Page 1 of Shattered Soulmates

Prologue

Beta Miles

Wind Howl Pack–One Year Ago

"How are you holding up, Beta?" Alpha Rex Stone asks as I slip into his office.

I let out a breath that feels like jagged glass.

"Marissa took off again last night. Packed her bags and left. Said she’s going to the city to start a new life." I pause, running a hand through my hair.

"I love her, Alpha. I know she's not my fated mate, but my heart’s a wreck. She leaves, comes back, and repeats the cycle relentlessly. I can't take it anymore."

Alpha eyes me with compassion.

"I haven’t found my fated mate yet, Beta, but I can understand what you’re going through just by watching. That female has you turned inside out."

"Yes, she does. We've been together for ten years now." I let out a sigh. "I'm 33, and Marissa’s 28. We'renot kids anymore, and I don't believe we'll find our destined mates. We haven't so far. Why can't she commit? I don't get why she’s so restless."

"Do you think she's gone for good this time?"

"I don't know. Your guess is as good as mine." I grunt. "Anyway, I’ve got a job to do. Why’d you want to see me, Alpha?"

"A new member is joining the pack today." He taps the air above his desk, and a hologram flickers to life, displaying a series of pages. "Paisley Woods. She's 22 and will be teaching at the school this year." After flipping through the screens, he meets my gaze. "She'll be on the singles floor. I need you to help her settle in when she arrives."

"Got it, Alpha."

"Good." He rises from behind the desk as the sound of a car approaching reaches us. Looking out the window, he points. "I believe that’s her now." We watch as a small blue subcompact turns up the lane toward the pack house.

I get up and let out a weary sigh. "I'll take care of her." After leaving Alpha’s office, I head downstairs to the main living area of the pack house. The sweet scent of wildflowers and honey hits me as I open the front door. Where’s that coming from?

I glance at the car that just pulled up. Time seems to stand still as I’m mesmerized by the beautiful, curvy female stepping out. Her presence and scent are overwhelming. Her long blonde hair floats around her as the wind rushes through it. She has me spellbound as she struggles to pull her suitcases from the trunk. An urge to help rises within me, but my feet won't move.

As our eyes lock, we whisper simultaneously, "Mate," confirming our bond. The air sizzles with a heady mix of surprise, promise, and exhilaration as we both suddenly realize the depth of our connection.

As I stand here, silently drinking in this new bond, my thoughts are all over the place, and I’m not sure what comes next. Part of me is still caught up in the messy relationship with Marissa that just ended. Her hot-and-cold games. The way she never truly cared about my feelings. That chapter needs to close. This feels right. Steady. Like the rollercoaster of emotional pain might stop here.

Despite the insecurities left behind by Marissa, something primordial stirs within me. Looking into this female’s eyes, I see more than just the future. I feel something older than time itself, pulling at my depths. Our bond is powerful and profound, like it’s always beenthere, waiting. It draws me inward like nothing else ever has.

There’s a soul-deep yearning inside me, like a long-lost part of my essence has finally found its way back home. It’s the beginning of something real, and I want to embrace it fully.

Smiling, I approach my mate and fold her in my arms, her head resting on my chest. I welcome this hopeful new beginning and this ancient connection drawing us together. As the scent of wildflowers and honey lingers in the air, I know that whatever lies ahead, our lives are about to change.

Chapter 1 – Betrayal

Paisley

The Present

Day Before the Bonding Ceremony

Miles and I are snuggled up on the couch. I don't know how I got so lucky. He’s so good to me, treats me like I'm a treasure. My eyes sting as tears well up.

"Hey, what's this about?" Miles gently tilts my chin up. "Why are you crying? If this is about the bachelor party, I promise nothing will happen tonight. I want no one but you."

He smiles and leans in, pressing the sweetest kiss on my lips. "I won't go if it upsets you."

"No, it's not that, Miles." I blink, trying to breathe through the emotions that assail me. I love you beyond words. Sometimes, it feels almost too good to be true, like a fairytale. It's almost scary how much happiness you’ve brought into my life."

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