Page 14 of Villainous Fate

“I know, Tails. I just don’t know how to let you go,” I say honestly, meeting her gaze. Her eyes scan my face, but I can’t tell if she is searching for answers or trying to memorize me.

“You aren’t letting me go. You’re trusting The Fates to watch over us both until we can start the next phase of our lives.” She smiles, and the sadness leaves her eyes for the first time all day, and I realize she’s saying it as much for her as she is for me.

Trust The Fates.

“I trust you, so if you trust them, then I will too,” I whisper before bringing her knuckles to my lips to kiss the ring. “Finish your shake. The farewell party starts soon.”

She rolls her eyes, knowing as I do that the party is a front my father puts on to appear human.

People buy the act because who could believe a man could only love two of his three children? He has his golden boy and his princess. I’m an obligation that he wishes he could return.

“Leave it to our Alpha to take our last hours together to mandate a function. Any chance we can slip away and spend them in the treehouse instead?” she asks, suggestively lifting her eyebrow. My cock is immediately on board, but I know if I don’t show up or leave early, the punishment will be worse, and I don’t want to be healing when I meet the other Alphas. These retreats are notorious dick-measuring contests, and anything could give them the upper hand.

I may not want power, but its value in this world is a currency I may need to get out of here. I’ll play whatever games I need to in order to give Grace the life she deserves. I will be worthy of her.

I smile, wishing I could give her one more night, one more orgasm, one more memory to hold onto while I’m gone, but knowing it wouldn’t be enough.

Forever won’t be long enough.

***

One thing you can count on from my father is a lavish event that makes him look good. When it comes to his image, he holds nothing back. This farewell party is no exception. Lights hang from beams across the courtyard, music filters through every space, and everyone who is anyone is here.

As the guest of honor, you would think I would have had a say in some of these aspects, but my opinions weren’t necessary. Hell, I’m sure I wasn’t necessary. I was another pawn in his game of power. Another Alpha son to parade around in front of lower pack members to remind them of his strength.

This was a waste of precious time I should have been spending with Grace.

Minutes after arriving, we had already said hello to a handful of our old school friends and were huddled up at one of the tables in the back, enjoying each other's company. Luca and Rachel had joined us, and Ashley came by occasionally with a new group of annoying thirteen-year-old groupies.

Luca and Rachel had been dating on and off since high school, but neither wanted to commit because they knew they weren’t Mates.

Seeing as only about one in ten wolves ever found their Mate, it seemed like a waste to me that they wouldn’t just give their relationship a shot. Glancing over at Grace, I knew we wouldn’t have that problem. Mates or not, she’s mine, and I’m hers. We’ve talked at length about both possibilities.

If she isn’t what they chose for me, then she’s what I choose for myself.

It’s not like we’d be likely to find our Mates if we weren’t because our plans had us living outside of most shifter circles, in our cabin, away from the politics and incessant need for power.

I bring her hand to my lips and kiss the ring.

She’s Mine.

My wolf rises to my skin as if needing to defend that statement, but I push him down, knowing there is no threat here.

Luca leans over to me, trying to talk above the music but quiet enough not to be overheard.

“Remember what I told you, Fratello. It’s a test of loyalty, strength, and alliance. Use this time to rafforzare il branco. Make the pack strong.” He looks at me, his face full of confidence, and I wish I could tell him the truth: that this pack means nothing to me, that I will be leaving it when I finish the training, and I will never return.

I love my mother, Ashley, and him, but nothing means more to me than getting away from a world that plans to use my strength to start wars, displace families, and create a pack built on fear and blood.

Grace doesn’t need to be a part of that world. Grace needs books, nature, and children who grow up in peace.

We can’t find that here.

“Of course, il mio futuro alfa. Il branco di lupi viene prima,”I say, sliding into Italian, so Grace doesn’t have to hear my lies. The wolf pack comes first? Only to those who plan to be a part of it.

He nods, sliding his arm around Rachel and pulling her into his lap. He seems more relaxed than I have seen him. Our sparring sessions have become less and less frequent as my departure grows closer, and for a moment, I wonder who will help him. Who will give him the strength to take control from our father in the coming years?

Luca’s wolf isn’t as strong as our Alpha’s. Hell, his wolf barely beats most of the Betas in the ranks, and usually, it's only with his use of command.

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