Bound by destiny| BWWM Paranormal

Chapter 6 : Awakening

Edited some, unedited completely
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**Declan POV**

I had an urgent meeting with the pack elders this morning, and leaving Jessica in the warmth of our bed was a battle I wasn't prepared for. She clung to me in her sleep, her grip tightening as if afraid I might disappear. I couldn't help but smile, even as a mix of anxiety and protectiveness churned in my gut.

Her pre-heat was simmering down, but she had grown accustomed to my touch, finding solace in my presence. As I steeled myself for the day ahead, I made my way to the office where my Beta, Alex, and the elders awaited me at the long, imposing conference table.

Once I settled into the head seat, Alex launched into a recap of the previous meeting, outlining pressing matters, particularly the next steps in breaking the curse tied to the prophecy that loomed over us.

"First on the agenda today is the approval of Jessica as the chosen one," Milo announced, his voice carrying the weight of tradition and authority. He was my father's Beta, one of the oldest advisors, his wisdom both revered and feared.

My jaw clenched at his words. A surge of anger coursed through me, but I held my tongue, knowing the gravity of the moment. Jessica was my mate—no question about it. Yet the True Mate ritual hung over us like a storm cloud, complicating everything.

"Declan," Milo continued, eyeing me intently, "you know the significance of this. If she's to fulfill her role, we can't allow distractions. Have you marked her yet?"

I took a breath, forcing my voice to remain steady. "Not yet, Milo. The ritual requires time and preparation. Marking her now would put her at risk. The bond we share is powerful, and I need to ensure she's ready to bear its weight."

Alex leaned forward, concern etched on his face. "But delaying could make her vulnerable. The pack senses your bond, Declan. It's only a matter of time before someone challenges it."

"I understand that," I replied, my gaze sweeping over the room. "But rushing this could endanger both of us. I refuse to treat her as a pawn in this game of prophecy and power."

Milo's expression grew stern. "You must remember, Declan, your parents were forced to marry because of the same ritual. They didn't have a choice, and their union was steeped in obligation rather than love. You were born from that burden, and look what it cost them."

I swallowed hard, the weight of his words hitting me like a punch to the gut. "I don't want that for Jessica. I won't bind her to a fate that isn't hers to choose."

"Then you must convince them," Milo urged, his tone serious. "Time is not on our side. The prophecy is awakening, and we need to act decisively. If you truly believe in Jessica's strength, you need to show it—not just to her, but to the pack."

The tension in the room hung heavy, but deep down, I knew I had to protect Jessica—not just from the pack, but from the storm that was coming for us all. "I'll do what it takes. But I won't rush into marking her. When the time comes, it will be on our terms, not dictated by fear or tradition."

Milo nodded slowly, respect flickering in his eyes. "Then you'll need to stand firm, Declan. They may not understand your choice, but they'll have to respect your bond if you fight for it."

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After the meeting, I felt the weight of uncertainty pressing down on me. I needed to find Jessica and talk to her about what had transpired, my mind racing with the implications of the elders' decisions and the expectations surrounding us.

As I rounded a corner, I nearly collided with Jessica. She stood in the sunlight, her hair catching the light like a halo, lost in thought. My heart skipped a beat at the sight of her, a rush of warmth flooding through me.