Forbidden by Fate

Emersyn

Love doesn’t mean life will always be perfect, but it does mean that despite the bad you can’t see yourself without that person. And I knew that regardless of everything, I didn’t want to imagine a life without Liam in it. He had shown me a world that I did not realize that I had been missing. He opened my eyes to things that I wish that I could unsee. He made me realize that even though I loved Callum, that sometimes that was not enough.

I needed more than he had given, because with Liam I had no doubt that he was willing to do whatever it took to prove his love to me. With Liam, I could see a future of unimaginable love. But that meant that I would have to break Callum’s heart, and though I know that it must be done, I am torn, because I know I will always love him.

But I am not in love with him.

I see his flawless grin as he opens the door, and my heart breaks a bit more, because I know that I am going to hurt him. “Liam, said you wanted to see me?”

I hear the hope in his voice, making this so much harder. He must see the look that crosses my face, because his grin falls slightly as he comes to my bedside and sits on the edge. He hesitates, choosing his words carefully as he asks in a small voice, “You chose him?”

I smile at him despite the aching pain in my heart as I answer, “I chose me. I chose love.”

His eyes linger on mine, as understanding dawns on him. “You love him?”

“I didn’t mean to, but I do.” I state honestly. “I fought it, but in the end I realized that he has given me something that I cannot get from you.”

Hurt creeps in through the depths of his emerald eyes, as he dares to ask, “What’s that?”

“Knowing that he loves me enough to risk it all,” I say with a stray tear falling. “Knowing that even when it’s hard that I don’t have to worry that he will leave. Callum, he is everything I need.”

“But is he everything you want?” He asks with a desperate look.

My heart breaks knowing that my answer will hurt him even further, “Yes.”

“Then that’s all that I can ask for.”

And I know that he means it by the conviction in his eyes, but I can see his heart breaking as he says, “Emersyn, I love you but I know that it’s not always enough. You have given me the gift of your love for most of our lives, and now I am going to do the same. Liam, is a lucky guy to have you.”

I smile through the tears as I say, “I know and I won’t ever let him forget it.”

Callum smiles back at me with a sadness I have grown to accustomed to seeing mar his features, as he replies. “I know you won’t.”

He gets up and leans down above my head, lingering for a moment longer than necessary as he whispers, “I will always be here, no matter what happens. And I don’t think I’ll ever get over you, but you deserve happiness, even if it isn’t with me.”

He kisses me gently on the forehead, as he walks to the door, leaving me alone in my room. The tears fall without restraint as the door latches closed behind him.

I know that I have made the right decision, but right now the pain of watching him leave is nearly unbearable. “I love you, too.” I whisper.

6 months later…

I smile as I hear the laughter coming from the kitchen. I find myself drawn to their laughter as I walk down the stairs, anticipation nearly swallowing me whole as I make my way to the warmth of his arms. Liam is back, and I have missed him terribly. He smiles as I turn the corner, before scooping me up into his arms and laughing as he spins me around.

“None of that in the kitchen,” my mother warns as she smiles over her shoulder. “Take it outside, the boys are waiting on you!”

I smile at her as I lace my fingers through Liam’s and kiss him, “I have missed you!”

“And I have missed you,” he swoons. “But I have been busy. Our pack is recovering nicely, since we sold off some of my father’s vacation homes and settled with the loan companies.”

I grin at him, “Liam, you promised no business this time.”

“I did,” he laughs. “Okay, lead the way gorgeous!”

I walk to the veranda, where we can hear the boys working tirelessly, laughing as usual. I can’t help but grin broader when I see the archway covered in flowers, sitting in the perfect place. “It’s beautiful, guys!”

Callum and Maverick turn around, realizing that we have joined them, both grinning broadly. “Liam!” They simultaneously yell.

“Yep, I’m here too!” I say laughing as they all gather around laughing heartily.

Callum smiles at Liam as he asks, “How was your trip?”

“It was good,” Liam says shaking his hand. “I got a lot done. Thanks for asking!”

They both smile at each other, as I see Callum’s face light with joy. I don’t have to look to know who has joined us as I hear her voice, “Callum, can you help me with the cake?”

I turn to see Alayah smiling broadly at me as she yelps in excitement, “You’re both here! What do you think?”

Callum leans down kissing her cheek as he whispers in her ear, “They think its as perfect as you are!”

I smile as I watch her blush and swat at his arm, “Callum, I’m at work, stop it!”

Fate is a funny thing, I think to myself as I grin at the two of them. Alayah, my wedding planner, would have never came to our packhouse if Liam’s mother hadn’t suggested her. But something magical had happened when she had. Callum found his fated mate.

As I find myself looking around at the family surrounding me, I realize that maybe just maybe, the moon goddess did know what she was doing. And that in the end fate has a way of just making things beautiful.