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.

but he blocks me, his hand raising to slow

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

running my

fingers skim across the top of the silver-plated frame before he moves it,

the chair on the opposite side of his desk. I had so many questions, but the

is Beta Alora your mate?

to me." His teeth flash as the words

were readjusting the photo frame are now clenched into a ball on top of his desk. He was angry at the memory of her, angry at what must have

is dead to me." He

but I can see the pain that still manifests beneath

forced to pick between

"No." I gasp out.

parents sided with my own

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

"Hector..."

What...

Hector is your

"Yes, you didn't know.."