The Alpha's Mate--Cursed Heart

Fate Of A Mate

Episode 13:  Fate Of A Mate

Moriah’s POV:

Sitting at my vanity table, I peered deeply at the reflection in the mirror trying to figure out what was happening inside of me.  I wanted to focus the positivity of Xavier’s visit and the possibility of his success in talking Alec into allowing me a bit more freedom from the confines of the castle.  But, currently my mind was consumed with a rapid fire of questions especially after the confusion left from my slumber.

Mate.  I am Marcus’ MATE!  And I REFUSED HIM!  Why do I not return his feelings yet find myself dreaming of being in his arms?  Is it because…my wolf is dead?  The voice…where is the voice coming from?  Could there still be a trace of my wolf?  Is that the source of this connection I feel for him?  And if it is my wolf…what remains and what does that me for me?  Am I in danger once more?  More importantly, by destroying my wolf, have I destroyed my ability to truly love?  Is that the reason for my dream?  If my wolf were still a part of me...would I realize that Marcus is my mate?

The voice interrupted the flurry of questions…He will protect you from danger if you will allow him.  Trust Him.  He is meant for you…and only you…just as you have always been meant for him…

“How can I be meant for someone,” I questioned out loud at the reflection before me, “and not feel love for them in my heart?”

“That depends,” Xavier softly replied, “on who this someone is.”

I jumped slightly, turning my gaze to find Xavier leaning against the doorway staring back at me with a worried expression.  I opened my mouth to speak, but I found myself unable to form any words as he slowly walked towards me, kneeling down in front of me as he continued, “I know you, Moriah.  Talk to me.  And don’t tell me you’re fine this time, because I can clearly see that you are not.”

As much as I trusted him and wanted to, I wasn’t ready to tell Xavier everything.  But, I thought to myself, maybe he could shed some light on the situation without having all the details.

“Last night just got me thinking about…my wolf,” I hesitantly began, “If I don’t have a wolf, I can’t…mate.  What if I somehow can still feel a connection, but I am unable to love.  Do you think that means I will never truly know love?”

“I know you can love, Moriah,” Xavier comforted, placing his hand on top of mine atop my knee, “You have the most beautiful heart I have ever known.  It would be impossible for you to be incapable of love. I believe connections are the energy that is created between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued—when they can give and receive without judgement.”

“But, I can’t mate,” I sadly responded, “Doesn’t it bother you that you have never been able to find your mate?  That somehow…we are forever broken? Especially me.”

Xavier shook his head before smiling back at me, squeezing my hand tighter, “No, I don’t feel broken.  I like to think that it just means that a love—a mate—will come into my life when the time is right.  A love so powerful, I had to wait until I was strong enough—old enough, wise enough—to embrace it and value it to the fullest.  Patience is key, Moriah.  I will never give up on love and neither should you.  I promise you…neither of us are broken!”

Taking in a deep breath, I exhaled out heavily, “I hope you are right.”

Xavier kept his hold on my hand as he stood up and pulled me from my seat to stand in front of him, “I am always right!  And I have two pieces of news that I am sure will ease your current distress, Little Miss!”

Our earlier conversation replaying in my mind, I excitedly asked, “Alec is allowing you to take me for our walk this afternoon?”

Xavier winked as he outstretched his arms and bowed, dramatically proclaiming, “I am your hero, Little Miss!”

I wrapped my arms around his neck tightly before he could stand completely upright, causing him to choke out his laughter as I rambled out, “Oh Xavier, thank you!  When shall we go?  Can we leave now?  How long before you must bring me back?”

Xavier continued to chuckle as he looked down at me with a humored grin, “Slow down, Little Miss.  We shall leave later this afternoon.  After you greet your guests in the garden, of course!”

My confused expression only made Xavier’s smile widen as I inquired curiously, “Guests?”

“Yes,” Xavier happily replied, “It would appear that Vincent and Katelyn are quite fond of our Little Miss.  They may be just the ally you need!”

***************

Lexi POV:

My reflection in the  mirror was flawless, precisely the way I wanted to appear to our guests in the garden.  As I waited for Alec to change his clothes, I decided to make some last minute touches.  I had to look perfect.  I was well aware of my mate’s wandering eye, as well as his flirtatious nature—two facts that drove me to the brink of insanity.  I had met Vincent on his previous visit and while he was handsome, he did not peak any interest for me.  His wife, Katelyn, however, had a reputation of impeccable beauty, grace, and kindness that had obviously peaked my husband's interest.  After many years together, I had come to know all the signs.  

