Mom Is Mated To The Alpha

Chapter 5: Untold story

Drake sat quietly, absorbed in his father's words as Gregory's story unfolded. "Well, son, before Gregory met Lolita, he was in love with Lucia. Lucia was Lizzie's mother—she was his everything and also his mate. Gregory would have done anything for her. Not long after they met, Lucia became pregnant with Lizzie. You and Lizzie used to play together as babies since your mothers were best friends. Your mother adored Lucia," Rudolf recounted, his gaze shifting toward the window overlooking the warriors in training.

"The four of us were close friends. During a winter full moon dance, several neighboring packs visited, and Lolita came searching for her mate. It was then she found him," Rudolf said, turning to Gregory.

Drake looked between the two men, bewildered. "I thought Lucia was your mate," he said, noticing the tears forming in Gregory's eyes.

"She was. But Lolita is also my mate," Gregory confessed.

Drake was shocked. While he knew it was possible for some to have two mates, he had never witnessed or even heard of such a case within their pack before.

"I marked Lucia before she became pregnant, but she didn't mark me because she needed acceptance into the pack. We awaited a vote on her membership. Then I met Lolita unexpectedly, and it changed everything," reflected Gregory, lost in thoughts of the past.

Rudolf sat beside his friend, continuing, "You see, Gregory never told Lucia about Lolita. He wanted confirmation before causing pain. He couldn't let Lucia mark him as decisions about pack membership were pending. The elders had significant influence, especially regarding who could join. We supported Lucia, but Elder Jonathan was against her."

Rudolf explained, "We kept Lolita's existence a secret from Lucia until the elders would understand the situation. But they found out the next day. Elder Jonathan revealed that Gregory, his daughter's mate, had two mates. Most elders disapproved, especially since Lucia was a Lycan and because union laws with wolves were prioritized. An elder forced Gregory to choose."

Drake couldn't grasp the situation easily. "How could an elder demand such a choice when he had two mates?"

"Elder Jonathan, Lolita's father, discovered the truth. He didn't want his daughter to be seen as inferior to a Lycan," Gregory explained, standing to gaze out the window.

"I was compelled to choose Lolita. Elder Jonathan influenced the elders' decision—Lolita was his only child. I insisted on informing Lucia," Gregory recounted. "When I told her, she was devastated but refused to reject me. She wanted to be with me. I intended to reject her but couldn't bring myself to do it."

"You continued seeing her," Drake realized he might have acted similarly. Gregory turned toward Drake, his face marked by shame and pain, then looked back out.

"I concealed everything from Lolita. I met with Lucia when possible, but refrained from intimacy. Lolita grew suspicious and eventually followed me. When Lizzie was six, encounters were limited. Once Lolita discovered my ongoing visits, she informed her father. They moved Lucia to the territory's edge. Your father ensured my patrols kept me close to them. Despite the distance, I spent most of my time with Lolita. Her suspicions grew relentless. I distanced from Lucia, especially after the birth of Dave and then Katelyn. Lucia was ever-present in my thoughts," he admitted quietly. "Your mother visited occasionally but not often."

With a deep sigh, Gregory continued, "Months passed without visits, though Lucia called one day, expressing Lizzie's desire to see me. I missed my little girl. She was growing quickly, already ten. We spoke monthly, but I couldn't visit."

Drake empathized deeply with Gregory's plight.

"Things deteriorated," Gregory revealed, with a nod towards Rudolf, who turned toward Drake. "Elder Jonathan sought deeper involvement in our pack. Gregory was overwhelmed, so I advised him to reject Lucia, as should have been done earlier," Rudolf explained, surprising Drake.

Rudolf had advised the rejection of a mate.

"Before judging him," Gregory interjected, looking at Drake, "he was correct. I was greedy. Your father advised rejecting Lucia and cutting all ties. He crafted a cover story for Elder Jonathan concerning pack business. That night, I visited Lucia, and Lizzie was there—they resembled each other greatly. But Lucia appeared unwell, weakened by the bond's rupture and our separation. I had to reject her. Our argument echoed, and Lizzie overheard. My final act was rejecting Lucia at her door. As I departed, she wept on the floor, and I couldn't face my running daughter. I had to leave," he said, tears flowing again. "Leaving them was the only option," he concluded.

