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* Bound by Fate, Fated by the Goddess Bound by Fate, Fated by the Goddess "You can fight it all you want, little Luna. But you were never meant to belong to anyone else." - Callum Rhea's POV: Claim Our pack lands go on forever-seriously, if I had to walk from one end to the other, I'd probably die halfway. Every Alpha in our history has been obsessed with expanding the Ridge Storm Pack's territory, making it one of the biggest in the multiverse Lycandra. It's gorgeous-forests that seem to breathe, lakes perfect for swimming, and that ridiculously picturesque waterfall at the edge of our land.
But right now? None of that matters. Because my brain is too busy spiralling. Ethan, my boyfriend of two years, is driving us back to Silver Ridge Academy. He's got one hand on the wheel, the other resting near the gear shift, and swear he can sense the existential crisis brewing inside me. He's always believed we're mates; a huge part of me desperately wants that to be true. Ethan-"E" when I'm feeling cute-has been my person, the one constant in my chaotic life. But the what-ifs won't stop whispering in my head.
I was suppose to turn eighteen over the next two weeks, and Ethan is supposed to hit his big-boy birthday today. Well, technically, at midnight-tomato, to-mah-to, same s**t. It's not like we're saints or anything-I mean, we've been toeing the line between sinful thoughts and just one bad decision away from getting caught in a supply closet for years. But f**k, these hormones are out for blood, and by blood, I mean they're sending a full-on, all-points bulletin for some d**k. Which is saying a lot coming from me-the girl who's still a damn virgin.
Yep, still rocking the factor y settings, still tighter than a locked iPhone, and still dangerously close to making some questionabl e life choice before the night is over. But the doubts still linger. What if we aren't mates? Would we still be friends? Would it break him? Would it break me? "Rhea, you've been quiet this whole drive. What's up?" Ethan's voice cuts through my thoughts, pulling me back into reality. He glances at me, his dark eyes soft with concern. I hesitate before blurting out the thing that's been clawing at me. "Have you ever thought about what happens if we're not mates?
Would you still want me around?" The second I say it, he's pulling into the academy parking lot, shifting the car into park, and turning < Bound by Fate, Fated by the Goddess Claim laughter. As soon as they walk into our suite, Ethan catches my eye in the chaos, his smile soft and familiar, and I swear my heart does something stupid. Then Finn opens his big mouth. "Alright, my chipmunks, time to suit up! And, Rhea, maybe slip into something a little unforgettable tonight. Our boy Ethan here seems to have some big plans." My face goes nuclear.
"Finn, I will end you." "Oh, come on, Rhea." He winks at Ethan. "Maybe some lace, a little silk... you know, set the mood." Ethan smirks, eyebrow raised. "No pressure, but if you happen to own anything in red, I wouldn't complain." The girls dissolve into giggles. Lila's practically wheezing. "Alright, all of you-out! Before I die of embarrassment!" I push them toward the door but can't stop the stupid little smile tugging at my lips. Just before Ethan leaves, he looks back at me. There's something wistful in his gaze, something that makes my stomach twist.
Then, when I glance at Nora, she's watching him too-her expression distant and sad. I shove the weird feeling away. An hour later, we're dressed to kill. Bree's in a stunning green mini, Nora's pink dress makes her look ethereal, and Lila is glowing in white. And me? The girls have worked their magic. My dark brown dress clings in all the right places, my silver hair cascades in perfect waves, and my heels make me feel unstoppable. "You're not the only one turning heads tonight," Bree smirks. "Maybe we should bring Ethan a spare pair of boxers," Lila grins.
I roll my eyes but can't help the warmth spreading through me. Then, just as I'm about to step out, I glimpse Nora wiping away a tear. I stop, my stomach twisting. "Nora, what's wrong?" She hesitates, fidgeting, eyes downcast. Then, finally, she grips my hand like she's holding on for dear life. "Rhea..." Her voice is barely a whisper. "I think Ethan is my mate." My world crashes around me. No. No. No. Everything inside me screams in protest, but the devastation in her eyes is real. And suddenly, the 3/4 < Bound by Fate, Fated by the Goddess tightness in my chest makes sense.
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This isn't just my worst fear coming true. This is the beginning of my undoing. Comments LUCK DRAW > Vote 356 Claim Shattered Bonds, Reckless Nights Shattered Bonds, Reckless Nights "Maybe in another life, Rhea. But not in this one." - Ethan Rhea's POV: My blood ran cold. No... no f*****g way. That's why Ethan looked at her like that before he left? My mind went into full panic mode, desperately hoping-no, begging-that this was some sick joke. Moon Goddess, please, don't do this. Not with her. Not like this. Nora grabbed me in a hug as if she was trying to hold me together before I shattered.
