Page 66 of My Fated Mate

All I want is to go home.

Taking a deep breath, I straighten my spine and raise my chin. "Since we're back to that," I say, turning to face Thorne.

His gaze meets mine, a kaleidoscope of emotions swirling within—disappointment, anger, and something more vulnerable that yanks at my heart.

"I told you I wanted to leave," I continue, my voice firm despite the tremor that threatens to betray me. "I still stand by my decision."

The color drains from Thorne's face. A flicker of pain crosses his features before he masks it with a stoic indifference.

A heavy silence descends upon the room. Then, Kain steps forward, a sly smile playing on his lips.

"Well, well," he drawls, his voice laced with amusement. "Seems the Alpha doesn't have as much charm as he thinks."

Thorne throws him a withering glare, a growl rumbling deep in his chest. Kain ignores him, his gaze fixed on me.

"But fear not, little one," he continues, his voice taking on a surprisingly gentle tone. "Perhaps you'd be more comfortable under the protection of the Shadow Pack."

My brows rise in surprise. Protection? Why? Kain still wants me? Even after finding his mate?

The very thought seems ludicrous.

"Why would you offer that?" I ask, my voice laced with suspicion.

Kain raises an eyebrow, his smile widening. "Let's just say that I enjoy getting under Thorne's fur. Just because we're forced to work together doesn't mean I have to play nice."

Of course.

He throws Thorne another playful glance, who responds with a low growl.

This time, Kain chuckles. Despite myself, a small smile tugs at the corner of my lips.

Maybe, just maybe, there's more to this Alpha than meets the eye.

Taking a deep breath, I weigh my options. Staying with Thorne's pack, even if they form an alliance with the Shadow Pack, means being trapped in his world.

Going with Kain… well, it's a gamble, a leap of faith into the unknown.

But one thing is certain: the only way out of this place, the only way to even think about getting home is to play along with one of them.

"Alright," I finally say. "I accept your offer. On one condition."

Kain leans in, his eyes glinting with curiosity. "And what might that be?"

"Get me home," I say, resolved. "As soon as this… darkness… is dealt with, I want to return to my world."

A slow grin spreads across Kain's face. "A fair deal," he says, extending a massive paw towards me. "Welcome to the Pack, Elowen."

Hesitantly, I reach out and place my hand on his paw. The sensation is rough yet strangely comforting.

A shiver runs down my spine, but this time, it's not fear.

It's anticipation.

A collective sigh of relief washes over the room. Thorne, however, remains silent, his gaze fixed on the ground. His posture betrays a deep sadness, a sense of loss that twists my insides.

Part of me wants to reach out to offer comfort. But another part, the part that's been hurt and lied to, holds back. Maybe someday…

Chapter 19

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