Page 20 of Plus-Size Sold Mate
I survived Wraith Peak and the Voss family. I took matters into my own hands and outran Dawson’s wolves, and yet, I still ended up pulled into someone else’s plans.
The ocean’s waves almost sound satisfied in the way they continue to crash, like an encouragement for Luke and the rest of the pack.
And I loathe it.
Chapter 6 - Luke
Salt clings to my skin even after the ceremony ends, drying against my wrists and collar.
The sea air should be refreshing as it lingers in the air, carrying the scents I’m all too familiar with on the breeze.
While most of the pack has already dispersed, mostly acting supportive despite the mild confusion that seems to hang over everything, Dad stands across the cove, eyes solely on me.
Even from there, with his shoulders straight and his hands clasped behind his back, I can feel every beat of disapproval rolling off him. It surrounded him throughout the ceremony, even if he never spoke up against the union directly.
Sera’s hand trembles faintly against mine still, as if she isn’t sure when she’ll be allowed to pull away. Then, she does exactly that, taking a few steps away from me to look out at the crashing waves. Maybe a small part of her hopes it might have the answers she’s looking for.
With everyone else gone to celebrate the Alpha’s new Luna, I turn to face my father directly, watching as he steps closer.
The sea surges in and out, crashing against the jagged rocks I’ve frequented since I was a child. I always knew I’d be bonded here one day, but I expected it to feel more like a celebration than condemnation.
The water had been cold when it surrounded us, yet Sera didn’t flinch. Instead, I felt the anger in her rise, and her eyes never sought mine for reassurance or courage. She detached herself from it all, doing whatever she needed just to get it over with.
I told myself that was better than outright hatred and refusal, yet I can’t help but feel like I was wrong.
After our blood mixed together beneath the tide, I felt it. The shift of the bond snapping together was unmistakable, and now, feeling Sera’s disdain for me and everything I’ve just forced her into hurts far more than I ever could’ve imagined.
As Dad approaches, his eyes slide over to Sera for a beat, clearly measuring like always. And in a way that makes something ugly pulse in my chest, he looks vaguely disappointed.
“You have something to say,” I state, chin up while I brace myself. I know that expression all too well.
“You’ve made your choice,” he murmurs, tone controlled and quieter against the waves. “Now you have to live with the consequences.”
Holding his stare, I refuse to buckle, even if a small, habitual part of me wants to. “I always intended to.”
I feel his focus shift to the dried blood on my palm, where the wound has already closed up again, then back to my face. He doesn’t have to say anything else for me to receive the warning that passes between us silently.
He thinks I made a mistake by bonding with Sera. He doesn’t see a future where our pack accepts magic or the people who possess it.
Without another word, Dad continues, walking back toward the main grounds.
Instead of watching him go, I look toward Sera.
She hasn’t moved and is still in her ceremony dress. The light wisps of fabric get tugged by the breeze, shifting around her legs like gentle caresses, even while damp from the oceanspray. The ends of her dark hair are wet too, looking even more saturated than usual.
Sera looks like something straight from the ocean, but refuses to see it for herself. Refuses to look at me with even an ounce of warmth, just as I deserve.
I only wish our circumstances were different.
As much as I’m sure she wants to go back to the house and be alone, according to tradition, we aren’t returning there tonight. Newly mated pairs stay in a seaside cabin nestled along the coast, further into the cliffside, away from the pack. The bonding time is essential for the connection to settle and be consummated.
The thought alone makes something in me buzz, and I have to force it down to keep myself together.
“Sera,” I say carefully as I step closer.
Her jaw clenches as she throws a glare over her shoulder, and rather than keeping her hatred subtle, it’s as alive as ever before.
The bond in my chest reacts to the distant way she looks at me, almost curling inward. It doesn’t like it, and neither do I.