But the damage was already done. I was frozen, my brain caught in a loop of disbelief, my heart twisting and cracking like glass under too much pressure. "Rhea, please believe me... I had no idea," she whispered, voice raw and trembling against my shoulder. Her tears soaked into my dress, but I couldn't process it. "I haven't seen him all summer. We didn't talk. I would have told you if I had known if I even suspected. Please say something." Her words barely registered. This was really happening, wasn't it?
Deep down, part of me knew this was a possibility last night, but I had refused to believe it. Ethan wasn't my mate. I had spent years convincing myself he would be, and now? The reality was laughing in my face. The worst part? If it had to happen, why did it have to be her? One of my best friends? One of the only people I truly trusted? But I couldn't let Nora think I blamed her. Even if I was absolutely f*****g wrecked inside. She had no control over this. The mate bond wasn't something you could pick and choose. It was fate, a force no one could fight.
No matter how much it would kill me, I wasn't going to be the person who stood in the way of something so sacred. So, I did what any decent person would do. I straightened my spine, squared my shoulders, and held her face in my hands, wiping her tears away with my thumbs before pulling her into another hug. My own tears burned at the edges of my vision, but I refused to let them fall. "Nora, I'm only going to say this once, so listen carefully." My voice was steady, even though I was breaking on the inside. "I'm not mad at you. Or Ethan. The mate bond isn't something any of us can control.
If you and Ethan are meant to be, then you have my blessing. I would never come between you two." The words tasted like acid, but I meant them. Even if it f*****g hurt. Nora clung to me, nodding frantically, guilt all over fer face. I rubbed her back, whispering nonsense, trying to comfort her when I was holding myself together by a thread. After a moment, when her breathing wasn't all ragged and broken, I handed her a tissue and watched her dab at her ruined mascara.
But there was one thing I needed to ask, one thing that would either confirm or destroy the last shred of hope clinging to my chest. < Shattered Bonds, Reckless Nights Claim "Nora," I said softly, holding her hands tight. "Are you absolutely sure? Like, one hundred percent?" She hesitated for just a second before nodding. "I felt it the moment I saw him tonight." Guilt, shame, and something else flickered across her face. I forced a smile. A convincing one, I think. "Sweetheart, look at me," I whispered, lifting her chin so she had no choice but to meet my gaze.
"You have nothing to be ashamed of. Yeah, this sucks-this f*****g blows, actually-but it doesn't change anything between us. You and Ethan have something most wolves dream about. I'm happy for you." She tried to smile back, that mischievous glint of our old selves peeking through the sadness. "Bitches over d***s, right?" she murmured. I let out a dry chuckle. "Damn right. Don't ever forget it." This was the Nora I knew-the one who could make me laugh even when my heart was breaking. The one who could turn a disaster into something we'd joke about later.
Even if watching Ethan claim her tonight was going to shatter me into pieces. After freshening up, we hopped into her sleek Maserati and headed to the pub where everyone was waiting. The drive was quiet, the air thick with unspoken words. I stared out the window, wondering if I'd ever have what she had-the hope, the anticipation, the absolute certainty that fate was on her side. When we pulled up, I stopped her before she could get out. "Nora, tell him now. I'll call him out so you guys can talk in private.
Better now than in front of everyone." Her eyes welled up again, and she pulled me into another hug. "Thank you, Rhea." I gave her a weak smile. "Don't thank me. Just... go. I called Ethan and told him to meet us outside. A few minutes later, he appeared in his usual dark jeans and green button-down, his curls pulled back looking like the Ethan I'd known my whole life. The Ethan I had once imagined a forever with. I barely held back my tears as I hugged him tight. "Whatever happens, Ethan, I'm here for you. We'll always be friends.
I wish you all the happiness in the world." I kissed his cheek, then turned and walked into the pub, leaving him behind with Nora. I didn't look back. Three shots and a beer later, the ache was dulled. The music pulsed, the world blurred, and I let myself get lost in it. In all her mischievous glory, Lila pulled me onto the dance floor, her hands < Shattered Bonds, Reckless Nights wrapping around my waist as we moved together, our bodies swaying with the beat. Claim "Oh, Rhea, we're making everyone jealous," she teased, pressing against me.
The heat of the alcohol had me feeling bolder and more reckless. I spun, gripping her hips as we moved together, our laughter mixing with the music. For a moment, it was just us-no heartbreak, no mate bonds, no f*****g pain. Just two best friends drowning in the music and the heat of the moment. The crowd around us cheered, and Lila dipped me low, grinning down at me. "Damn, if only I were to girls," she joked, helping me back up. I threw my head back, laughing. "Too bad, babe. We'd be unstoppable." Eventually, we stumbled back to our table, breathless and giggling like idiots.
And when Ethan and Nora walked back in, bonded in a way I never would be with him, I smiled. Because what else was there to do? Comments Top Pick LUCK DRAW > LUNA ALPHA ACE COLD STORM Luna To Alpha Ace Cold storm | Completed | 18+ Her miracle baby has a dangerous secret-and alprotector Add to Library 356 H Vote admin
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