Chapter 22
Kai POV
I pushed open the door to my office, my mind still reeling from the mind-link I got a few minutes ago that my mom was waiting for me in my office. Her visits weren’t exactly pleasant.
We always ended it in a quarrel or fight… I wonder what she wanted today.
I saw her perched on my leather couch, flipping through a fashion magazine with a cup of tea on the table. She looked up and closed the magazine when she saw me looming at the doorway.
“Mother,” I said, feigning surprise. “I didn’t expect to see you here. You didn’t tell me you were coming. If you needed me to do something for you, you could have informed me and I would have come to you p>
“Enough of your rhetoric son,” she scoffed, raising an elegant eyebrow at me. “You’ve been avoiding me for the past three days, haven’t you? Your sister moved out of the house, all in the pretence of practising that useless skill of hers and here you are bunking in your office because of what? I didn’t carry you and your sister in my stomach for months only to have both of you avoid me like a plague p>
I felt a pang of guilt and lowered my gaze. I had been so caught up in Lily’s arrival and all the complications that came with it that I had neglected my usual duties – including my regular checkups with my mother since my father died and because I didn’t want her to feel lonely.
“I’ve been busy,” I said instead, moving to sit behind my desk. “There’s been a lot going on in the pack lately p>
Her piercing gaze, so similar to mine, seemed to see right through me. “I’ve heard whispers of a stray in our pack. Is it something I should concern myself about p>
I clenched my jaw, fighting the urge not to blurt out that Lily was not a stray. I wasn’t ready to tell my mother about her yet – about the mate bond because I was unsure of how she would react. I couldn’t trust anyone with it yet, to be honest.
“Everything has been taken care of Mother. You need not bother yourself p>
She nodded, seemingly satisfied with my vague explanation. “Well, I’m thankful that you do not have any ‘delicate matter’ on your plate like the last time, that would interfere with your plans for tonight p>
I frowned. “Tonight p>
“Yes dear,” she nodded gingerly. “I booked a dinner reservation at The Crescent restaurant and you should praise your mother for being such a negotiator… it takes months to get a reservation, can’t believe I got it in one day. Anyway, there’s a beautiful, young lady, I’d like you to meet there, tonight, I’m sure she’ll be speechless when she finds out it’s Crescent restaurant,” she giggled.
For a moment, I was speechless. My mother for the longest time has been pushing me to find a mate, but she had never been so bold as to arrange a date for me.
“Mother,” I began, my voice tight with controlled frustration. “I appreciate your concern but tonight I am super swamped with work,” I waved at my desk “And I have an 8 pm meeting with alliances coming from the South. So I need to be prepared in advance. Also, I don’t need you to set me up with random women p>
Her expression hardened. “It’s not random, Kai. I’ve chosen her carefully. She’s from a very good family and if things go well, your marriage with her will benefit the pack and in no time, you’ll have mini-yous running around the pack p>
“Didn’t you just hear me Mom… I have meetings tonight and tomorrow. I’m busy so p>
“You’re not busy!” she interrupted me with a pointed look. “I’ve already confirmed with Liam and he said you’re available tonight. That there’s nothing on your schedule p>
I felt my temper flare. First Liam going behind my back, and now my mother overstepping her bounds. Did no one respect my position as Alpha?
“Kai!” my mom rose and came to my desk “You know I’ve never done this before. I try not to interfere with my children’s life but it’s time you settle down and make an heir. Honestly, time waits for no one, Kai. Please, my son… I’m just trying to see that you’re happy p>
I sighed, trying to put a lid on my anger. I know the real reason she was doing all of this.
Reaching for her hand, I said softly. “I know you’ve been worried about me since Dad died in that accident,” I felt my mother’s sharp intake of breath. She even tried to remove her hands from mine but I held on tightly “I know you’re scared of the unknown but I can’t just mate with someone because you think it’s a good idea and I won’t die… I’ve told you this a good number of times p>
Her eyes flashed with a mixture of pain and determination. “You’re not Invincible Kai Ryker,” she said with gritted teeth “And I’m not just doing this on a whim. You need a strong Luna by your side and an heir. The pack needs it. If I didn’t give your father and heir… you think you’d be in that seat now p>
“Here we go!” I murmured under my breath, trying not to roll my eyes.
“Don’t you dare sigh!” she fumed. “When I was your age, I already had you and your sister a few months later. At least meet this woman I have prepared for you. You’re my son and I know exactly what you like. I promise you’ll like her p>
“How can you be so sure?” I sighed again.
“Just go, please! For my sake and you know I barely ask you for favors!” she whined.
I wanted to laugh out loud… this was probably the billionth time I’d be hearing that line.
“Fine!” I nodded “I’ll meet with this lady of yours but you cannot do this next time Mom. You know how much I hate blind dates right p>
“Thank you, my darling,” she squealed and patted my head “I promise you won’t regret it p>
I stood and moved to the couch deciding to approach Lily’s matter delicately to see her response. “What if my fated mate turns up? Wouldn’t that be better? Just like you and Dad were fated mates… huh p>
My mother sighed, weariness settling over her features. “It’s been years since you came of age, Kai. You’re long past having a fated mate even if one suddenly shows up which I doubt… I’m not sure she would be the best fit for you p>
I froze, turning to face her. “What do you mean by that p>
She ignored me, smoothening her dress. “Never mind that darling. You need to go get ready for dinner. I already had the maids prepare befitting clothes for you. It’s a navy suit, it’ll bring out the colour of your eyes p>
“Mom, why am I too old to be with my fated mate?” I insisted.
“I’ve told you it’s nothing, Kai. Stop being insolent. Go get ready for dinner right now. You don’t have too much time p>
I bit back the words on my lips as I and my mother stared at each other for a long time until I looked away. Without saying a word to her, I started for the door.
With a growl of frustration, I reached out to Liam via mind link.
“Liam,” I said as soon as I felt him connect. “If you ever share my schedule with my mother again without my permission, you’ll be banned from entering my office. Understood p>
I didn’t wait for him to reply, I cut off the mind link.