Denied by Destiny: Trapped in the Shadows of the Mate Bond novel Chapter 568

~ Jace ~

It was vitally important that we plan out our next steps. I couldn’t afford to make a mistake.

We were all gathered in the living area, it can’t be past 3am. We were all still awake, Mum refusing to leave Alora’s side…it won’t be long before cars from Clear Waters arrive to take her home.

I keep pushing back that very thought…I had to remain focused.

I had sat with Auntie Alora in silence; wrapped in my own guilt for fucking dodging that bullet.

She saw it coming…and she didn’t make any attempts to move. It’s like she had accepted her fate in that very moment.

Rosa was upstairs with Mum, refusing to leave her side…as was Ezra. All had said goodbye, all but Cleo.

She was nestled into my lap, her head resting against my chest as her breathing and heart rate finally starts to slow down. She was close to falling asleep, yet kept fighting it.

“What of the pack members?” Orpheus asks out.

“What of them?”

“What if they rise up against you and Cleo.” His concern is valid, however they were so quick in accepting me…perhaps they were ready for a new type of leadership.

“They won’t, they’ve already accepted me. I guess Dad being the original heir speaks volumes…it’s in my blood.”

“What of the Clear Waters?” Dad leans forward, his hand moving through his dark unkept locks and rubbing at the back of his neck. We were all beyond exhausted, so much has happened since I found out back at Clear Waters that Cleo was pregnant…that she had been put in to a position of danger…because of me.

“I don’t know, I can’t lead both…not whilst keeping a closer eye on this pack. That wouldn’t be fair to the Clear Waters, they deserve an alpha that can give them their all. I just can’t do that now.” I shrug out, the movement making Cleo moan out.