Bound by fate to the future Alpha.

**Chapter Twenty : Strict rules and responsibilities.

**Alpha Damien's POV**

Blake has just overwhelmed me with a deluge of information, and it’s clear that a pack meeting is not just necessary but urgent. His revelation about finding his mate has sent my thoughts swirling; any father might feel a surge of joy at such news, but for me, it's a double-edged sword. Alongside the elation of love comes the harsh reality of our pack’s expectations and responsibilities. Blake is not just a young man excited about romance; he is the heir to our legacy, and with that title comes a duty to ensure the stability and prosperity of our pack. The Moon Goddess’s decisions are not infallible, and sometimes, she seems to gift us paths that require careful navigation. Malia—this mysterious girl whom Blake claims to have found—suddenly looms large in my thoughts, and the fact that I don’t even know her name or background paints a troubling picture of his choices.

Kirsty has always been the perfect candidate for the role of Blake's Luna. Coming from a respected family with deep roots in our pack lands, she embodies the qualities we need to uphold our traditions and responsibilities. Her strength, character, and unwavering loyalty to our community have made her a standout choice for this position. I can’t help but feel anxious as I contemplate the meeting ahead. I need to gather our pack leaders, assess what this new development means, and hopefully gather more information about this Malia girl. Her presence could change everything for our pack, and I must ensure that Blake understands the weight of his decisions—not just for himself, but for the entire community that relies on him. The stakes have never been higher, and clarity is what we need more than anything right now.

I swiftly linked with my beta, Dominic, urgency pressing on my mind. "Arrange a pack meeting ASAP, it’s urgent. Also, see what you can find out about the Constance family," I instructed, my thoughts racing as the implications of our recent discoveries settled into a weighty reality. Dominic’s loyalty and quick wit always provided a backbone to my decisions, and I hoped his connections would yield the information we desperately needed. As the mental link snapped shut, I felt an electrifying mix of anxiety and determination surge through me—tonight, we would gather the pack and confront whatever storm was brewing on the horizon.

**Malia's POV **

As we stepped into Aimee's house, the warmth of familiarity enveloped us. Jackson had been kind enough to drop us off, his loyal demeanor a small comfort amidst the chaos of the day. Aimee, with concern etched across her features, turned to me. "You really don't remember anything?" she asked, her voice laced with disbelief. "Not the Wolfsbane being injected into you? Nothing?" I felt a pang of frustration. "No, nothing. It's really weird; those couple of hours have vanished like they never happened," I admitted, shaking my head as if that could dislodge the tangled memories that remained stubbornly out of reach.

The air thickened with unspoken worries as I sighed, "Do you know where Blake went?" Aimee's expression shifted to a more contemplative one, and she answered, "Sorting pack business and meeting with the Alpha—his dad. I think he might be telling him about you, not just what’s happened, but about being your mate." A mix of emotions washed over me at her words. The prospect of Blake discussing our bond with the Alpha sent a shiver down my spine. "Hmmm, great," I thought to myself, my anxiety swelling. What if the Alpha disapproved? The thought was suffocating; it would throw everything into chaos. Where did that leave us?

As I stood there, lost in thought, Aimee's gentle touch on my arm brought me back to the present. "Hey, don't worry about it too much, okay? Blake will handle it. He's been dealing with his dad for years," she reassured me, her eyes filled with empathy. I nodded, trying to convince myself that she was right. But the uncertainty lingered, refusing to be shaken off.

Aimee gestured for me to follow her, and we made our way to the cozy living room. The soft cushions and warm lighting enveloped me, providing a sense of comfort I desperately needed. As we sat down, Aimee handed me a steaming cup of tea, the aroma of chamomile and honey wafting up to calm my frazzled nerves.

"So, tell me more about what happened after the injection," Aimee prompted, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. I took a sip of the tea, letting the warmth spread through my chest before launching into the story. "Well, I remember feeling really weird, like my senses were heightened or something. And then... nothing. It's like my brain just shut off, and I have no idea what happened during those two hours."

Aimee listened intently, her brow furrowed in concentration. When I finished, she leaned forward, her voice barely above a whisper. "I think we should try to dig up more information about the Wolfsbane. Maybe there's something in the pack's archives or records that can help us figure out what's going on." Her determination sparked a glimmer of hope within me.

As we sat there, planning our next move, the doorbell rang, breaking the silence. Aimee got up to answer it, and I heard the muffled sound of voices in the hallway. My heart skipped a beat as I wondered who it could be. Was it Blake, back from his meeting with the Alpha? Or was it someone else, someone who might not be as welcoming?

The door creaked open, and Aimee reappeared, a hesitant smile on her face. "It's Danny & Keira," she announced, her eyes darting to me before focusing on the figure behind her. My pulse quickened as Danny stepped into the room, his rugged features etched with concern. "Hey, I heard what happened. I'm so sorry." His voice was laced with genuine empathy, but I couldn't shake off the feeling that there was more to there visit than just a friendly check-in.