Mated To My Ex’s Father

The Aftermath

TALIA’S POV

I stirred under a soft duvet, my eyes still shut. My body was sore, my head pounding like a drum. The sheets smelled… masculine, rich, and unfamiliar. My eyes flew open.

This wasn’t my room.

Panic hit me hard. I sat up fast, groaning as the headache sharpened. My hand flew to my forehead. What the hell happened?

“Finally awake,” a deep voice said from the doorway.

I turned.

Dominic.

Zane’s father.

Memories crashed in like a flood—his touch, my moans, the way I clung to him. My mouth hung open. Shame crept up fast, thick, and choking. I grabbed the duvet and clutched it to my chest.

“I can help you…” he stepped forward.

“Please don’t,” I snapped, jumping up and grabbing my scattered clothes.

I bolted into the bathroom.

When I finally stepped out, he was watching me, calm, too calm. The smug look on his face made it worse. In daylight, I could really see him. God help me—he was even hotter. It wasn’t fair.

“You might wanna use the back door if you wanna avoid a scene,” he said casually.

I didn’t say a word. I just turned and left through the back. Thank the moon no one was there. I kept walking fast, my heart racing.

Talia, what the hell have you done?

I was still trying to get my head straight when—

“Talia?”

I froze and turned.

Alora.

Great.

“Hey, Alora,” I forced a smile.

Her eyes scanned me from head to toe. “Still wearing the same clothes from yesterday?”

I shifted uncomfortably. “What? Are you checking my outfits now?”

I walked off before she could say more.

On the way home, I ignored every stare. Then someone grabbed my arm.

“Alora, if you…” I turned.

Nova.

She raised a brow. “You gonna explain or should I drag it out of you?”

I didn’t argue. I yanked her toward my house.

As soon as I stepped in, my parents looked up. I spoke before they could.

“Slept at Nova’s.”

I pulled Nova upstairs. The moment we entered my room, I collapsed on the floor, drenched in sweat. Nova stood with her arms folded.

“I’m waiting.”

“Promise me you’ll shut up and not scream.”

She gave me a weird look. “Fine. I promise.”

So I told her. Everything.

Her eyes bulged. “OH MY G—!”

I rushed up and clamped her mouth shut.

“You promised.”

“Sorry,” she whispered.

“But girl,” she said, pacing, “I warned your silly ass last night!”

“I know. It was the alcohol. Damn it,” I muttered, my voice cracking. “One night and I tossed all my morals.”

She sat beside me and held my shoulder. “It’s okay. It was a mistake. s**t happens. Just tell me one thing—was the d**k good?”

I shot her a look. “Seriously?”

“I mean, if it’s gonna be a mistake, at least let it be worth it.”

I groaned and leaned into her, wishing it was all a dream.

⸻

I stayed indoors all day. Nova didn’t leave my side. But the next day came, and I couldn’t keep hiding. I had a job. A life.

I pulled myself together, dressed up, and stepped outside.

Then bam—I nearly ran into Dominic.

He was standing right in front of the door.

“Erm… I just….”

I didn’t wait to hear more. I panicked and ran off like a child.

I regretted it instantly. I probably looked like an i***t. But I kept avoiding him—dinners, gatherings, even paths near his house. It was exhausting, but better than facing him.

Still… every time our eyes met or even when I thought they did my stomach flipped. That night haunted me. His voice. His hands. His scent.

I hated it.

I loved it.

I was screwed.

⸻

“Talia, are you even listening?” Nova waved her hand in front of my face.

I blinked. “Huh? Yeah, yeah.”

She pouted. “Please come with me. I don’t wanna go alone.”

Then it clicked. The mating ceremony.

Hell no.

Zane would be there. With Alora. All lovey-dovey.

I shook my head. “Go with Lola or someone else.”

Nova didn’t give up, and after a lot of begging, I finally agreed. Better to drown in noise than in my own thoughts.

⸻

The day arrived. The mating ceremony.

I stood in front of my wardrobe, blank. What do you wear to a place full of pain and awkward stares?

Nova barged in. “You ready?”

“Yeah. You look… colorful.”

She twirled. “I need my mate to see me from space. I pray it’s Henry.”

She was glowing. I smiled weakly.

Outside, the village buzzed with music and color. Kids ran around, couples danced, and food was everywhere. It used to make me happy.

Now, I felt like I didn’t belong.

As we walked in, I kept looking over my shoulder. I could feel it—someone watching me.

“You good?” Nova asked.

“Yeah.” No.

Inside, the celebration was wild. Laughing. Dancing. Wine flowing. I sat, quietly watching the mated couples. Zane and Alora made sure they were in my line of sight.

She even winked at me.

I rolled my eyes and looked away.

Then… night fell. The moon was rising. Bright. Glorious.

The moment it reached its peak, loud gasps filled the air—mates were finding each other.

I stood to look for Nova in the crowd.

Then I smelled it.

That scent.

Earthy. Musky. Wild.

It wasn’t Zane.

I tried to ignore the addictive scent but it was all I could think of.

Then I saw them—glowing eyes.

Coming toward me.

My heart pounded.

The scent was stronger now, wrapping around me like smoke.

And then I heard it.

Deep. Low. Dangerous.

“Mate.”