Bond Betrayal

FAITH

“Fai, hurry up!” My big sister Grace is not known for her patience, but her enthusiasm is infectious. Today is the yearly Shifters Ball and it is my first time going. When a wolf becomes of age at nineteen, if they haven’t already had the good fortune of finding their bond mate, they will attend these galas. While mating with humans is accepted, finding your bond mate in another shifter is supposed to be absolutely amazing. Our wolves connect which brings the human half to be physical drawn to their mate, separation difficult and even painful. Our wolves desire the love and support of another but a true bond mate is always the dream.

These Balls have become vital in the ever-present need to increase shifter populations. At one time, we coexisted with humans but that ended hundreds of years ago when they turned on us. We were slaughtered by the thousands, leaving reclusive groups of survivors scattered around the world. These days, finding your true bond mate is rare – they may have died, not been born yet or simply live on the other side of the world.

Chosen mates have become the norm and while it works for reproduction, our wolves are never truly at peace. Their hearts will always remain open to the one true love they belong with, the one chosen for them by the Moon Goddess herself. It can be a very good life full of love and companionship but it’ll never be fully satisfying, there will always be something missing.

The thought of someone in the world being the other half of my soul excites me to no end. Grace and I, thankfully, have always had each other but our parents- not so much. They have always provided for us but affection, support and encouragement have not been a part of our upbringing. To imagine receiving complete adoration from my destined for every day of my life sounds like utopia. I dream my mate lives in a visiting pack so I don’t have to continue living with my loveless parents but I dread leaving Grace or having her leave me. Two of us together can weather the storm that is our family life but one left alone will struggle. Indifference is a heavy burden to bear alone.

Grace has attended the Balls twice already and come home alone. I’m grateful to have my sister at my side giving me strength and encouragement because all I’m feeling is nervousness and anxiety. My she-wolf, Zoe, isn’t any help as her excitement has her dancing in circles. Zoe’s words of encouragement echo Grace’s and soon I’m ready to go.

Both Grace and I look alike – we’re almost twins except born two years apart. Grace is taller than I am but we’re both short, not tall and lithe like the majority of she-wolves. We’re built like our father but look like our mom with blonde hair and blue eyes. My beautiful sister looks exceptional tonight, her long blonde hair hanging straight down her back. While Grace’s dress is a royal shade of green, I opted for a sapphire-coloured gown that brings out the blue in my eyes. I am wearing my hair pinned up, the curls somewhat contained by a multitude of clips and bobby pins. I feel like a princess who is about to meet her prince charming. I’m so excited!

LUCAS

I abhor attending these Balls yet it is expected I do so. While there, I will represent my family while privately my wolf, Axel, will be persistently scanning for our true mate. When I first started going, I was young and optimistic about my chances but now, being thirty-one and still single, I’m far more realistic. My parents have been pushing me to take a chosen the past couple of years, because they want an heir more than to see me happy. While I haven’t been celibate, I have saved the best of myself and my heart for the one I’m destined to be with. The idea of spending the rest of my life with someone I don’t love holds less appeal than dying alone – and there would be no love on my part. Axel and I will never accept a chosen until I’m far older and only then it’ll be to reproduce. The romance never ends.

I know my role and I understand the responsibilities that come with it but I’m not ready to surrender my soul yet. Not only would Axel and I be miserable for the rest of our days but it wouldn’t be fair to the one we half-heartedly commit to. I highly doubt a young she-wolf’s dreams and aspirations include being a breeder in a loveless relationship. My parents are going to have to just keep on waiting.