Mated by Fate

4

In the morning, Nielle awoke to an empty bed. She stretched and winced, her body feeling stiff from the activities of the previous night. Zephyr had awakened her twice, and while each mating had brought her pleasure, her heart remained heavy. There was no love between them, just physical intimacy. If it had been Kieran, they would have formed a blood bond, marking each other's necks as a symbol of their belonging together, forging a mental connection that would grow throughout their lifetime. Zephyr had made no move to do this, and while Nielle was relieved not to bear his mark, she also felt strangely disappointed by it. She would have liked the opportunity to refuse, earning a small victory and demonstrating her loyalty to Kieran.

With no sign of Zephyr, she listened carefully, wondering if he was in the next room, but everything was silent. Well, at least she didn't have to face him right away, although, in some ways, getting that first awkward greeting over with might have been easier. She rolled out of bed, moving silently across the soft carpeted floor.

Last night, she had been too preoccupied to take in her surroundings, but now she looked around with interest. She rarely visited the cabins but knew her father had recently redecorated them. The decor was simple, featuring natural wood and colonial furnishings with splashes of color in the draperies and cushions. It felt pleasantly welcoming. The bathroom was compact but had all the necessary amenities, and she took a shower, washing away the remnants of their nocturnal activities. She lingered in the bathroom as long as possible, delaying the moment when she would have to find Zephyr. Finally, the cold water prompted her to step out, and she reluctantly dried herself off, putting on the pants and T-shirt she had brought with her.

Taking a deep breath, she exited her temporary refuge, only to pause mid-stride. The bedding had been changed in her brief absence, a sign that the Council had quickly gathered evidence that the union was complete. Embarrassment flushed her face as she imagined Zephyr stripping the bed and handing over the stained sheets. She twisted her fingers together, contemplating how she would ever face the others. The custom seemed utterly ridiculous in this day and age.

Her virginity had always been an open secret within her pack, a consequence of her traditional father's watchful eyes. While her friends embarked on romantic adventures, Nielle was limited to group outings. Kieran had been the lone exception, and he could attest to her father's stern warnings against any misconduct. Back then, she believed her father was simply overprotective, but now, she realized she had been nothing more than a pawn in a political game.

As Nielle pondered her situation, the bedroom door swung open, revealing Zephyr. "Nielle, I heard you in the shower, so I whipped up some breakfast for us," he said, glancing at her flushed cheeks and the fresh bed linens. "The Council has been here to check on our union," he added casually, as if it were as inconsequential as the weather. Nielle suppressed her emotions and matched his nonchalant demeanor.

Zephyr gestured toward the kitchenette, where a table was set with bacon, eggs, juice, and toast. "I wasn't sure about your breakfast preferences, but this is what I can cook. I hope it suits you."

Nielle was taken aback. Her father had never set foot in the kitchen, always occupied with his duties as Alpha. "You... You cooked this?"

Zephyr chuckled at her surprise and helped her into a chair. "Yes, I am capable of taking care of myself," he said, then added, "I can't have my mate undernourished. We used up a lot of energy last night." With that statement, he kissed her cheek and casually ran his hand over her breast to her waist. Nielle momentarily froze, but Zephyr nonchalantly sat down across from her and continued serving. "We'll need a few days to get to know each other, discover our likes and dislikes. Is there anything you don't enjoy eating?" he inquired.

"Um... not really."

"Good. I'm not picky either. Do you enjoy reading or watching movies?" Zephyr kept the conversation flowing, asking questions and sharing his own preferences when she didn't reciprocate. Nielle couldn't help but admire his effort. He was being friendly and courteous, genuinely committed to making their union work.

With time, Nielle began to relax and engage more in the conversation. Zephyr wore a pleased smile, clearly satisfied with her efforts.

"Our territories now adjoin to the east, and with our packs united, we have miles of forest to explore," Zephyr explained, leaning back and sipping his coffee. "I personally love a good run over rugged terrain. How about you? When I first saw you, it was obvious you had just finished exercising."

Nielle recalled her last run, her smile fading as she thought of Kieran. "Yes, I'd been out with... a friend."

Zephyr's keen observation didn't escape her. "And this... friend. Would he be the young man who was giving me hostile looks yesterday? Tall with blonde hair, about twenty years old?"

Nielle hesitated but knew her connection with Kieran was no secret. "Yes, that was Kieran. He had hoped to speak to my father about becoming my... mate." Her gaze turned distant as she remembered him.

Zephyr probed gently, "And you? How did you feel about that?"

Her voice barely above a whisper, Nielle admitted, "I... I was hoping for the same thing."

There was a moment of silence, then Zephyr spoke slowly, "I see, but I'm not surprised. You are a beautiful woman, and it would be unusual if no one in your pack wanted to mate with you." He let out a heavy sigh. "You know, Nielle, life can bring moments of great disappointment. It's tough at the time, but we have to move forward." He reached across the table, gently lifting her chin to meet his gaze. "Our union is of utmost importance to our packs. It's our duty to them to make this work, okay?"

His amber eyes bore into hers, his authority evident. After a moment, she nodded in agreement. He was right. Duty to her pack, and duty to his, demanded that they make this union work. Zephyr stood and extended his hand. Hesitantly, Nielle placed her hand in his, and warmth enveloped her as he pulled her to her feet, his encouraging smile breaking through her uncertainty.