Forbidden Bond : World Apart

Diane's POV .

I clutched the bouquet of roses tightly to my chest, my heart pounding with elation as I approached the porch.

Jaden was the Beta son while my parents were among the pack hunters, so compared to him, we were worlds apart. I still wonder how he asked me to be his girlfriend out of all the other better options of girls in school. It felt like a dream, one I never wanted to wake up from. We had been dating for five months-five months of late-night calls, stolen kisses between classes, and whispered promises about our future. He was the man I saw myself with forever, the one I imagined standing beside me at the altar someday. We weren't fated mates, but we had both vowed to live together as one and reject whoever appeared as our mate.

But one thing was still missing. That was our first sex. I have decided to give it to him tonight though.

I wasn't nervous; it felt right. Jaden had proven himself over and over again-his patience, his kindness, the way he looked at me, like I was his entire world. I'd never felt this safe, never felt this certain with anyone else.

My phone buzzed in my handbag, and I snatched it up, smiling hard as I saw it was a text from Jaden.

"I am bored and lonely here. I really miss you," his text read.

A wide grin appeared on my face as I reread the message, excitement bubbling in my chest. I couldn't help but laugh softly in satisfaction.

He thought I was in London for the summer holiday just as I told him, but I had lied about my vacation plans, just so this visit would be a complete surprise to him.

I reached the porch and punched in the door code which I already knew of by heart, the familiar beep signaling the door unlocked.

Everywhere was silent at first, but as I stepped inside, faint laughter drifted down from upstairs-a woman's laughter. My breath hitched, and for a split second, I stood paralyzed, staring up and wondering if my ears were deceiving me.

He told me he was alone at home and wished I was here to spend time with him. So who has that female voice?

My legs felt heavy as I climbed the stairs, each step slow and careful.

"Maybe we misheard. Maybe it was just the TV." My wolf, Lana, tried to clear my fear but just then, my gaze landed on a trail of clothes leading down the hallway-a blouse, a bra, panties... and Jaden's shirt, as if they had started off outside before entering his room.

"No... Jaden can't be cheating on me," I whispered to myself, my voice shaking, and I could feel my wolf curled up in a sullen state. My chest ached, and my breath came in gasps as I drew closer to the door.

I reached the bedroom door and my sweaty hand hovered around the knob, to open the door, but my hand paused as I heard Jaden's voice ring out, playful and full of desire.

"I really miss you....Baby, you don't know what I'd do to have you with me every second of my life."

And then, I heard the lady ask.

"What about Diane? The both of you have been dating for months." The voice made me shudder and my jaw dropped. I gasped as I recognized who had that voice.

It was that of Selene, my best friend. My closest since my second year in college. My heart tightened harder as I waited to hear Jaden's reply.

After a few seconds, he blurted. "Don't tell me you really think I loved Diane. She's not my type. It was just a dare game. My friends wanted to know how far I could go with her and that's why I had to do all this." He scoffed, irritation laced in his voice.

Selene heaved a loud sigh. "Okay, I feel relieved to hear this. It all felt so real, and I was becoming so jealous of you both." I heard her say and the sound of their kisses followed, making my stomach churn.

I couldn't breathe as I felt like my entire world was crashing down around me. My knees wobbled, and the bouquet slipped from my hands, the roses hitting the floor softly. I wanted to run, but my feet wouldn't move, so I stood there, numbed, the agony in my heart piercing deeper as their conversation and deep kiss continued without any of them aware I was listening to everything. They had no idea I was right outside the door.

"So when are you breaking up with her? I'm tired of pretending," Selene murmured, and my hands pressed over my mouth, stifling a sob that threatened to fall out. This can't be real.

Why is she doing this to me?

"As soon as school starts. I can't wait to dump her." Jaden's voice dripped with disdain, and I felt the last shred of hope inside me shatter to pieces.

Without hesitation, I pushed the door open and barged in furiously.

Their heads snapped toward me, eyes wide with shock and disbelief.

While Selene frantically pulled the duvet over her naked body, avoiding my gaze shamefully, Jaden looked as if he'd seen a ghost.

"Diane," he called my name in a gentle voice, standing up from bed immediately. "Come on, this isn't what it looks like. I can explain." He said, trying to hold me, but I backed away.

