Chapter 76
Helen POV
My son stood before me radiating his Alpha dominance as he broke the news to me. This would be the second time today that I would hear that my son has a mate.
“Mate?” I sighed. “You cannot be so sure, Kai. Maybe there was something about her that triggered you into believing that p>
He didn’t answer me and his silence confirmed everything. After he didn’t get his mate when he got his wolf and became a full-fledged adult, I stopped worrying about him finding one but to think that his mate had been in plain sight.
“Kai,” I began again, trying to sound reasonable. “We need to talk about this p>
He didn’t look at me. “There’s nothing to discuss, Mom p>
My lips tightened with frustration as I rose to my feet too, marching up to where he stood. “There’s everything to discuss. I know about Lily, I found out everything about hr and I was hoping that you would deny it even a bit, but to think you brazenly announced her as your mate when I know she hasn’t made a decision yet about accepting you or her ex His eyes widened.
“Celeste told me,” I glared at him.
He stiffened at the mention of his sister’s name and though I had promised to keep her anonymous, I didn’t bother with that, they are siblings, they’ll sort themselves out somehow.
“Celeste should learn to stay out of my personal life,” he grunted.
I ignored his annoyance. “She’s concerned, as am I. Kai, you’re an Alpha. You have responsibilities – not just to the pack, but to yourself. And binding yourself to someone who is still undecided about you? It’s a dangerous gamble p>
“I don’t know what you’re talking about Mom,” he said quietly. “I had a really long day at the office, how about we put off this talk for tomorrow? I’m not in the right frame of mind p>
He turned and started for the stairs when I called out after him. “Lily hasn’t chosen you yet, so I heard in case you want me to spell it out for you. Her connection with her ex-mate still exists and she’s still conflicted. That’s what I am talking about p>
“I know,” he admitted. “But that doesn’t change how I feel about her besides, he turned, his eyes flashing with frustration. “Lily is my mate. I won’t give her up p>
“I understand that the bond is strong, but love – true love – requires more than a bond. You might have the best chemistry now and all but what will keep it is trust, mutual commitment and a shared vision for the future. Does Lily offer you that p>
His hands clenched into fists. “You don’t know her. She’s been through a lot and she’s trying to figure things out. She just needs time p>
I arched a brow. “So, while she’s figuring things out, you’re willing to put your heart – and your position – on the line for someone who hasn’t chosen you? What happens if she finally makes up her mind and goes back to her ex p>
“She won’t” he growled.
I placed a hand on his arm, softening my expression. “Kai, you’re my son and I’m not saying this to hurt you in any way. I’m saying this because I care about you. You deserve someone who’s as sure about you as you are about them. And if Lily can’t give you that, then you need to be strong enough to walk away. Mate bond or not p>
He shuffled his feet. “It’s not that simple, Mom. You don’t understand what it’s like to feel the bond – to feel like every part of you is tied to someone else. She’s, my mate. She’s it for me p>
“Don’t tell me about mate bond, Kai. I understand that more than you and I understand how it feels now but I will still repeat, mate bond, love is not enough. As an Alpha having a Luna who understands the importance of carrying out her duty is the biggest flex you can ever wish for. You need to think about your future – and the pack’s. If Lily can’t stand by you with certainty, then she’s not the one for you p>
“That’s not your decision to make,” he said quietly.
“Then what happens to the alliance we entered with Briella’s pack? Our pack depends on your marriage to Briella. Our economic stability, territorial agreements – everything depends on your marriage to her p>
“Love isn’t a business transaction,” he responded, with a dangerous edge creeping into his voice.
“Love?” I laughed. “We’re talking about survival. Lily is young. She doesn’t understand how complex Pack politics can be. Your sister didn’t go into what kind of life she lived before coming here but I’m certain of one thing, she is not as trained s Briella who has been practising to be a Luna every day of her life. Delegations is the main job of a Luna and is no easy feat p>
“Mom… mom he raised his hand “I don’t want a complicated life or marriage or wife. I want the simple things. I want to be able to marry someone I can share my bed with every day, every night. I want someone always available for me, who knows everything she doesn’t because she feels the same way I do for her and not because of obligations or duties p>
“You don’t have to worry about that dear. Briella likes you a lot. She might even love you and proximity leads to affection. Perhaps, you need to spend more time with her to see how much of an amazing wife and mother she’d be p>
“I’m sure she’s amazing Mom, but I can’t. I’ve tried several times… she irritates me and I’m trying to be a courteous man who respects women but it’s becoming increasingly difficult every day not to mention putting up with her trying to seduce me at every turn. I’m tired. I love Lily… so much that it hurts to live in the same house with another woman knowing that it might come between our trust… still, she’s patient. I’m sorry I cannot do this anymore p>
“By the gods, Kai!” I tried not to yell. “Think about your words carefully. Please p>
He shook his head. “My mind is made up. We’ll look for a way to tackle Briella and her father and her pack. For now. Just let me enjoy the euphoria of being in love. I’ll leave first. Goodnight Mom p>
He bowed his head and started for the stairs.