Chapter 10
1137 Words
"Father.." Aerly began as she quickly stepped away from Raiden, her mind had been so wrapped up on her mate she hadn't even realised everyone was watching.
"Everyone back to the Sanctuary!" William ordered as he cut Aerly off. As the others began to disperse into the woods, though there was a hesitation from Niko until Raiden gave a nod in confirmation. William quickly turned back to his daughter who stood awkwardly beside her broad mate "get back, get dressed meet me in my office.." William snapped before storming off into woods with a nervous-looking Eli trailing behind him. Aerly let out a long sigh but barely made a step before Raiden caught her arm.
"Raiden..." Aerly closed her eyes the touch was intoxicating she couldn't deny that and after the panic, she just endured left her a little weaker.
"I thought you didn't want a mate?" he almost whispered as he inched closer his fingers lingered down her arm causing goosebumps to form on her skin.
"I don't" she clarified coldly bringing herself out of the trance be seemed to of sucked her into once again.
"Why were you worried about me and why are you leaning so close?" he whispered once again making her realise her body had made its way to rest against his own.
"Even if I don't want a mate my subconscious still reacts to the bond. It's inevitable" she attempted to explain bringing her silver eyes to meet his blue.
"We are inevitable. I am getting close to claiming my title and could stand by my side--" Aerly was shaking her head as she pulled herself from his touch.
"Father wants to have a meeting Raiden, I suggest you get dressed and go to the office" she stepped away once more standing tall and prideful something hard to accomplish when someone is naked but somehow she did it well. Raiden couldn't help but admire her even as he watched her walk away.
:::
"He's your mate" it wasn't a question it was a statement from her father. William sat behind his desk fingers laced together watching the pair while Raiden and Aerly stood there like two schoolchildren in trouble from the principal. They had all gathered into the office once they had showered and changed.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I just didn't know what to say" Aerly explained.
"And you Alpha Damery?" William turned his gaze to Raiden who straightened himself up respectfully.
"It was quite a surprise and frankly I wasn't sure what to say either until I got to know Aerly more" Raiden held a serious tone as he spoke his arms folding over his chest a common stance he seemed to take.
"Well I think this is wonderful" Rose gushed a wide smile on her face as she observed the pair.
"Not exactly good for Aerly's ego. She already has a high opinion of herself and now to be matched with a pureblood Alpha" Eli couldn't help but smirk as his sister shot him a glare.
"Eli.." William gave a disapproving look before turning back to Aerly and Raiden "despite you not telling me I think this is wonderful news" William began to smile which quickly made Aerly nervous. She wasn't one to easily lose her nerve but this subject was making her learn new things about herself when it came to feelings and emotions.
"Father..."
"It is. I told you I made the right decision on making Eli in charge now you will be with an Alpha--"
"Father..."
"At the side of an Alpha. I always knew you were capable of leading a pack, Aer and now you can and be by your mate's side--"
"No!" Aerly shouted her voice loud and overwhelming in the small room.
"What do you mean no?" William couldn't help but question.
"I mean no" Aerly growled out her words between her clenched jaw.
"Aerly..." Raiden whispered attempting to soothe her but there was no use.
"No, I am not going with Raiden, Father. He may be my mate but I have my own life to lead. I still need to find mother's family I'm the heir to their pack I can't just dismiss that" Aerly explained her view on the matter.
"Aer, you have a mate now. Your life is to be beside him" William spoke his voice was soft but it held a firmness behind it that was more pressing than wanting to negotiate.
"And I've made up my mind on what I want father" Aerly could feel Raiden's eyes on her but she kept her focus on her father not wanting to face the no doubt saddened look of her mate.
"Stubborn girl" William sighed.
"Aerly, mates are incredibly rare they are also a precious thing to find. To deny it well it's just going against the Goddess" Rose attempted to explain. She was always soft-spoken and attempted to keep the peace amongst the hotheads in her household.
"I am not denying him" Raiden's face brightened at her words "but I'm also not accepting him either. Raiden has a title to gain and I have a family to find we have separate paths to walk..." her silver orbs looked t Raiden from the corner of her eyes he held a strong stoic face but deep down she could feel what he was feeling and in the pits of her stomach was an ache of his disappointment and longing.
"Aerly please listen" William started once again but she dismissed him with a wave of her hand then turning away and walking out. Aerly stepped out onto the porch in her powerful strides.
"Aerly!" Raiden called following behind her. Aerly sighed as she reluctantly stopped.
"Please, Raiden I don't want to do this now" Aerly faced her mate as much as she wanted to it was a struggle to hold her cocky bravado with him sometimes.
"I know, darling. I get it" he spoke softly making it obvious he had the same trouble keeping up appearances as much as she did "I do think we could do these things together though..." Aerly groaned at his words and began to turn away from him "but that's not what I wanted to talk about."
"Then what Raiden?" She spoke seeming exhausted of the whole subject.
"I will be here for a few more days before heading home to report to my father the night before I leave I have one request" Raiden was watching her closely as her eyes narrowed in suspicion.
"And what is that? If you are asking to sleep with me just because we are mates I swear to the goddess..." Aerly crossed her arms firmly over her chest while Raiden couldn't help but chuckle at her outburst.
"No, darling. I want to take you on a date..."
- Writer
