Page 51 of Shattered Soulmates

I’m not sure how I feel about that. The deep ache has disappeared, replaced by a peaceful understanding that settles within me.

The tattoo stays, beautiful but imperfect. It's a promise of a future full of happiness; that reassurance is enough for now.

Lynsey

Yesterday, we scheduled a meeting, set for three days from now, with the key players to discuss what the club refers to as a trial for Joyride. Although not a traditional pack like the others, we’re just as established and adhere to the same rules, though with a morally grey tint. Alpha Commander tolerates our presence because we help keep Stone Mountain Kingdom clean. We’re his not-so-secret, dirty little secret.

Since Joyride's trial is set for three days from now, Miles Reid has enough time to recover so he can travel. Alpha Rex Stone and his second, Beta Knight Pierce, will meet with Drágon, Snake, and me to uncover the truth behind the lies Joyride has spread. We must address the danger she has caused through her wrongful kidnapping of Paisley Woods.

Joyride informed us that she had an encounter with the moon goddess in a dream. When she woke up, she found a scar on her chest, which had spread, webbing out to cover her entire body, including her face. Sawbones gives her a clean bill of health, but is convinced it’s a curse. Joyride agrees with him, claiming the goddess gave it to her as punishment, though sherefuses to say for what. We’ll find out soon enough at the trial.Drágon can compel truth.

Oddly enough, during Joyride's experience with the moon goddess, Paisley fainted in her own room. While she was out, a tattoo of a shattered eclipsed moon appeared on her chest, in the same spot where Joyride’s scar had appeared. She has since slipped into a coma and hasn’t regained consciousness. Sawbones can't find anything that would cause Paisley's condition, but he assures us that she’s otherwise fine. So, we've got someone sitting with her at all times until she wakes up.

Chapter 23–Mates

Drágon

It’s late at night, and something has awakened me.

There is darkness all around the room, but I have a distinct sense that I’m not alone. I rise from the bed and stand, only to realize that I’m no longer in a bedroom. I’m standing in an endless, dark field.

Looking up at the indigo sky, I see a purple moon in the process of an eclipse. The stars that fill the sky are unfamiliar. There’s no Big Dipper, no Orion’s Belt.

The presence I sense lurking nearby is silent and still, but I can hear their breathing. Suddenly, the thunder of wings fills the air as the wind whips violently around me. Like a flock of startled birds, dozens of dragons take flight, soaring into the sky, their shimmering scales a colorful kaleidoscope of greens, reds, blues, golds, and blacks. The sight takes my breathaway as I watch the beautiful display of my brother and sister dragons.

I feel a gentle touch on my arm and turn to find a beautiful, curvy woman. Her long blonde hair curls in soft ringlets down her back, and her doe-brown eyes gaze at me with adoration. I know her. I can sense her deep in my soul, a bond that connects us. She feels so soft and warm. Am I dreaming?

“Is this real?” we both ask in unison.

“It’s a memory,” whispers an otherworldly voice. “From before time began.”

“I know you, don’t I?” I ask the smiling female.

“Yes,” she sighs. “You’re one of my soulmates. The moon goddess joined us.”

She turns to the other side, and there stands another male. He’s tall, with brown eyes and dark hair.

“I know you too, brother,” I say, feeling the tether that binds us all together.

He nods, gazing lovingly at the woman. “You’re my soulmate as well,” he tells her.

“Yes,” she says, smiling at him with devotion.

The voice whispers a prophecy on the wind:

“Two mate bonds were created before the world began—one of ice, the other of fire. The first will shatter you; the second will restore you with a true love’s kiss.Within you, both were meant to join, but deceit tore the bonds apart. The choice is yours: choose both, choose one, or neither. In your choice, true happiness will be found. Decide, and your heart will be healed, and your path will be sealed.”

The female takes my hand, and I kiss it, sealing our promise. She then takes the other male’s hand, and he kisses it, binding their vow.

We turn our eyes to the sky, admiring the dragons cavorting above, celebrating the eclipse. Both of us males hold the female’s hands in contented silence when another female approaches me.

“Come with me,” she cajoles sweetly, but her presence is unwelcome, and I push her away firmly.

“Come with me,” she insists, pulling on my arm.

“No!” I say firmly. “Leave us alone.”

She smirks at the female holding my hand and dances around to the other male, smiling at him alluringly.

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