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

I'm also conscious of not being off pack grounds long enough for my absence to be picked up on. The services that were half way between us seemed like the obvious option, however, I can't shake the feeling of being followed. It's me, I'm hormonal and paranoid. Needing my secret to remain a secret. For as long as I can,

before Jaxon presses further.

I arrive first, parking up but keeping a close eye on my rear view mirror.

Paranoid, I was just being paranoid.

By the time I get home it will be evening, the sun starting to set...I didn't want to arrive home too late.

I didn't want to drive in the dark, not when nausea was still coming in waves.

I enter the services, finding a small bakery where I order and pay, taking a seat which gives me full view of people entering and exiting the building.

If I was being followed, then they would have to walk right past me.

Maya isn't related to the alpha family in her pack, so for her to leave won't seem odd.

Besides, Maya's always leaving on her own accord, coming and going as she pleases.

Mainly to the Dark Phantom pack grounds to see Josie...well, when Josie hadn't been away at the alpha training facility with Knox.

I smile as the bakery assistant walks over; my coffee and cake on the tray as she places it down on my table.

I thank her, standing up to return to the counter only to pick up some sugar. I needed sugar, more than what this cake would provide me.

I had driven for two and a bit hours, Maya's pack grounds neighbouring the Dark Phantom which are a four-five hour drive depending on traffic.

I sit back in my chair, knowing Maya would be at least another hour but I could use this time to think.

I close my eyes, taking a steadying deep breath in to calm the adrenaline pumping through my body. I had been running off it since finding out I was pregnant, I needed to start reducing my fast heart beat otherwise it may harm the baby. "Excuse me?" I open my eyes to find a middle aged male with short red hair watching me, his eyes squinting slightly. He was standing opposite me, his hand on the tip of what will be Maya's chair when she arrives.

"Yes?" I look behind him to check he was alone. He was clearly a werewolf, his presnsce was unmistakable amongst the humans. I'm surprised I didn't sense his approach, even with my eyes closed.

"I feel like we have met before?"

"No, I don't think so." I don't recognise him but there is something familiar about him, something I can't quite put my finger on.

"Cleo? Cleo Arancea?"

"Yes."

"I thought so, you look like your Dad."

"I do?"

"Just missing the tattoos. May I?" He starts pulling the chair out, preparing to take Maya's saved seat.

"Erm, I'm waiting for someone."

"I won't keep you long, I'm only passing by anyway. I just had to come and say hello." He doesn't seem a threat, why would he be.

BUMS

"So how do you know my Dad?" I ask, tearing open the sugar packet and pouring it into my coffee before giving it a good stir. I look up when he hasn't answered, his eyes having watched my every movement.

"We are sort of related."

"Related?" This was shocking to hear.

"Yes, second or third cousins...something like that." He waves his hands as if the exact relationship didn't matter.

He leans in closer, his eyes darting to the bakery assistant to make sure she wasn't listening.

"My name is Than Sable, I am the Alpha of the Amber Desert pack. My Mum was related to your grandfather."

The Amber Desert pack. I've heard of it, but I never knew we had relatvies there.

"I didn't know." Dad never really spoke of

his parents, my only living grandparents being Mum's stillat Dark Phantom pack.

"Yes, well...unfortunately we had a bit of a falling out. We aren't really on speaking terms."

"Oh."

"Things better left for the past." He smiles out at me, a smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes.noveldrama

I look over his shoulder at a movement...Maya waving as she rushes over to me. She was early...she must have sped. "Here's my friend."