Fated

Chapter Twelve

The next day, I'm in the car with Mia, heading to the spot where the bonfire will be celebrated. Mia insisted we need to set up as soon as possible since the event is just around the corner. I'm still pretty shaken by what happened last night with Hudson. He said it was okay, and we ultimately fell asleep in each other's arms, but I can't shake the feeling that it's not okay. It bothers me more than I want to admit.

The ride to the clearing is peaceful yet charged with anticipation. The sun filters through the dense canopy of trees, casting dappled shadows on the dirt road. The car bumps along, the rhythm almost soothing, but my mind is anything but calm. Lex's cabin isn't too far from here, and since we didn't see each other yesterday, I'm starting to notice the effects of the withdrawals. I plan to ask Mia if we can stop by after we're done setting up.

"Mia," I begin hesitantly, "can I ask you for some advice?"

She glances at me, setting her phone down, a curious look on her face. "Of course, Gaia. What's up?"

I take a deep breath and tell her about what happened the night before with Hudson, about the pain and the way my wolf reacted. Mia gives me an understanding look.

"That's just your wolf rejecting others who aren't your mate," Mia explains gently. "The more you meet with Lex, the stronger the bond becomes. So, now your wolf is rebelling against people who aren't your mate, basically."

I sigh, feeling the weight of her words. "This is just another thing pressuring me to make my decision. In theory, it should be easy. The man I love is Hudson. It has always been Hudson. But the moment I think about breaking the bond with Lex, my heart twists in my chest. Something inside me is stopping me from doing it. It gets harder and harder every time I see Lex."

Mia nods sympathetically. "I can't imagine how tough this must be for you, Gaia. But you need to listen to both your heart and your wolf. You need to find a balance and make a decision that you can live with."

We fall into a contemplative silence as the car bumps along the road. The clearing comes into view, a wide-open space surrounded by towering trees. The spot for the bonfire is perfect, with a natural circle of stones already in place and enough room for everyone to gather comfortably.

As we start unloading the car and setting up, my thoughts keep drifting back to Lex and Hudson. The bond with Lex pulls at me constantly, like a silent call I can't ignore. But my love for Hudson, the years we've spent together, the dreams we've shared, they all weigh heavily on my heart.

"Mia," I say as we lay out some blankets, "do you think we could stop by Lex's cabin after we're done here? I think I need to see him."

Mia looks at me with a knowing smile. "Of course, Gaia. I figured you might want to. We'll head over as soon as we finish up here."

We continue working, but my mind is elsewhere. I know I need to make a decision soon. The longer I wait, the harder it becomes. I just hope that when the time comes, I'll have the strength to make the right choice for everyone involved, including myself.

As we get closer, I can see other vehicles parked, their owners bustling about, setting up for the bonfire. It's entirely different from what I had imagined. There are large tables meant to fit most of the pack, a place designated for food and drinks. At the center of the clearing, a group is arranging large logs that will be lit during the event. The entire area has a festive look and feel, with little lanterns and decorations strung up around the trees, casting a warm glow even in the daylight.

I point things out excitedly to Mia, unable to contain my enthusiasm. "Look at those lanterns! And the tables—it's like a festival!"

Mia smiles at my excitement. "Yeah, it does feel like that, doesn't it? Wait until you see it at night."