Chapter 2 The callousness in his voice shattered something inside me . I dont know how I left his chambers . I stumbled through the pack grounds , Liams words echoed in my mind : Ive loved Sarah since we were pups . Since you were pups ? But you swore youd never mark anyone but me . Seven years ago , you stood beneath my cottage window night after night , telling me to trust you , to be yours . You took me to every sacred site in pack territory , whispering promises of eternal love . Did you think of Sarah then , when you first discovered our fated mate bond ? Every loving memory morphed into a blade , twisting inside me . And the person wielding the knife … was my destined mate . The moon rose full and bright , casting silver light across the territory . My fingers instinctively curled around my mothers ring a habit born from years of seeking comfort in her last gift to me . The ring on my finger grew colder still , almost burning with its chill . My mothers last words echoed in my memory : This ring will protect you , my darling . It will bless you and your fated mate together , forever . Are you lying to me , Mother ? The sky opened up , unleashing a torrential downpour as if the Moon Goddess herself wept for my broken bond . I dont know how long I stood there , numb and defeated . Suddenly , I caught his scent on the wind pine and winter , now tainted with honeysuckle . A pair of strong arms wrapped around me from behind . What are you doing out here in the storm ? Youll catch sickness ! His voice carried the authority of an Alpha heir , but there was worry underneath . I looked up to see Liams concerned face , his golden Alpha eyes scanning me . He pulled me closing , trying to shield me from the rain with his larger frame , Comedy inside , Youre freezing I wanted nothing more than to rewind time , to pretend none of this had ever happman , 198 Instead , I shoved him away , my wolf snarling beneath my skwe How dare you show your face here ? Leave me alonet My gokee carried the ran pan of a rejected mate . dt tears streamed down my face as my wolf clawed at my insides , desperate to other attack or submit . The rain couldnt compare to the icy emptiness where our mate wind weed to be . It was the first time Id ever challenged him , my wolf fighting against years of ingrated submission . He flinched , his Alpha presence wavering for a moment . His golden eyes flickered with confusion and hurt , the scent of his distress heavy in the air . Seeing him like that fueled my anger . My hand connected with his face before I could stop myself , his Alpha instincts kicked in , and he grabbed my wrists , pulling me into a crushing embrace . The familiar scent of pine and winter wind that used to comfort me now made my stomach túrn it was tainted with Sarahs honeysuckle perfume . Aria , please dont be angry . Im so sorry , so sorry … he murmured , his voice thick with unshed tears . The storm raged around us , and for the first time in seven years , I felt his iron control slip , his wolf pushing close to the surface . His apology , laced with genuine pain , should have softened the frozen knot in my chest . But the lingering scent of Sarahs marking ceremony on his skin only made it worse . I couldnt bear another second of his voice , his scent , his presence My feet carried me run back to my cottage , I collapsed onto my bed , too exhausted to fight grief anymore , too drained to even cry.And I drifted off to a restless sleep . [ Chapter 2 In my dreams , I saw the man I fell in love with . He wore the ceremonial white robes of an Alpha heir , looking at me with such sincerity that it hurt . Trust me , Aria , he whispered . When I take over as Alpha , Ill change everything . I promise , youll never have to hide in the shadows again . His ears had turned red then , a rare show of vulnerability from a future Alpha . Seven years of believing those empty promises , of letting my wolf bond deeper with his . But the scene shifted , and his eyes turned cold , gleaming Alpha red as he stood beside rah . Please dont interfere . Weve completed the mate bond . Youre just an Omega I dont love you anymore , Aria . His words tore my heart to shreds , until a soft knock at my door pulled me from the nightmare , leaving behind only the familiar ache of betrayal and the ghost of his red tinted gaze . Chapter 3 Chapter 3 In "Cross My Heart and Hope to Die" by CrushReel, Zoe Hale takes a daring step by marrying Ashton Cross, a man under suspicion for her sister's mysterious demise. As their relationship evolves, hidden truths unravel, intertwining love and suspense in this captivating romance novel. Exploring the complexities of loyalty and deception, the story delves deep into Zoe's quest for justice while navigating the unexpected twists of her heart. The enigmatic bond between Zoe and Ashton unfolds against a backdrop of secrets and revelations, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with each turn of the page. Set in a blend of romance and drama, "Cross My Heart and Hope to Die" stands out for its intricate character dynamics and the seamless fusion of passion and intrigue. With every chapter, CrushReel skillfully crafts a narrative that immerses readers in a world where love confronts darkness, leaving them yearning for more. 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