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Resisting Fate

*Resisting Fate

KAIDEN

I trudged along the deserted road, the moon casting an eerie glow on the ground. My footsteps echoed through the silence, a reminder of my isolation. I deserved it, though. A curse hung over me like a shadow, claiming the lives of three people who dared to get close. The weight of their memories threatened to crush me.

"Why bother?" I muttered to myself, the wind carrying my words away. "What's the point of living when death follows me?"

But I had made a promise to Atlas, my adoptive father, to protect Kieran and the Moonlight Pack with my life. Werewolves kept their promises, no matter the cost. It was the only value I had left.

As I approached Kieran's house, a whiff of something unexpected hit me - the scent of a female wolf, not Kieran's Luna. My instincts prickled. What was going on? Was Kieran cheating on his mate?

I pushed open the door, my eyes scanning the room. Kieran sat behind his desk, a look of unease on his face

"Keiden, thanks for coming," Kieran said, his expression serious.

I handed him the report. "Border security's still a concern. We've had three deaths and five casualties in the last month. On the bright side, we've had seven new births, and our warriors are training hard for the upcoming war."

Kieran nodded, scanning the report. "Anything else?"

“No, nothing else for now; I would keep you updated about any more information we have for now that’s all.” I told him as I was still looking at him suspiciously.

As I finished my report, I couldn't help but wonder why Kieran would risk his relationship with his mate. They seemed so in love, so devoted to each other. But I pushed the thought aside, reminding myself it wasn't my business. Kieran was a grown man, capable of making his own decisions.

"Keiden, wait," Kieran said, his voice stopping me as I turned to leave.

I turned back, curious. "Yes, alpha?"

"Do you smell that?" Kieran asked, his eyes narrowing.

I hesitated, wondering if he was testing me. But I decided to play it safe. "Yes, I do. But it's none of my concern."

Kieran's expression turned incredulous. "How could it not be your concern?"

I shrugged. "I care about nothing and no one except myself. I have no stake in this."

Kieran's eyes flashed with surprise. "It's your mate, Keiden. How could it be anyone else's business?"

My heart skipped a beat. "My mate?" I repeated, confusion etched on my face. "I don't understand."

Kieran's expression softened. "The girl, Keiden. She's your mate."

I froze, my mind reeling. No, that couldn't be right. I had smelled her, yes, and thought she smelled good, but I hadn't felt that fatal attraction, that pull that came with finding one's mate.

"No," I said, shaking my head. "That's not possible."

Kieran's eyes locked onto mine. "Keiden, I'm telling you, she's your mate. You need to accept it."

I took a step back, my mind racing. This couldn't be happening. I wasn't ready for a mate, wasn't ready for the complications and risks that came with it.

"I...I need to go," I stammered, turning to leave.

Kieran's voice stopped me again. "Keiden, wait."

Kieran's voice was laced with compassion as he spoke, "Keiden, I know you've been blaming and punishing yourself, but you need to listen to me. Your mate is important, not just to you, but to the entire pack. There's no need to deny her."

I shifted uncomfortably, my impatience growing. "Kieran, I don't understand why you're so sure she's my mate. I don't feel...anything."

Kieran's expression turned gentle. "That's because you're resisting it, Keiden. You're afraid to let go of your guilt and embrace what's meant to be."

I sighed, ready to leave, but then a soft voice interrupted us.

"Who are you? And why am I here?"

I turned to see the girl standing in the bedroom doorway, her eyes wide with fear. My first impression was that she was too thin, her fragile frame a testament to a life that had been far from easy.

"Ah, Emelia," Kieran said, his voice warm. "Come here, child."

But Emelia's eyes were fixed on me, her gaze searching. "Who is he?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

I felt a pang of discomfort under her scrutiny. "I'm Keiden," I said gruffly. "And you are...?"

Emelia's eyes dropped, her voice barely audible. "I don't know. I don't remember."

Kieran moved forward, his expression concerned. "Emelia, you're safe now. You're under our protection."

But Emelia's gaze snapped back to mine, her eyes flashing with a hint of defiance. "I don't need protection. I need answers."

Kieran's smile was warm as he approached Emelia. "Welcome, child. You are now under the protection of the Moonlight Pack. I am Alpha Kieran, and this is Keiden, your mate."

Emelia's eyes widened in horror as she took a step back, her hands raised as if warding off an attack. "No, no, no! That's not true! My mate is Ryker, the Alpha successor of Raven Pack, not him!"

I felt a jolt of surprise at her outburst, my mind racing with questions. Ryker? The Raven Pack? What was she talking about?

Kieran's expression turned calm, soothing. "Emelia, child, you are mistaken. Keiden is your true mate. The bond between you is strong."

But Emelia shook her head vehemently, her eyes flashing with determination. "I know what I felt, and it wasn't him! Ryker is my mate, I'm sure of it!"

I frowned, feeling a pang of unease. What was going on here? Why was she so convinced that Ryker was her mate?

"Emelia, listen to me," Kieran said gently. "You have been through a lot, and your memories may be clouded. But I assure you, Keiden is your mate."

But Emelia's denial only grew louder, more insistent. "No! I won't accept it! Ryker is my mate, and I'll find him, no matter what!"

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