Lana growled in my mind. "He's about to lie. Don't let him twist this."

My chest tightened, tears burning my eyes. "I heard you, Jaden. The dare. Your friends betting on you over my body. You even said I wasn't your type and would break up once school starts. Was anything with you ever real?"

His little smile faltered, and he rubbed the back of his neck, glancing at Selene. "That was just stupid talk, Diane. It started as a joke with you, yeah, but it became real. I swear, I didn't mean to hurt you. I messed up, okay?" He sighed and paused. "You know you have been so caught up with a lot and I... I got lonely. Selene was just here, and things got out of hand." He stepped closer, his tone almost pleading. "You know I care about you, right?"

I stared, my heart twisting.

Then Selene's voice broke in, her green eyes glistening with tears. "Diane, I didn't want you to find out like this. I... I've liked him for years, okay? Before you even started dating. When he came to me, I thought... I thought he was choosing me." She glanced at Jaden, then back at me, her voice breaking. "I know I should've told you. I was scared to lose you."

"Scared?" I snapped, tears burning my eyes. "You were my sister, Selene. You pushed me to trust him!" I murmured, the flickering pain of her betrayal eating me deep. Selene parents were also hunters and friends to my parents. We had been close for so long, and we shared secrets and gossip a lot together, trusting each other so much.

"Selene...Why?" I added, my voice barely above whispers as memories of our friendship flooded in my head. I couldn't help but wonder where I went wrong to deserve this from her. I can remember how she encouraged me to trust Jaden, when she told me how overly happy she was that I would one day become part of the royal family. And now, she was here asking him to break up with me.

Selene tucked a strand of her blonde hair behind her ear, blinking rapidly as her eyes finally met mine with what I could only assume was guilt because I caught them. "Diane... I'm sorry." she breathed.

"You are not sorry! You are just a wicked soul who is disguised as my friend! When did you start sleeping with him behind my back?" I yelled with a broken voice.

Jaden heaved, and I also saw a flicker of guilt in his eyes before it vanished and he doubled down. "Diane, I think you're overreacting."

Really?

"What did you expect? You kept pushing me away, saying you wanted to wait till after school before we could do anything together. Selene was just... here for me. Can't you see I needed someone who actually showed they cared?" His voice was sharp but unsteady.

"What are you trying to justify?"

"You were always focus on your book and won't let me make love to you. It wasn't supposed to go this way but you made everything so harder than it needed to be." He hissed, avoiding my gaze.

My mouth opened, but no word could come out.

The room seemed to be closing on me and I wished I would wake up to see it was all a bad dream.

He was really blaming it on me.

"Goodbye." I murmured and couldn't stand there for another second as my heart grew heavy. I turned sharply and stomped out, kicking the bouquet of flowers that was still lying outside the door.

The only thing I heard next was the slam of the door and the sound of the key lock. It was as if they were impatiently waiting for me to leave so they would continue.

This really hurts.

Stumbling out of the building, I waved down a taxi, and hopped in.

"Where to?" The driver asked, and I couldn't think of going home.

"To the nearest bar," I muttered, wiping my tears away.

I have never been a fan of alcohol, nor have I gone to a club before, but today I will ease my pain with all that. Also fuck virginity because I would have fun and give that up in the club to any handsome man I get attracted to tonight. I don't care.

I walked into the club, the bass pounding so hard it rattled in my chest. I wiped my eyes with the crumpled napkin in my hand, already damp from too much use as I silently cursed Jaden under my breath.

He was the reason I was here.

God, I hate clubs. The stench of alcohol, the noise, the fake laughter with people rubbing bodies together. Everything just wasn't sitting right with me.

But still, here I was-because of the man I fell in love with.

I never thought I'd end up in a place like this, looking for... I don't know. Comfort? Distraction? Anything but to escape the mess playing over and over in my head.

My parents, who were hunters, were out, meeting with the Alpha King, so going home and staying alone was going to make the whole pain more unbearable.

I was told about betrayal, but didn't know it could come from the most trusted person. How could Selene do this to me? The thought of it was shattering my heart like a glass under a hammer.

I felt like a fool, recalling all I had told her about my relationship with Jaden.

I wonder how long they have been doing this behind my back. So sad how I believed every sweet, rehearsed word he said like an idiot. Now look at me-discarded like trash.

