Still doesn't help the fact that he's a dangerous man, Nicole. You saw how bad Bryson looked. Had I not been there, he would've burned him to a crisp."
After Bryson regained consciousness, I convinced Nicole to explain that Arlo was only protecting me since I did him a favor by changing my vote. She had to drive him home beaten and sore while I disappeared. Although he understood, she had to beg him not to come looking for me or retaliate at the next meeting. Everyone was already upset with me, and if Bryson changed his mind again, it would be a complete disaster. The meeting would be pushed back further.
YOU ARE READING
Twisted Fate
Fantasy"Little did they know, I was unstoppable, a descendant of the prince of hell. Nothing was going to keep me away from my mate." Astrid Collins is becoming the first female alpha of the River Ash pack. She has dedicated her life to being the next pro...
