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

- Josie -

"Mate, he is our mate." My wolf repeats in my mind, as if there was never any doubt. As if I should have known this all along.

But I didn't even know I had a wolf, let alone possible for me to also have a mate.

"Mate?" My lips form the words just as Knox moves towards me, his hands gripping at my waist.

"Mine." The words that form on his lips seem to leave an echo in my ears.

Now everything makes sense... Why I was drawn to him, why his lips were the only ones I ever wanted to kiss me, why having already met him at 16, no other male could compare. Even though I didn't know who he was, where he was...that bond had already been found. Already had snapped into place, we just didn't know it. I had been waiting for him all along.

His hands climb up from my waist, his fingers feeling the contours of my body before they grip at the fabric of my dressing gown at my chest. With his hands tightly gathering around the soft fabric, he pulls me into him, his lips crashing into mine. Everything and everybody around us fades away.novelbin

He was my mate. He was mine...destined for me and me alone.

It's like an eruption of the senses, an euphoric episode that just keeps rippling and rippling through my body. Something I would imagine only possible between the stars.

As his lips pull away from mine, I am left with a need for more...for the kiss not to end.

"It's a bit crowded, shall we go for a bike ride?" His lips whisper into my ear, his scent overwhelming my senses. I could feel her purring underneath the surface, I didn't even need to force her back behind the veil. She did it willingly.

"Yes." I croak out, my voice seemingly having of left me at this moment in time. Something, that seems to form a satisfied smile on Knox's face.

"I'll meet you out the front." He states before his eyes glance to the side of me, a warning stare given to my eldest of brothers before he heads back towards the alpha house.

I turn to my family, expecting dumbfounded faces...surprised looks, but they are all looking at me as if I am the only one now having caught up with the news.

"You already knew didn't you?"

"Yes!" Mum says as she reaches for my hands and places them into hers, pulling me in for an embrace.

"How long?"

"When you were in the hospital. When we turned off the life support, Knox said he could still sense you. That's when he realised he could feel the mate bond." Mum's hand cups the side of my face.

"We were all shocked...except for Dad." Jace announces, my eyes scanning all my family members.

"Really?" I hold Dad's gaze, this was news to me.

"I had an inkling."

"That's why you weren't mad at him when he left?"

"Oh I was mad, believe me...I made it very clear when he returned. If this is what you want..."

"It's what I want..." I search inside myself, yes he is what I want. I'm surprised he isn't freaking out himself but if Mum is right and Knox has known for sometime...then it would make sense how calm he is. He's had time to digest it, let it sink in. Whereas, for once, I'm the one playing catch up and trying not to freak out.

"Then we are happy for you and will support you, won't we boys." Dad takes a step towards me, his hand resting on my shoulder.

"Yes!" I hear both grunt out from behind, Jace more enthusiastic than Jaxon, but even he isn't overly joyed.

"I should have told you both, but I didn't know what to tell you."

"I mean he's 10 years older than you...but I can't think of anyone better suited than to be with our sister." "You mean that?"

"Yes." Jace responds, nudging Jaxon in the ribs for a response.

"I guess so." Jaxon begrudgingly responds as he pushes Jace away from him.

Everybody starts to move collective back towards the alpha house, myself included. As we walk back, Jace and Jaxon move ahead of us, leaving Mum and Dad on either side of me.

It's odd to think how natural it feels to be able to use the mind-link now, when a few days ago I couldn't communicate through the pack link or mind-link a member of my family. But now, as I push on the link to my alpha, to my Dad, I ask him a question. "Now that I have my wolf, Jaxon said about not using my gun."

"Is that what the stand off was about?" His voice enters into my mind immediately. My eyes, I can feel have glazed over, but I can still see and sense things around me. They are just blurred.

It will take me a while to get used to the feeling more than the action.

"Yes, I don't want to give up what I've worked hard for Dad. If anything with my improved eyesight, my firing range will be even better."

"You don't have to do anything you don't want to do Josephina."

"I can keep my gun?"

"Yes, you can keep your gun."