CLAIMED - Fated to Two Chapter 20: Fated Bonds

"Please, Damian. Don’t do this," I beg, pushing him away.

His sultry expression turns dark and wounded. "So, only Alpha Torrin can touch you, and not ? Why aren’t you being fair? I’m also your fated mate. If you think he’ll still co back for you, well let break your delusion, he won’t."

He truly believes Atticus succeeded in killing Alpha Torrin. So I can’t let him suspect otherwise.

"I know," I whisper, brushing my fingers against his cheek to calm him. "Still, I need ti to move on from him completely, so I can give you all of ."

He grunts in frustration and sharply turns his back on .

Guilt and fear twist in my stomach. I wanna comfort him, but I also fear he... or we might lose control again.

I straighten my clothes and hurry out of his bedroom.

My wolf growls inside , furious over the missed chance to share intimacy with Damian. She craves that connection, especially after losing so strength when Alpha Torrin had to go. Even so, I don’t regret pulling away.

Back in my bedroom at the Alpha’s mansion, the Gammas stand guard outside the door as usual.

I sit on the edge of my bed, mind racing: How can I et Alpha Torrin tonight without being caught?

Then,...

An idea sparks.

I grab my phone and browse the online marketplace for a hair dye, the sa trick Harper and I used growing up to blend in with the Dunebourne Pack. But instead of a permanent hair dye, I need a washable one.

Within hours, the parcel arrives.

One of the Gammas intercepts it and demands I open it in front of them.

"It’s just u.nderwear," I snap. "Are you really that paranoid?"

My heart anxiously thuds as I tear the plastic slowly. Luckily, before I fully open it, one of the Gammas stops . "It’s fine. You don’t have to show it."

Relief floods as I bring my parcel inside and lock the door.

I quickly spray the dye, turning my hair into a pale blonde shade. Then I push open the window overlooking the backside of the mansion.

I climb down, landing softly on the grass.

Most of the Ogas are busy with chores at this hour, so slipping into their locker area is easy. I steal a uniform and change quickly, tying my new hair back so I could look like them.

At the back gate, the Gammas rely glance at before waving through. Since this is where the Ogas are required to enter and exit, they don’t find suspicious.

Keeping my head lowered, I walk through the streets, avoiding familiar faces. I’m also too anxious to ride a taxi, so I walk the entire way.

By the ti I reach the western border, it’s already night. I’m exhausted, but determination keeps my legs moving.

"Oi! What’s a low-ranked werewolf like you doing here?" one of the Gammas demands, stepping forward. "Only Gammas and Betas with the Alpha’s permission are allowed near the border. Once you step outside, you’ll be considered a rogue."

My heartbeat spikes. No matter how hard I try, I can’t co up with a believable alibi.

But then,...

By a fluke, a powerful presence leaps out of the shadows: Alpha Torrin in his wolf form lands between and the Gammas with a low, threatening growl.

The Gammas freeze in shock.

"Alpha Torrin?" they murmur in disbelief.

"You’re alive!" a few cry in relief.

Instead of the sa relief, a part of feels dreadful. If even one of them is secretly loyal to Atticus, this reunion could get us both killed. On the other hand, killing them all so no one can talk, is not only rciless but a waste of life.

"You can’t tell anyone about this, especially Damian and Atticus. Not everyone can be trusted. Once Alpha Torrin regains his mories, he’ll return for us," I say.

The Gammas nod with conviction. None appear suspicious.

Alpha Torrin manages a faint, uncertain smile before he and I cross the border together.

"What did you want to tell ?" I ask.

"I researched about myself and my pack. But no matter how much I learn, the desire to lead and serve them is gone... just like my mories," he answers.

My breath catches. "Has your connection with disappeared too?"

A heavy silence stretches between us.

When he finally responds, he can’t et my eyes. "I read a news article about , you and Damian. So I figured you’re the best person who can help rember everything, including..." He swallows hard. "...our connection."

His admission cuts deeper than I expect. I assud that the kiss we shared before his escape ant sothing remained. But maybe it’s only his adrenaline, and nothing more.

Still, I force myself to stay composed as I explain what I’ve discovered so far: his special power and the toll it takes on his mind, the multi-eyed seer and the elixir.

But nothing sparks recognition in him.

"I think we should see the multi-eyed seer ourselves, and ask for her help," I suggest.

He agrees without question.

When he finally shifts back into his human form, I find myself staring at him, appreciating his beauty, which I’ve missed so much.

Though I feel embarrassed when he catches staring, I don’t blink away. I expect him to smile like he always does. But instead, he uncomfortably looks away, while wearing a face mask.

"Nobody should recognize ," he excuses, still avoiding my gaze.

Whether that’s really the truth or he just wanna hide his face from so I’ll stop staring at it, it hurts. But I force myself not to show the pain.

We call a taxi and head toward the Forbidden Woods, the rumored dwelling of the multi-eyed seer and many non-shifter wild animals.

The outskirts of the forest is eerily foggy and quiet, chilling to my bones.

I reach for Alpha Torrin’s hand as he steps forward. He stiffens, but thankfully doesn’t dare pull away, otherwise, I’ll be hurt again.

Together, we step into the forest side by side.

The forest is massive, but it doesn’t take us long to find the golden, glittering banyan tree. It feels as though so unseen force is guiding us straight toward it.

A mont later, its door creaks open. Hesitant yet intrigued, we step inside.

The multi-eyed seer appears before us. Her grotesque appearance is a stark contrast to her majestic ho.

"I’m pleased to et you, Alpha Torrin Chandler, and Harleigh Hale," she says in a chilling voice. "How can I be of service to you?"

"I heard about the elixir you gave Damian Chandler, the one that made Alpha Torrin forget everything," I say. "Can you help us reverse its effect?"

A soft grunt escapes her dry lips. "Countering my own spell is an insult to . I won’t do it even if you offer your weary souls."

"Then how can I regain what I’ve lost?" Alpha Torrin asks, frustration tightening his voice.

The multi-eyed seer smirks, revealing crooked, dirty teeth. "Kill the one who desired it to happen."

Alpha Torrin’s jaw clenches, his eyes darkening, as if he’d kill Damian right now if only he’s here.

"Is there anything else before I send you away?" the multi-eyed seer asks.

"Yes," I answer. "How can I control and perfect my ShadowBind?"

All her eyes grossly narrow at once, making my insides churn. "If there’s no one to teach you, rely on so things that can."

My brow furrows for a second, then my eyes widen as realization hits .

The Shadowfang ancient books! They contain everything written about ShadowBind! How did I never think of that before?

But,

Are they still available or readable after all these years of neglect? And even if they still are, do I have the courage to go back to our pack’s ruined territory and relieve the horror of the ambush?

"One more thing," she continues. "There’s only one person who must kill Damian Chandler if you wish for the elixir’s effects to cease. The very reason he acted as he did: Harleigh Hale."

My breath catches as a cold stillness spreads through my chest.

My bond with Alpha Torrin may be stronger, but that doesn’t an I have the heart to harm Damian. If I do, I would’ve rejected him already.

My wolf growls furiously inside , refusing to accept the multi-eyed seer’s claim that the responsibility should fall on alone when I have no part in creating that elixir.

"And if I can’t do it?" I ask.

Her response makes my knees buckle that I have to clutch Alpha Torrrin’s arm to stay standing.

"If Damian Chandler is killed by anyone else, or if he dies naturally, Alpha Torrin will forever forget everything, including the desire and the feelings tied to them. In a nutshell, you don’t have a choice but to choose between your fated mates. Who will live and be well, and who will suffer and die?"