Denied by Destiny: Trapped in the Shadows of the Mate Bond

I can hear the pleasantries of Hector introducing my parents to their other guests, Jace's mate's parents.

I don't think I will be able to look them in the eyes knowing I am carrying their daughter's future betrayal. "Do you need help in the kitchen?" I offer out to Kaia, anything to prevent stepping into that room. "No thank you dear, it's all set."

I feel her hand gently place upon my lower back as she walks me into the sitting room, where..and thank the goddess for her... Josie leaps up and pulls me into her arms.

She is wearing her signature silver silk dress that highlights her figure. The contrast in the dress' colour to her hair, only makes her luscious free-flowing locks look even more redder. "I've missed you." Her words almost coo into my ear before she pulls away and also takes me in.

"I missed you too." I respond meaning every word. Josie along with Maya were my ride or die. I want to tell her everything, share everything with her.

But I can't, I'd be putting her in the middle and she'll always choose Jace...as she should.

They were each other's worlds from the moment they were conceived.

I just hope, if she ever finds out the truth that one day she will forgive me for keeping it from her.

"Damn girl, you're coming into your own." Her eyes linger at my cleavage, her eyes widening in surprise.

"Don't...you sound like Maya."noveldrama

"Yes, I've not heard about this girl trip yet. Both of you have been rather MIA since then."

Just at the mention of the girls trip has my heart beating faster.

"Cleo, this is Alpha Bill...and Luna Louise." Hector pulls me over by my hand, introducing me to Callie's parents.

My eyes search the room, no sign of Callie.

"A pleasure." Alpha Bill nods out to me as Luna Louise smiles sweetly at me.

Okay, they don't suspect anything, maybe this will work.

My newly found confidence is short lived when I turn to find Jaxon watching me intensely from the bay window, a glass of whiskey in his hand.

He hasn't told them, but that's not to say he won't.

A dark aura is swirling around him, no wonder he's standing alone. He's completely unapproachable when he's like this...unless you are able to look beyond it. Like my family.

He is forced to break the eye contact between us when Mum moves over to him, as always not putting up with his bullshit.

Jaxon places a kiss upon Mum's cheek, and shakes Dad's hand. I'm the only one that doesn't move closer to him.

Ares even moves to receive a pat on the back and a compliment by the future Dark Phantom alpha of how much he has grown.

I let the safe sensation of relief wash over me, for now, it would seem he hasn't told them.

When his eyes find mine again, a smirk enters onto his lips...just as Knox moves behind me, causing me to flinch out slightly.

"Are you okay Cleo?" Jaxon calls out to me, all eyes turning on to me.

"I'm fine." I plaster on a sugar sweet smile for him, trying to hide my gritted teeth.

"Where are the happy couple then?" Mum calls out with enthusiasm.

"Callie wasn't ready when we arrived. I apologise they aren't here to greet your arrival, Luna Louise's tone has a level of coldness in it as she takes her seat back down, reaching over to hold the glass of bubbly in her hand.

Taking a small sip through her pursed lips.

"No not at all." Mum looks at me with a wide-eyed look.

"I think you sent her into a panic

frenzy being early." Kaia says defensively, but keeps it in a teasing manner. She moves to top Luna Louise's glass up before handing a

Pn

glass out to me, which I take without thinking.

A pang of jealousy hits me as Kaia defends Callie, already looking out for her future daughter-in-law.

I feel nausea rise up at the thought of Callie already being perceived as a Varon family member.

My lips move to my glass only when

I catch myself and pull it away,

gently holding it down by my lap.

Mum watching me carefully as she takes her own seat. A slight tension forming between the two lunas.

I don't actually know what would happen if I drank alcohol whilst pregnant and being a werewolf.