The Fated Mate almost Missed

Chapter 2

Chapter Two

Lyra

The moon hung high above, casting a silver glow over the dense forest as Lyra paced back and forth in her Alpha quarters. She’d insisted on taking Gavin and Elena to the pack’s guest house, despite Brain’s protests. Her head still throbbed from the sudden confrontation, but there was something more pressing tugging at her—something she couldn’t deny.

The pull between her and Gavin was undeniable, and it unsettled her more than she cared to admit.

She stopped at the window, staring out into the night. The wind rustled through the trees, the sound almost soothing, but it did nothing to calm the storm raging inside her. Her wolf was restless, pacing as much as she was. They both sensed the shift in their world, the change that came with meeting a fated mate, and it terrified her.

Her bond with Gavin had formed so quickly, so intensely, that it had left her breathless. She wasn’t ready. She hadn’t been prepared for this.

A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts, and she turned sharply. "Come in."

It was Brain, his tall figure filling the doorway as he stepped inside, his usual confident smirk replaced with a look of concern.

"Alpha," he said, his voice cold. "I need to speak with you about these... strangers."

Lyra stiffened but didn’t turn to face him. She couldn’t. Not while she was still grappling with what had happened. Instead, she leaned against the window, trying to mask the tumult of emotions swirling inside.

"I’m listening," she said, her voice calm but tight. She knew what Brain would say. He always had something to say when it came to outsiders, especially those who threatened his carefully constructed position.

"Strangers?" Brain repeated, raising an eyebrow. "That’s an understatement. They’re from the Night Pack, Lyra. And it’s no coincidence they showed up here, not after everything we’ve been hearing about their recent activities. You know as well as I do that the Night Pack is making moves. Their Alpha—Gavin’s father—has been trying to expand his territory, and there’s no telling what his son is up to."

Lyra’s chest tightened at the mention of Gavin’s name. It was too soon. She didn’t want to think about what that meant. She had a pack to protect, and Gavin—no matter how compelling his presence was—was a potential threat.

"That’s all well and good, Brain," she said, turning to face him now. "But I’m not sure what you're getting at. Gavin helped me tonight. He saved me, and his sister healed the wounds of my guards. I think you owe him more than suspicion."

Brain’s eyes flashed with irritation, but he masked it quickly. "I’m not talking about gratitude, Lyra. I’m talking about caution. You can’t just invite anyone into our pack without knowing their intentions. The Night Pack isn’t just any pack. They’re dangerous. You remember what happened to your father, don’t you?"

Lyra flinched at the mention of her father. The wound still felt fresh, despite the years that had passed. The betrayal, the politics, the power struggles that had taken her father’s life—all of it had been a brutal lesson. But she had learned. She wouldn’t let anything cloud her judgment, not even the pull of a mate she hadn’t expected.

"I remember," she said, her voice quiet but firm. "But this isn’t about my father’s death. This is about the here and now. Gavin is my mate, and whether we like it or not, that changes things."

The silence between them stretched long, but it was Brain who broke it first, his voice low and tinged with frustration.

"Your mate," he said, his tone mocking. "And how does that make you feel, Lyra? Does it change your judgment? Because I’m not sure you’re seeing the bigger picture here."

Her eyes narrowed at him, and the room seemed to pulse with the weight of her presence. "I see exactly what I need to see. Gavin isn’t my enemy, Brain. He’s my mate. And right now, that’s all that matters."

Brain’s jaw clenched, but he said nothing more. He just stood there, glaring at her, as if weighing his next move. But whatever he intended to say was interrupted by the sound of a soft knock on the door.

Lyra turned toward it, relieved for the distraction. "Enter."

The door opened, and Elena stepped inside, her usual soft smile bright but laced with concern. Behind her, Gavin loomed, his presence undeniable, even in the calmness of the moment.

"Alpha, we’ve taken care of the wounds," Elena said, her voice gentle but businesslike. "But there’s something you should know. Gavin wants to speak with you."

Lyra turned to face Gavin, her pulse quickening despite her best efforts to remain composed. The pull between them was undeniable, like a magnet drawing her closer. She was already on edge, and Gavin’s presence only heightened her awareness of her own feelings.

"Of course," she said, nodding toward Elena. "I’ll be right there."

As Elena and Brain exchanged a quiet, tense glance, Lyra moved toward Gavin, gesturing for him to follow her into the adjoining room. The tension was thick between them, and yet, Lyra couldn’t bring herself to deny it. She had no idea what Gavin wanted, but one thing was certain—she needed answers. And he was the key to everything unraveling in her world.

Once inside, Lyra turned to face him. "You’ve been quiet since we got here. Is there something you need to say, Gavin?"

His blue eyes, like the midnight sky, met hers with a quiet intensity. "I know this is unexpected," he said softly. "But I’m here because something is happening, Lyra. There are things your pack doesn’t know, and things you don’t know. My father isn’t just expanding his territory. He’s making plans. Dangerous plans. And I need you to trust me."

Lyra’s breath caught. She’d suspected as much. Her gut had told her from the moment she met Gavin that there was something bigger at play. Something more than just the meeting of two fated souls. But trusting him—her mate—was another thing entirely.

"I don’t know you, Gavin," she said, her voice tight. "And yet, you expect me to trust you?"

Gavin stepped closer, the pull between them growing stronger with each passing second. "I know," he said quietly. "But you’re my mate, and that means we have no choice but to face whatever’s coming. Together."

Lyra met his gaze, her heart pounding in her chest. There was no denying it—her world had shifted, and whether she liked it or not, Gavin was now a part of it.