Reunion: Bonds Of Fate And Love

Chapter 2

LEX

She is returning home today, I thought to myself, a wave of anticipation flooding over me.

Tim had assured me that she would arrive, and my joy knew no bounds.

"Damn it," I muttered, my gaze fixed on the world outside the office window. "I need to know she's here."

"Cool your jets," interjected Blaze, my wolf, a knowing grin adorning his face. "Patience brings rewards."

I groaned in response. "You've been feeding me that line for the last six interminable years," I retorted.

Blaze laughed heartily. "Yes, and you still manage to get all flustered."

My eyes darted to the window, but there were no signs of her arrival.

Feeling restless, I left my office and headed to the gaming room, where I found James and Sofia locked in a passionate embrace.

"For Heaven's sake, take it to your room!" I exclaimed, averting my eyes.

Tobias's laughter rang out, and I could imagine Sofia's face turning a shade of crimson. She was shy, yet knew how to enjoy herself.

"You can look now," Tobias assured me, and I turned to see Sofia still blushing.

I couldn't help but smirk. Tobias, my beta, and his mate, Sofia, had been a part of my life since childhood. Our fathers were old friends as well.

"It won't be long until you see your mate," Tobias teased, pulling Sofia closer.

"Yes, and you'll have your sister back," I replied, taking a seat across from them.

"I can't wait to meet her," chimed in Sofia. "When was the last time you saw her?"

I remained silent, memories of Vanessa's departure six years prior haunting me. Vanessa, Tobias's sister and my destined mate, was thirteen when I realized our bond, and I was forced to keep it secret. An additional year in alpha school had only delayed our connection.

The mate bond with Vanessa became overwhelming, driving Blaze to distraction. Tobias and I were notorious womanizers then, and when he discovered his sister's crush on me, I confided in him our destined connection. Our fathers were eventually told, as was Tim's brother Keith, who offered to send Vanessa to school in his pack.

Sending her away was the hardest decision I ever made, but I knew it was for the best. She left without a word, and I focused on becoming the alpha I needed to be, preparing for her eventual return.

I was pulled from my reverie by Tobias's voice. "None of us have seen her for six years." His expression was somber.

Sofia, who joined our pack after losing her family in a fire, expressed her excitement about finally having a sister.

The conversation turned to social media, where Vanessa had blocked me. Sofia urged Tobias to share photos, but even he was now blocked after I liked a picture of Vanessa in a bikini.

The image of her had consumed me; she had blossomed from a skinny child into a stunning woman. Even Tobias admonished me for liking such a revealing photo.

"Don't even think about it," Tobias warned, after I laughed at Vanessa's threat to punish him.

"I can't see that happening," I responded, still chuckling.

Tobias's face went blank as a mind link interrupted him. A smirk soon appeared. "Well, loverboy, she's here," he announced.

Blaze and I jolted to attention at the news of our mate's arrival.

I moved to leave, but Tobias halted me. "Hold on there," he cautioned.I glanced at him and frowned

A perplexed expression lingered on his face. “Vanessa communicated with dad about her wishes. My father wanted me to inform you she's aware of the special dinner he's arranged. Yet, she wishes it to be an intimate affair, just the four of us,” he conveyed.

I couldn’t contain the growl that reverberated from my throat. This wasn't what I had envisioned. After an agonizing wait of six years for Vanessa's return – two years longer than expected – this wasn’t the reunion I had anticipated.

Tobias raised his hand, signaling me to pause. “Father assured Vanessa that the dinner would involve the four of us initially. However, both you and your father are to join later, after we've commenced.”

I sighed, sinking back into my chair. “Seems reasonable,” I admitted.

Sofia, interjecting, suggested, “Maybe it would be best for everyone to delay their arrival.” Both Tobias and I turned to her, intrigued by her input.

She continued, “Considering Vanessa has just returned from her travels, she might be exhausted. Giving her a moment to breathe might be beneficial.”

Tobias chuckled lightly, “Vanessa isn’t the type to back down, especially not when she's about to meet her once-upon-a-time crush, who’s now destined to be her mate.”

Sofia's skeptical gaze met Tobias’s assurance. “I’m unsure about this,” she murmured.

The silent exchange between Tobias and Sofia was palpable, their expressions unreadable. Their mental conversation seemed to continue, away from prying ears.

Feeling slightly out of place amidst their silent communication, I decided to take my leave. Wandering through the packhouse, I sought the refuge of my room. Tonight was significant. Six years had culminated to this moment, and I had to be ready, not just to meet Vanessa but to explain the reasons behind our separation.