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.

him but he blocks me, his

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

looking for you, I would never dream of stepping into an 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 office door behind him, before moving towards his desk and taking a seat on his

of the silver-plated frame before he

step forward, my hands resting on the back of the chair on the opposite side of his desk. I had so many questions, but

confused, how is Beta Alora your mate? You

His teeth flash as

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

rejected me, so therefore she is dead to

see the pain that still manifests beneath

forced to pick between me and her

"No." I gasp out.

parents

a brother?" I was so perplexed by his admission at having a brother that I overlooked the way

"Hector..."

What...

is your

"Yes, you didn't know.."