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

- Cleo -

I'm pounced on as soon as I exit my car. Mum gently guiding me out of the vehicle where she then covers my eyes to stop me from seeing anything. "Mum..." I chuckle out at her behaviour.

"What's going on?"

"We have a surprise for you...no peeking okay?"

"Okay."

She guides me into the alpha house, straight to the stairs where I reach out for the banister, just as a precaution.

I've walked up these stairs every day from the moment I was old enough to walk, I know each step, each angle she is taking.

She's taking me directly to my room.

"Mum what's going on?" A hesitant laugh escapes me, as I feel out in front of me.

"You seem to be struggling and I wanted to show you something, show you that no matter what you think, it's never as bad as you think it is.

You can do this Josie, we can do this." Her words have complete faith in me, complete confidence in me.

We stop, my hands feeling at my bedroom door where she removes her hands from my eyes.

"You can do this." She reiterates passionately as she pushes my bedroom door open.

I cross the threshold of my room, scanning it well to find that my bed has been pushed closer to the window, creating a gap wide enough for a small baby crib.

I take a step forward, my hand moving to my mouth as a small gasp escapes me.

It is beautiful, it is white with a rocking stand...a small beige teddy sitting upright at the head of the basket. On closer inspection I can see working embroidered into the white fabric covering the edges. "It's beautiful." My hands trail across the stitching where I read the words; My Everything.

"It was yours. You were the perfect baby, never woke me up at night, always slept through. Unlike your brother, the little monster."

"Mum.." I can't help the small tear that trickles down my cheek, my everything.

"And look, outside your window...you see the gap of land there.." She points out to the small patch of grass land that has always been up for discussion on what to do with it.

"Dad will build you your own home

for when you feel ready to move out.

But not until you are ready. We will raise this child together Cleo we will

help you...you aren't ent

"I know I'm not alone Mum."

"Do you? Because I could see the panic in your eyes in the hospital, just because the father isn't around doesn't mean you are doing this quean you are

will

alone. We are here for you, we help you." Her hands rise to cup at my face, her thumbs stroking away the tears that continue to fall.

I'm touched by what she has done, what she is saying.

"I've been overbearing, I know I have. I have my reasons. All I wanted to do was to keep you safe..."

"Even from pack members, the same age as me?" I playfully quirk an eyebrow at her.

She pauses for a moment and I'm worried I've ruined the moment between us, ruined the bonding.noveldrama

"When you hold your baby in your arms for the first time, you'll understand why I wanted to keep you safe. The pack will stand by you Cleo, as will Ares when he is alpha." "I don't know what to say." I'm lost for words.

"You don't have to say anything." Dad's warm voice comes from my bedroom door, his gigantic tattooed body dominating the entire door frame.

His eyes roam my room until they land on the fist sized hole in my wall. They linger on it for a moment before he pushes off the doorframe and enters into my room.

"But.." I feel as if before his eyes

noticed the hole he was going to continue talking. The damage Jaxon has left is something I need to sort out before too many questions are asked.

en

"You know Hector's a half human.."

"What?" I'm taken aback by this sudden declaration. I have known Hector all my life, why am I only just hearing of this now.