At Crossroads

I didn't call out again but his scent was still wafting over with the wind. I knew he was standing just a few feet to my left. I sat down on the deck and continued moon gazing. I was acutely aware of the presence of my mate just a few steps away. The sound of light footsteps came towards me slowly and I stiffened. He stood under the dim light of the deck and I could feel his eyes on me so I looked up. And met Hazel orbs that were a deep forest green. "What are you doing out here?" His voice was low but deep. "I wanted some fresh air," I mumbled but he seemed to have heard me. I was surprised that he talked to me willingly. He didn't answer. He just stood there and continued looking at me. "Are you okay?" I asked. "Why do you ask?" "Nothing. It's just that..." I hesitated and he raised a brow at me in question so I finished off, "You were gone for so many days and I was a bit worried." "Why would you be? It's not like what I do concerns you." He rolled his eyes. I tried to ignore the stinging sensation in my chest from his words. Tried... "But it does. You're..." I trailed off when I noticed the glare he sent my way, "my mate." I finished off. He growled at me and the next thing I knew, I was pinned against the glass entrance door as he strangled my neck. I looked up at him in shock as I reached my hands up to pry his off. His eyes were now a dark brown with little specks of gold in their vicinity. He looked angry. Really angry... "Don't you dare!" he growled as he tightened his grip, cutting off my air. I clawed at his hand. I could feel my heart pumping hard. I knew he wouldn't hurt me. My gut feeling, my instinct told me so. But that doesn't mean his actions wouldn't. "If you ever fucking dare to call me that useless word again, I will crush you!" He snarled. I shook my head slightly as I started feeling faint. "I-I-c-can-'t-b-brea-the..." I struggled as my eyes watered. That seemed to snap him out of it because he jumped back that instant. I leaned against the door and took in deep breaths, my hands automatically going up to my neck. He stood with his back facing me. His whole body looked tensed and his fist was clenched tightly while the other hand continuously ran through his hair. He gave me a side glance for a few seconds and then he was gone. I stood there dazed at what just happened. Did he hate the word 'mate' so much that he would even do this? Why? Was it from childhood? Or was it that he just doesn't like me? Why would he do that? You were just stating a fact and yet he... I could feel the hurt and disbelief radiating off of him in waves.

As a simple assistant, messaging the CEO in the dead of night to request shares of adult films was a bold move. Bethany, unsurprisingly, didn't receive any films. However, the CEO responded that, while he had no films to share, he could offer a live demonstration. After a night filled with passion, Bethany was certain she'd lose her job. But instead, her boss proposed, "Marry me. Please consider it." "Mr. Bates, you're kidding me, right?"

Rumors said that Lucas married an unattractive woman with no background. In the three years they were together, he remained cold and distant to Belinda, who endured in silence. Her love for him forced her to sacrifice her self-worth and her dreams. When Lucas' true love reappeared, Belinda realized that their marriage was a sham from the start, a ploy to save another woman's life. She signed the divorce papers and left. Three years later, Belinda returned as a surgical prodigy and a maestro of the piano. Lost in regret, Lucas chased her in the rain and held her tightly. "You are mine, Belinda."

Rumors claimed that Fernanda, newly back with her family, was nothing more than a violent country bumpkin. Fernanda just flashed a casual, dismissive grin in response. Another rumor suggested that the usually rational Cristian had lost all sense, madly in love with Fernanda. This frustrated her. She could tolerate gossip about herself, but slander against her beloved crossed the line! Gradually, as Fernanda's multiple identities as a celebrated designer, a savvy gamer, an acclaimed painter, and a successful business magnate came to light, everyone realized they were the ones who had been fooled.

When Corynn mustered up the courage to tell Elliot about her pregnancy, she unexpectedly found him gallantly helping another woman from his car. Her heart sank as three years of effort to secure his love crumbled before her eyes, compelling her to leave him behind. Three years later, life had taken Corynn down a new path with someone else, while Elliot was left grappling with regret. Seizing a moment of vulnerability, he pleaded, "Corynn, let's get married." Shaking her head with a faint smile, Corynn gently replied, "Sorry, I'm already engaged."

Lucia Balstone thought she had chosen the right man to spend the rest of her life with, but he was the one who ended her life. Their ten-year marriage seemed like a joke when her husband stabbed her with a dagger. Fortunately, God is never blind to people's tears. Lucia got a second chance. She was reborn at the age of 22, before all the terrible things had happened. This time, she was determined to avenge herself and let those who hurt her pay! She made an elaborate list of her goals, and the first thing on her list was to marry her ex-husband's enemy, Alonso Callen!

"You're mine, little puppy," Kylan growled against my neck. A soft gasp escaped my lips as his lips brushed my skin. My mind screamed at me to push him away-the Lycan Prince who had humiliated me again and again, but my body betrayed me, leaning into him before I could stop myself. He pressed his lips against mine, and his kiss grew more aggressive, more possessive as I felt my legs weaken. What was I doing? In a split-second, I pulled away and slapped him hard across the face. Kylan's eyes darkened, but the smirk on his lips exposed his amusement. "You and I both know we can't fight this, Violet," he said, gripping my wrist. "You're my mate." "And yet you don't want me," I replied. "You told me you were ashamed of me, that l'd never be your queen, that you'd never love me. So please, accept my rejection and let me go." "Never," he whispered, his grip tightening as he pulled me closer. "Soon enough, you'll be begging for me. and when you do-I'll use you as I see fit and then I'll reject you."