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CHAPTER TWO
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Hailey’s heart skipped a beat, her mind struggling to process her father’s words. Leave with her husband? The thought sent a jolt of confusion and anxiety through her. She had always imagined choosing her mate to be a moment of connection and understanding, not something decided for her by others.
“Dad, I... “I don’t understand,” she said, her hands trembling at her sides. Her dad looked serious, not changing his expression as he told her something that destroyed her hopes quickly. “It’s for our pack’s good, Hailey,” he said firmly. “This marriage will make our bond with the Blood Moon pack stronger and help us succeed for a long time.” Hailey felt like everything had fallen apart. Her special ceremony, which used to make her excited, now felt like punishment. She felt really sad, realizing that her dreams for the future were gone because of her duty. Looking at the moonlit forest around her home, the familiar trees felt strange. Their shadows seemed to tell her ancient secrets and warn her about a path she had to take now. Turning back to her dad, her voice shook with both defiance and sadness. “But Father, what about what I want? What about love? What if he isn't my mate?” Her words hung in the night air, a fragile plea. Her father’s gaze hardened for a moment, a flicker of greed passing through his eyes before he schooled his features once more. “I understand your feelings, Hailey. But our pack’s survival depends on this alliance. Love will come eventually,” he said, his voice tinged with a sadness that mirrored her own. Hailey felt anger surged within her, a fire that threatened to consume her very essence. Love would come in time? How could he be so dismissive of her own desires, her heart’s yearnings? She turned away from him, “Father please don’t do this, I don’t even know this person” Hailey begged with tears in her eyes “Well he would be at the ceremony so brace yourself for what is to come, Hailey,” her father replied frivolously. Hailey knew her father too well, there was no way he would agree to this if it wasn’t beneficial to him, she didn’t believe he was doing this for the sake of the pack. She couldn’t shake the feeling that this alliance, this forced union, held darker secrets beneath its surface. “Is Mom aware of this? Hailey asked sadly “Well she will find out soon, I am the king and my decision is final” He raised his voice as he was on the verge of losing his cool. “I hear your words, Father, and I understand our pack’s need for this alliance, I will go pack my things” She replied. As much as she wanted nothing to do with this arrangement, she wouldn’t dare defile her father’s order because he wouldn’t hesitate to punish her severely Hailey returned to her room, each step weighed down by her father’s expectations. She shut the door behind her, feeling choked by the walls that suddenly felt like they were closing in on her. “Hey girl, are you okay? You look pale” Jane asked with visible on her face “I’m getting married” Jane laughed so hard at Hailey’s declaration. Realizing that Hailey wore a serious expression, she stopped laughing “You are not joking?” “Jane, I wish I could say that I was joking with you, but my father just told me this,” Hailey said in a very low tone as she sat on the bed. Jane could not believe her ears, her reaction was the same as Hailey who could still feel the jolt of shock running through her body. “But...but who are you supposed to marry?” Jane asked, her brow furrowed with concern. Hailey shook her head, the reality of the situation settling heavily upon her shoulders. “I have no idea. I don’t even know his name or what he looks like. All I am aware of is that he holds the position of an Alpha within the Blood Moon pack and that the marriage is meant to solidify an alliance of some kind.” Jane let out a low whistle, her mind clearly racing to make sense of the sudden turn of events. “This is insane, Hailey. How can they just decide your future like this?” Hailey let out a deep breath, feeling the heavy burden of her future weighing on her like a massive rock. Lying on her bed, the room seemed more empty than it had ever been. Her mind was filled with countless questions and fears, racing endlessly. What kind of man is this Alpha from the Blood Moon pack? Would he be kind and understanding? Hailey felt a painful tug in her heart, unsure of what lay ahead. Her hopes for love and companionship were crushed by her father’s harsh commands. “Jane do you know the Alpha of the blood moon pack” Hailey asked hoping to gather some sort of information about her betrothal “No I don’t know him, I’ve only heard stories about him” Jane replied with a hint of intrigue in her voice “What kind of stories?” Hailey’s curiosity was piqued, she wanted an insight into the man she was about to marry. “Well the ladies who have seen him always say that he is the most handsome man they have ever set their eyes on while the men specifically the warriors say that it's impossible to overpower him in battle because he is so tough and merciless” Jane explains all that she has heard regarding the blood moon Alpha. “I can’t believe this is happening to me” Hailey