Page 22 of My Fated Mate

A blush creeps up my neck. "Just felt like putting a little effort in, that's all." The lie tastes bitter on my tongue.

He raises an eyebrow, his smile not reaching his eyes. "Is something on your mind, Elowen?"

The question hangs heavy in the air. Can I tell him about Thorne? About the impossible pull, the destined mate that mocks my reality? No. He wouldn't understand.

Instead, I voice the worry that has been festering since the news arrived. "Kain. We haven't heard from him. What if…"

My voice trails off, the unspoken fear hanging in the air like a specter. My father sighs, a deep rumble that speaks volumes.

"That's what worries me too, child. We sent a scouting party, but they returned empty-handed. No sign of him, not a single clue."

A cold dread washes over me.

Kain's possessiveness is a constant threat, and his unpredictable nature chills me to the bone. But if he’s missing, then the danger is close.

Besides that, the thought of him learning about Thorne, about the undeniable connection that sparked between us, makes a cold knot form in my stomach.

"We'll find him, Elowen," my father says firmly despite the worry in his eyes. "But in the meantime, you need to be extra careful. Kain is not a man to be trifled with."

I nod, my heart pounding against my ribs.

Careful.

How can I be careful when the very ground beneath my feet seems to be shifting?

"Okay," I manage hoarsely before turning to leave the den.

The rest of the morning is a blur of activity. I throw myself into training exercises, the familiar weight of the sword in my hand a grounding force.

I work alongside the healers, tending to minor injuries and lending a hand with their chores—anything to keep my mind occupied.

Breakfast is a tense affair. Everyone steals glances towards the empty seat at the head of the table, reserved for the Alpha. My father maintains a stoic facade, but I see the worry etched around his eyes.

Afternoon comes but throughout it all, the memory of Thorne lingers. His laughter echoes in my mind, the warmth of his touch a phantom sensation on my skin. Every stolen glance, every whispered word, plays on a loop in my head.

Without news from Kain, the tension continues through lunch. The silence is punctuated by the clinking of silverware.

Finally, dinner time arrives. The large dining hall is filled with the murmur of conversation as the pack gathers around the long tables. I scan the room, my breath catching in my throat.

He's not here. Relief washes over me, followed by a pang of disappointment I quickly shove down.

Just as I'm about to excuse myself from the table, the heavy oak doors to the dining hall swing open. Conversations die down, replaced by a hush that falls over the room. All eyes turn towards the entrance.

There, silhouetted against the moonlight, stands Thorne. Even from a distance, he commands attention, his broad frame and powerful aura filling the room.

His gaze sweeps across the room, and our eyes meet.

A jolt shoots through me, a tangible connection that sparks a blush on my cheeks.

Oh lord.

He offers a curt nod to my father and then, defying all expectations, walks straight towards me.

My breath catches in my throat. This is completely unexpected.

Heads swivel as he pulls out the chair beside me, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips. He sits close enough for our shoulders to brush, the scent of pine and mountain air intoxicating.

Heat floods my cheeks. I can practically feel the eyes of the entire pack burning into us. This is insane.

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