A new semester is starting back soon, and I already know I'm going to be the joke of the year. Everyone knew we were dating. He made sure of that when he never loved me. He just wanted to take my virginity and win a bet.

A dare. I was a fucking dare

A fresh wave of hurt washed over me, my eyes filling with tears again. I blinked hard, but my vision blurred anyway.

I stumbled forward, not really seeing where I was going, until I slammed into something solid.

A chest. A warm, firm chest.

I gasped as red wine splashed and stained the man's white shirt. The sharp scent of his cologne hit me-clean, expensive, masculine.

"Oh my God, I'm so sorry!" I said quickly, reaching into my bag for another napkin, my hands shaking.

"Are you blind?" His voice was sharp, deep, and not exactly forgiving.

I looked up, already preparing to apologize again, but I froze at the sight of him.

He was gorgeous and intensely handsome with hazel eyes that looked like they could see straight into your soul. Dark hair. Chiseled jaw with the perfect amount of scruff. He looked older-late twenties maybe-but so dashing in a way that made my stomach twist.

"Who the hell is this man?" my wolf breathed, practically purring. "I'm melting..."

"I... I'm really sorry about the shirt," I finally found my voice and mumbled, ignoring my swooning inner wolf as I tried dabbing at the stain, my fingers brushing his chest.

He caught my wrist-not rough, but firm. "Forget it," he said, his voice a little softer now. "Use the napkin for those tears instead."

And just like that, he turned and walked off. He walked away into the shadows like some mystery guy in a bad romance movie.

I stood there, staring after him like a complete idiot.

Something about him-his presence, maybe-made me feel... reckless. Or maybe it was just heartbreak. I hadn't even touched a drop of alcohol, or I would have blamed it.

Suddenly I wanted to do something I wouldn't usually do. Something wild.

So I went to the bar, ordered a bottle of vodka, grabbed a tray, and walked over to his table. My heart was pounding, but I didn't stop. I set the bottle down with a little clink and looked him in the eye.

He raised an eyebrow. "What are you doing here?"

I pulled out the chair across from him and sat. "You alone?"

He looked at me like I'd just asked if he was from Mars. "I am. And I prefer it that way."

I smiled, ignoring the very clear 'go away' in his voice. "That's good."

I poured myself a shot and downed it in one go. It burned like hell, and I winced as it hit the back of my throat. He watched me closely, a flicker of surprise in his eyes.

"You don't look like someone who drinks."

"I don't," I said, coughing a little. "First time."

He almost laughed. "First drink and you went straight for vodka?"

I shrugged. "I'm here to forget my pain."

He raised an eyebrow. "To forget your pain?"

"Yeah." I swirled the glass in my hand. "Like forgetting I caught my boyfriend in bed with my best friend. And the fact that I was a damn joke to both of them."

I poured another shot and gulped it down. It tasted even worse the second time.

Before I could go for a third, he reached out and caught my wrist again-gently, this time. "Maybe slow down."

His touch sent a strange little spark down my arm. Like a tingle I didn't understand. Maybe he felt it too. I think I saw it in his eyes before he let go.

"What's your name?" he asked, more quietly this time.

"Diane. You?"

"Leo," he said, sipping his wine.

I looked down at the table, then back up at him. "If I stop drinking... will you help me forget? Even just for a minute?"

He exhaled slowly, leaning back. "I'm not a therapist, Diane. I don't fix people."

"Just... help me not feel like shit tonight."

And then as my eyes wandered, I saw him.

Jaden.

Standing at the entrance of the club, staring at me like he'd just seen a ghost.

I froze.

Leo followed my gaze. "That him?"

I nodded.

Without thinking, I leaned over and kissed him. Leo's lips were soft and warm. He hesitated just for a second, then kissed me back. His hand came up, cupping my chin, deepening it just enough to make it real.

Jaden was storming toward us now, his face twisted with confusion, jealousy-and rage.

"Hey!" he barked, slamming his hand on our table.

We pulled apart, and I turned to face him, deadpan.

"What are you doing here?" he demanded. "Someone told me they saw you walk in, but I didn't believe them and had to come check myself!"

"What I do is none of your business!" I said, arms crossed.

