Her Fated Family

Chapter 3

Dominic’s POV

I was standing at the head of the Grand Ballroom, greeting my pack members who were filling the room for my Luna’s Remembrance Ceremony. I was giving tight lipped smiles and trying to play the part of the heartbroken mate. While I was sad about Lara’s tragic death, our mate bond had been weakening over time.

It started shortly after Lilliana, my five year old daughter, was born. Lara had distanced herself from me greatly after the birth, even going so far as to sleep in the nursery on the floor. I desperately tried to get her back into our room, our bed, and my arms but with no luck. She wouldn’t respond and wouldn’t explain what was wrong. My heart ached for her but eventually I gave up and had placed a cot in Lili’s room.

Gemini, my wolf, was furious with me at the time, but when Desi, Lara’s wolf, quit responding to him as often, he gave up as well. There were times I debated a random hookup to ease my lonely nights, but I knew Lara and Desi weren’t strong enough to handle the pain. I would never do that to them.

Lara insisted on keeping up with her duties as Luna, including accompanying me on my latest trip to the Crescent River Pack to help them handle an issue with rogues. I should have known better than to allow it. I should have known she wasn’t strong enough and made her stay home. Her death was on me and it was something I would never forgive myself for.

“How you holding up, Boss?” My Beta, Lance Duncan came up behind me, grabbing my shoulder. I shrugged.

“I could use a drink,” I muttered to him. “I haven’t been able to make my way to the bar yet.”

“On it Boss.” Lance disappeared and was back within minutes with a glass of beer. I looked at it and he shrugged. “I figured on a day like this you needed something less frilly than wine or champagne, but less brutal than your usual whiskey.”

“It’s perfect buddy. Thanks.” I was about to ask Lance to see about rushing the night along when the smell hit me. I gritted my teeth together.

‘No way!’ Gemini was going wild in my head. ‘I knew we would find her but not this soon!’

‘What the f**k are you talking about Gemini?’ I hoped I was wrong. I had to be wrong.

‘It’s our second chance mate, Dom. I can smell her and she smells delicious!’ The mutt had the audacity to sound happy about this. ‘Of course I’m happy about this!’

‘No Gem.’ I told him gruffly. ‘What will people think? Lara just died. This has to be a mistake.’

‘The Moon Goddess doesn’t make mistakes. You will see. Find our mate, Dom. And don’t be an ass to her.’ With that Gemini went silent.

I shouldered my way past my pack members, trying to avoid the overwhelming scent of raspberry and vanilla that seemed to be creeping closer. I made my way down the east service hallway and into the office that I kept there in case there was an emergency during a pack event.

I went to my desk but before I could sit down, the door flung open and the raspberry vanilla scent was deliciously strong. I gripped my desk tightly to keep from completely losing my cool as in the doorway, a mess of auburn curls around her delicate neck stood none other than my ten year old son’s tutor, her eyes wide.

“I am so unbelievably sorry, Alpha. I smelled my mate down this hallway. I didn’t mean to invade your privacy. I- I’m sorry for your loss.” She turned to run from the room and before I could stop myself I bolted around the desk and grabbed her arm. The sparks and the warmth of her skin would be the death of me.

‘Mate!’ Gemini said gleefully in my head

‘No. Never.’ I told him firmly.

The girl turned and looked at me, her face pale.

“Mate…” she whispered.

I looked at her, forcing myself not to smile. Being this close to her was already a struggle.

“Mate. Maggie Malone. My second chance mate. You’ve got to be f*****g kidding me,” I growled.

Tears formed in her eyes but were quickly gone as she shook her head, curls bouncing.

“Oh hell no,” she said, catching me off guard.

“Excuse me?”

She ripped her arm out of my grasp and stood up straighter. Bold little thing.

“I understand your mate just died but you do not get to be the one acting all disappointed about this. Clearly the Moon Goddess screwed up. I deserve better” She turned and bolted out the door, leaving me standing there, stunned.