Page 65 of My Fated Mate

The silent stand-off between Kain and Thorne continues, then, slowly, tentatively, Thorne lowers his head, the growl subsiding.

Kain hesitates for a moment. Then he lets out a huff. "She speaks some truth, Thorne," he admits. "Alone, we are weak. Together… perhaps we have a chance."

A glimmer of hope sparks in my chest.

Suddenly, a bustle of movement catches my eye. Several figures emerge from the shadows around the edge of the hall.

More wolves join the small group that has formed. Some I know from the pack, like Bjorn, who stands tall amongst them. But others I don’t recognize.

Their postures suggest they've been there all along, deliberately staying out of sight in anticipation of a violent confrontation.

Kain’s head snaps towards the newcomers.

He sucks in a sharp breath, a deep rumble emanating from his chest. His face scrunches up in concentration as he seems to sniff the air.

My own curiosity piqued, I follow his gaze and watch as his entire demeanor shifts. The playful smirk melts away, replaced by a mix of surprise and something… deeper.

Before I can decipher that emotion, Kain is already pushing his way through the crowd. His eyes are fixed on a young female wolf I don't recognize. She stands slightly apart from the group, looking uncertain.

As Kain approaches, her eyes widen, and a small smile blossoms on her lips.

They meet halfway and Kain dips his head in a gesture of respect, and the young lady nudges him playfully with her nose as they both lean into each other.

Mates.

So Kain had a mate all along. My father had been pressuring him as much as me.

Bittersweet warmth washes over me. They look so comfortable in each other's presence. It's a stark contrast to the way things unfolded between Thorne and me—a forced capture, suspicion, and ultimately, heartbreak.

I steal a glance at Thorne, finding him already staring at me. His gaze is unreadable, a storm of emotions swirling behind his blue eyes. I force myself to look away, the memories too painful to bear.

Turning back to the central focus, I see Kain and his mate, Lela, walking back toward the hall. The crowd, including myself and Thorne, follow.

Kain clears his throat, his voice deeper than before. "She speaks the truth, Thorne," he repeats, his gaze sweeping across the vaulted center of the hall. "Alone, we are vulnerable. But together..." He trails off, a new determination hardening his features. "Together, we might just stand a fighting chance."

A collective sigh of relief washes over the room. "I agree," Thorne declares.

"My Pack stands with you, Alpha Thorne." Kain bows his head.

Thorne bows his in response, and the air in the room crackles with a renewed sense of purpose. The animosity that had hung heavy just moments ago starts to dissipate, replaced by a tentative camaraderie.

Kain nods at each pronouncement, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. He turns to Lela, who stands beside him, her eyes gleaming with pride. They exchange a quick glance, a silent communication that speaks volumes.

Finally, his gaze falls on me. I hold his stare, unsure of what awaits.

"And you, my former bride," he says, his voice surprisingly gentle. "What say you? Will you stand with us in the face of this coming darkness?"

My mind races.

Do I trust them? Can I truly believe they'll work together and put aside their differences for the greater good? Or will they just break down into another round of Alpha badgering?

But then I look at the faces surrounding me—Thorne, his jaw clenched but a flicker of hope in his eyes; the young couple, Lela and her mate Kain, their bond radiating strength.

These wolves, these strangers… They are all just trying to survive. Just like me.

But honestly… The thought of fighting this darkness, of facing whatever prophecy they speak of, fills me with a bone-deep dread. I don't think I have it in me.

I never asked for this life. I was thrust into a world of fangs and fur—of ancient magic and unspoken threats.

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