(Alnilam)

Not only did Snow lose control with Amaia, but the whole secret I wanted to keep until I figured out this complex situation is out—thanks to that vampire.

The worst part is I had to threaten my magic not reach for her or I would reject her. This time it listened but went extremely silent.

No humming, no teasing, no helping me. Like a jilted lover, it just disappeared into a corner.

Amaia’s anguish and distress are not making the situation easier for me. I had dreamt of a mate, but I never imagined her to be mated to my brothers as well.

Sharing a mate like that with my younger brothers is not something I will ever be comfortable with.

The mate bond is supposed to be sacred, meant between two people. How can I accept Amaia as my mate when she is mated to others?

The mere thought makes me uneasy, angry and resentful.

Being next in line for the throne, someone like Jamina is what I need.

Snow keeps on miserably howling in my head, calling me names and whatnot. My brothers watch me as if I have some incurable disease.

But the reminder from Ezran and cold looks from my brothers regarding what I have involuntarily done to Amaia, brims me with shame and regret.

Similar to how my brothers recognised the bond so late with her, I have just done it now and that too with the help of Celestia’s map.

I don’t know why the bond works differently for her when her mates are supposed to recognise her.

But, for her, the bond must have settled the moment she saw me, which means unknowingly I have been causing her afflictions beyond imagination.

I hate myself for that, for causing her pain but no more. I will end it with just one decision.

I will reject her with mutual consent.

Everyone’s judgment, I have faced my whole life. I am used to it. I will face it some more. They already think I am a coward but they don’t understand my responsibilities, the pressure I face.

And Jamina...it will kill her. Her whole world revolves around me.

Wolfing out, I leave my brothers behind and disappear into the deepest parts of the forest, shutting everyone out.

It’s the middle of the night when I return to the academy and pad my way to my room. I will shift once inside, no way I am walking naked through the corridors.

The night is quiet and everyone appears to be asleep. The mindlink between Amaia and me is still shut down from my side, and the aching bond in my chest I am ignoring.

The heart of steel I need to possess to do what I have to.

Entering my room, I am left slightly stunned to see Jamina waiting for me. She never enters my room when I am not here but today she is sitting on my bed with her eyes swollen red.

She has been crying...

Seeing Snow she gets up from the bed but doesn’t approach. Snow doesn’t like her so she always remains cautious in front of him.

I take control of Snow and shift. She lets out a heavy breath and turns away, giving me privacy. I move towards my cupboard to grab a pair of night trousers.

"Why are you crying?" I quietly ask.

Any other day, I would have hugged her and pacified her, but right now, I don’t want to touch her.

Jamina stays quiet while I put on my trousers and face her, keeping that distance between us.

"Where were you?" She softly asks with a sniffle. The tip of her nose is red.

"Out in the forest."

"Why did you come to my lab during my session?" She takes a silent step towards me and Snow roars in my head.

"You better not let her touch you. I swear I will scratch her face."

My wolf is already crazy about Amaia and I don’t know what it will do when I reject her.

"I had my reasons..." I fold my arms over my chest and see hurt pass over Jamina’s face.

"I know, Alni...I know she is your mate. I saw Snow with her in the forest." That makes me close my eyes, not wanting to see the pain reflected on her features. My chest tightens. This has always been a possibility with our relationship, and now that we are experiencing it.

I am not ready.

Nor is she.

"You were following me?"

"I came looking for you...you worried me," she says with a defeated sigh.

"I am not a child that everyone keeps coming after me."

Jamina’s shoulders sag at my words. She knows I can get cold and heartless at times, but she has hardly been on the receiving end of it. I don’t know why it’s a part of me, but it’s there and I can’t always tackle it.

"Is she your mate? Just tell me the truth. Don’t make me sin like this." Tears drop in abundance from her eyes and I hate seeing her cry.

"Yes, but I just found out today. So don’t think I am an asshole who kept sleeping with you when I had a mate."

A soft gasp she draws, every moment we have shared together must be flashing before her eyes.

"How is that possible?"

"I don’t know for sure but I am planning to find out. All of her bonds developed late." 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

I am reminded of my first meeting with Amaia. She hinted something along the lines that Huradis had given her something to drink. I always thought Amaia lied, but what if something was done to her so her mates couldn’t feel the bond?

"And what will you do after finding out the real reason," Jamina asks, trying not to choke on her words.

My eyes drop to the simple band on her ring finger with a diamond studded in it. The engagement band I had given her when we got engaged.

"I am going to reject her so she can be with my brothers in peace."