Page 15 of Redeeming His Omega Mate

Chapter 7

Tala

The moment Kael announced Stonehart’s acceptance of the alliance with Silver Fang, my thoughts spiraled into chaos. I’d worked hard to build a peaceful, stable life here, and the idea of it unraveling was unbearable. For some reason, Kael had insisted that I come along with him, but I couldn’t go to Stonehart—I simply couldn’t.

I had two choices: attend the meeting or come up with a convincing excuse. Since attending wasn’t an option in my mind, I was left with the latter option. After hours of restless deliberation, I finally landed on a reason Kael might accept.

The next morning, after dropping Aria off at the pack school, I decided to take a detour to the Alpha’s residence to present my excuse. As I made my way inside, Serena greeted me with her usual scowl, only this time, there was a flicker of excitement in her eyes. Her attention was elsewhere, focused on two seamstresses surrounded by a chaotic sea of fabrics.

I knew the house well. I’d lived there for months after Kael savedme, but once Aria was born, Serena’s hostility became impossible to ignore. Her disdain hung in the air like a toxic fog, pushing me to find a place of my own where I could raise my child in peace.

When I reached the Alpha’s chambers, I steeled myself, sucked in a deep breath, and was about to knock when a servant’s voice brought me to a halt.

“The Alpha is in the basement,” she said, a hint of disapproval lacing her tone.

I gave a small nod as she walked away. Kael only went down there for two reasons: punishment or persuasion. Those who stole from him, defied his orders, or simply failed to give him what he wanted all ended up in the same place. He didn’t enforce discipline through laws or council decisions; he handled things his own way, cold, calculated, and unquestioned.

I was about to turn back toward the living room when his voice stopped me.

“Tala,” he called. “I wasn’t expecting you.”

I turned to see him wiping his hands with a towel, the sharp scent of bleach clinging to his skin. Swallowing down my unease, I cleared my throat and squared my shoulders.

“I wanted to talk to you about the trip to Stonehart.”

He studied me, his sharp gaze flickering across my face. “And what about it?”

“I don’t think I can make the journey with you and the selected council members.”

His expression hardened slightly. “It wasn’t a request,” he reminded me. “But why not?”

“Aria…” I pursed my lips. “She hasn’t been sleeping well lately. I think something’s wrong.” It wasn’t a complete lie. She’d had restless nights after accidentally eating nuts, which she was allergic to.

Kael’s eyes darkened with suspicion. “She seemed perfectly fine when I saw her the other day.”

“Until night falls,” I countered. “I don’t think it’s right to leave her now. I can’t leave my daughter behind.”

His gaze remained steady, unwavering. “If she’s unwell, Stonehart’s healers will see to her. They have some of the best in the region.”

I opened my mouth to protest. “But I don’t think—”

“On the contrary,” he interrupted, “this trip might be exactly what she needs. Fresh air and a change of scenery. I know Aria, Tala, she loves a good adventure.”

“Kael—”

“No, Tala. I’m giving you a direct order as your Alpha,” his voice was commanding and resolute. “Your presence is important on this trip,” he added, his eyes locking with mine. “This is your chance to prove your loyalty to Silver Fang despite not being born into the pack. You’re coming with me to Stonehart, and that’s final.”

I sighed in defeat as I left Kael’s quarters. If I was returning to the lion’s den, I needed to take precautions.

My next stop was the pack’s mystic. I requested a scent masking potion, not just for Aria but for myself as well. Werewolves could identify familial bonds through scent, and I couldn’t risk Damian discovering the truth about Aria’s parentage.

But masking my scent wasn’t just about protecting Aria. There were truths I hadn’t admitted, even to myself. Werewolf scent betrayed emotions and lingering bonds, and the last thing I wanted was for Damian to catch a whiff of anything that might make him think I wasn’t over him.

Restlessness gnawed at me as the hours blurred toward the day of the journey. Kael, much to his sister’s displeasure, insisted that Aria and I ride with him. It made my nerves fray. Being confined in such close quarters, where he could easily sense my unease, was a risk I didn’t want to take. The six-hour journey stretched endlessly before me, and though my gaze remained fixed on the winding roads, my thoughts were far away.

I’d replayed the day Damian rejected me more times than I wanted. The sharp sting of betrayal had dulled into an ache, like an old wound that hadn’t healed right. On long, sleepless nights, his presence lingered in my mind, uninvited and relentless. Worse than the memory of his rejection was reminiscing the nights we shared, every touch, every kiss, and every whispered promise of love and forever.

As much as I fought it, my body and my wolf had a will of their own. They still craved his touch and remembered the warmth of hisscent, even when my mind rebelled against it. The bond between us clung stubbornly, refusing to wither no matter how fiercely I wished it gone.

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