The Truth

I tear through my stupid outfit as I shift. People quickly move out of my way as I run out of the ballroom and down the hall. I hear a few shout, "Shift! Shift!" and in my peripheries I see a couple teens join the mayhem in their wolf forms. Someone enters the party and I slip past through the open door. I run into the street, almost hitting an approaching car. The car swerves out of the way just in time, and I jump onto the hood, then back down on the other side. I escape into the woods just as I feel the familiar tug of the pack link.

I feel David first, then my mother, my father, and then finally surprisingly, the Alpha. His command to answer hits me like a lead weight. I try to resist, but feel a sharp pain in my temples as I feel his anger. I submit, seeking relief from the pressure.

"Stop" is all he says when the connection opens, but the Alpha's command is absolute. I pull up short, just as a large black wolf rams into me.

David has caught me.

We tumble for a moment, then struggle as I try to escape, but it is futile. He is an Alpha by blood, even if he doesn't yet hold the title. His dominance bleeds into my very being through his dizzying pheromones. He growls straight into my face, and I fall limp beneath him, baring my neck instinctually. He leans in close, scenting me, breathing in my frightened omegan pheromones. His nose nuzzles me, and I whine in distress.

But he doesn't bite me. Instead he licks at my face and tries again to open the link. I reluctantly accept his call.

"Shift, little mate."

I obey as he joins me in our human forms.

"You are NOT my mate!" I spit as soon as I am able.

He reaches for me, and I flinch back.

"Cammy, I know you're afraid."

"No! I'm not! You aren't my mate!" I hold up my arms in defense.

"It doesn't matter." His tone: perfectly even.

"What?!"

"It doesn't matter to me if you are not my soulmate. I reject them, whoever they are."

"What?!"

"I choose you as my mate." He touches my shaking hands.

"This can't be happening."

"Let me mark you, and then I will be yours and you will be mine. Our real soulmate bonds will break and we can be together."

"You want to disobey the Moon Goddess?"

"No one would blame us. They don't even have to know if it makes you uncomfortable."

"I can't believe this is happening."

"Cammy, please, Love, believe me. I would do anything for you."

"No, I won't. I can't."

"Please darling. It's going to be ok." He takes a step towards me. I take a step back. "We love each other."

There it is. The great lie. The lie I had told myself and others for years. The lie that had me convinced at one time that I might even choose David as my mate. A week ago, I might have accepted his offer. I might have mated him, because it was expected of me, because it would make everyone else happy. Now…

Now I have to tell the truth. I can't hide anymore. I just can't. I can't turn off my emotions or shut down my thoughts. I can't live for anyone else when every breath feels like it could be my last. Now is the time, but will I have the courage to tell the truth?

I muster everything within me and meet his gaze. I take a deep breath.

"No," I breathe out. "We don't." I keep steady. "I don't love you." Oh Goddess, he is tearing up. "I care about you, but—" I have to do this. "I have never loved you."

"Cameron," his voice breaks. He takes a step towards me. I tense, afraid.

"If you touch me, I will fight you with everything I have," I threaten. "And if you mark me against my will, I will never forgive you."

The pain in his eyes deepens. "Cameron, I— I would never." He extends his hand out to me, but I back up further.

"I think we need some space. Just stay away from me."

"Love, please. We— I love you so much."

"I'm sorry for lying to you David, but I will never mate with you."

When I turn away, he doesn't follow.