Drake glanced back at Gregory and Rudolf, disbelief etched across his features. It was no wonder his mate harbored such resentment toward her father. "Why didn't you take Lizzie with you?" he asked, feeling a surge of anger on Lizzie's behalf.

Both men regarded him with surprise, as if he had unearthed a hidden truth. "I couldn't take her with me," Gregory replied grimly, recalling the painful encounter. "Lolita didn't know about Lizzie. I only revealed it to her recently, when Kate moved back to town."

"Lolita handled it well. She wants Lizzie to be part of the family," Gregory continued, trying to sound assured, though Drake imagined Lolita might have reacted explosively, given the circumstances.

"Why didn't you tell Lizzie that when you saw her earlier?" Drake pressed.

"I intended to, but she wouldn't let me. She hates me. You saw for yourself how she was," Gregory responded.

"What do you mean?" Rudolf interjected.

"She looked ready to tear his throat out," Drake informed his father. "She was protecting Kate and Alicia. You shouldn't have gone there. Dave warned you she was back and hostile when they encountered her at the bus station," he reminded Gregory. "You said you'd give her space, but you didn't."

Rudolf watched the exchange, offering softly, "Perhaps I should visit her tomorrow; she might remember me."

"That could be an understatement, Dad," Drake sighed, rubbing his face wearily. "Lizzie needs a break from everyone linked to Gregory or the pack. I'll try to speak with her in a few days, as I'm set to become the new alpha soon. You can't solve this for Gregory," he reasoned, knowing his father wanted to help his friend but recognizing the futility.

Changing the subject, Drake suggested, "We need to prepare for the ceremony. Mom won't be pleased if we're late."

"Is she coming tonight?" Rudolf inquired. Drake shook his head. "No, Dad, she made it clear earlier," he said, glancing at Gregory, who sighed deeply.

"In truth, Kate won't allow it. I've hurt not just my daughter but her entire family," Gregory admitted.

A knock interrupted them, and Drake's mother entered with Lolita. The room's tension was palpable.

"What's happening in here?" his mother asked. "Who died?"

The silence was overwhelming.

"Lizzie is in town," Gregory said sadly, looking at Lolita.

Drake observed her impassive expression, unable to discern her thoughts.

After a moment, Lolita spoke in an odd tone, "Will she be coming tonight? I'd like to meet her." His mother glanced between the two, skepticism evident.

"She won't be. Kate won't allow it," Rudolf abruptly stated. Gregory fixed his gaze on Lolita. She smiled, approaching him. "It's alright, we'll see her soon. Perhaps I'll meet her at the café tomorrow."

"That's not going to happen. She wants nothing to do with me or our family," Gregory gritted out, struggling with the situation.

Lolita shifted her attention to Drake, ignoring Gregory. "Oh, Drake, Katelyn found a gorgeous dress for your ceremony—she'll look stunning. You must see her," she remarked.

Drake noted her intentions. Dave had informed him upon his return that his mother had been curious about him, especially regarding a mate. He needed to inform Dave about Lizzie, but this would have to wait until he left the room.

He merely smiled, offering no comment.

His mother observed him knowingly. "Let's get ready, shall we?" she suggested.

Suddenly, her voice echoed in his mind through their bond. "Is Katelyn your mate?"

Drake met her gaze, smiling. "No, Mom. We're not bonded in that way. I saw her earlier, and there's no mate bond. We both know I'm not Katelyn's type. Lolita seems to be trying to push her onto me," he explained.

His mother's gaze shifted to Lolita, a flash of protectiveness crossing her face. "She'll regret it if she crosses a line," she warned.

Returning her focus to her son, joy lit her eyes. "Tell me the moment you find your mate," she pleaded through their mind-link.

Drake watched as his father, Gregory, and Lolita exited the room, with his mother trailing them. Gregory's demeanor was resigned, beaten by circumstances.

He considered telling his mother about Lizzie but held back.

"I'll let you know, Mom," he reassured her, offering a hint of hope.

She smiled warmly, nodding as she followed the others out.

Once they were gone, she shut the door and turned back to Drake. "I need to discuss something with you," she said. "It's about Lizzie."