Leaning forward, I ran my fingers through my long auburn hair before puckering my lips and smoothing out my lipstick.  My dark brown eyes were impeccably lined and shaded making them appear large and sparkling.  Bringing my hands to my cheeks, I pushed upwards on the plum edges of my cheekbone trying to erase the age and stress that was starting to show.  Letting out a long sigh, I forced a smile to form on my face to remind myself of my confidence and perfection, something I seemed to have to do more often as of late. 

My mind, however, took me to a place of reflection particularly after our breakfast this morning.  I wasn’t always like this, I thought to myself, If I had known then what I know now…if only my fate as a mate were different...how different I might have been.

I was so excited when I met Alec…my mate, my love…my heart and soul.  Our connection was instantaneous and filled with so much passion that it overwhelmed me.  I discovered how perfect life could truly be.  That is until I was brought to my home—or what should have been my home.  Unfortunately, from the moment I walked through the door of the castle, I was made well aware that my presence was neither welcomed nor approved.  In fact, upon first meeting Alec’s father, I was treated so coldly that I almost ran away.  But, I couldn’t—Alec was forever a part of me and without him, I was empty and destined to be alone as I knew in my heart, he was my destiny. 

When his father stormed out of the room in a fury at the news of our mating and planned marriage, Alec lovingly reassured me that all would be well in the end as he chased after him to defend me—to defend us.  He promised me that I was his one and only forever and I believed him because I loved him with my entire being.  But when he returned, I found myself devastated as a wall that has remained between us for all these years had been formed by his father.  Alec still pushed for our marriage, but he was also still a dutiful son and over time, I found myself relegated to second place in his heart.  In turn, my heart was shattered as the years passed and Alec and I grew further apart, yet still bound to one another.  In the rare times that we were able to connect and revel in our love, we would come together as one…the way we were meant to be.  Cherished moments that became fleeting memories.  Memories that hardened my heart as I felt betrayed by both Alec and his father.    

I’m not going to lie—I was relieved when Alec’s father passed.  I loathed the man for what he had done to us.  As soon as I heard the news of his death, my heart filled with hope.  Alec was now King and I was his Queen.  We could finally break free from his father’s interference and vile spite of our love.  Unfortunately, even in death, Alec’s father found a way to destroy my life and this time, it was a permanent destruction.  For it was after Alec spoke to his father on his deathbed that we were made aware of his father’s plan and the destiny bestowed upon his only son.  

That damn plan, that destiny was the final nail in the coffin of ruination of my life.   Just as it had consumed Alec’s father, it now consumed Alec.  It changed him—it changed me—it changed us.  While we were still connected, protective, and possessive of one another, the truth held within the plan poisoned who we were and who we could have been. 

Moriah, if only there was no Moriah.   She was the reason for my fate.  She was the reason for my undesired loss and transformation.  My hatred for her, my hatred for the choices made because of her, my hatred of the truth!   She had ruined my life and while I knew I couldn’t do anything about it, there would always be a part of me that wished for her death.  Maybe then I could find remnants of the beautiful pleasant person I used to be and maybe—just maybe—Alec and I could find our way back to the way things were in the very beginning.

I knew even that would be a fight because again, I knew of Alec's wandering eye and flirtatious manner.  Because of Lafayette and his abilities to cover his Alpha’s tracks, I could never obtain the proof I desperately wanted, but I knew.  In fact, I was no better if truth be told.  An eye for an eye, I suppose you could say.  A woman could only be neglected for so long before needing to feel like a woman and finding the affection and attention from another man.  And that is precisely what I have done, in the form of several in my husband’s own pack—and even a few rogues, which was incredibly exciting to me.   I was just as careful as Alec was—even more so, truth be told.   My lovers became my spies and with any luck, my spies would one day pay off and I would finally be able to catch and confront my beloved...and tear him apart!

After hearing about Katelyn and Alec’s avoidance of discussion about her, I had no doubt that she was his new infatuation, which is why I needed to look perfect.  She was my rival and I would make sure to stake my claim no matter what stakes there are in Alec’s destiny.

Alec’s irritation was evident as he briskly walked out of our bathroom and tossed his wet soiled clothes on the floor, looking over at me with a tense expression, “Well, now that we have rudely kept them waiting because of your little tantrum this morning, shall we greet our guests?  Or can I possibly talk you into staying in here so that I'm not embarrassed yet again?”

“I have no intention of embarrassing you, my dear,” I slowly drawled out, a wicked grin crossing my face as I took one last look at my reflection, pushing away the thoughts of reflection, “I am actually looking forward to getting to know Katelyn better!”

Alec shot me a warning glare, "Behave!  I mean it!  This deal with Vincent is important to me!"

"Yes, yes, I know," I sighed in exasperation before walking up and kissing my mate hard on the lips, then expressing my own warning, "Perhaps then we should both tread carefully, my love!"