Page 90 of Unclaimed Bonds
I internally groan. Emily owes me big for this. I constantly fend off guys interested in her, so much so that sometimes they think it’s because I’m in love with her.
“No, man. She’s single, as far as I know. But, uh, I wouldn’t hold out too much hope. She’s, um, picky, and she never gets involved for the long term.”
I watch the wheels churn in that big brain of his. “I can live with that. Not sure where I’ll go after graduation. A short-term relationship works for me.”
I shake my head. “Please don’t.”
Darwin’s eyes narrow. “Why? Thought you two were like family.”
I glance around. The other recruits caught up with the girls. Elaine flirts relentlessly, probably trying to gain my attention. “Look. Emily doesn’t get involved in relationships because she’s betrothed. I’m not supposed to say anything, so keep it to yourself.” His eyes widen. “She was betrothed to the Obsidian Alpha’s son before she was even born. She knows it. She’s fine with it. She’s accepted it.”
Darwin frowns. “What about what she wants?”
“Sometimes we don’t get what we want. I know she’s an awesome girl, and you can probably see yourself with her shortterm or long term. But she won’t go there. There’s no room for what-ifs.”
His shoulders sag. “Alright. Thanks for the heads-up.”
I nod. I feel bad for the guy. He really likes her. But this isn’t my first rodeo, and until Emily becomes mated, I’m afraid it won’t be my last. Maybe I should just tell everyone we’re dating. It might be easier to fend them off.
This time, though, I didn’t lie to Darwin. The original Blackguard Alpha of the Obsidian Pack created a binding contract to the Obsidian Alpha who migrated to the LS territory after the great war and established the Obsidian Pack territory. Not sure how the Obsidian Alpha came to be here or how they know each other. The contract states that the first female born of the true Blackguard family line, or the Obsidian Alpha family, will be mated with the Alpha child of the same blood origin.
For generations, neither of the families had a female child. When Emily was born, her fate became sealed. Because of it, she was given the best education and sent to the elite private school in the city. Her college education is already paid. She also trained in martial arts and weaponry. She is everything the Obsidian Alpha could ever hope for in a mate for his Alpha son.
Except for one aspect. She doesn’t like men. And she doesn’t want children. I love Emily, and I am proud of her for accepting the situation. She never complains.
I wouldn’t be so compliant. I am grateful for my parents. As the Alpha King, my father could have set up a betrothal contract to ensure our family’s bloodline. He didn’t. He and my mother are true mates. My brothers and I are the products of true love. Our parents want the same for us—the freedom to find our true mates or at least mate for love.
Elaine flirts with Stan, talking loudly. I roll my eyes. Sometimes, I think Emily has a good deal. At least she can always use the betrothal card to fend off unwanted male callers.I, on the other hand, must deal with manipulative, gold-digging women who only want me for my title.
We finally arrive at my mom’s favorite restaurant. They eat lunch at one of the outdoor tables. Nothing appears amiss. Stan also pans the crowd. When he catches me looking at him, he nods. The girls squeal and make a ruckus in front of an old woman who set up a table outside of one of the stores.
Jessica sits quietly with her baseball cap so low, it hides her features. Emily and Sixes talk with their hands, as they do. My mother and Jessica laugh. She looks so petite, compared to the other women at their table. If onlookers didn’t know better, she could pass for a young teen, until they see her body.
She takes a bite of food, and her face transforms with pleasure from whatever she just popped into her mouth. I swear I see the goosebumps along her arms. She closes her eyes, relishing the taste.
Damnit! I tear my eyes away. She’s eating lunch, for crying out loud. I look up and down the main thoroughfare, but my vision gravitates right back to her.
She smiles and throws a balled-up napkin at Emily. Emily catches it, giggling. Why didn’t I talk to Emily first before I jumped to conclusions?
I wouldn’t be standing here, pining over a girl who hates my guts, not that I blame her. When I finally told Emily what happened when I came home, she gave me a black eye. I deserved it. I already felt like shit at the dinner table. With Jessica’s disappearance and learning about Marcus and his asshole followers, the guilt never really left.
I don’t know how to fix it. She won’t give me the time of day. My charm doesn’t affect her. I was so wrong. Had I given her a chance to get to know me—the real me—we could have at least been friends.
Laughter erupts from the group. Elaine watches me with narrowed eyes. Crap. How long have I been staring at Jessica? Maybe she’ll think I’m looking at Emily. Fuck, I hope so.
The elderly woman sits at her table, holding a deck of cards toward Liam.
“Come on. Give it a try. Maybe it will say we are destined to be together,” Cassie purrs in Liam’s ear. He grimaces. Cassie is curvy, dressed in the latest fashion, with light brown, wavy hair. She’s taken to social media and wants to act or model. She may be pretty, but she’s average, nothing special about her looks or her personality.
Sodie slaps Liam on the back. “Just do it. The faster you get it done, the faster she will realize she’s not your destiny.” Sodie chuckles. Liam motions for the elderly woman to hand him a card. She shuffles the deck, fans it out, and instructs Liam to pick one.
He pulls a card and flips it over. He scowls while everyone starts to laugh and cheer. Cassie bats her fake eyelashes. Liam shows the elderly woman the card.
She smiles. “Ah, the Lovers card. Destined to be together. Joined by fate. True mates.” Then, she frowns. “You’re fighting it. Why?” She shuffles the cards again and lifts one from the top of the deck. “The King of Cups, reversed,” she explains. “If you don’t let love in, you will still achieve everything you’re destined for, but you will live a lonely and miserable life. The monster within will be unleashed and leave you a very feared man, a man you fight so hard to refrain from becoming.” She takes the Lovers card and places it over the King of Cups. “Let love in, and you will gain everything your heart desires. The choice is yours.”
Cassie smiles and intertwines her hand with Liam’s. He glances at their hands and then at Cassie. “I told you we were destined to be together,” she announces.
The old woman cackles. “Oh, sweetheart, it’s not you. He knows exactly who it is.” A slight reprieve crosses Liam’s features before he schools his normal expression.
