Mated by Fate

5

At the forest's edge, Nielle stood waiting for Zephyr. After tidying up from their morning meal, he had gone to the pack house to attend to urgent matters, promising to meet her in half an hour. She wasn't entirely sure if she wanted to go for a run with him; that had always been an activity she and Kieran had enjoyed together. But she recognized the necessity of making their bond work, and perhaps running could be one of the few things they had in common.

The day was another exquisite autumn spectacle, with trees adorned in shades of orange, red, and gold, set against a brilliantly clear blue sky. The morning fog was gradually dissipating, leaving wisps that added a touch of magic to the surroundings. She cherished this land and knew it intimately. Closing her eyes, she visualized herself running down the winding paths, leaping over fallen logs, and splashing through streams. It was, indeed, the most beautiful place in the world, and she couldn't imagine feeling this comfortable and peaceful anywhere else.

Taking a deep breath, Nielle filled her lungs with the invigorating, crisp air. Zephyr was running later than expected, and her restlessness began to show. She bent to touch her toes, stretched her arms overhead, and twisted from side to side. Her gaze wandered back to the house, and she wondered how much longer he would be. As Alpha, she knew that Zephyr's time wouldn't always be his own, but did that mean her time had to be spent waiting, doing nothing? She bit her lip, her eyes fixed on the forest. The land called to her. Should she dare venture in without him?

Her father had expressly forbidden any pack member from going out alone. Hunters sometimes laid illegal leg traps, and a wolf could be ensnared and shot before anyone in the pack could intervene. That's how her mother had met her end.

"Good morning." A voice behind her startled her, causing her to jump. Spinning around, she saw Kieran standing just a few feet away, his sandy brown hair glistening in the sun.

"Kieran!" Joy surged through her, and she rushed over to hug him, only for her friend to back away when she was only a foot away. His movement abruptly halted her approach. "Kieran? What's wrong?"

"What do you mean, 'what's wrong'? You know what the problem is," Kieran said bitterly, frowning at her.

His words cut deep, and she couldn't comprehend his cruelty. "But... You know I didn't have a choice! The Elders decided on the union's necessity. You were at the ceremony yesterday and heard the speeches, just like I did."

Kieran looked away, his expression heavy with sorrow. "I know. It's just..." He seemed to grapple with an inner conflict, then sighed deeply and turned his gaze back to her, his hazel eyes filled with regret. "I had hoped to be your mate."

"I know," Nielle said softly, taking a step closer and placing her hand on his arm. "I had hoped for the same thing." She gently held his hand. "This union was for the good of the packs, but it doesn't mean I've stopped caring for you."

"And I still care for you." Kieran reached out to stroke her cheek, his gaze shifting between her eyes and her lips. A tense silence hung between them, and Nielle realized that he was leaning in to kiss her, his intention clear. Her conscience pricked at her, knowing she should step away – Kieran was not her mate; Zephyr was...

A snapped twig behind her interrupted her thoughts, and Kieran quickly moved away, retracting his hand. They both turned to see Zephyr nearby, his narrowed eyes locked onto them.

"Nielle, I'm glad you found a way to entertain yourself while I was handling pack matters," Zephyr said, his voice tinged with anger, sending a shiver of anxiety down Nielle's spine.

"I... I was just talking to Kieran," she stammered. Something about Zephyr's expression unsettled her, and she took a step back.

"So I see," Zephyr said, shooting her a brief glance before focusing on Kieran, his face twisted with disdain. "This is the 'friend' you mentioned this morning?"

"Yes, this is Kieran. We've been friends since we were little."

Zephyr gave Kieran a subtle nod. "I'm glad you had someone to keep you company while you waited, but your 'friend' should remember that you are now my mate and off-limits to others."

Nielle felt her face flush with embarrassment and tried to defend herself. "We were just talking, nothing else!"

"I do not appreciate other males standing so close when... talking... to my mate," Zephyr growled, and Kieran instinctively retreated, acknowledging Zephyr's dominance.

"Nielle, I should go. I... I'll see you around," Kieran's voice was tinged with regret.

"Yes, I'll see you around," Nielle replied softly, realizing that Kieran might keep his distance from her in the future. Soon, she would be gone, and the thought of their friendship ending weighed on her. She watched Kieran head back to the house, then turned to face Zephyr, anger simmering within her. "You didn't have to chase him away like that."

"I didn't chase him away. I simply made it clear that you are my mate now, and a certain distance should be maintained."

"He was just—"

"I know what he was just doing," Zephyr interrupted sharply. "I could sense his desire for you, and I do not share my mate with anyone. We are bonded, and you are mine. No other male is allowed to encroach on you."

"Encroach on me?"

"Yes, your next heat cycle's in about a month, isn't it?" Zephyr's voice was laced with an almost unsettling anticipation. "I sensed the growing pheromone levels in you last night. He might not be aware of them yet, but he will be soon. That boy needs to remember you're off-limits before instincts lead to a grave mistake."

Nielle's indignation flared, her eyes narrowing. "Zephyr, you—"

"Nielle, this conversation is over," he interrupted firmly. "You're my mate. Kieran will stay away. End of topic. Now, are we going for a run or not?"