Abruptly breaking the kiss, he turned away from Anastasia, his back facing her. He pinched the bridge of his nose, his voice trembling as he spoke. "W-we... n-need to go back."

Confusion clouded Anastasia’s expression as she watched Liam’s sudden shift in demeanor. She moved closer to him, her concern palpable.

"Snow, what happ-" Before she could finish her sentence, Liam cut her off, his voice still shaky with fear. "Nothing happened. Let’s just go. Thank you for showing me this spot."

Anastasia stood in the water, her heart heavy with a mixture of disappointment and confusion.

As Liam swiftly transformed into his wolf form and ran away, she was left standing there, feeling the chill of the water seep into her bones.

Her mind filled with unanswered questions, and a sense of loss settled deep within her.

Feeling a mix of emotions - desire, confusion, and aching uncertainty.

Anastasia clenched her fist internally abusing and torturing herself for scaring Liam off.

Then she quickly shifted into her wolf form, her instincts driving her to chase after Liam.

Her true blood rank granted her speed and agility, enabling her to catch up to him in no time even though he sprinted away so fast.

As they arrived at the Packhouse gate, they quickly put something on, as the tension between them lingered.

Anastasia approached him, her voice filled with concern as she tried to understand what had caused his sudden withdrawal. "Snow, I’m sorry. Are you... Are you okay?"

Liam avoided her gaze, his hands trembling as he struggled to put on his shorts. "I’m fine. I just need some time alone."

Without another word, he rushed back to his room, leaving Anastasia standing there, her heart heavy with guilt.

She couldn’t fathom what had gone wrong, and the pain of his rejection pierced her deeply.

She despised herself for not making him feel safe and secure, especially when their bond was meant to provide solace, love, and most importantly safety.

Anastasia retreated to her own room, clutching her pillow tightly as a profound sense of loneliness washed over her.

The weight of guilt suffocated her, and she found herself gripping her hair in desperation.

Dressed only in an oversized t-shirt that was long enough to cover all the necessary private areas, she felt vulnerable and hated for her mistakes.

Her inner wolf whimpered, yearning for the presence of her mates.

Knowing that Cobra, her other mate, was locked up and out of reach only added to her inner turmoil.

Unable to comprehend the exact nature of her misstep, Anastasia replayed their encounter at the river over and over again, desperately searching for answers.

Liam had been the one to initiate everything, so what had triggered his sudden panic and rejection?

The questions echoed in her mind, tormenting her with uncertainty.

Her inner wolf howled, aching for the bond and connection they shared, while Anastasia’s heart bled from the pain of her mate’s rejection.

She hated herself for failing both of her fated mates.

As she clung to her hair, a sense of desperation overwhelmed her.

She longed for her mates, needing them more than she cared to admit.

When she was with Liam and Cobra, her mind found peace, and she felt loved, secure, and respected.

However, she understood that she had to give Liam the space he needed, even though she couldn’t fully comprehend her own mistakes.

It tore at her, but she realized that immediate resolution was beyond her control.

She had to confront her own insecurities, find a way to forgive herself, and hope that time would heal the wounds between them.

As desperation consumed her, Anastasia made a decision.

With a determined expression, she quickly put on a pair of pants and went in search of Philip, whom she found outside engaged in conversation and laughter with Caleb.

"Philip, where are the dungeons?"

Philip guided her, and she requested that he leave her alone.

Following Cobra’s distinct scent, she hurried towards the dungeons.

The atmosphere grew increasingly eerie as she descended into the depths.

The damp stone walls were covered in moss, and the air carried a musty odor.

The torches lining the corridors flickered ominously, casting unsettling shadows that seemed to dance and writhe.

Finally, she located Cobra.

He sat in the corner, dressed in the same clothes as the others who were locked up in the dungeons for their wrongdoings and crimes.

His long blond hair was a tangled mess, and he was hugging his legs close to his chest, hiding his face in his knees.

Cobra is a big muscular man, 6’4 ft, jagged, but somehow managed to squeeze his whole body in the corner of the cell.

This sight instantly reminded her of the same tiny boy who was getting bullied at school, the same boy she helped and did not know even know would be her fated mate and fall in love deeply with her.

