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

So I thought I would save her the time and wait for her here.

Closing my eyes, I tilt my head up to let the morning sun beam upon my face. I would never get used to the way the sun feels stronger here...maybe because the land is slightly of higher altitude.

Even the floral smell this pack seems to have...so many flowers. So much nature here, I felt as if I had found my calling, found the pack for me.

Don't get me wrong, I was a Red Thorn alpha's daughter through and through, but the Amber Desert pack seemed to call to me, as if I was meant to be here all along.

Maybe it's the family connection, maybe my blood can just recognise lineage...family history.

A connection.

My eyes open when I hear the sound of cutting coming to the side of me in the front garden. Opening my eyes I find the elderly relative cutting white roses with pruning shears, her head turning to me as those unworldly eyes stare back at me.

"You know she'll go mental at you." I snicker out, taking steps closer to her as she continues to feel each white rose before deciding which one to cut.

"It's fun to get her worked up, she's far too on her high horse."

"Careful, she's your family.."

"My family? In no way am I related to them...thank the goddess." She pauses, handing me the shears to hold for her as she moves to her jacket chest pocket... pulling out a hip flask.

So the batty guest was senile as well as a drunk.

She takes a sip on the hip flask, to my horror...pain radiates through her face as she grimaces out...a silent scream escaping her.

to pull the hip flask out of her hand but she was too fast for me, a growl escaping from her as she holds

She grunts out, her lips still twisting

I am

else would

"Well I.."

me guess, he's offered you safety to raise your child." I'm not sure I like the tone to her voice. "Well

before seemingly regathering herself, placing the hip flask back

"You know my Dad?"

"No...I don't know him."

you mean fool?" My eyes scowl

me, only stares at me with those haunting

my own eyes struggling to keep eye contact due to how uncomfortable

for just that little bit too long, the sensation disappearing as soon as

are,

mouth as she regards the female before her

away from the garden.

her Luna, she's crazy.""Crazy?" I'm not sure

"She's not a relative?"

the woods miles from here. Brought her back at the request of the Luna,

deny

I speak

more for my own benefit. Something was nagging