Love, Fate and Bloodlines

FATE ENTWINED

“Is everything alright, Alpha?” Renee asked, her brow furrowing in concern as she noticed his sudden change in demeanor.

“Just fine,” he replied curtly, forcing himself to focus on Maximus again. “Let’s talk about how to deal with these rebels.”

Maximus took a deep breath, visibly steeling himself. “I’ve been considering a show of strength—a public display. Perhaps a demonstration of unity with your pack’s warriors. If they see we’re allied, maybe they’ll think twice about their actions.”

Ragnar’s gaze sharpened. “A demonstration could work, but you need to ensure it’s effective. We can’t just parade our forces; we need to make an example of someone. Show them the consequences of rebellion.”

Maximus swallowed hard, his eyes darting to Thorne and Jack. “You mean… punish someone?”

“Absolutely,” Ragnar replied, leaning closer. “You have to make it clear that rebellion won’t be tolerated. Find a scapegoat among the rebels, someone the pack sees as a leader. Make them an example.”

Maximus hesitated, his expression conflicted. “But what if they’re innocent? What if—”

“Enough!” Ragnar’s voice boomed in the small office, startling everyone. “This isn’t about innocence; it’s about survival. You need to protect your position, and sometimes that means making hard choices. If you hesitate, they’ll see weakness, and then you’re done for.”

Renee exchanged worried glances with Maximus, but Ragnar could see the flicker of determination in Maximus’s eyes. “Alright,” he said, his voice steadier. “I’ll do it. I’ll find a rebel to make an example of.”

“Good,” Ragnar said, satisfied. “Let’s make sure it’s a public affair. Gather your pack and make it known that those who defy you will face the consequences.”

As they discussed the strategy, Ragnar felt the sweet scent grow fainter, but it still lingered in the back of his mind, a reminder of the pull he had felt earlier. He pushed the thought aside, focusing on the plan they were crafting. He couldn’t afford distractions—not now, not when his control was at stake. After hours of strategizing, they finally settled on a plan. Maximus would confront the rebels at their next gathering, showcasing Ragnar’s warriors as a show of force. As they concluded the meeting, Ragnar felt a sense of satisfaction; they had taken the first step towards restoring order.

The powerful Alpha of blackthorn pack stood up to return to his territory, for he had no time for meaningless chit-chatting. But as he stood to leave, the sweet lavender scent returned, stronger this time, tugging at his senses with an intensity that made his wolf stir restlessly. He desperately needed the dark comfort of his dull and cold office as well as the lustful embrace of Valeria. His wild soul urgently needed to be calm, and free from the scent invading his nostrils. Ragnar shook his head violently as he proceeded to the exit of the building; Maximus and the rest struggled to match his pace. Thorne immediately knew that he had to get his Alpha back to Blackthorn to prevent any mishaps from happening.

“Excuse me,” he said abruptly as he bumped into Maximus, striding towards Ragnar. Once he was able to match his pace, he mind-linked him in a shared connection meant for the two of them alone "Your wolf is restless, Alpha. what is happening?"

"It is her. She is doing this to me." Ragnar's voice came as a low growl. It sounded strained, a sign of the Lycan's attempt to hide the restlessness in the depth of his being.

"Do you think she is nearby?" Thorne looked around, hoping to find an unfamiliar face. Instead, he saw the worried countenances of Maximus and his men. Jack, the warrior looked just as confused as the rest of the lot

"Yes. she is. I do not know where exactly but, I can feel her. We should return to my pack immediately, no stops"

"Yes Alpha" came the sharp reply from Thorne.

Within minutes he had the suv started and running. Ragnar paid no attention to Maximus as he hopped into the heavily tinted car. He however spared Renee a curt nod as she waved him off. As the Beta began speeding out of the territory, Ragnar struggled to calm his beating heart. He took deep breaths and willed his body to remain still. But, it defied him. His wolf growled and paced within his head and his hands began to shake. Ragnar desperately needed an outlet for the growing frustration but he could not find one. Even his favorite liquor would not be able to absorb it all.

To distract himself from the intrusion invading his senses, Raganar filled his head with sensual thoughts of Valeria. But, it did nothing to calm his restless self. Soon, a heavy downpour descended on the realm, accompained by a gloomy sky which covered the bright rays of the sun, heralding darkness. The sudden change in the weather mirrored the Alpha's uneasiness. He just couldnt shake off the feeling that the universe had something in store for him. Something that would bring an end to his life as he knew it. Once they got to sunrise city, an intense urge to step out of the car and into the rain overcame Ragnar's soul. Every attempt of composure flew out the window as his eyes turned black once more, about the same time Lilybeth was getting ready to resume her second job. she had just had a shower and changed into her bar-tending uniform, the clothing that made her appear tougher than she naturally was. Lily waved goodbye to her colleagues, grumbling about the heavy rain. As she stepped out of the door with the jingle bell on top, she regretted not having a portable umbrella stuffed somewhere in her peeling leather bag. Her patience ran thin as she tried to hail a cab. Usually, she'd take the short fifteen minutes walk to the bar. However, the universe had much better plans for her.

"Pull over" Ragnar commanded in a strange voice, unveiling the turmoil within him

"But, it is raining heavily, Alpha and we are still a long way from the pack."

"Pull over" A menancing growl laced Ragnar's voice as the icy aura exuding off him in waves threatened to swallow his driving Gamma whole.

Once Thorne pulled over, Ragnar stepped out and slammed the door behind him, proceeding to follow the lavender scent invading his senses. No matter how hard he tried to stop himself, he just couldn't get his legs to turn the other way. The mate bond exerted so much power over his being. A power much more than that of Valeria's sensual body. Against his better judgment, he continued to walk, his heart pounding with anticipation and dread. The chaos of his thoughts swirled around him, and as he ventured further away from the car and towards the long line of coffee shops and diners. He couldn’t shake the feeling that he was about to uncover something that would change everything.

"Alpha?" Thorne called after him, but Ragnar waved him off.

Once on the sidewalk, he inhaled deeply as he tried to ground himself. The scent was undeniable now, intoxicating and sweet, sweeping every other thought in his mind away. Thorne and Jack shared panicked gazes as they contemplated calling Kael for only he knew how to calm their Alpha's nerves. But, Thorne decided against it for he believed fate was leading Ragnar to his happiness. All of Ragnar's instincts screamed at him to follow the pull, to discover the creature behind the irresistible scent overpowering his senses. After what seemed like hours, his eyes fell on the petite blonde standing a few feet away from him. She was the most beautiful female he had ever set his eyes upon and he longed to hold her in his arms and kiss her face, expressing how long he had waited for her. As he tried to approach her, something stopped him dead in his tracks.

She was human.