The darkness of the dungeon enveloped him, adding to the overall sense of hopelessness and despair.

"Cobra," she called out, her voice barely above a whisper.

Immediately, he lifted his face, his eyes widening in disbelief.

A mixture of surprise and joy illuminated his features, and he rose from the ground with a spark of longing in his eyes. "My love. Are you okay?" his eyes moved up and down her body to make sure she was not hurt in any way.

Anastasia fought to maintain a stoic expression, concealing her desperation and concern.

With her usual impassive demeanor, she nodded. "I’m fine. Are you okay, though? Are you hurt?"

" I’m not hurt, my love. Thank you for asking." Cobra managed a smile, despite the bleakness of his surroundings, and reassured her of his physical well-being.

His gaze, filled with worry and longing, lingered on her form.

She knew she shouldn’t indulge in physical contact, given the circumstances.

Stepping back, she clenched her fists, an internal struggle raging within her, internally whispering "Just once, nobody needs to know."

Determined, she turned around, unlocked the iron bars of the cell, and stepped inside.

The dungeons were surrounded in darkness, with only faint light filtering through small, grated windows.

The air was thick with a sense of foreboding, and the coldness of the stone floor sent a chill up her spine.

She reached out, pulling Cobra towards her with a mix of urgency and tenderness.

As she embraced him, she could feel the weight of his despair and the longing in his touch.

Anastasia held him tightly, her heart aching for the fear he had experienced here.

Cobra responded with equal intensity, closing his eyes and purring softly against her neck.

At that moment, they found solace in each other’s presence, cherishing the stolen affection amidst the darkness.

Reluctantly, Anastasia released him from the embrace, her fingers gently brushing his hair away from his face.

Their eyes met, his blue irises filled with a mixture of obsession, love, possessiveness, and desperation.

She spoke in a soft, soothing tone. "I’m sorry you have to stay locked up here, Cobra."

Cobra managed a sad smile, understanding the gravity of his actions and the consequences he faced. "No, don’t apologize, my love. I know what I did was wrong, and I deserve to be punished. Thank you for coming here for me, my love."

Anastasia’s heart ached at his words, her helplessness intensifying.

She leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to his forehead, her touch lingering as if to communicate her unwavering support and affection. "I will come to see you again. I will find a way to transfer you to my pack somehow."

Cobra’s grin widened, his eyes glistening with gratitude and hope.

The overwhelming emotions threatened to spill over as he whispered his heartfelt appreciation. "Thank you, my love."

She smiled back at Cobra, her heart brimming with affection and determination.

Pulling him into a tight embrace, she held him as if she never wanted to let go.

He hugged her back with equal intensity, their bodies pressed together, seeking comfort in each other’s presence.

She buried her face in the crook of his neck, breathing in his scent until her lungs were filled. "I will come back for you, Cobra."

Her voice was filled with conviction, her fingers gently caressing his cheek as she looked deeply into his piercing blue eyes.

The weight of helplessness settled within her, causing her heart to ache.

She struggled to lock the heavy iron bars of the cell door, their hands still intertwined through the gaps.

Cobra leaned closer, pressing a tender kiss to the palm of her hand, his lips lingering against her skin. "I love you, Anastasia."

Her heart shook with a mixture of emotions, the words resonating deeply within her.

She gulped back the lump in her throat, watching how his eyes welled up with unshed tears.

Caressing his face, she watched as he leaned into her touch, seeking solace and reassurance.

Reluctantly, she released his hand and slowly made her way back to her room, her mind filled with thoughts of their forbidden love.

Once there, she meticulously hid the shirt she had been wearing, the fabric holding onto Cobra’s scent, she could not afford anyone smelling Cobra on her.

Determined to erase any trace of him off her body, she hurriedly stepped into the shower, allowing the water to cleanse her body and wash away any lingering scent other than hers.

Just as she was walking out of the bathroom door, the door of her room unexpectedly swung open, revealing Liam standing there.

Time seemed to freeze in her eyes as panic coursed through her veins.

She couldn’t let Liam know about the fact that she went to check up on Cobra, not now when the stakes were so high.

Her heart raced, and she struggled to maintain her composure, silently praying that he wouldn’t notice anything amiss.