Fabrication

LAKE

“She’s going to be fine, Mavris,” a voice rings in my ears. “Give her some rest. Trust me.”

A door closes as my eyes flutter open. I hold my head and sit up. My body is filled with aches and pains.

“Lake!” Riley cries. My family is standing around me. All have mournful expressions.

“What’s going on?” I ask. “What happened?”

“What do you remember, sweetie?” My mother gently sits on the side of my bed. I now notice I’m hooked up to a vital signs monitor, and an IV is stuck in my arm.

“I remember the ceremony…” I try to think back. “And…” I wince as my head begins to pound.

I remember the heat and pain I endured. It was worse than anything I’ve ever felt. Worse than the rejection.

“I’m so sorry, sweetie…” My mother begins to cry. “I am so, so sorry.”

“What’s going on?”

“Moonlight!” Jake bursts through the door. He rushes to my side and takes me into his arms. I wince at the pain in my sides.

My father growls furiously, and Landon rips Jake from me. I’m left staring at the two of them. Growls shake the floor and medical equipment.

“You’re not welcome here.” My father’s eyes are fixed on Jake, much like they would be on a prey animal.

“I’m allowed to see my mate!” Jake replies. “Now move.”

I look at my mate with a puzzled look. Usually, I would need and want him near me. Now, there’s nothing. No pull, no butterflies, no calmness. Nothing.

I stare at him, trying to solve the puzzle in his eyes.

My eyes widen as I put it together.

“What did you do to me when you saved me in the forest?” I ask.

Jake’s jaw tightens, and he doesn’t reply.

“You had the witch curse me, didn’t you? A fake mating bond. How did you do it?” I rack my brains. “Was it the deer meat? Was that why you wouldn’t take a bite?”

Jake looks away from my stare.

“I’m sorry, Lake…”

“How could you?” My voice breaks. Tears well in my eyes.

Everyone looks between us. My father’s jaw is clenched, as is Landon’s. My mother and Riley grab my hands as I stare at him.

“I wondered why you wouldn’t eat it.”

“Lake, I—”

“All of it…was a lie,” I say coldly. “Artificial feelings. Even my wolf was fooled. It was some sick game for you.”

“Lake, no!” Jake takes a step toward me. My father and twin block his path. I can see the helplessness in his eyes. He’s pleading with me.

“I think you should leave.” Landon comes between us two. He is nose to nose with Jake.

“Lake…” I turn my face away and bury it in my mother’s arms. My tears are hot as they land on her shirt.

“Fine!” Jake slams his fist into the wall behind him. “This is not the last time you’ll see me, Moonlight. You’re mine. No one is taking you away from me! I will have you.”

After that, the days all fall into one. Some days I cry; others I stare aimlessly at the hospital room’s ceiling.

Lynne has been absent for quite some time. I feel her occasionally, but she quickly fades once I do. She needs to heal on her own, as I do.

When Jake left, the mark on my shoulder left with him. The pack’s healer said it had been a result of the witch’s curse. The witch used it as a way to tie me to Jake since my mate bond was so weak.

I knew it was too good to be true.

Why would the Moon Goddess give me a second chance? Why would she even give me a mate in the first place if all it’s going to do is cause me so much pain?

I get up from the hospital bed and slowly remove all the needles and monitors that are attached to me. I can’t be here anymore. I need to get away.

With what little strength I have, I sneak out of the hospital and make my way into the forest. I take one final look at my town.

I won’t live as poor Lake Mavris, the girl who got rejected and then cursed. I won’t go through life with a hollow smile, pretending everything is all right.

I don’t want to burden my family and have them resent me.

I’d rather leave.

I’d rather become a rogue.

I turn and walk into the darkness of the forest, leaving my old life behind.