Chapter 2: The Bonds of Fate
2021 Words
Felipe walked through the familiar gates of Dark Moon Park, the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves enveloping him like a familiar cloak. The events of the evening replayed in his mind, particularly the girl he had found—a fragile soul hiding in the shadows. He had tried to convince himself that helping her was just an act of kindness, nothing more, but his thoughts betrayed him. He felt drawn to her in a way he couldn’t explain, her haunted eyes lingering in his mind like a distant melody.
As Felipe approached the towering castle that housed the Alpha King, his thoughts hardened. Xavier would not be interested in the small act of kindness Felipe had performed; the king's interest lay in power, dominance, and ensuring his will was absolute.
Xavier awaited him in the grand den, sitting on a throne-like chair carved from dark oak. The Alpha King’s cold, silver eyes fixed on Felipe as he entered, his presence filling the room with an oppressive weight.
"Report," Xavier growled, his voice a deep rumble that seemed to resonate within the walls.
Felipe lowered his head respectfully and launched into a detailed account of the earlier confrontation—a territorial dispute that had ended in Xavier displaying a ruthless, almost feral power. As Felipe spoke, Xavier's face remained impassive, his sharp features betraying nothing.
When Felipe finished, Xavier's nostrils flared, and his eyes narrowed. "You've been with someone," Xavier said, his voice sharp and accusing.
Felipe's heart skipped a beat. He hesitated, struggling to find the right words. "I... I was only helping someone in need, Alpha King," he stammered, his tone careful but not submissive.
Xavier rose from his seat with predatory grace, his piercing gaze locking onto Felipe's. "Do not insult me with half-truths mortal," he hissed. "I will uncover who it was, and if they are a threat to my rule, I will deal with them personally."
Felipe felt the blood drain from his face. "Yes, Alpha King, I wouldn't try and harm our people" he murmured, bowing his head.
Despite Xavier's warning, Felipe found himself walking through the dimly lit streets that night, heading to Margie's modest apartment. He knew it was a risk, but something about her fragility compelled him, Maybe it was because she was fragile or timid but he needed to see her immediately.
As he approached her building, Felipe's sharp senses detected a figure lurking in the shadows. One of Xavier's guards Vixtor, He was a loyal guard and one of the best soldiers they had in the pack army. The realization made his stomach tighten, but he kept his composure, he knew the Alpha King was onto him now. He knew Vixtor has always wanted to please the alpha king and that he was jealous of him and his position as the chief commander buthe didn't expect for Xavier to stoop low and let Victor trail him, maybe it's because he knew that Vixtor would leave no info out about what he will see tonight.
"Back off Vix," Felipe commanded through their mind link. "Do not let her see you or hear you. If you disobey my orders, I'll personally relieve you of your duties—permanently, Don't try me today".
Vixtor hesitated but he knew Felipe meant it but he had to fulfill his task given to him by the alpha Kong without fail. Yes he feared Felipe but he feared the alpha king more. He thought about his chances amd decided that if Felipe was to relieve him of his duties then he will tell the Alpha King everything and leave nothing out. He immediately mindlinked the Alpha King telling him of what Felipe said to him before retreating into the darkness, the soft sound of footsteps fading into the night.
Felipe exhaled in relief and knocked softly on Margie's door.
When Margie opened the door, her large, doe-like eyes widened in surprise. "F-Felipe? What are y-you doing here? I t-thought it's late...." she stammered.
Felipe offered her a small, disarming smile. "I had to see you again, to make sure you're alright and everything is okay," he said softly.
"S-should I be worried? Is someone coming f-for me?" Margie remembered the note and panic filled her heart and body, her soul was on the verge of going to the moon goddess out of fear.
"What? No! Geez! Am sorry, I didn't mean to scare you, love. I meant I had to make sure no one came to trouble you since you don't remember anything" He said too calm to comprehend but Margie noded aware that Felipe can't hurt her, well at least she thought that way.
"Am I not welcomed into your home?"
Margie hesitated but then stepped aside, allowing him in. Felipe took a moment to glance around the apartment. It was small, with peeling wallpaper and furniture that had seen better days.
"You shouldn't be living here, love," Felipe said, his voice firm. "It’s not safe or should I say looks nice. Let me help you find a better place—somewhere comfortable, you will like it I promise."
Margie's cheeks flushed. "I-I don't need charity, Am sure I can handle myself well here, don't worry please" she mumbled, but her voice lacked conviction.
Felipe knelt slightly to meet her gaze. "It's not charity, love," he said, his tone gentle yet persuasive. "It's a way for me to ensure you're safe and alright. Please, let me help you, you need a better place even you can see that and not this."
Margie looked at him for a long moment before nodding slowly.
Before Felipe could say more, a loud knock at the door startled them both. Margie’s eyes darted toward the door, fear flickering in them, She thought the people who wrote the note are hear to take take her.
"Who could that b-be...?" Margie wondered, Felipe got worried now. His instincts were to protect Margie at all cost and with that he stepped in front of her protectively, his senses alert. Margie was surprised that Felipe was towering in front of her like the way a big brother protects his younger siblings,she felt gratitude.
