Filed to story: Heritage of Shadows: Seeking True Mate Free Online
We trailed a small entourage through the winding corridor, my heart pounding in anticipation. I didnt know what to expect. The last time we saw Kai, he wasnt conscious. We arrived at a room and Rhea nodded towards the door.
“He is in there,” Rhea said and then looked up past me. “Demetri, I would like to discuss some things with you if you would come with me.” I watched as Demetri nodded his head.
“It would be a pleasure.”
I kept my gaze on Demetri as he stepped past me. I didnt know these people, but he seemed to be completely at ease. Still, after everything, I felt nervous about him not being by my side.
I felt Sions hand move on my back, applying slight pressure ushering me towards Kais room. I smiled up at him and nodded my head. It was silly of me to be nervous for Demetri. I took a deep breath and reached for the door. The moment it opened I could hear a noise from inside. The soundproof room was undone with just a slight opening.
“You are seriously sticking with that?! You cant be serious.” I heard Kais voice and felt instantly at ease.
“Listen, I need time to adjust… mentally… and—” Eponas voice quipped as a gentle laugh came from Kai. I glanced up at Sion, but he didnt make any move either. We were both curious about their conversation.
“You dont need time to adjust mentally. You are worried about your image taking a hit.”
“Kai, thats not fair,” Epona protested, and I bit my bottom lip, feeling guilty listening to their conversation. Of course, not guilty enough to shut the door.
“Epona, you saved my life, but you didnt do that for anyone else. You saved me because you felt something more. We both know it. You are a strong kelpie, and you are worried about what others will think because you claimed a wolf… because a wolf is your mate.” Kai stated, his voice trailed into a soft whisper. My mouth dropped open as I processed what he was saying.
“Kai—“
“I get it. I mean, most women want their mate to be stronger than them. They want to feel protected. You can defeat a small pack of wolves on your own. I am not stronger than you in our feral forms. You are embarrassed by me.”
“That isnt it! I dont care about that. If anything, I like the dynamics of… us.” Her voice stopped and I could tell she was struggling to say what was on her mind. Sions grip on my back tightened as we both listened in shock. Epona and Kai were mates? That was unexpected. I could feel my heart racing as I tried to process the information. I knew that kelpies and wolves didnt usually mate, so this was a unique situation.
“I…I dont know what to say,” Epona stammered, her voice laced with uncertainty.
“You dont have to say anything, just know that Im here for you,” Kai replied, his voice filled with sincerity.
“I just…I am afraid of this connection…” Epona admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “Ive always been a loner. Thats why—“
“That is why you are nervous about being part of a pack.” Kais voice was warm and kind. He wasnt upset and was understanding. I was still a bit in shock, but really happy Kai had found a second chance mate. “I know, Epona. But you dont have to be alone anymore. You have me and I would never hurt you.”
“I dont know what having someone means.” I could feel the weight in her words. I understood this in my core. I grew up not having anyone and it was scary to let someone in. I leaned into Sions front and smiled. It was the best decision I ever made, though.
“You dont have to figure it out all at once. We can take our time,” Kai said, his voice soothing. “You know… after… after my first mate was killed… I didnt think I ever wanted to have someone again. I didnt want to feel that type of pain, but you know what? Loneliness was more painful.” I felt a lump form in my throat as I listened to Kais words. He had been through so much, losing his first mate and then nearly dying. I really wanted Epona to be good for him.
“I know what you mean,” Epona replied, her voice softening. “I dont want to be alone anymore, either. I dont want to deny this bond. It is a double bond, so I am stuck with you anyway.” I could hear a playful tone in her voice.
“So, mates? You are okay with finally being honest with everyone?” I heard Epona click her tongue and laugh.
“You are a persistent wolf, arent you?”
Kai chuckled. “I have to be if I want to be with you.” My heart swelled as I listened to their conversation. It was clear that Kai and Epona had found something special in each other. I felt like I was intruding on a private moment, but I couldnt bring myself to leave just yet.
“You know I was never going to deny us being… mates. I just… I just wasnt sure about telling everyone until I figured out what that really meant.”
“Those who have mates know exactly what having a mate means. They will understand us. This instant connection… the person who can soothe the others souls. But if you need more time… its just… people will know I am off the market if I have a mate.” I could hear the sly tone in his voice and my lips twitched upward.
“Okay, okay… mates it is,” Epona relented, her voice filled with amusement. “But this is an equal partnership. No one lords over me. I dont want anyone to think I am soft.”
Kai laughed loudly. “Youre a feisty kelpie. No ones going to think youre soft. Besides, they all know you are stronger than me. Now, there is one other issue.”
“What is that?”
“Placing my mark on you… but that will have to wait. We have guests.”
Oh, shoot…busted. I looked up at Sion wincing as he grinned and pushed the door open, revealing the scene inside. Kai was lying in the bed, looking much better than the last time I saw him. Epona was sitting next to him, her hand resting on his arm. They both looked up as Sion and I entered the room.
“Hey, Kai. How are you feeling?” I asked, trying to keep my tone light. I knew my face was completely red with embarrassment.
Kai grinned at me, “Im feeling much better, thanks to Epona.” I watched as he grabbed her hand when she tried to remove it from him. “My mate.” She cleared her throat and then looked away. She was acting uncharacteristically shy, but it was a sweet moment. “I take it we won?” He chuckled, pulling her hand up to his lips.
“Of course, we won. We still need to unite our packs, but it is finally over.” Sion smiled and then looked over at Epona. “Sorry to interrupt. We just wanted to check in on, Kai.”
“Its all good, man. Im just happy to be alive,” Kai replied, still holding onto Eponas hand. “And speaking of the pack, theres something I need to address.”
We looked at Kai, waiting for him to continue.
“Epona and I will return to the Chance pack for a little while. We havent worked out all the details yet. Eventually, we will move to the Diamond pack.” I smiled and nodded my head.
“Actually, that is reassuring.” I said and he looked at me curiously. “Through some agreements, my first-born daughter is promised to go to the Diamond pack.”
“If we have a daughter, that is the plan. Right now, our focus is on our son.” Sion said, beaming proudly. I watched as Kais confused face lit up.
“Youre pregnant!” Then, instantly, he scowled. “And you fought?!”
“Hey!” Epona jerked her hand, but his grip didnt allow her to tear her hand away. “Just because she is pregnant doesnt mean she cant fight.”
New Book: Veiled Desires of the Alpha King Novel
Dayson was the alpha of the largest pack in North America. Powerful figures from other packs sought to offer gorgeous girls as potential mates for Dayson. He steadfastly rejected these advances, he was not a pawn to be manipulated. But eventually there came a mysterious girl he could hardly say No. Who was she?