Chapter 4 The light pulsed in rhythm with my heartbeat , and with each pulse , I felt a surge of foreign power course through my veins . It was like liquid moonlight being injected directly into my bloodstream , spreading through every cell of my body , The power burned , but not like the searing pain of rejection this was different . Vamiliar somehow , It seems that something that had been sleeping in my blood all along , waiting for this moment . My wolf stirred , not in submission or pain , but with a newfound awareness . My vision sharpened , colors becoming more vivid . Scents Id never noticed before filled my nose . Even the air against my skin felt different , charged with potential . This wasnt the power of an Omega this was something else entirely . My wolf raised her head , eyes glowing with newfound strength . For the first time in my life , she spoke to me : Aría , you was never the Omega they claimed . Its a way that your mom protect you when she sent you here before she stopped the last breath . You have an Alpha blood , purer than even Liams , My breath caught in my throat as the truth crashed over me . Memories flashed through my mind my mothers desperate eyes that final day , her trembling hands as she slipped her ring onto my finger , her insistence that I never take it off . All these years , she hadnt just been sending me to safety shed been hiding my true nature in plain sight . Liam didnt love me . The truth of it still hurt , but it no longer held the power to destroy me . I would no longer live in anyones shadow , no longer exist merely as an extension of Liams Chapter 4 desires . It was time I stopped loving him too . The next day , Liams beta found me . Aria , Sarahs condition has worsened . The curse is serious than we thought . Alpha and Sarah will have a mate ceremony in the Sacred Circle , to strengthen their bond . Alpha let me tell you … he want you … to be their witness . froze , then a slow smile spread across my face . Witness ? Of couse no problem . But not just witness . The next evening , I arrived at the Sacred Circle and spotted Liam greeting the pack members , radiating the confident authority of a future Alpha about to claim his mate . Despite my careful efforts to suppress my Alpha essence , Liams nostrils flared slightly when he caught my different scent . A fleeting look of confusion crossed his face , but the excitement of the upcoming ceremony with Sarah had him too preoccupied to dwell on it . His expression quickly returned to one of warm relief as he rushed to my side . Aria , I knew youd understand . You truly have the heart of a Luna . He leaned in , attempting to scent mark me as he always had . I stepped away gracefully . Ive given it some thought , and I dont think I can be your witness after all , I said , my voice carrying a power Id never felt before . But I do wish you both happiness under the moons light . Liam froze , his Alpha aura darkening . Aria , you know I value your blessing above all others . But those words … they sound like a curse coming from you . His Beta wolves , sensing the tension , rushed to diffuse the situation . Aria , you look absolutely stunning ! Not just beautiful , but kind and understanding too . Alpha , youre blessed by the Goddess herself ! Chapter 4 Kind Understanding . They had always thought I could only be submissive and had no idea what ancient power was awakening inside me . Soon , Liam wouldnt either . The Pack Shaman stood beside Liam and Sarah in the Sacred Circle , surrounded by the ancient stone pillars that had witnessed countless mate bonds throughout the centuries . he full moon hung heavy and bright above , its silver light illuminating the gathering . Do you vow to honor each other , to protect and cherish your mate bond until the Moon Goddess calls you home ? the Shamans voice echoed across the clearing . Liam didnt hesitate . His Alpha aura pulsed with power as he stood tall , practically glowing with pride . The act he was putting on was almost believable pretending this was a true mate bond rather than a desperate attempt to save a cursed wolf . But it didnt matter anymore . Hed made his choice . Id tried so hard to prepare myself for this moment , to tell myself that the breaking of our fated bond no longer mattered . But watching the wolf I loved prepare to mark another mate … the pain still clawed at my chest . They finished their vows . Sarah , I choose you as my mate . I always have . My greatest joy is marking you , spending whatever time the Goddess grants us together . This ring … its a symbol of our unbreakable bond . He leaned in to begin the blood ritual , and the pack erupted in howls of approval . Tears of joy streamed down Sarahs face as she gazed at Liam . Liam , his face alight with triumph , looked at Sarah . Without hesitation , he raised the ceremonial blade to mix their blood , preparing to seal their mate bond forever . Stop ! My voice rang out with an authority that shocked everyone here . 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. Discover the enthralling saga of Zoe and Ashton, available to read at CrushReel. Immerse yourself in this unique tale that defies conventions and promises an unforgettable literary experience.