"Lemme open the door at least," She mumbles to Felipe who looked between her and the door and gave her a nod of approval
When Margie opened the door, a blast of cold air swept in, and standing there was Xavier. His tall, imposing figure filled the doorway, his silver eyes gleaming like molten ice.
For a moment, Margie was transfixed, her breath hitching in her throat. She had never seen anyone so intimidating and yet so mesmerizing.
"Mate," Xavier growled, the single word dripping with disdain rather than affection.
Felipe immediately stepped forward. "No," he said firmly, his voice steady despite the fear prickling at the edges of his resolve. "You already have a mate, Xavier. Hazel."
"Your already mated? I can smell her on you" Margie spat, overwhelmed by the fact that her mate is the alpha king and that he has already chosen someone even before he knew her.
Xavier's expression didn’t falter, but his eyes briefly flicked to Felipe before returning to Margie.
"You’re not worthy of me," Xavier sneered at Margie, his voice cold and cutting. "You're weak—pathetic. I don’t want you, mortal."
Margie’s breath caught as his words sliced through her like a blade.
Felipe clenched his fists, his jaw tightening. "If you don’t want her, leave her alone then your highness," he said calmly, trying to get over the fact that Margie was mated to someone who claimed Hazel was his mate.
Xavier’s icy glare shifted to Felipe, but he said nothing. With a flick of his coat, he turned and strode away, his departure as abrupt as his arrival.
Margie sank onto the worn couch, her shoulders trembling as tears welled in her eyes. Felipe hesitated before kneeling in front of her.
"Margie," he said softly, his voice filled with concern. "Don’t let his words get to you. He’s... ruthless. Heartless. You deserve better."
Margie wiped her eyes with the back of her hand but didn’t look at him. "Why... why would the m-moon goddess pair me with s-someone like h-him?" she whispered, her voice breaking.
" I don't deserve us from her or anyone else,".
Felipe reached out and gently took her hand. "I can’t answer that," he admitted. "But I know this much: you’re not weak or pathetic. You’re strong for surviving everything you have."
Margie looked up at him then, her teary eyes meeting his warm, steady gaze.
She needed her space and she felt bad that she has to chase Felipe away to breathe.
"I wanna be alone please,"
"No, you need me right now"
"You called me strong right? Lemme handle this myself please,"
"As you wish, love"
.....
Got it! Here's a revised version of the confrontation between Felipe and Xavier, keeping Felipe respectful and cautious due to his fear of Xavier while still allowing the dialogue to flow meaningfully.
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Later that night, Felipe approached Xavier in the castle gardens. The moonlight cast an eerie glow over the Alpha King, who stood near a fountain, his sharp features accentuated by the silver light. Felipe's heart raced as he stepped closer, his resolve wavering under the weight of Xavier's presence.
"Alpha King," Felipe began, bowing his head deeply, his voice measured. "May I have a word with you please?"
Xavier turned slowly, his silver eyes narrowing as they landed on Felipe. "Speak, Chief Commander," he said, his voice as cold and commanding as the night air.
Felipe hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "I mean no disrespect, Alpha King, but earlier tonight, I couldn't help but notice... something unusual and discomforting to see,"
Xavier raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable. "Unusual you say?" he echoed, his tone carrying a dangerous edge.
Felipe swallowed hard, his throat suddenly dry. "The girl," he said cautiously. "Margie. She—she seemed deeply affected by your presence. And... you called her 'mate.' Forgive me, Alpha King, but I thought Hazel was your mate, you claimed her your mate Infront of 40,000 wolves and members of the pack."
Xavier's lips curled into a humorless smirk, but his eyes remained cold. "You think too much, Felipe," he said dismissively. "Hazel is my chosen mate. That mortal girl is nothing but a mistake of fate, I care less what the moon goddess says. I am the most powerful Alpha alive, I don't need an immortal being to tell me how to live and who to mate with."
Felipe lowered his gaze, his hands clasped tightly behind his back. "I understand, Alpha King," he murmured. "But... if she is indeed fated to you, what will you do?"
Xavier’s expression darkened, his gaze cutting through Felipe like a blade. "I will do what is necessary," he said, his voice low and menacing. "The moon goddess may have bound her to me, but that does not make her my equal. I have no use for weaklings."
Felipe nodded quickly, trying to mask his unease. "Of course, Alpha King. I did not mean to question your authority."
Xavier stepped closer, the air between them thick with tension. "And yet, here you are," he said softly, his tone more dangerous than a shout. "Treading on thin ice, Felipe."
Felipe's breath hitched, and he immediately lowered his head further. "My apologies, Alpha King," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I spoke out of turn."
Xavier studied him for a moment, his piercing gaze making Felipe feel as though he were being dissected. Finally, Xavier turned away, his movements graceful yet predatory. "Remember your place, Felipe," he said without looking back. "And do not let your curiosity get the better of you again."
"Yes, Alpha King," Felipe replied quickly, his voice steady despite the hammering of his heart.
As Xavier disappeared into the shadows, Felipe exhaled shakily, relief flooding him. He knew he had come dangerously close to crossing a line, and the weight of Xavier’s power was a reminder that defiance could cost him his life.
- Writer
