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

- Cleo -

How is this even possible, how does Alora know Alpha Than. Not just know him...judging by how loved up they look in this photo, they were once a couple.

I can't help but bring the photograph closer to my eyes, for as long as I have known Alora she's always seemed to be fighting against something, always a hidden sadness.

I knew she didn't grow up with Kaia, I just assumed that they had both a past they didn't want to relive...but if this was her past...

"She was my mate."

I shriek with shock, his voice startling me from the doorway that I drop the frame.

I hadn't even noticed him watching me..

"I'm so sorry, I didn't know you were there..."

"It's fine Cleo."

"No, I shouldn't be in here.." I reach down, picking up the photo frame and placing it back on his desk, moving towards the door.

He has just caught me creeping in his office, I can feel the pricky hot rash of embarrassment rise up my neck onto my face. I had been beyond rude, who snoops in an alpha's office. I feel so ashamed.

to go past him but he blocks me, his hand

home. You were just being inquisitive." Why wasn't he mad at me, his calmness

alpha's office without permission. What you must think of me." My hands move up to my hair, running my fingers through my long blonde-freshly-washed locks. "Cleo, I promise you, I don't mind." He closes the

before he moves it, re-angles it

chair on the opposite side of his desk. I

is Beta Alora your mate? You

dead to me." His teeth flash

on top of his desk. He was angry at the memory of her, angry at what must have happened

is dead to me."

I can see the pain that still manifests beneath the surface,

was forced to pick between

"No." I gasp out.

and then your parents sided with my own

admission at having a brother that I overlooked the way he sounded

"Hector..."

What...

is your

"Yes, you didn't know.."