Misconception

Isabella 

"Sebastián," I whispered, barely audible, my voice betraying the turmoil inside me. What was he doing here? He looked savage, poised to strike—at me or Don. The tension in his body spoke volumes, and I feared he had misunderstood the situation. Instinctively, I took a step back. I had heard stories of how possessive mates could be—some would kill if another so much as touched their partner.

He froze, his eyes widening for a moment before narrowing again. He had heard me, despite my whisper.

"Do not say my name with that filthy mouth of yours," he hissed.

I flinched, the word filthy cutting deeper than any wound. My gaze dropped to the ground, shame and confusion flooding me. Just moments ago, the scare I felt seemed significant, but now, his words echoed louder, drowning everything else out.

"Where are you going?" he sneered. "Caught red-handed and running away? Why don't you take your lover with you? Elope, for all I care—spare me the headache. I wouldn't blame you if you did."

His words pulled me from my thoughts. I turned to Don, who had been beside me just a moment ago, now retreating in the opposite direction.

"Wait! No, you misunderstand. Don and I—nothing happened. We—" I stammered, fumbling for words, but the look in Sebastián's eyes silenced me. Cold, unyielding, and empty—there was no trace of understanding or belief in them.

"Tsk. I don't care what you are," he spat. "All I know is that I don't want you or your northerners on this land. If you two are having an affair, it only works to my advantage."

His words stung more than I wanted to admit. My chest tightened as I searched his gaze for even the smallest hint of hurt or jealousy—anything that would show he cared. But his eyes remained impassive, like clear, still water.

Still, I couldn't let him believe such a lie. He had to know the truth, even if he hated me. He didn't know that he was my first in everything—my first kiss, the first to awaken my wolf, the only one who made me feel alive. And though he may hate me, that wouldn't change. It was fate—the Moon Goddess herself had decreed it.

"I wouldn't do that. I'm your—" I began, but he cut me off, stepping closer.

Too close.

Memories surged forward, unbidden and vivid: his lips on mine, the fire of his touch as he pulled me closer, only to shove me away moments later. His hand on my neck, the threat in his eyes as if he could snap it in two.

What now?

His hand brushed my cheek, his thumb lingering as he lowered his face to mine. My body froze under his touch, unable to move, unable to breathe. His voice came low, a whisper that was far too cruel.

"Don't fool yourself. I only kissed you on a whim. You are not my mate, so stop spouting nonsense."

He paused, his thumb retreating as his words struck the final blow.

"You mean nothing to me."

I couldn't move, couldn't speak. The urge to fight back, to beg, to cling to the truth clawed at me. I knew he was lying. The mate bond was undeniable—its pull, its fire, the way his scent consumed me even now. That kiss wasn't on a whim; it couldn't have been. But how could I prove it? I wasn't in his mind, couldn't see his thoughts.

A staggered breath escaped me as I fought to keep the pain from showing.

Don's voice cut through the silence.

"I'm just a guard," he said, calm but firm. "And if you hate northerners so much, maybe you should protect your woman instead of blaming others. Then you wouldn't have to see me as often. As for her, she's no longer one of us. From the moment she stepped foot here, by decree of the Lucian Alpha, she became one of yours."

"What did you just say?" Sebastián growled, his voice dark and menacing.

"That the Princess of the North is now the Princess of the South, married to the youngest prince of the Crescent Pack. It's all over the four regions. You formed the alliance—don't create misconceptions that could get us commoners killed."

Don then turned, leaving, but before I knew it, Sebastián had pounced on him.

His fury was unleashed in a single, violent motion. I rushed forward, my instincts screaming for me to intervene and stop him, but I was frozen in place, trapped by the venom in his voice.

"She will never be one of us," he spat, his words like daggers. "Whatever Lucian is planning is going to fail. I loathe her, and someone I hate will never become a part of my pack."

I felt the words pierce through me like a physical blow, the weight of his hatred pressing down on my chest. He hadn't even seen me as I tried to move, but his words hit their mark, paralyzing me in shock and confusion.

Sebastián paused, his eyes blazing with anger. I couldn't move, couldn't speak. His presence overwhelmed me, a suffocating wave that stole all my strength. He seemed to be communicating with someone through his mind-link, the tension in his body heightening as he prepared to strike again.

I took a shaky step forward, but it was too late. Sebastián let go of Don, the anger in his eyes still smoldering, but he didn't land another blow. Instead, he stepped back, his voice low, threatening.

"This is not over."

With those words hanging in the air, he turned and disappeared.