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CHAPTER TWENTY THREE
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Fated Mate CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR
Andrew was lost in thought as he walked through the palace corridors, something about Duncan’s call felt off, nearly bumping into Hailey as he turned a corner.Oh! Andrew, I'm sorry," Hailey said, stepping back. Her gaze grew somewhat narrower as she examined his features. "To be honest, I'm happy I met you. Do you have a moment?"Andrew nodded, curious. "Of course. What's on your mind?"Hailey glanced around before speaking in a lowered voice. "It's about Jane, my bridesmaid and best friend. She's been asking about you. Why haven't you contacted her? I thought...well, is she not your mate?"Andrew sighed, leaning against the wall. "It's complicated, Hailey. With everything that's been going on lately...""You're trying to suppress your wolf's urges?" Hailey guessed, her eyes softening with understanding."Yeah, something along those lines," Andrew said while stroking his hair. "Considering all the chaos we've been dealing with, it just seemed sensible. I didn't want to add more compl
Fated Mate CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE
Duncan's phone rang suddenly, interrupting the tense moment in his study. He quickly answered it."Lisa?" he answered, voice tight with worry. "What is wrong?"Leaning forward, Andrew tried to make out the terrified voice on the other end. "Slow down, Lisa," Duncan pushed, his knuckles turning white over the receiver."Are you hurt?... Okay, stay where you are. I'm coming right now."He leaped to his feet, almost toppling his chair. "Andrew, with me. Now."As they rushed towards the door, Hailey's voice rang out, confusion and frustration evident. "Wait! What's happening? Duncan, is this about Lisa? Is she really pregnant?"Duncan hesitated for a split second, his eyes meeting Hailey's. "Hailey, I...I can't explain now. We'll talk when I get back.""Duncan!" Hailey called after them, her voice cracking. "Answer me! What's going on here?"But they were already gone, leaving Hailey alone with her unanswered questions and the echo of the slamming door.********************Things were a
Fated Mate CHAPTER TWENTY SIX
Andrew’s patience finally snapped. With a look of disappointment and anger, he tossed Duncan's car keys onto the ground and stormed off."Andrew! Wait!" Duncan called after him. "How will you get home?"Without turning back, Andrew shouted, "I'd rather walk!"Duncan took a step forward, but Liza's hand on his arm stopped him. Her eyes were wide with fear and something else - a hint of desperation."Duncan, please don't go after him," she pleaded, gripping his arm tightly.Duncan hesitated, torn between his friend and Liza. "But Andrew-""Are you really going to leave me like this?" Liza's voice quivered, cutting him off. "After everything that's happened? Don't you care about me... about us?" She placed a hand on her stomach, emphasizing her point.Duncan's face softened with concern. "Of course I care, Liza. It's just-""Just what?" Liza pressed, her tone sharpening slightly. "Haven't you noticed how Andrew looks at me? The way he talks about me? He doesn't like me, Duncan. He probab
Fated Mate CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN
Duncan was concerned as Lisa paced tensely in her new room and wrung her fists. With wide eyes, she blurted out, "I just don't feel safe here. What if Hailey tries to hurt me or the baby?"Duncan frowned. "Hailey would not do that. She is not that kind of person."Lisa's face darkened. "How can you be so sure? You barely know her! They arranged this marriage for you, remember?Duncan sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I know, but Hailey has been nothing but kind since she arrived. She would not harm an innocent child."Lisa's eyes flashed. "Oh, so now I'm the one being unreasonable? I see how it is.""That is not what I meant," Duncan protested. "I'm just saying-""Just saying what?" Lisa interrupted. "That my feelings do not matter? That I'm imagining things?"Duncan stood up, trying to calm her. "Of course, your feelings matter. I'm here to protect you, aren't I?"Lisa softened slightly, but her voice remained tense. "Are you? Sometimes I wonder if you would choose her over m
Fated Mate CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT
