Eden Grace
Ishira!
Eden sank slowly to her knees, her limbs still trembling as she reached out, her fingers brushing Ishira's warm fur in disbelief.
"You… you were so small this morning," she whispered, voice breaking softly. "I checked on you. How did you grow this fast…?"
Ishira shifted slightly beneath her touch, making a soft sound. Ishira couldn't talk yet but she had definitely grown a little.
The joy Eden had felt moments ago slowly gave way to confusion, then to something far more unsettling.
What triggered her growth? Eden murmured, resting her forehead against Ishira's head.
She searched her memories desperately, replaying every moment of the day.
Could it be…
Her lips parted slightly as the thought formed, slow and reluctant, like a truth she was afraid to name.
"Cassian…?" she whispered into the quiet.
Images rushed back without mercy.
His burning gaze. The kiss she had dismissed as meaningless, yet her body had remembered it far too clearly.
She looked at Ishira in disbelief, "Is it because of him? Our mate?"
Ishira answered her by pressing closer, a soft, helpless sound leaving her throat as she curled against Eden's chest, seeking comfort like a fragile child who only knew one place of safety.
Eden was in disbelief. Is it really him?
With shaking hands, Eden pulled out her phone and searched frantically, scrolling through the photos Eden had taken from her parents' research book.
When two true mates meet, their souls recognize each other first.
This creates an invisible spiritual thread between them.
At first, this thread is weak and unstable. That is why early in the bond stage, both mates feel confusion, denial, anger, or obsession.
If the bond is ignored, it does not disappear. It becomes painful and unstable instead.
If the bond is accepted, it grows stronger and calmer.
Werewolves carried a life force called primal energy. True mates are meant to share this energy naturally. This happens through: Touch, prolonged closeness, skin to skin contact, intimate contact.
Each time they touch, energy flows between them and strengthens both bodies and souls.
Without this exchange, one or both mates may become weak, ill, or unstable.
Fuck! Eden's heart began to race as understanding slowly crept in, unwanted and terrifying.
The kiss..! They had initiated the first contact by the kiss, the physical touch.
Did that mean… to keep Ishira alive, to make her stronger, to protect her fragile little heart, she had to be in an intimate relationship with Cassian?
Her school bully?
Eden's stomach twisted. Gahh!!! Can't believe she has to do all those things with that psycho out of all people!!
Eden wrapped her arms around Ishira instinctively, holding her close, feeling the steady heartbeat beneath her palm, stronger than it had ever been before.
No, there's no time to negotiate with Ishira's life. There was no room for pride. No space for fear.
This was Ishira's life.
And if her survival demanded cruel choices, then Eden would make them, even if they shattered her in the process.
Eden slipped out of the campus gates as quietly as she could, keeping her head down, her bag clutched tightly against her side.
By the time she reached Bella's house, her chest felt tight and she froze at the sight.
"What…?" A shocked whisper escapes from her lips.
Werewolves in black suits filled the living room! It must be Cassian's men!
Inside the kitchen, Bella's voice burst out in panic. "Hey! Don't touch that! That's mine!"
Bella rushed forward, snatching it back, her face flushed with anger.
"Do you people have no manners?" she snapped.
But the men did not even bother to answer her. They merely glanced at her with bored, indifferent eyes, as if she were nothing more than background noise.
Eden walked in hurriedly, "W-What is happening here?"
One of the werewolves finally turned to her. "It's Alpha Cassian's orders. We are packing your belongings. You will be moving in with him in his mansion now."
Eden's face heated instantly. "W-Who is moving with who!? I am not going anywhere. Put everything back!"
She stepped forward, her hands clenched at her sides, her whole body trembling with anger and disbelief.
The beta finally turned to her. His gaze was calm, unreadable..
"We cannot do that," he replied evenly. "An Alpha's order is absolute. We do not break it. Neither can you."
Her breath hitched.
"And besides, you are married to our Alpha now. Your place is with him now."
Bella looked at Eden with wide eyes, "What? You married him this fast? Eden!! I thought you said you needed time and will think about it!"
Eden sighed, "Do you really think Cassian, of all people, would give me time? The very next morning I woke up… his death warning was already waiting for me on the phone."
Her voice lowered, carrying a quiet bitterness. "He never planned to give me a choice, that bastard. So I had to choose, either this… or lose everything."
The beta cleared his throat, cutting through the heavy silence. "Everything's done." he announced calmly.
His sharp eyes flicked toward the lone suitcase resting near the door and the small stack of worn books beside it. "I thought you had a lot more belongings so I brought more men. But… it's only one suitcase and a few books."
Bella barked instantly, "That's because Jake's family threw most of her things away! Do you think a girl would have less luggages? Hmph!"
For a brief second, something unreadable crossed the beta's face.
"Never mind," he said shortly. "Our Alpha is generous. He will buy everything for her. Whatever she needs."
He spoke and turned sharply toward the rest of the men. "Bring her."
Her heart lurched. "Wait… what? No, I am not ready yet!"
But one of the werewolves lifted her like a potato sack and walked towards the door. She was too small for a werewolf!
In seconds, she was shoved into the back seat of the waiting car.
The door slammed shut.
Eden pressed her palms against the window, her chest tight, her pulse racing wildly as the engine roared to life.
That Cassian Bastard!!
After a long ride, the car finally slowed as it entered a wide, silent avenue bathed in soft afternoon sunlight.
Tall silverwood trees lined both sides of the road, their leaves glowing faintly as light filtered through them.
It must be Cassian's estate. This was not just a rich area. This was a private world for the elite.
Eden stared through the window, stunned. Her fingers curled tightly in her lap.
"So… this is where he lives," she whispered, her heart sinking.
After some few minutes, the car stopped in front of a huge villa, its white walls shining under the afternoon sun, surrounded by manicured gardens and silent guards.
Eden stepped out slowly, staring in disbelief as if she had entered a world meant only for the rich and powerful.
"Madam, please," the butlers said softly, bowing as they welcomed her inside.
Eden, stunned, walked inside, feeling completely nervous. She had barely taken a few steps inside when a familiar presence.
Cassian's voice came from behind her, low and amused. "Honey, you should not leave your husband in the middle of the office. Do you know how wrong I felt?"
Eden startled, her breath hitching as she turned slightly. When did he even come here?