Chapter 52 Chapter 52
“Oh,” Suki’s cheeks were on fire. “I… um.”
“I only ask because if you were seeking before, perhaps you still are, and with my high ranking, perhaps you’d be willing to…” Hadeon cringed, feeling as awkward as Suki felt.
Suki faltered, “That is very sweet of you to consider me, Hadeon, but I’m sorry I cannot accept. I’ve experienced the bond.”
His shoulders slumped slightly as he stepped back, giving a faint and obviously fake smile. “That’s okay, not a problem. Of course, someone as charming as you must have easily found your true mate.”
“I’m sorry–”
“Don’t be!” he tittered. “Honestly, I’m not offended, promise. Can you blame me for trying my luck? Like, what are the chances that someone high-ranked, kind and beautiful is searching for a mate, with or without a bond?”
She shook her head. “No, I understand completely. I’m flattered, truly.”
For a moment, there was a chilling silence, with tension so thick it could be cut with a knife.
Trying to break away that tension, Hadeon spoke slowly, “So… how long have you been bonded to your mate?”
She swallowed, “A few months.”
“Wow, I assume you have completed the bond?”
Suki blinked repeatedly as her eyes widened. “Um, not yet, actually.”
“Oh, really? Why not?” he questioned, tilting his head inquisitively. “Most people I’ve met who have experienced the bond tend to seal it as soon as possible.”
A nod. “Yeah,” Suki mumbled, “it’s… complicated. I have my reasons.”
“Hmm, that’s fair enough. I won’t pry; it seems personal.” Hadeon hummed, “Part of me wonders if a mate bond is truly worth it, you know?”
Confused, she queried for more information, “No, what do you mean?”
“I mean, from my perspective, the mate bond is out of a werewolf’s control. You don’t get to choose who you love. In fact, it’s forced upon you. The way I see it, love for someone is like a flower; it starts as a simple seed, with potential for life, but never guaranteed. With time, patience, and a whole lot of work, it can blossom into something beautiful.”
Suki felt speechless once more, but nodded slowly to allow him to express his thoughts.
“The bond is an experience the Moon Goddess chooses for you, who she thinks is best for you.”
“I think it’s more than that, I think she connects your soul with another that has the potential for greatness together. It’s why some people are lucky enough to connect with multiple mates.” She cleared her throat and clarified, “If they are rejected or lose their first mate somehow.”
Hadeon sighed, “Yes, she’s an almighty deity, but can she truly know what’s best for us? Don’t you think we should be allowed to choose our own paths? Fight for our own destiny?”
Keeping silent for a moment, Suki processed all the words he was saying in her mind. Her gaze flickered between his eyes as she mulled it over. She could understand to a point where he was coming from; she wanted the power of choice, to be able to choose the right path for herself. However, in a way, she did have some power in her hands – she could choose Reynard or Brendan.
One man would be accepted by all and would present her as the powerful Beta-daughter she was. The other would result in her own ranking being stripped from her and her life changing for the worse.
One was her longtime best friend, whom she had loved her whole life and felt safe and at home with. The other was someone she crossed paths with in her youth, and couldn’t help but be drawn to him, even after meeting his darkest side.
Both men have their dark pasts, their pain and sorrow. They have their pride and joy.
And they both have her. For now.
Finally, Suki broke her silence with an exhale, “Destiny is a tricky one. I don’t think we ever have total control over it, but I think that’s the whole point. Maybe we have multiple destinies, and that’s where we do have control and can steer ourselves towards whichever one we aspire to have, but being able to change who we are and what we’re meant to be?” She shook her head, “Even a deity like the Moon Goddess can’t force that. She can only help guide us to be who we already are.”
“Well, look at you – a wise mind to go along with that beauty of yours,” said Hadeon, moving her hair away from her face and behind her ear. “Could you be anymore perfect?”
“Yeah…” She looked inside the pub, where Reynard was leaning against the wall by the door. His eyes weren’t on her, but she knew his attention was entirely on her. “…thanks.”
From inside, Reynard turned his head slightly and caught her gaze.
Suki looked back at Hadeon and smiled, “I’d better get back inside and enjoy the party. It’s not every day I get to experience a Nighttide event. I appreciated this chat, though.”
Hadeon bowed his head, “Likewise.”
She bowed her head in return and made her way back inside, making her way straight to Reynard, who looked ready to take her away from the party. ‘Were you eavesdropping?’ she asked down their bond.
’At first, not intentionally. I can’t help tuning in to listen when a stranger talks to you, but then I heard him ask if you were single, and I couldn’t stop then.’
‘You’re cute when you’re jealous.’ Suki giggled down the bond. “Dance with me?”
“You’re not tired?”
“A little, but I want one more dance with you before we call it a night.”
Rey chuckled, “For you, the answer will always be yes.” He offered her his elbow and led her to the dance floor. Taking hold of her waist as they swayed with the music and looked at her with so much adoration in his eyes.
Suki couldn’t help but glow with a beaming smile; she could feel his love through the bond, and it was something she knew she wasn’t willing to give up. The clock was ticking; she could sense it. There was no more time to waste. Her biggest predicament still had to be settled.
As her smile faded, Reynard grew concerned. He held her chin and examined her face carefully, “What is it?”
“I’m afraid of what’s to come, the decisions I have to make for myself, the dangers we’re all in. It’s too much.”
Reynard pulled her close, encouraging her to rest her head on his chest. He rubbed her back and spoke soothingly, “You’re not going to be doing any of that alone. I can promise you that. I’m not going anywhere.” He squeezed her slightly. ‘Bond or no bond, I’m here for you always.’
She sobbed slightly, squeezing her eyes shut as she uttered a silent whimper down their bond. ‘I’m here for you always, too. You’re stuck with me.’
As her eyes fluttered back open, she noticed Hadeon watching from outside. He looked puzzled, which confused her. It didn’t seem like he was looking directly at her, but his gaze was certainly in her direction. Ignore him, she stood straight and looked back at Rey.
Moving his hand up, cupping her face, Reynard whispered, “I love you, Suki.”
“I know,” she smiled, relaxing into his palm. “And I–”
“I know,” he smiled and rested his head against her forehead as they continued to dance the night away.