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

Chapter 0044 Kaia POV

I remain alone with Rosa for another hour, her asking me questions, me asking her to do simple tasks daily. Like take a shower, eat at least one big meal a day, to take a walk. Things that seem like a huge task right now but soon will become a natural part of her daily life, of her recovery. Soon she'll be doing these things without realising it. She has the love and support of her family, she's going to be okay, I have faith in that.

Riley insisted on escorting me back to the alpha house. There really was no need, with the sudden unexplained departure of the Amber Desert warriors, the Dark Phantom's high risk level had been reduced and in a day or two people would be expected to be able to leave the pack grounds as they please. But I think he felt duty bound to escort the lone female guest of the alpha back to the alpha house. If anything, I think, to avoid being disciplined by the alpha for letting me walk alone. "I don't know what you did, but she's already seems to be halfway back to her old self." Riley rubs his hands over his eyes. He was tired and worried for his little sister. "It will take time, but she'll get there. As long as you and your parents remain patient with her. She lashes out at home because it is her safe place." do you know that?"

How do I know that?

I can't really answer his question, I just shrug because I haven't had a safe place for a while now. And that is something I was grateful that Rosa had. "How are you finding the pack?"

"Everyone is

"Our

is very welcoming. I must admit I had expected a different atmosphere." I like Riley, he's mature for his age and quite a matter of fact person. Doesn't sugar coat things, I like that. reputation, or should I say our alpha's reputation precedes us..." You could say something like that."

are

He walks

you staying?"

s behind me as a pack member walks past us, letting me walk ahead of him on the narrow path before rejoining my side. The traits of a gentleman.

"I don't really know, I came here looking for someone.

I

"The Alpha?"

"No, someone I haven't seen for a long time. He is quite distinguishable, he has a scar to the side of his left eye."

"I remember him, he had black greying hair...middle aged. I can't remember his name but he stayed maybe a night or two."

+25

Jackpot! This was the information I needed.

It must be Father, it has to be. But why didn't he stay long.

"Do you know why he came here?" I try to encourage my voice to sound calm, almost unbothered by the information Riley was offering.

"No, sorry I don't. Alpha is part of a group alliance with other packs so he might have offered accommodation as a favour to another alpha contact. It wouldn't be the first time."

Hhmm maybe, Father's not the type to build connections with alliances, but who knows.

A lot could have changed in the last 4 years.

We continue making small talk about the pack as we walk towards the direction of the alpha house. As we enter into the front driveway, a delivery van is parked outside, a man in uniform sitting on the back of the lorry smoking a cigarette. He looks annoyed, like ne has has been waiting for sometime.

As soon as he sees us approach, he puts the cigarette out and hands some parcels to Riley to sign.

"I'll take these to the alpha's office." Riley says as the delivery man drives away.

He walks into the alpha house after me, our directions changing as I walk into the kitchen and Riley into Hector's office.

Moments later he finds me in the kitchen, my head in the fridge seeing what leftovers were available for snacking on. I was finding it increasingly difficult to conceal my expanding bump and increasing appetite, I was always hungry. "Thank you for coming to see Rosa today."

"Any time, I'm here if she needs me."

"Thanks Kaia. Can you let the Alpha know that I placed parcels on his desk. There was one for you, I've left it on yours."

Hopefully that was finally some maternity clothes I had ordered. I was in desperate need of them now, these waistbands were digging into my skin.

Thanks

Riley."

catch up with you later."

He leaves me to my guilty gorging of Aubrey's amazing leftovers, my tummy finally fall again after eating continuously for a good 30 minutes.

Shamefully it wasn't even lunch time yet.

I carefully clean the kitchen trying to hide the fact that any food had been consumed, but who was I kidding. Aubrey will take one look at the fridge and know someone has swiped the leftovers.

Ready t

to bloat out in my new maternity clothes, I head into the office.

My own mouth frowns at the parcel left on my desk. This parcel was far too small to be ap

clothing.

I reach over, picking up the brown padded envelope, tearing it open.

I fish out the contents as I place them on my desk in front of me.

A letter and a photograph.

It takes me a moment to understand what I am looking at..a picture of me and Hector, together.

His arm around my shoulders, me looking up at him in complete admiration.

But I don't remember ever wearing these clothes and I don't think Hector and I have ever actually had a photograph taken together.Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Then it dawns on me.

This is Hector...but this is not me.

This is her.

Her with him.

Alora with Hector. (1

Ebony Woods