"Pregnancies are different, Luna Grace," Lisa said, her voice trembling slightly. She placed a protective hand over her belly, eyes darting nervously around the table. "I am sure as time goes on, you will sense the baby. If you have doubts or think I am lying, a test could clear things up."Luna Grace's piercing gaze locked onto Lisa. “Nobody said anything about lying unless you have something to tell us?”Duncan frowned. "Mother," he said in a warning tone."Duncan," Luna Grace replied firmly, before turning back to Lisa. "Do you?"Lisa's expression collapsed as her eyes started to well up with tears. Her voice quivered as she surveyed the table. "I do not understand.”“What don’t you understand? It was a simple question.”Lisa's lower lip trembled. "Luna Grace," Lisa began. "What crime have I committed that made you dislike me this much?" She scanned the faces around the table, lingering on each before returning her attention to Luna Grace. Duncan shifted in his chair uneasily, an
Fated Mate CHAPTER TWENTY NINE
Alpha Duncan stood outside Hailey's door, plate in hand. He cautiously knocked, but got no answer. He hesitated for a bit before turning the handle and stepping inside. Leaping from her bed, Hailey quickly dabbed at her eyes. But it was too late - Duncan had already seen her tear-stained face. An awkward silence filled the room.Duncan broke the silence by lifting the plate in his hands. “My mother was worried, so she asked me to bring this over." He held out the plate, offering it to Hailey.After a brief moment of pause, Hailey reached out and collected the plate from him. She said, "Thank you," without looking him in the eyes with her tone hardly louder than a whisper. Placing the plate down, he turned to walk away but halted midway through the room and turned around, "You know I am not a bad person, right?" He asked softly Taken aback by his remark, Hailey glanced up at him. She made a small face, unsure of how to respond.Duncan took a deep breath. "I think you might believe
Fated Mate CHAPTER THIRTY
The sound of Duncan and Hailey's voices filled the air as they approached the palace, giggling and making small talk. Hailey had just threatened to smear chocolate on Duncan in jest after he had made fun of her for getting it on her blouse. "Do you know you are awfully bad at eating chocolate for someone who claims to love it as much as you do?" Duncan said with a laugh.Hailey chuckled, shaking her head. "Oh, really? You should have seen me when I was a kid. I was a chocolate-eating pro. This is just a minor setback."They were so engrossed in their light-hearted talk that it took them a couple more steps to see Lisa waiting for them outside the palace. Her expression was irritated, and her arms were folded across her chest.They immediately stopped laughing at the sight of her. Ignoring the tension in the air, Duncan smiled and moved forward to greet her with a sweet tone "Hey, Baby," he extended his arm to embrace her. But her eyes blazed with wrath as she shoved him hastily away.
Fated Mate CHAPTER THIRTY ONE
Lisa had an idea, and a cunning smile appeared on her face. She moved around the room mentally going through her strategy. "This will work," she said to herself in a whisper. "I will make sure of it."Afterwards, she crept into Duncan's room. Her gaze landed on the elaborate timepiece resting on his nightstand - a familial treasure bestowed to him by his father. Perfect. She collected it and walked discreetly to Hailey's room, arranging everything in its proper place and concealing the watch in a drawer.Lisa was unaware that Hailey's favourite maid, Lila, was on her way to clean Hailey's room. As she approached, she saw Lisa sneaking in. Puzzled and suspicious, Lila quickly hid behind a corner, watching as Lisa entered the room."What is she doing?" Lila whispered to herself, her brow furrowed with concern.After a few minutes, Lisa emerged and hurried away looking nervously over her shoulders. Lila waited until she was out of sight before entering Hailey's room herself. She began he
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Fated Mate CHAPTER FORTY
