Fated

Chapter two

The room feels like it's spinning, the air thick with tension. Lex's words hang in the air, wrapping around me like a vice. "You're mine," he says again, his voice a low growl that sends shivers down my spine. The intensity in his eyes is something I've never experienced before, an inexplicable bond that pulls at the very core of my being.

Hudson steps forward, his face a mask of determination. "This is my fiancée," he states firmly, his hand tightening around mine. "You must be mistaken."

Lex's growl reverberates through the room, a primal sound that makes my heart skip a beat. Just as the situation threatens to escalate, Luke intervenes, placing a hand on Lex's shoulder and pulling him back. "Easy, Lex," he says, his tone calm but authoritative. "Let's not start a fight here."

Luke turns to Lex, his expression serious. "Are you sure, Lex? She's engaged. Are you absolutely certain she's your mate?"

Lex's gaze remains locked on me, unwavering. "I'm one hundred percent sure," he says, his voice filled with conviction. "And she feels it too."

Confusion swirls inside me. I don't know what to say. Hudson's arm wraps protectively around my shoulders, his presence grounding me. "We can leave if you want to," he whispers in my ear. Do I want to leave? It would probably be best if I do. However, something is pulling me to this large man. What is this feeling?

Lex's eyes flash with anger at Hudson's words. "She's not leaving with you," he snaps, taking a step forward. Luke quickly steps in between them again.

"You're going to have to allow it for now," Luke says firmly, his eyes meeting Lex's. "Give her some space to process this."

Hudson and I leave the venue, the cool night air a stark contrast to the heat of the ballroom. My mind is a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. What am I feeling? Is this bond real? And what about Hudson? I love him, don't I?

Neither of us says a word on the ride back. I want to reassure him, but how can I when I'm not sure of anything myself? My entire world is threatening to crash and I don't know how to keep it together.

Once we're back at our apartment, Hudson sits me down on the couch, his eyes filled with concern. "Gaia, is it true? What he said about the bond? What do you want to do?"

I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. "I don't know," I admit, my voice trembling. "I felt something when he looked at me, when he touched me. But I love you, Hudson. You're my home."

Hudson's eyes soften, and he pulls me into his arms. "I love you more than anything, Gaia. I'll fight for you if I have to. No one, especially not some wolf, is going to destroy what we have."

I nod, tears pricking at my eyes. "Thank you," I whisper, clinging to him. "I don't want to lose you."

We fall asleep in each other's arms, but my dreams are haunted by Lex's piercing gaze and the magnetic pull I felt.

The next morning, a knock on the door jolts us awake. Hudson groans, rolling out of bed to answer it. I follow, still in my pajamas, my mind still foggy from the events of the night before.

Lex and Luke stand at our doorstep, Luke looking diplomatic and calm, Lex looking like he's ready to claim me right then and there. He can't seem to take his eyes off me, and I notice the way his nose flares slightly, as if he's taking in my scent.

Hudson bristles, stepping in front of me protectively. "It's disrespectful to look at someone else's fiancée like that," he snaps. "I don't own her, but she doesn't belong to you either."

Lex's growl is low and dangerous. "She belongs to me."

Luke steps forward, holding up a hand to keep the peace. "Lex, let's keep this civil. We're here to talk."