Cursed Bonds: Her Second Chance

I had always known that Allison was his previous mate, the one destined to be with him. But she betrayed him, and I was the one who stayed by his side when he was at his lowest.

After everything, how could he still look at her like that? She didn’t deserve his forgiveness, yet here they were, locked in each other's embrace.

Landon and I had been together for years now, and everything was fine until the day Allison returned. Despite being engaged with Landon, we hadn’t marked each other, a fact that gnawed at the back of my mind every time I saw that taunting glint in Allison’s eyes. We were a couple, but we weren’t mates, not truly.

I still remember the day I learned they had broken their bond. A ripple of elation had run through me, so powerful it almost knocked the breath from my lungs. Landon was free. He was no longer tied to the woman who betrayed him, the woman who didn’t understand the treasure she had until she lost it. I thought, naively perhaps, that this was my chance.

I’d admired Landon from afar for so long, even before Allison came into the picture. My admiration turned into love, quiet and unassuming, hidden in the shadow of his bond with her. I knew better than to interfere with fate, so I kept my distance, content with being a supportive friend. But when their bond broke, I saw an opportunity. A chance to step into the light and show him that I could be the one for him.

So, I made my move. I was careful, not wanting to rush him or make him feel pressured. Landon had been through enough. I wanted to be a source of comfort, of stability, something he could rely on. And for a while, it seemed like it was working. We grew closer, our relationship blossoming into something more. But there was always a part of him that was distant, a part of him that I could never fully reach.

And now, seeing them together again, it felt like a cruel joke. The bond they once shared may have been broken, but there was still something between them, something I could never compete with. It wasn’t fair. I had done everything right and played my part perfectly, but it was as if the universe was conspiring against me, constantly pulling them back together no matter how hard I tried to keep them apart.

I tore my gaze away, unable to stomach the sight any longer. The bile of resentment burned at the back of my throat. I wanted to hate Landon for his weakness, for still being drawn to her despite everything she had done. But more than anything, I hated myself. For thinking that I could ever replace the connection they once had, for daring to believe that I could be more to him than just a substitute.

...

I stared at the ceiling, my body still humming from the heat of the moment, trying to process what had just happened. Allison lay beside me, her breathing steady, but I couldn't bring myself to relax. What the hell had I just done?

Suddenly, the shrill ring of my phone cut through the silence, jolting me back to reality. Seeing the caller, I hesitated, my thumb hovering over the screen, but I knew I couldn’t ignore it. I pressed the button and brought the phone to my ear. “Hello?”

“Landon,” her voice was strained, tinged with worry. “Is Emery with you? I was waiting for you two last night but you didn't come.”

My heart sank as I realized that I had forgotten about her. A sense of guilt twisted in my gut, but I tried to compose myself.

“No,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. “Something important cropped up so I had to leave last night”

“Is that so? Emery didn't come home last night, and she’s not answering her phone. I thought maybe she was with you.” Her words were like ice water thrown in my face.

I sat up, the bed suddenly feeling like a trap I needed to escape from. “I’ll look for her,” I hurriedly said, already pulling on my clothes. “I’m sure she’s fine. Maybe she just needed some time alone.”

But the words felt hollow, even as I said them. I had no idea where Emery was or what she was doing. How could I, when I had been so consumed by… this?

“I’m sure she’s okay,” I repeated, trying to reassure both her and myself. “I bet she's with her best friend."

I ended the call, shoving the phone into my pocket as I turned to Allison.

“I have to go,” I said, not bothering to explain as I grabbed my jacket and headed for the door. The guilt was suffocating, pressing down on my chest with every step I took.

Allison sat up, confusion written across her face. “What’s going on?”

“Emery’s missing,” I replied curtly, the words bitter on my tongue. “Her mom can’t find her, so I have to look for her.”

Allison frowned, confusion clouding her features. “Now? Can’t it wait?”

“No,” I snapped, harsher than I intended. “It can’t.”

I saw the hurt flash in her eyes, but I didn’t have time to deal with that now.

Without another word, I left, almost slamming the door behind me.

The air was cool against my skin, but it did nothing to calm the storm brewing inside me.

I drove around aimlessly, searching for her, but she was nowhere to be found. The more I looked, the more I started to believe that she wasn’t in any danger. She was just… angry.