CHAPTER 6:DENIAL

EMILIA'S POV The cool night air brushed against my skin and I shivered slightly as I slipped through the mansion’s back door. My heart pumping in my chest telling me to turn back and return to my room, but I forced myself to stay calm. This was it—my chance to escape. And I'm not ready to blow it. The key I’d found earlier had worked perfectly on the door leading to the gardens. From there, it was all about timing. The guards patrolling the perimeter weren’t as vigilant as Cameron probably thought they were. Or is this all on purpose? I’d studied their movements through my bedroom window memorizing their patterns. Now, under the cover of darkness, I moved swiftly and silently through the shadows, my breath held as I avoided their watchful eyes. Freedom! I could almost taste it. I peeked over my shoulder, half expecting someone to materialize out of nowhere and drag me back. The mansion unusually quiet, its imposing and eerie silhouette fading into the background as I ran toward the trees. Normally, there should be guards positioned by Cameron here and there outside my window. But it was just me and the darkness. My legs burned, but I didn’t care. I wasn’t going to stop—not until I was far, far away from this place and the man who thought he could claim me just because fate had tied us together. The pack borders weren’t far now. Just a little further, and I’d be free. “Emilia.” His voice stopped me cold. No wonder everything seems too easy. He must have wanted to catch me himself to show his power. It wasn’t loud, but it cut through the silence like a blade. My stomach twisted as I turned slowly, my breath hitching when I saw him. Cameron. He stood a few yards away, his tall frame illuminated by the pale moonlight. His cognac eyes looked at me with an intensity that made my heart skip a beat. He wasn’t running after me; he didn’t need to, he wasn't even here to stop me. Just standing there, radiating power and authority, was enough to root me in place. I swallowed hard, meeting his cold gaze forcefully. “Go back to your mansion, Alpha Cameron,you are not here to stop me, or are you?” I said, my voice steadier than I felt. “You think you can just walk out of this pack without someone seeing you?” His tone was calm, but there was an undertone of anger in his words. “I’m not walking,” I shot back sarcastically, with a scoff. “I’m running.” His jaw tightened, and he took two steps closer. “Why?” “Why?” I repeated, my laugh bitter. “You kidnapped me, Cameron. You’re holding me here against my will. Did you really think I’d stay?” “I thought you’d give me a chance,” he said, his voice softening just enough to catch me off guard. “I thought you’d let me show you that our bond means something.” I shook my head, my hands curling into fists. “The bond means nothing to me. It’s a chain, a prison, and I won’t let it trap me.” His expression darkened and I shivered slightly, and for a moment, I thought he might explode. But instead, he took another step closer, his movements slow. “You’re running because you’re scared,” he said, his voice low. “Scared?” I snapped, anger flaring up in my chest. "As in scared of you?” “No,” he said, his eyes locking firmly onto mine. “You’re scared of what we could be if you give us a chance. You’re scared of letting someone in, of trusting someone to stand by you.” What the fuck Is he saying? Or am I really...no no! His words hit too close to my bones, and I hate him for it. He shouldn't talk like he knows me. “You don’t know anything about me.” “I know more than you think,” he said, his voice laced with frustration. “I see the way you keep everyone at arm’s length not wanting to associate. I see the pain you try to hide under your toughness. But you don’t have to do this alone, Emilia. You don’t have to run.” “Stop,” I said, my voice shaking as I took a step back. “You don’t get to act like you care. You don’t get to act like you know me.” “But I do care,” he said, his voice rising. “You’re my mate, Emilia. That’s not something I or you can ignore.” “I’m not your mate,” I spat, my anger boiling over. “I’m just someone fate decided to tie you to. That doesn’t mean I owe you anything. That doesn’t mean I want you.” He flinched at my words, and for a moment, I felt a pang of guilt. But I pushed it aside. I couldn’t afford to feel anything for him. “I’ve been on my own my whole life,” I said, my voice trembling and I blinked fast to chase back tears that are starting to fall down my cheeks. “I’ve survived without anyone. And I’ll survive without you.” “You don’t have to,” he said, taking another step closer. “I’m here, Emilia. I’m strong enough for both of us.” His words cut through me, and for a brief moment, I wanted to believe him. I wanted to believe that someone could be strong enough to shoulder my fears, my hidden pain. But I couldn’t. I wouldn’t. “I don’t need you,” I said, my voice cold. “And I don’t want you.” The hurt in his eyes was brief but unmistakable. He straightened, his jaw clenching as he stepped back. “If that’s how you feel, then go,” he said, his tone hardening with anger that swallows mine. “Run. But know this—no matter how far you go, no matter how hard you try, the bond will always be there. You can’t escape it, Emilia. And you can’t escape me.” His words sent a shiver down my spine, but I refused to let him see my fear. “Watch me,” I said, turning on my heel and storming back toward the mansion. The walk back was agonizing. My legs felt like lead, and my chest ached with every step. I hated him. I hated the bond. But most of all, I hated the way his words had made something inside me stir. It made me feel vulnerable. He knows what to say about me at the right time. By the time I reached my room, I was shaking with anger, frustration and a little bit of sadness. I slammed the door shut behind me and collapsed onto the bed, burying my face in my hands and finally allowed the waterworks to fall. I couldn’t stay here. I wouldn’t stay here. No matter what it took, I would find a way to escape. And when I did, I would make sure Cameron never found me again. I will show him I don't want him nor the bond in my life.