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

~ Cleo ~

Mum was just tired and for some reason being here wasn’t good for her.

Just like she would sometimes struggle when we returned to the Dark Phantom pack..or when Dad wasn’t with her.

Yes it was her family pack…where she grew up but even then it was like a darkness took over her.

The same thing was happening here.

Both Ares and I had spoken to Dad about it downstairs, whilst Mum’s wolf laid by the kitchen

patio door, waiting to be allowed back inside. The sound of whimpering coming from her.

I could feel Jace’s heated glare upon my back, his eyes watching me carefully as I spilled secrets of my childhood to Dad. Secrets I had held onto for too long.

The Clear Waters vehicles had come to escort Alora safely home. This was my last chance to say goodbye to her, the next would be the finality of her funeral.

I had to do this, I had to accept the fact that I have caused her death. No matter what anybody says, I know deep down I will live with this for the rest of my life.

Jace dodged the bullet that hit her, but it was me that caused the gun to be fired. Medea may have murdered her…but Alora wouldn’t have been here if it wasn’t for me.

Something, I don’t think I will ever be at peace with.

The rawness of the this morning, will remain with me forever.

Jace was furious with Mum, only letting her back inside when she had shifted and Dad promised to be with her at all times.

The problem is, it isn’t the first time he has witnessed this happening, and now as the luna of this pack, I know it won’t be the last. This place was doing something to Mum, but it was now my home.

With a deep sigh I finally muster the courage to push open the bedroom door of the guest room that Alora’s body had been resting in, Kaia continuing to not have left her side.noveldrama

I have to do this, I have to be strong.

Stepping inside, Kaia's head whips around...a sigh of relief escaping her when she sees it is me and not the men of her family coming in to remove Alora from her.

Quietly, I move in...taking a seat on the spare chair on the opposite side of the bed to Kaia, who was leaning forward, gripping at Alora's hand.

At first my prayers are in silence, I don't ever expect Alora to forgive me...but I pray to the Moon Goddess that she finds peace with her.

"I'm so sorry..." My sobs are quiet, and not meant to be uttered but my emotions are too much to contain any longer.

"I don't ever expect you to forgive me." I whisper out, taking Alora's hand and placing it in mine...moving it to my lips and placing a kiss upon the back of her hand.

"There is nothing to forgive Cleo." Kaia's voice tries to soothe me, but I can't accept her kindness...not yet.

"Don't Kaia, please."

"When Alora heard that you were here...she didn't hesitate to get to you. None of us did. If Alora and I had been more honest and open about our childhoods, how we re-entered each other's lives .. then  maybe she wouldn't be dead right now.

Not one person is to blame for her death. As much as I am going to miss her, her death is the results of the two of us deciding to keep things hidden in the past.

Than completely took advantage of that. You aren't any more to blame for her death than Jace who moved out of the way of the bullet. If it wasn't for her sacrifice, then I would be mourning my son...and that, is something that truly would

broken me. She's at peace she's with the moon goddess....reunited with our mother...until I join them.” A sad smile forms upon Kaia's face, her eyes glistening with fresh tears....her face already sore and red from the tears she had shed throughout the night.

"I shouldn't have trusted him." I seethe out, angry at myself above all.

"My son backed you into a corner, and you acted out in the only way that seemed possible for you at the time. Although I don't see why you didn't remain at home...your parents would have supported you, you know that."

"I didn't want to put them in a position where it affected their relationship with you and Hector.

They live for your friendship..."