Arranged Bonds

Chapter 4: Betrayed

Alone

Used

Violated

That's how I feel.

Blackwood now lays beside me. I know he can feel what I'm feeling, courtesy of our one sided bond.

He feels everything I feel, knows inside my mind. I can feel the tendrils of his being wrapped up tight inside me, but have no way to connect back.

I feel disgusted with myself, with him.

I just feel violated and I still do hours later when my bags are being loaded into his truck, my family sending me off, abandoning me to this great power for their own benefit, for the packs benefit.

I'm crying as my older brother hugs me, sniffing my neck, smelling the difference in me. The mixture of two scents now one and then looking to Blackwood, smelling only one scent.

My scent only clings to him on the outside, a superficial layer that doesn't cloak or coat or mix into his being like his has done to mine. My scent could easily be washed away in time.

My eyes water up at Micah, there's no need to say a word to him. He can tell, he knows what's going on and pulls me into a tight hug. "Stay warm, call me when you need me. I will always come for you, Wren. You will always be family, so don't be a stranger okay baby sis?"

I nod my head affirmatively and swipe my hand under my eyes before smiling up at him. Blackwood doesn't say a word as I hug the rest of my family. My oldest brother Jude doesn't seem too effected, or maybe he is just hiding his discomfort under his skin like me, but my younger twin sisters are crying into a shoulder each. I say goodbye with resignation.

He doesn't help me grab the last of my bags and he doesn't help me into the truck as a loving mate would do. He doesn't take care of me like a mate should, and I  wonder if he ever will.

The ride is quiet and long. I fall asleep in exhaustion for a while and wake in hunger. We stop at a little diner and I devour my burger and shake despite the waves of nervousness and upset churning inside me.

He doesn't speak to me, which is disconcerting and I walk off to use the lady's room before we hit the road again. I can still feel the tenderness between my thighs and remember having to clean the blood from my snow white flesh alone, no help from my mate.

On the way there I feel a slap to my ass and swing around in surprise at a large man. He is dirty and grimy and my mate does nothing but stare as I huff and stalk the rest of the way to the bathroom.

I do my business quickly, but hesitate upon leaving, hoping the nasty man is gone, and sigh when I see his seat unoccupied.

I look to my mate with anger, letting my hidden strength slowly seep out into my skin against my will and I see his eyes spark in surprise. I don't say a word as I pass him, bumping against his side on the way out, unconsciously rubbing my scent back into him.

----

Two hours later I am standing in front of a large, beautifully crafted house. Obviously the pack house.

"There will be a pack meeting for introductions later tonight. For now I will have Senna, my betas mate, show you around." Blackwood speaks gruffly and then stalks into the house.

Senna is a tall willowy thing with springy blonde curls and kind green eyes.

"You must be Our new Luna?" She smiles a wide smile, her face glowing with a happiness I wish I could find as she hugs me to her. I smile back the best I can.

"You can just call me Wren."

She grabs my hand and motions for a few younger male wolves to carry my bags to my room, which I assume I am sharing with Blackwood.

Senna shows me around the house. I love the beautiful wooden structure. It has a homey feel to it, cluttered with pack members and pups wondering behind their mothers. I smile a genuine smile at a little girl who has come running to me.

"Luna!" She giggles happily and hugs my leg. My smile turns to dust in the wind as I glance up to see a female wolf wrapped around my mate.

Senna, noticing what is on display for my eyes, pushes the little girl on her way. I seethe and feel my eyes flashing black, growling deeply under my breath as I watch this female rubbing against what's mine.

"Beatrix! He has a mate now so back off!" Senna is rushing forward, grabbing her by the back of her neck and tossing her to the side like a disobedient pup.

She lifts her nose and sniffs in Blackwood's direction. "Doesn't smell like it to me. He doesn't even have a mark Senna. I see no reason to keep away." She smiles smoothly and tosses her honey brown hair in my direction before slinking off in her heels, her ass practically falling out of her dress.

Her words burrow deep into my heart, hurting me in a big way.

Blackwood does nothing but stare before walking off.

"Senna? You don't have to interfere like that. I have to make my place here. I can't have someone defending me all the time. The pack will think I'm weak." I give her a watery smile.

She blushes before ushering me to the kitchen to grab something to eat. I don't eat anything though. My appetite is long gone, so I kindly ask Senna to show me to my room.

My room is large. It's the biggest room I've ever stepped foot in. The windows take up a whole wall and the bed could fit 5 people at least. I can smell Blackwood's scent lingering, but I can also smell the scent of that bítch Beatrix. I suppress the growls that are trying to claw their way out my throat and turn to the large couch. There's no way I'm sleeping in that bed until the sheets are washed clean.

I lay my head against the soft cushions and drift off into the nothingness I had so craved to feel since I had arrived.