Page 61 of Fated
“Welcome, Kai.” Alpha Raelen approached, genuine warmth in his smile as he embraced Lena, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “It’s good to see you again.”
“Alpha Raelen.” Kai bowed his head, hyper-aware of how his earlier display of dominance might have appeared to Lena’s father.
Raelen’s smile widened. “Come.” He gestured toward the packhouse. “Let’s meet in my office. I want to hear more about how you two met and how things are going.”
He turned to Cian, who had been observing with barely concealed amusement. “Cian, join us. Aiden, have some refreshments brought to the study. Ryker, Jace—get their bags to their suites.”
“Yes, Alpha,” the two wolves responded in unison, moving to unload the vehicles. Jace caught Kai’s eye briefly, expression unreadable before he turned away.
“You’re being tested.” Orion’s presence unfurled along Kai’s spine, vibrating through bone and muscle as they followed Raelen. “This is mate’s territory, her family. Don’t lose sight of what matters.”
The study breathed with accumulated wisdom—ancient texts lining the walls, a hearth fire casting warmth over dark wood furnishings. Unlike Bloodstone’s cold authority, history lived here.
Raelen settled behind his desk, studying Kai with shrewd consideration. “I’ll be honest,” he began, “when Cian told me Lena had found her mate, I was shocked, but mostly, thrilled.”
Lena’s cheeks colored, a soft smile spreading across her face as she met her father’s eyes. Their silent exchange—tender and effortless—sent a pang through Kai’s chest, a painful reminder of the distance that had grown between him and Darius over the years.
“Every father dreams of this moment,” Raelen continued, gaze moving between them. “To see their child find the one destined for them by Selene Herself. It’s a gift. I couldn’t be happier for you, Lena. And Kai.” His focus sharpened. “The Bloodstone heir—it’s not what I expected, but it feels...fitting.”
Kai stiffened, unsure how to respond.
Nostalgia softened Raelen’s tone as he pressed on. “I know your father well. Darius is an excellent male—driven, loyal, and selfless. He was brilliant even when we first crossed paths as heirs, causing our fair share of trouble at summits.” Raelen chuckled, his expression softening. “He has the kind of spirit that could inspire a pack to follow him to the ends of the earth.”
Kai flinched at the word “selfless.” His throat bobbed. His hands trembled against his thighs. A flush crept up his neck, staining his cheeks as he squirmed in the chair. His eyes flickered up, making it only to Raelen’s chin before finding refuge on the wall behind.
Raelen leaned back in his chair, a fond smile tugging at his lips. “I’m glad to have you here with us, Kai. I know the bond between fated mates is...intense.” His gaze drifted to Lena, fond but knowing. “I’m sure the two of you are eager to proceed with your mating and claiming.”
Lena choked on her breath, face turning bright red as Kai’s head snapped up. His mouth opened and closed, the only noise escaping was a dry, startled rasp.
Raelen chuckled, clearly amused. “I may be old, but I’m not old-fashioned. I understand you may not want to wait for a mating ceremony before completing the bond. I won’t stand in your way—”
“Dad!” Lena interrupted, voice high and strained. “It’s not—” She faltered, eyes darting between her father and Kai as she tried to find the right words. “It’s not that urgent. Things with me and Kai... They’re...complicated.”
The room fell silent for a beat before Cian stepped forward.
“What Lena’s trying to say,” Cian cut in smoothly, “is that Kai is in a long-term relationship with a packmate at Bloodstone. The fated bond was unexpected, and there’s a lot for them to figure out before they even start thinking about mating ceremonies or claiming rituals.”
Raelen’s brows knit together. His gaze swept from Cian to Lena before landing on Kai with the weight of a sledgehammer. He unfolded from his chair, shoulders squaring as the air in the room thickened, pressing against Kai’s skin from all sides. The oxygen vanished. Kai’s shoulders curved inward, eyes dropping to the floor as an invisible hand forced his head to bow.
“I... Alpha Raelen, I’m sorry.” Kai’s voice wavered, nearly breaking. He reached for Lena, wrapping his pinky around hers.
She squeezed back, a gesture of silent support that steadied him. He returned his gaze to Raelen, forcing himself to hold the older alpha’s piercing stare.
“Like Cian said, this... It was unexpected. It’s been an intense rollercoaster. I…We…need time to decide how we’re going to move forward.”
Raelen’s jaw tightened. “And what does Darius have to say about this?”
Cian’s posture shifted, shoulders squaring as he fell under his father’s scrutiny. “Darius is enamored with Lena,” he said with a faint chuckle. “It may have been love at first sight. He couldn’t stop calling her his daughter-in-law after meeting her.” Cian’s tone grew more serious. “But he’s frustrated. He expected Kai to end things with his girlfriend, Ava. When I spoke with him this morning, it was clear emotions were still running high.”
Raelen’s attention whipped back to Kai with renewed fury. “So, you come to my packlands”—his aura surged through the room—”and stake a possessive claim onmy daughterwhile still entwined with another she-wolf?”
Kai flinched, head hanging in shame as the familiar sting of tears pricked at his eyes. Before he could respond, Lena’s voice cut through the tension.
“Dad, that’s not fair.” Her tone was both firm and exasperated. “Kai and Ava grew up together. They fell in love. It’s not easy to turn your heart off to someone you’ve let into it.”
Kai turned to her, overwhelmed by her defense. She shouldn’t have to shield him from her father’s rightful anger, yet here she was, standing up for him.
“And honestly,” Lena continued, incredulity lacing her words, “the shoe could have easily been on the other foot. Or have you forgotten that I spentyearsthinking I’d be mated to Jaceand Ryker?” Lena’s voice softened, imploring empathy from her father. “If that relationship had manifested, could you imagine how intense that love would be? HowImight fight fate to keep them, even though they aren’t destined to be mine?”
