Chapter 173 ABANDONED IN BOND
Edeline
I let out a choked sob. “I didn’t just let him, Mirabelle!” The situation was overwhelming. We were in a difficult place. It was hard to control my emotions. I struggled to keep my composure as a whirlwind of feelings engulfed me.
My heart and Anita had caused me so many problems. The numbness that had once protected me was now replaced by a deep sadness, and I could sense that Percival felt it too. I let him feel everything I was going through, but despite that, he continued to reject my advances. I had already come to terms with that.
I knew that being with him would bring complications. I wouldn’t have marked him if it hadn't been for the heat. The conversation we had before all the chaos in the cave was definitely not a serious discussion about our relationship. I never promised that I would be with him—just that I would be his friend. He wanted me to be part of his life, even if I found happiness with someone else. But now, that possibility was gone. We were completely bonded, and we would both know if either of us had someone else. I had no choice but to deal with this or be alone.
I preferred my own company.
Mirabelle wrapped her arms around me and joined me on the bed, offering comfort as I cried for the person I used to be, for the lost sense of freedom, and for the missed opportunity to find a true partner.
Anita had really pushed things too far.
No matter how sad her story was or her commitments to Tatiana or Cilla, there was no excuse for the way she treated me.
None at all.
She was definitely going to regret this.
I couldn't understand why Percival was so obsessed with his dog. All I saw was jealousy. Here was a helpless, innocent pup with no say in its creation, and yet, I felt a pang of jealousy seeing how devoted Percival was to him—more so than to his own mate.
He should have at least told me.
At least come to check on me?
My wolf was injured and furious, her whimpers echoing in my mind as she cowered in a dark corner of my thoughts. She too felt a sense of envy and disdain towards this innocent life.
Here I was with these two men in my life—my own brother and my mate. Both of them felt this strong urge to protect a woman who had deceived us all. Percival was always there for her, even though she had trapped him. Whether he was concerned about his pup or not, it still hurt.
“I can’t handle this, Mirabelle,” I said, hugging her tightly. Tears streamed down my face as I buried my head in her shoulder, inhaling the comforting scent of pomegranates.
“So, what’s your plan then?” she asked gently, leaning back to meet my watery gaze. “I understand that you’re going through a tough time, but you’re his mate now. He’s really going to care about you more than anyone else. The little dog might not survive, and he doesn’t have feelings for Tatiana anymore. He’s no longer obligated to be with her. Edeline, just so you know, our mate bond is serious. I will always have your back, no matter what. But neither you nor I can fully understand the paternal instincts of a male with Alpha blood. I know it’s hard because he’s not here with you, but—”
I cut her off, my anger flaring. “But what’s the point, Mirabelle? He gave me something to make me fall asleep! She left me here, in the middle of my heat, just to be by her side!”
She shot me a look that made me instantly defensive. Her piercing green eyes seemed to scold me. “Not on her side,” she said, her voice firm. “On his pup’s side, Edeline. I get it, you know? I don’t fully understand either. But he’s likely confused, sweetheart. The wolf inside him must be overwhelmed with worry for both of you. But you’re here, safe and sound. The little pup might not survive…”
I glared up at her, my expression defiant. “Wow, what a friend you turned out to be. Oh, so now you’re supporting Tatiana too? That dog can survive. Nixx is alive!”
Mirabelle looked a bit puzzled. “Huh? Edeline, sorry, but I can’t agree with that. Let’s not act like this, okay? I’m on your side! Nixx survived because of a unique connection. Your dad noticed your mom as soon as she became pregnant. Tatiana is ready to give birth!”
I crossed my arms over my chest and let out a frustrated growl. “Well, it definitely doesn’t seem like it. Looks like you’re on their side! Mirabelle, don’t worry about the pup. It’s going to make it through this, you know? It’s all up to the moons, but I have a good feeling about it!”
Suddenly, Mirabelle stood up, her expression stern. “I can’t stand Tatiana either, just like you! Yeah, you’re right, the pup should be fine! I don’t know for sure! It’s possible you’ll have to deal with this situation indefinitely. I understand if you feel like leaving him. Many of us really dislike Tatiana! Count me in! Especially since your brother hooked up with me last night and then rushed to her side when she fainted!”
I stared at her in disbelief, a surge of disappointment washing over me. “What!?”
Realizing what she had said, Mirabelle shook her head quickly. “Oh, it’s nothing. It happened just once. She’s his buddy.” She let out a laugh, but the pain in her eyes was unmistakable.
The anger flared inside me as I imagined my brother channeling his hurt towards another woman, using her as a way to deal with his feelings of betrayal.
“Mirabelle... do you have any idea where my brother is?” I asked through clenched teeth, trying to push my own sadness aside.
I understood where Percival was coming from, but if he truly cared about me, he would have found a way to make time for me too. We’re married now. If Tatiana genuinely loves Nixx, she might not be interested in Percival. Now that he’s an Alpha and Conor wants her back, she might choose to be with him instead of Percival. But it’s worth noting that Percival might end up with a pup from Tatiana. I hate to admit it, but I just can’t handle that. It’s a bit late to change your mind about having a partner, but you still have the option to leave and never look back, leaving him to his own devices.