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 raising to

to make yourself at home. You were just being inquisitive." Why

without permission. What you must think of me." My hands move up to my hair, running my fingers

of the silver-plated frame before he

the chair on the opposite side of his desk. I had so many questions, but the first one was how can Alora

how is Beta Alora your mate? You told me your mate was

dead to me." His teeth

of his desk. He was angry at the memory of her,

so therefore she is dead to me." He seethes

hiding it through anger but I can see the pain that still manifests beneath the surface, it has been slowly eating away at

to pick between

"No." I gasp out.

then your parents sided with my own

having a brother that I overlooked the way he sounded resentful

"Hector..."

What...

is your

"Yes, you didn't know.."