A week had passed since Hailey woke up. Feeling stronger and restless from constant bed rest“I think I will go down for breakfast today," Hailey murmured to herself, swinging her legs over the side of the bed. She dressed quickly, eager to rejoin the world beyond her bedroom walls., As Hailey descended the grand staircase, she heard voices that made her pause. "Duncan, we need to discuss this trip," Lisa's voice carried a note of frustration."Lisa, I have told you, now is not the time," Alpha Duncan replied, his tone conveying exhaustion.Hailey's heart sank. She did not want to interrupt or cause more tension. She had been avoiding them since the incident. Just as she was about to turn back, Alpha Duncan looked up and spotted her."Hailey," he said, surprise evident in his voice. "Please, join us for breakfast."Hailey hesitated, deliberately avoiding eye contact. "I...I think I would rather have my breakfast in my room," she said. "Thank you for the offer, Alpha." The formality
Fated Mate CHAPTER THIRTY NINE
The palace halls fell quiet as the head healer emerged from the treatment room. Her face was tired but relieved as she approached Luna Grace, who had been waiting anxiously outside."How is she?" With a barely audible voice, Luna Grace posed the question. "We have done all we can for now," the healer murmured, wiping her brow. The critical part is over. Lady Hailey is stable, but she is still unconscious. We can move her to her room now."Luna Grace let out a breath she did not know she had been holding. "Thanks to the Moon Goddess. When do you think she will wake up?""It is hard to say," the healer replied. "Ghoul attacks are tricky. Her body needs time to fight off the dark magic. But she is young and strong. I have hope she will pull through."As they spoke, a group of attendants carefully moved Hailey to her chambers. Lila followed close behind, her eyes never leaving Hailey's pale face.Days passed, and Hailey remained unconscious. The pack was on edge, patrols doubled, and Alp
Fated Mate CHAPTER THIRTY EIGHT
The palace gates burst open as Lila ran ahead, shouting frantically. "Help! Please, someone help us!"The guards at the entrance immediately tensed, their hands instinctively going to their weapons. One called out, "What is the matter?""It is Lady Hailey!" Lila cried, gesturing behind her. "She is hurt! We need the healers!"The stranger followed close behind, carefully carrying an unconscious Hailey in his arms. As soon as they entered the palace, chaos erupted.Guards rushed forward, weapons drawn. "Halt!" one shouted, before recognizing Lila. His eyes widened at the sight of Hailey. "What happened?"Servants gathering in the courtyard began to whisper among themselves."Is that Lady Hailey?""She looks so pale!""What could have done this?""Get the medical team, now!" Lila screamed, her voice cracking with desperation.A young servant boy nodded quickly. "Right away!" He dashed off towards the medical wing.Within moments, a group of healers swarmed around them. The head healer,
Fated Mate CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN
Hailey was buried in concentration and was hardly aware of the gentle knock on her door as she peered out the window. Silently, Lila walked in with a tray of food."Good morning, my lady," Lila said gently. "I have brought your breakfast."Hailey turned, offering a weak smile. "Thank you, Lila. You can just leave it on the table."Lila set down the tray and hesitated. "It has s been two weeks now, my lady. Do you not believe it's time to go outside for a little while? This time of year is when the gardens are most beautiful."Hailey's shoulders tensed. "I can not, Lila. The thought of facing everyone...their stares, their whispers. It is too much."Lila approached Hailey. “I understand, but staying cooped up is not good for you. You are starting to look pale as a ghost."A faint smile flickered across Hailey's face. "Maybe that is fitting. I feel like I am fading away in here."Lila knelt beside her, concern etched on her features. "What do you mean?"Hailey's voice quivered as she sp
Fated Mate CHAPTER THIRTY SIX
Luna Grace hurried down the damp stone steps leading to the dungeon, her heart racing. As soon as she reached Hailey's cell, Hailey rushed forward, gripping the bars."Luna Grace!" Hailey cried, tears streaming down her face. "I did not do it, " Hailey choked out between sobs. "Lisa did it. When I caught her, she turned it all around on me. You have to believe me!"Luna Grace felt her heartache at the sight of Hailey’s desperation. Her own eyes brimmed with tears, but she quickly blinked them away, her voice steady as she reached through the cold iron bars to clasp Hailey’s trembling hands.“I believe you, sweetheart,” Luna Grace said softly but firmly. “We are getting you out of here right now.”At her command, the guard stepped forward, unlocking the cell door with a low creak. The moment the door swung open, Hailey flung herself into Luna Grace’s arms, her sobs coming in waves, her body shaking with the weight of her fear and despair“It is all over now,” Luna Grace whispered, stro
