BOUND: Mates at War | 18+

9 Kill Her, End This

Romans POV

I let her go, again. She was right there, unconscious, in my arms and I warmed her up, gave her a drink and talked to her.

Fuck.

She isn't my mate, I know that, but the magic is so strong. My wolf is going insane wanting to find her. I barely slept again tonight and what little I did, I dreamt of her.

I could feel her in my arms, her soft lips against mine. It was so real, when I jolted awake I searched the room for her frantically, positive I would find her there.

Dreaming of her made me hungry for her, ravenous for the taste of her skin. My body physically aches for her, to feel her against me.

I sit on the end of my bed with my head in my hands. She is my sworn enemy, her kind will be responsible for the downfall of both of my parents. I can't let that happen no matter how convincing the magic.

A knock on my door gives me a momentary distraction from imagining her face.

"Roman, the Queen requests you in the throne room," a guard tells me with a bowed head.

I pull my gear on before walking through the long, cold halls toward the throne room. Guards push the doors open as I approach, allowing me into the ominous chamber.

My mother is sitting on her throne, petting her bird, a little white dove. She regards me shrewdly and for a moment I panic. Does she know about my betrayal? Does she know how stupid I've been, allowing myself to fall into this trap?

"Mother," I keep my tone even.

"Roman," her voice is clear and cool, as always, "I want reports. How are the raids going?"

"We found the camp holding the remaining woodland elves. We took prisoners but so far they haven't revealed anything useful. We also found the main camp of the mountain elves. We know that they have small cluster outposts but we haven't found them, yet."

"I was informed that you have been going out on your own. Your dedication to the crown is impressive."

I fight the urge to hang my head. She wouldn't be proud if she knew how I've betrayed her, how I've allowed myself to become confused by magic.

"I'll find them all," I promise her.

"I know you will."

I stalk out of the throne room, weaving through the halls on a mission. I won't fail again.

I move with purpose to the dungeons. It's time to pay my other mate a visit. I need to figure this out, once and for all.

When I reach her cell she cowers in the corner, fresh tears running down her face. I roll my neck, trying to gain some composure before speaking to her.

"Do you know Solana?"

Her bruised eyes meet mine, confusion clear on her face, "y-yes..."

"Did you both get the mate magic from the same witch?"

"She didn't... only I did," her chin quivers and sob echoes through her small, cold cell. I yank the bars open and grab her quickly, taking her by surprise.

I grip her throat in my hand, squeezing hard.

"Don't lie to me, I promise you will wish you hadn't," I growl through my teeth.

"S-she didn't... she doesn't like magic," her voice is hoarse, straining against my hand.

I look into her terrified eyes, watching her squirm under my gaze. Either she's telling the truth or she's an excellent liar.

"Fuck," I hit the wall behind her, making her wince and push herself against the stone. I release her neck and she slides down to the floor, her body shaking like a leaf.

I don't believe her. The Moon Goddess wouldn't give me an elven mate.

I have to find her, to finish this so that I can find a moment's peace. She has invaded my mind, my wolf feels close to insanity. I need to break this spell before the magic consumes me.

I run from the castle toward the forest. A feral rabid rage building with each step. This fucking spell is going to be my undoing. I can't sleep, or eat. I can't focus. Whatever she's done is so powerful my wolf is cracking under the weight of it.

My mind is reeling as I dart through the trees.

Her innocent eyes. Deep blue pools that make me feel like I'm drowning. I can't let them fool me, I can't let them pull me in.

The sweet release I feel as I shift is only temporary. It only takes a moment for the chaos to return to my mind.

I move silently through the forest, sniffing the air for the sweet smell that is driving me to madness. She can't hide, wherever she goes, I'll find her. This connection she's conjured up has linked her scent to me like a beacon.

I pick up her trail quickly, following it toward her, running, consumed by the need to put a stop to this.

"Her kind is a threat. You swore to protect mother!" I repeat to myself over and over again. I know I need to fortify myself against the magic, the curse, that is binding me. Remember what is real.

She's a threat.

I stalk toward a large clearing in the trees, a large lookout tower stands in the center. This is a good place to camp, it's so far from the other camps, she probably feels safe here.
I sniff the air and follow her scent to the river.

It's calm here. The clear water barely moves, no rushing currents. I wait in the treeline, spotting her clothes laid out, drying in the sun.

She comes up from under the water, running her hands over her face and long hair. I watch droplets of water run down her bare chest and my whole body stiffens.

I wait, watching her as she steps toward the shore to gather her things.

"Kill her, end this," I tell myself before stepping out in front of her. A gasp leaves her lips and she jumps back, pinning herself against a tree.

I shift and grab her neck before she can run.

"Kill her, end this!"

It feels like waking up from sleep. I was in some kind of trance. When I realize my surroundings, it's too late. I'm not killing her. No. I'm kissing her.

Fuck.

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