115- Predestined Ties
POV Edric Eldoria:
“It’s just a connection that comes from our animals, Anton. Stop seeing love where it doesn’t exist,” I snapped.
I no longer felt the pain of Catalina’s death; she had become a fond memory of moments I once lived, moments that in some way helped shape the male I had become. I felt no guilt, no bitterness, or anything else when thinking of Lunara in her place. We had mated — I had taken her for myself — therefore, being Queen of Eldoria was her right.
I’d spent far too long clinging to the past, mourning her loss. And although I still cared for her and would always remember the omega with affection, it was no longer the same as before.
Lunara had entered my life to change things, and she had managed to dig her way into my heart, touching me in ways I hadn’t thought possible. Being by her side made me happy, just as sharing moments with her did. My wolf felt fulfilled in a way it never had before.
Over the months, I’d been detaching from my past, thinking less about it and slowly letting it go. The first strong trigger I felt was when Lunara was bitten and nearly killed in the forest. That desperate sensation, that feeling of pure agony, was something I hadn’t thought I could ever feel so intensely. She was far too important to me; I could barely control my fear of losing her. I didn’t care about my life, only hers. And I had never been so grateful to be mated — to have arrived in time to save her.
Then came her early heat, and the three days we spent together, sharing each other’s company, satisfying ourselves, and succumbing to our wildest nature. It was in that moment that I realized there was no longer a past for me — only Lunara, and what I’d come to feel for her.
Something had changed between us; I just didn’t know what it was yet. I found myself hunting several times throughout the week, even when it wasn’t necessary, just to provide for her. My instincts drove me to it. I wanted to see Lunara content, well-fed, and safe.
I looked at Anton.
“I need you to keep Lunara company this afternoon,” I stated, clicking my tongue against the roof of my mouth. “I’ll have to step out for a while.”
“Where are you going?”
“To Valmorin. I need to find out from Aldren why the inhibitor didn’t have the expected effect.”
“You think there was some problem with the batch?”
I leaned my head back against the chair and stared at the ceiling, thoughtful.
“I have no idea, to be honest. I’ll take the leftover capsules and try to find out with him whether it was an issue with the product or if Lunara’s body simply ignored the herb.”
“And if it’s the second option?” he asked curiously.
“Well... let’s just say we’ll be having many more lapses like that one. If what Lyris says is true, Lunara won’t rest until she gets pregnant — and I’ll never be able to give her that.”
Anton rubbed his thumb against his lips.
“Are you sure?”
“What do you mean?”
“She could be your predestined mate, which means she might, in fact, be able to get pregnant by you. Has Lunara opened her womb?”
I narrowed my eyes at him, frowning.
“Yes, a few times.”
“Then Lyris is right — her she-wolf advanced her heat to breed. She wants a pup and won’t rest until she has one.”
He whistled, a sparkle lighting his green eyes. “If you two are predestined, she’ll get pregnant at some point. Now, if you’re not... good luck to both of you, you’ll be spending a good part of your lives dealing with the cycle.”
“That’s why I need to talk to Aldren. He needs to find a way to improve the inhibitor. Her wolf could trigger her heat every damned month. And not that I’m complaining — I love fucking her — but... it can get exhausting.”
I knew very well how our wild nature worked, and Anton was right. Lunara’s wolf wouldn’t rest until she had a pup. I couldn’t give her one, and I would never allow another male to fulfill that need. We’d have to find a way to get through this.
“I really hope you find an answer,” he teased. “Otherwise, you’ll need to buy yourself a clothing shop if Lunara keeps making nests out of your shirts.”
A genuine laugh escaped my lips.
“Indeed, my clothes won’t survive the winter. And she gets absolutely offended if I offer to help clean the bed and take down the damned nest — we’re still sleeping in it. Nicoleta hasn’t been able to tidy the room yet.”
“She’s still under the fascination of heat.”
“Yes, she is,” I confirmed.
And it wasn’t just her — I still felt touched by it myself.
I swung my legs off the table and stood, making the chair rock back from the loss of weight.
“Don’t take your eyes off Lunara for a second. I need you and Andrei with her at all times, please.”
He nodded.
“Don’t worry, Edric. Andrei’s on babysitting duty right now, and soon I’ll take over. Lunara’s never far from us.”
“I only trust you two to keep her safe.”
“And we’re honored for that. We’ll always do our best to be worthy of it.”
I slid my hands into the pockets of my jeans and gave him one last look.
“Thank you, Anton.”
“You’re welcome, my Alpha.” He bowed his head in respect. “I hope you find the answers you’re looking for with Aldren.”
I pressed my lips together and exhaled noisily through my nose.
“So do I.”
Lunara and I would have a huge problem ahead if the inhibitor stopped working whenever her wolf decided to trigger another early heat.
“Take care of her,” I emphasized once more.
“As I always will, for as long as it’s within my reach. Lunara’s family now.”
I nodded before leaving the office, striding purposefully toward Valmorin.
As uneasy as I felt about being away, it was necessary. My men were prepared for any attack. Lunara would be safe.