He looked me up and down, his voice lowering. "Either you're excellent at pretending or you've already moved on. We both know the latter can't be possible."

He reached for my hand. I snatched it back.

"We need to talk-"

"No," I cut him off. "We don't."

"I still love you!" he said desperately. "Selene meant nothing. There was no dare. I lied to her, not you. I swear. You're the only one I care about. I made a mistake-"

I laughed-actually laughed. "Wow. You're superb at making yourself sound like the victim."

"You have to believe me-"

"I don't." My voice was flat, cold. "And I don't care whatever you want to do with your life. It is over between us!"

He tried to grab my wrist again, but Leo stood up this time.

"She said leave her alone," he said, his voice like thunder and I felt the excitement in my heart hearing him stand up for me.

Jaden glared at him. "Who the hell are you? She's mine!"

Leo didn't even blink. "Not anymore." he said too quickly, and I nodded.

Jaden turned back to me, his face red in frustration. "You'd pick this old stranger over me? I'm Beta's son, for crying out loud, and we have been together for months. Stop acting like we aren't the perfect match!"

"Act like the Beta's son and leave ," Leo said calmly. "Instead of harassing a woman who clearly wants nothing to do with you."

"Are you for real, Diane? It is over? Everything?" He murmured, and I felt amused he was acting this way. I could swear he was disappointed he didn't get through my legs after everything and was trying harder this time.

"Jaden, I don't want anything to do with you again." I said coldly, surprised at myself. How I could switch my emotions. How I could easily build this wall around my heart that his sweet words couldn't break through.

The only reason could be the handsome man sitting here with me. His presence alone prevented me from falling for Jaden's lies over again.

"Fine." He gritted his teeth, fists clenched at his sides as he glared at Leo like he wanted to chop his head off.

"Fuck you!" He cursed and stomped out, kicking the table and chairs in front of him.

Two Weeks Later

My nerves were an absolute mess and I could literally feel my hands shaking as I stepped onto the school grounds, heart pounding and legs already wobbling under me.

The breeze was cool against my skin, but it didn't calm me. It only made the knot in my stomach twist harder.

It had been two weeks.

Two weeks since that night.

And all I could do was pray that Jaden had forgiven me. Or at least decided not to make my life a living hell because of it.

But who was I kidding? Jaden never let anything go. He was probably already planning something awful-turning people against me, making me a laughingstock. I didn't just become his ex... I became his enemy.

And I had no clue what that meant for me now.

I'd texted him. Apologized, over and over. He never replied. Then he blocked my number. I'd tried calling. Nothing.

And then there was Leo-the stranger who'd come out of nowhere like some beautiful storm and vanished just as fast.

He disappeared after that night, leaving behind nothing but a memory that haunted me in the best and worst ways.

I gave him my virginity. It was spontaneous and crazy and unplanned, but it was also... perfect. The way he touched me, the way he looked at me, like I was something to be wanted, to be worshiped... That night made me feel alive again, even though it was only for a moment.

I didn't regret it.

It still hurt like hell that he left with no goodbye, no phone number, no way to find him again. But I couldn't lie-he gave me something I didn't even know I needed. He made me feel seen. Desired. And the way he made love to me... I still replayed every second in my mind.

I made him take me to his already-booked hotel from the club.

The room was quiet, dimly lit, and smelled heavenly. The second we stepped inside, something inside us shifted. The tension between us snapped. One look. That was all it took.

And suddenly, we weren't holding back.

We crashed into each other like we'd been starving for it. His lips found mine, desperate and rough, and I kissed him back like I needed him to breathe. His hands roamed my body like he already knew every curve. When he kissed down my neck and a bit gently on my earlobe, I literally shivered.

Our clothes were roughly removed fast and flung to God knows where. I didn't even care.

He kissed my breasts, sucked gently on one nipple while massaging the other, and I was already squirming. He laid me down gently, like I was something fragile, and slid my panties off like he was unwrapping a gift. His eyes were darkened with desire and hunger. Wild and intense.

I opened my legs wide for him without hesitation.

As he kissed his way up my naked body again, he breathed. "Irresistible."

I couldn't even speak. My body was too busy falling apart under his touch.

Then he started rubbing my clit, slow at first, then faster. My head rolled back, and my moans turned into cries.

I'd never felt anything like it.

