Denied by Destiny: Trapped in the Shadows of the Mate Bond

Than POV

"You have enough men on patrol?"

"Yes Mother, I know how to run a pack."

"Do you Than, because I've had to leave your Father for this shit show. 2 years, 2 years you've had her nicely controlled...then the moment you actually need her...she slips through your fingers." Mother slams shut an accountancy book which I still use as well as the computer, making sure everything is documented twice.

Just how she likes it.

"Does Kaia know?" She finally looks at me, her head having been stuck in the book for some time.

"No of course not."

"What about the pack?"

"What about the pack?" I moan.

"Have you put them under alpha command not to mention your wife to your mate?"

I didn't need to command my pack, I kept Kaia isolated and my pack know better than to mention Kaia to

Alora.

My parents were the ones to make it clear what was expected of the pack before I returned from college with Kaia, whilst Alora was in a coma.

"It's all under control." I pinch the bridge of my nose, trying to breathe slowly to keep my increasing anger at her interference under control.

I called Mother here to help look after Alora whilst I concentrated on breaking into the Dark Phantom pack but she got delayed. Now that she is here, she's trying to sort things for me.

Once a luna always a luna I suppose.

"Does Alora know what you need Kaia for?"

"No of course not Mother, you know Alora...she'd refuse."

"So what will you do?"

"The doctor will administer her a sleeping draft..."

"What and she'll just wake up feeling better? Like magic, poof...go to sleep and wake up a new woman?" I didn't appreciate the humour in mother's voice.

"She knows her body is healing...that it will just take time." I seethe out, taking a seat on the spare chair. Mother, of course, was sitting at my desk. Going through all my alpha documents, I couldn't hide anything from her. Even if I wanted to. I close my eyes and let my body slouch into the chair.

"You can't rest Than, you need to keep searching for her."

"No need.."

"You found her? Then where is she?"

"She's found refuge in another pack...don't worry Mother I am handling it."

"You need to demand entry from the alpha..." She slams her fist onto the desk, my eyes bursting open from the sudden loud noise.

"It's not that simple."ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

"Oh?"

If she thinks Kaia running was a shit show, her current location would be unfathomable to Mother. I prepare myself for Mother's onslaught of choice words.

"She's at the Dark Phantom pack."

"Hector?" She growls, her eyes flashing to that of her wolf.

"Than? Medea?" Alora's sweet voice sings out.

"We are in the office." I call to her, feeling the hot burning scowl of Mother's eyes on me.

Alora's voice being as important as a nightingale's morning chorus after a savage long night. She was always my light in the dark.

"What's going on?" Alora walks in, placing her arm affectionately on the back of my neck.

She adores Mother but she understands how intense she can be at times.

I reach behind and take hold of her hand, gently pulling her around the chair into me, on to my lap.

"I was just updating Mother with pack affairs."

"The security threat? Is it sorted?" Alora looks at me, before her eyes turn to Mother's.

"No, not yet dear. Things are getting more complicated than I realised. You'd understand wouldn't you, if Than had to go off pack lands for a few days, stay away.."

"Of course, do you want me to come, to help?"

"You help me just by being here, being back with me." I've only just got Alora back, there's no chance in hell I'd put her in a dangerous situation. Let alone give him an opportunity to see her again.

"And I won't go anywhere again, I promise." She means what she says, she cups my face with both her hands... her eyes looking deeply into mine. Her green eyes shining darker as her wolf starts to present herself. If we were alone I would have her over this desk already. "Then it's settled! Alora I will remain and help you in your recovery, get your training back on track for the ceremony," Mother breaks our lover's moment too abruptly for my liking.

"Ceremony..."

"Yes, you are Than's mate...you are his luna."

Alora doesn't reply she just gives a small nod, something she's always done when she found her to be overbearing.

Alora knew when to keep quiet infront of Mother. Whereas Kaia and mother clashed from the very beginning. "Is Freya with you?"

"No Medea, why would she be?"

Something feels off with Alora, her heartbeat is quickening and her cheeks are starting to turn a shade of

red.

"I was going to ask her to make us a drink..."

"You two are busy, I'll do it. I need to take my medication anyway. Shout if you need me,"

"We will dear." Mum sings out to Alora as she leaves the room.

""Focus Than."

Mother snarls at me for watching my mate walk away, watching her figure leave the room, envisaging

what I want to do to her.

"We need a plan of action."

"She refused to return.." I sigh, turning my full attention back to Mother.

"You spoke with her?"

"Briefly at the banquet the Dark Phantom pack was hosting. It took about 2 seconds before he walked over, trying to stir up shit." "Does he know, that she's awake?" Mother lowers her voice to a whisper.

"Yes, yes he knows."

"The longer she stays there, the more brainwashed she'll become. You need to get her out. You need to start applying pressure."

"My warriors are watching their borders like hawks, they can't move without me knowing."

"He's sneaky Than, he'll find a way. You don't have any time left, you need to get your warriors in line, that's an order. They need to attack."