Mom Is Mated To The Alpha

Chapter 6: Problem Of The past

Drake and his mother made their way back to the couch. He took a seat while she remained standing, her expression tense and difficult to decipher.

"I know your father must have shared something about Lizzie's mother with you. The tension in the room, especially Gregory's demeanor, made that clear," she began with a somber tone. "But there's something your father and Gregory aren't aware of—something about Lizzie. She has powers, and her Lycan is unique. Lucia and I were the closest of friends," she continued, a tear slipping down her cheek as she remembered her dear friend.

Drake listened intently, feeling the depth of his mother's loss. "Losing them both was devastating. Lucia confided in me just days before Gregory rejected her, worried about Lizzie. I had no idea he would turn his back on Lucia. She stopped taking my calls, and I never got the chance to tell her I wasn't involved in any of it. That was the last time we spoke."

His mother finally sat beside him, and he took her hand in his, trying to offer comfort. "I learned about her passing from Kate when she visited. I knew Kate back then, too. Just a few months ago, I discovered that Lucia died a decade ago, not long after the rejection. That's why I withdrew from everyone while you were away."

Drake remembered Dave and Katelyn mentioning how secluded his mother had been, remaining in her room for days—perhaps even a week—until his return.

"Neither Gregory nor your father ever told me about Lucia," she admitted, her voice tinged with disappointment. "I hate the way things unfolded. Regardless of how many mates you have, I would accept them all. The elders made a grave mistake."

The pain in his mother's voice was clear, and Drake knew she was right about the elders' interference. They had torn a family apart, one that never needed their involvement.

Drake looked at his mother, lost in thought, and realized he needed to offer her hope. Revealing Lizzie's significance might bring her some solace, and he knew she would support keeping it a secret if he asked.

"Mum, I've found my mate," he confessed softly. She turned to him with a smile, prepared to speak, but he quickly added, "Before you ask, I can't reveal who she is just yet. It's complicated, and she needs time."

His mother inquired, "Does your father know?" He shook his head. "No, only you, Dave, and Gregory. I don't want it publicized yet, not even to Dad."

She gave him a knowing look. "It's Lizzie, isn't it," she said with a gentle smirk. "Lucia and I used to take you both for walks in your prams around the edge of the territory. We always hoped the two of you would be mates. Your secret is safe with me, Drake. I must see her," she declared, fondly remembering Lizzie as a delightful child.

Drake flushed slightly as he acknowledged, "She truly hasn't changed; she's still gorgeous." His mother chuckled softly. "Lucia was breathtaking, and Lizzie takes after her. She'll grow to be just as stunning, no doubt."

As they rose to leave, preparing for the impending ceremony, Drake's mother paused and addressed him with care. "Please, Drake, handle things gently with her. Despite her feelings towards Gregory, it's important she knows you genuinely desire her as your mate."

Drake understood her concerns completely. "I'll do my best to win her over, but it's going to take some time. There seems to be more beneath her actions," he replied, recalling what Kate had discussed with Gregory before he and Dave arrived at the café. His mother embraced him as they exited the office.

They were nearing the hall when a loud crash broke the air, prompting his mother to rush off to ensure the ceremony preparations remained intact, and reprimand the person responsible for breaking the glass.

As Drake made his way back to his room, he crossed paths with Katelyn, who greeted him with a warm smile. "Where have you been?" she asked playfully.

His eyes drifted to the dress her mother had mentioned—a sleek, black outfit designed to make an impression.

Noticing his gaze, Katelyn smirked and raised an eyebrow. "Do you approve?" she teased. "We both know my mom has her matchmaking agenda, but we're not mates, and it won't work on you. Plus, you know I prefer girls. A good match with a woman is far better than with a man."

Drake chuckled, recalling Lolita's attempts while being well aware of Katelyn's preferences. She had indeed been with more women than both Drake and Dave combined.

"That's quite the mental image, Katelyn, but you do look fantastic," Drake complimented her.

She hugged him, grinning. "We could keep my mom satisfied and off our backs for the evening if you're up for it, though Chelsey is expecting me after the ceremony. We've been seeing each other for some time now."

Laughing, Drake warned, "Just be careful no one, especially your mom, overhears that," and made his way into his room.

Katelyn turned serious for a moment, stopping in the doorway. "Drake, I'm willing to pretend if it helps you. You know I'm always here for you."

Drake smiled appreciatively. "I know, Katelyn. I'll meet you by the stairs."

With that, she nodded and walked away.

As Drake surveyed the carefully arranged outfit his mother had prepared for him, he couldn't help but admire her knack for hosting a grand event. Yet, despite the anticipation, his mind was overwhelmed with thoughts. His desire to see Lizzie was strong, but he understood that it wasn't possible.

After a quick shower and dressing, Drake decided it was best to mind-link Dave for some reassurance. "Hey, Dave, I need a favor. You haven't mentioned anything about Lizzie being my mate, right?" he inquired, a hint of anxiety in his thoughts.

"No, I haven't mentioned it," Dave assured him. "Mum did ask me about her and what she was like, but I kept it vague. I just told her that Lizzie has a lot of issues with Dad and the family. I'm on your side in winning her over, but you've got to back me up in helping her accept us as her brothers."

Drake nodded, though Dave couldn't see it. "Yeah, I think we'll both need a lot of patience with her. Maybe we should give it a day or two, let her adjust to the town first."

"True," Dave agreed. "Maybe Alicia could help, but we need to make sure she's on board before we involve her."

Drake suddenly remembered her cousin Alicia. "Oh, right, Alicia. I wonder if she'll be willing to help. We might catch up with her at the ceremony."

"Yeah, we can talk to her after the ceremony. By the way, did you see what your sister was wearing?" Drake teased, fully aware of Dave's protective instincts.

"Don't remind me," Dave replied with a laugh. "She's going to be fending off all the girls."

"She's crashing with me tonight to keep your mum off our case. Looks like Lolita is still trying to force a mate bond between us," Drake shared as he assessed himself in the mirror, preparing to meet Katelyn.

"My mum is driving her nuts. I just wish Katelyn would tell her that she's a lesbian," Dave mused. "Let's just catch up after all this and have some drinks," he concluded as he ended the mind link.

Drake couldn't agree more, feeling the absence of his mate keenly. A drink and a lively night were exactly what he needed.