The Designated Mate novel Chapter 58

"Thank you so much, Alpha Aaron," I whispered. "If there's anything I can ever do to repay you, just say the word," I insisted wholeheartedly. A sad smile lifted on his face.

"How about you bring your future children by for a visit someday? Caroline has taken a great liking to you and all she wants these days is to be a grandma," he stated somberly. I nodded as a feeling of sadness swept over my body.

"Sounds like a deal," I choked out, holding my pinky out to him. He chuckled sadly before hooking our fingers together. The moment only lasted for a few seconds before his expression turned serious yet again.

"There's something I need to show you," he murmured before jerking his head back in a request to follow him. I beckoned Kiara and my mother to come with as we all headed into the pack house, meandering through the halls before finally winding up in his office.

"When Knox came to me, I made him a promise that I would help him find his parents in return for his help in training my warriors. He's more than held up his end of the bargain, but I've been lacking on mine," he spoke while rifling around in his filing cabinet. "You have to understand that while I never maliciously kept him from finding his parents, I did withhold some useful information.

"Ever since I took this position, I've always made it my goal to treat those under me as if they were family and did the best that I could to protect them. Keeping Knox here meant we had all the protection we could ever possibly need. With that being said, it's time he moved on. Please give him this as my thanks and apologize to him on my behalf for taking so long to finally do this," he finished. I blinked a few times as I took the massive pile of files from him. My mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water, unsure of what to say. I chose to remain silent and just nod in understanding.

"I...I guess I should go pack my things now," I rasped out hoarsely after a minute or two, the reality of Knox taking over my home pack finally settling in. It meant I would have to leave Grace and Jason behind; I'd come to love her like a sister - like I loved Kiara - and Jason's witty humor had grown on me, too.

Holy shit...Kiara is technically my sister now.

Alpha Aaron nodded that he heard me before spinning in his chair so that his back was to us. Sensing his desire to be alone to process all that had happened today, the three of us turned and left. We were silent as we exited the packhouse, the quiet carrying on as we made the journey through the woods and back to Knox and I's cottage, Grace coming up to our side as we went. I was just trying my best to process all the events that took place in such a short period of time.

"They don't have to. You and Jason are both more than welcome to come with us. Jason is an incredible man - smart and skilled in battle. He would make a great addition, and maybe even a great Beta if he chose to accept the offer. While I don't know anyone in Poppy and I's new pack, I have no doubt the two of you would fit right in," Knox insisted. Grace looked stunned even thinking about the option of switching packs and possibly being a Beta Female.

"Yeah and I'll kick anyone's ass who looks at you wrong. After all, they couldn't do anything about it. I'm the Alpha's sister," Kiara bragged while pinching Knox's side. He growled playfully at her before pulling me into his side. Thinking about my old pack now being partially under my rule next to Knox made me think about Alpha Rhymes body lying dead somewhere in the woods. Knox must've sensed my changing mood because he began rubbing soothing circles into my side.

"I'll have to try and convince Jason. He really likes Alpha Aaron, but he likes me more so we'll see," she teased before giving Knox a grateful smile and hugging both Kiara and me.

"So, this is your mate?" My mom asked quietly, finally speaking for the first time since we'd all watched Knox manhandle my father. I smiled big and nodded, reaching my hand out for her own and pulling her closer. She came forward and inspected Knox from head to toe, scrutinizing him.