Then he pulled back, and I saw it-his cock. Thick, hard, massive. I widened my legs more and bit my lip. I wanted him so badly. All of him.

He rubbed himself at my entrance and I flinched when he attempted. He paused.

"You're a..." His voice trailed off, eyes meeting mine.

I nodded. "Yeah. But please... don't stop."

"It'll hurt a little," he warned softly.

"I don't care," I whispered, desperate.

He cupped my cheek. "Close your eyes."

I did.

And in one slow, careful thrust, he pushed inside.

I gripped him tight as pain washed though. He kissed me gently, staying still to let me adjust, wiping my tears with his fingers and whispering soft things I could barely hear.

When he started moving again, slowly till the pain faded. Replaced with something better. Something electric.

He cleaned the blood, kissed me all over, and then we lost ourselves in each other.

It wasn't just sex. It was something deeper.

He made love to me like he meant it and I moaned from the pleasure until I couldn't breathe. My legs were shaking, my whole body tingling. My orgasm hit like a tidal wave and his came right after, deep groans as he finished inside me, kissing me through the crash.

"I love you," he whispered into my neck, breath hot against my skin.

And I believed him.

"I love you too," I whispered back, my fingers tracing little circles on his chest.

"Where do you live?" I asked quietly, sleep tugging at my eyes. "Can I know more about you?"

No answer.

I glanced up.

He was already asleep.

I smiled and curled into him, whispering to myself, "Tomorrow. We'll talk tomorrow."

But when I woke up the next morning... he was gone.

The bed was cold.

No note. No goodbye.

Just a stack of money on the nightstand.

Like I'd been paid for the night.

The moment I saw that, my stomach dropped, and my chest hollowed out. I didn't even touch the money. I left it there and walked out, holding back tears until I got home.

I didn't tell anyone. Not my parents. Not a soul.

My parents came back the next day from their trip, and I said nothing about Jaden. Or Leo. I just kept going back to that same bar every night after, hoping Leo would show up again.

He never did.

He was gone.

Like he never existed.

---

And now, here I was, back at school-and for the first time ever, I felt like I shouldn't be in this school. As the only pack hunter's daughter, nobody will save me from him. Maybe that scholarship from the Alpha wasn't actually the blessing it was painted to be.

Fear clawed at my stomach, my heart thudding louder with every step.

Jaden was somewhere inside these halls. And I didn't know what kind of storm he was about to rain down on me.

But something told me... it wouldn't be pretty.

As soon as I entered the classroom, the first person I saw was him-Jaden, and his loathing eyes peered at me.

I walked past the teacher and headed to my seat, which was beside him. It was assigned that way since we were together, and now it has become a cruel twist of fate for me.

My heart was racing, and I felt like everyone could hear the sound of my heartbeat.

"Diane," he drawled, "You look prettier today."

He praised, but I could feel the sarcasm in his tone. "Why that face? Aren't you happy to see me?" He rubbed his palms gleefully, and I could see the malicious smug plastered on his face.

I ignored him.

"You shouldn't have embarrassed me, Diane. Those sexy pictures you sent me months ago. They will not be private anymore." He threatened, and my heart sank as my mind flashed back to all the stupid stuff I had done and sent to him.

My gaze snapped at him. "Why did you save all that?" I tried to sound defiant but tears formed in my eyes as I looked at him hopelessly, seeing how cold his eyes were. There was no trace of mercy or pity.

"Silent!" The voice of the proprietor broke in at that moment, causing everyone to become dead silent. I stood up and sat down.

He was the only one respected by the students.

"You guys are too noisy!" He reprimanded, then readjusted his eyeglasses. "Anyways, I am here to introduce your new math teacher because the former one has been sacked for incompetence!"

They all cheered, but I was not concerned about whatever he was saying. I bent my head on the desk, trying to keep my tears at bay.

Who cares about a new math teacher when their life is about to tear apart? I couldn't imagine the shame I would bring to my parents if Jaden does this.

"Here is your new teacher.. A male one this time." I heard the proprietor say, and there was chattering noise, especially from the female students, as if there was something significant and special about the so-called new male teacher.

I had to look up in confusion and curiosity to understand what the noise was about, and then I saw him.

Leo.

The same man I had met in the club that night.