How much can love save?
*
Leila is torn between keeping away from her mate and saving her Pack. She believes staying away from him is best for the both of them. But the only way she stands a chance at protecting the people she loves is if she accept...
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~MAX
All this was a twisted toll on me. I didn't know what to feel, or what to do. It was unexpected.
I had always been in love with Leila. Even after I found out about her mate, I had always believed she would somehow come back to me. And a few days earlier, I had chosen to respect their bond. I believed the Moon Goddess would somehow bring her back to me if she saw that I respected her decision. Maybe it was a lesson she wanted me to learn and after that, I could reap the reward. Her. I prayed every night and chose to accept her decision, just to impress her with my obedience and she clearly laughed at me.
The Moon Goddess laughed at me when I smelled her scent. She laughed at me when I felt that thread holding our souls together.
I had never felt so stupid in my life...so...
Natasha. Her name was Natasha.
It took me a while to control myself, not to prowl towards her. And even if I did, I would be making a fool out of myself cause I didn't even know her name. What was I going to say to her?
For a minute there, I wanted to shout my rejection, straight on. But then I saw the confusion in her face, then the story behind how she was Nick's lost sister. I pitied her.
But it wasn't just pity. No. Every fibre in my body screamed to hold her, be with her, comfort her. Everything she said was messed up. I wanted so badly to have her in my arms, and so badly to reject her. But I wouldn't wish whatever happened to her, to happen to anyone, plus a mate rejecting you on the same day...
I let them take her inside to sleep. Nick's mother had gone inside with her. They ate dinner in Natasha's room and talked. They did need to talk about many things.
There was a knock on my door before it opened. Leila peeped in. "Hey..."
I gave her a sly smile. One I could manage.
"Are you okay?"
I sat on my bed. "Do I look okay?"
She smiled warmly. "No." She walked inside my room. "I know it's...shocking."
"Impossible." I cut in.
"Not impossible, Max. You just found your mate...today."
"I don't even know her."
"You'll get to know her. She's a nice per..."
I cut in. "I don't even want her."
Her expression changed to concern. "Max...don't say such words."
"I've always known what I wanted. I wanted you. I've always wanted you."
She was quiet.
"Even after Nick, I've still loved you."
I heard her swallow. "I know it can be...challenging. I felt the same with Nick when I was supposed to hate him, I felt drawn to him." She paused. "When he's supposed to hate me, he feels drawn to me." It was as if she needed to tell herself that.