Fated Mate CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE
Luna Grace walked into the dining room, a small gift in her hand. She saw Alpha Duncan and Lisa at the table, but Hailey was nowhere to be seen. "Welcome back, Luna Grace," Duncan said, his voice strained. "How was your trip?"Luna Grace sat down across from them, her eyes narrowing as she placed the gift on the table. “It was...enlightening," she replied cautiously. She scanned the room again before asking. “Where is Hailey? I brought her something."Duncan's jaw clenched. "She is...indisposed."Luna Grace’s concern deepened. “Indisposed? That does not sound like Hailey especially when she knew I was coming back. I will go check on her.”As she moved to stand, Duncan's cold voice froze her in place. "She is...better off where she is."Luna Grace slowly sank back into her seat, eyes now sharp with suspicion. "What do you mean, where she is'? Duncan, what is going on?""Oh, Luna Grace, it is awful. Hailey...she tried to—""I did not address you, Lisa," Luna Grace cut her off icily. "Y
Fated Mate CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR
Hailey wandered the palace, feeling bored. Luna Grace was away, and Lila was busy with her chores. With nothing to do, Hailey found herself in front of Duncan's study. She had never really looked around."Perhaps I will find something intriguing to read," Hailey thought, pushing the door open. She strolled towards the book racks and ran her fingertips across the covers of each book. She glanced at an ancient, well-worn book. She pulled it out and smiled. It was about plants and herbs.Hailey sat in a chair and started reading. She was so absorbed that she didn't hear Duncan come in."Hailey?" Duncan's deep voice startled her. "I did not expect to see you here."Hailey jumped up. "Oh! Alpha Duncan, I am sorry. I was just..."Duncan waved his hand. "It is fine. What are you reading?"He moved closer, looking at the book. Hailey showed him the cover."Herbs and plants?" Duncan raised an eyebrow. "I did not know you were interested in gardening."Hailey grinned. "Oh yes, I am practically
Fated Mate CHAPTER THIRTY THREE
Positioned on the bed with her legs crossed, Hailey looked through her phone. She was too busy going through her social media account that she barely noticed the soft knock on her door. She said, mindlessly, "Come in," her eyes still fixed on her phone. The door cracked open to expose Lisa's head. "Hey there," she smiled kindly. "I hope I am not disrupting anything important?"Hailey looked up, surprised to see Lisa. "Oh, no, not at all. Just killing time, really."Lisa stepped into the room with two steaming mugs. "A cup of coffee for you and tea for me." The flavourful scent filled the air, instantly causing Hailey's mouth to water. "It is a bit chilly today, I was craving coffee but could not get one because of the caffeine so I made myself some tea," Lisa explained, her voice gentle and friendly. "Then I thought, 'Why not brew coffee for Hailey?' I hope that is okay?"Hailey's eyes lit up at the sight of the freshly brewed coffee. "Oh wow, Lisa. That is so thoughtful of you! Ho
Fated Mate CHAPTER THIRTY TWO
Lisa paced in her room, anger bubbling inside her. Her plan with the watch had failed miserably, but she was not someone who gave up easily. No, Lisa was a strategist at heart. There was always another approach, another move to make. A thought hit her like a lightning bolt. "I need to build her in trust me," Lisa said quietly to herself, her lips curving into a cunning smirk. “This time, I will play the long game."It was time to shift her tactics. Hailey was kind, almost too kind. Lisa knew she could use that softness against her. She would get close, play the role of the wounded, misunderstood woman, and before long, Hailey would be under her control.Later that day, Lisa spotted Hailey in the garden again. Pretending to have just gone outside for a breath of fresh air, she snuck out of the house. She walked slowly at first, ensuring Hailey did not notice her right away. When the timing felt right, Lisa quickened her pace and, just as she neared Hailey, she faked a stumble.“Oh!”