burst into tears “Hailey please stop crying, ” Jane said calmly trying to pacify her friend “How can I stop when my whole world is crumbling before me, my father is giving me out to strengthen his political alliance and my mother is doing nothing about it” Hailey kept lamenting. “Hailey don’t blame the Queen, you know she is as helpless as we are, You know your father too well, nobody defiles his orders.” Hailey refused to let her father’s plans crush her spirit and dictate the course of her life without a fight. With a steely glint in her eyes, she turned to Jane, her voice laced with newfound resolve. “I won’t go down without a fight, Jane. I may not have a choice in this forced union, but I refuse to be a pawn in my father’s game,” said Hailey, assertion in her voice. “So what do you intend to do?” Jane asked this question with much expectation and enthusiasm to hear Hailey’s answer.Related chapters
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“I don’t know, but I must do something,” Hailey exclaimed, her frustration evident in the furrow of her brows.“Hailey, whatever plan you have, you need to be careful. You know the kind of man your father is,” Jane cautioned, her tone filled with concern.“How about I run away?” Hailey suggested a glimmer of desperation in her eyes.“Hailey! Is that the best you can come up with?” Jane exclaimed, her disbelief evident in her tone.“Come on, what else would you rather have me do?” Hailey countered, her voice tinged with frustration.It is dangerous,” Jane argued, her voice reflecting the worry she felt. “If you’re caught, the penalty could be severe. And even if you do manage to escape, you’re gonna have to live as a fugitive for who knows how long.”Hailey nibbled on her lip and looked worried, her forehead creased with worry. “You’re right,” she said with a sigh accepting his idea. “But at least it is still better than doing nothing at all”Jane put her hand on Hailey’s shoulder tryi
Fated Mate CHAPTER FOUR
The situation weighed heavily on Hailey as she moved to her room almost in a zombie-like demeanor. The moment she walked in, Jane stood up and followed her to the bed where they sat down. Concern visible on her face, “What is it? Why are you like this?” Jane asked, her voice filled with worry.It was apparent that Hailey was still very emotional because as she spoke her voice cracked. “I am getting married and there is nothing I can do about it,” she said in a low tone before she started crying.Jane could only fathom the pain her friend had to go through, and so, embraced her tightly in a sisterly hug. “Oh, Hailey, I’m so sorry,” she whispered soothingly, her own eyes becoming slightly teary. “You know, I really wish there was something I could do to assist.”Hailey waved her off with a bitter laugh, her tears flowing unchecked. “Don’t beat yourself up, Jane. If my own mother couldn’t help, I don’t expect anything from anyone,” she said her eyes filling up with tears of disappointmen
Fated Mate CHAPTER FIVE
"Hailey, wake up! It's the day," Jane exclaimed, shaking Hailey gently to rouse her from sleep."Uhmm," Hailey mumbled groggily, blinking her eyes open."Wake up, sleepyhead! We're getting our wolves today. “I can’t wait”, Jane added more energy to her voice, and she became full of anticipation.This finally made sense to Hailey, and she straightened up immediately from her position on the bed, getting a rush of adrenaline. “Is today…?” she asked, unable to complete the question as the reality of the day's occasion set in."Yes, it's finally happening," Jane confirmed, her excitement mirrored in her bright smile.As the day wore on and anticipation built, Hailey and Jane found themselves eagerly counting down the hours until the shape-shifting ceremony would commence. It was like their real birthday, they were so eagerly waiting for it and the air was full of energy.As the day stationed itself to make way for the night, all were called to gather at the open field for the ceremony. Ma
Fated Mate CHAPTER SIX
The Luna turned to Duncan, her expression resolute. "Our promise to the Silver Spring pack still stands, Duncan. You haven't found your mate yet so I see no reason why Hailey’s inability to shape-shift should be a problem Duncan's eyes widened in desperation. "Luna, please, listen to me. There has to be another way. We don't have to go through with this."But Luna shook her head and walked away, her long cloak trailing behind her. Duncan's heart pounded in his chest as he ran after her, his voice pleading. "Luna, you know this isn't right! Just give me more time. I'll find my mate, I promise!"Luna paused, her back still turned to him. “Time is a luxury we don’t have, Duncan.”Meanwhile, back at the palace, the guard sent to find Hailey returned, his shoulders slumped in defeat. He stood before the Alpha, his head bowed. “I’m sorry, Alpha. I couldn’t find her.”The Alpha’s eyes flashed with anger. “Incompetence! How could you fail such a simple task?”“I a-apolo-gize for my incompete
Fated Mate CHAPTER SEVEN
The morning sunlight is filtering through the crack of Hailey’s window. It looked like getting up from her bed was a difficult task but she had to force herself up. She could not liberate herself from thinking about what occurred the previous night.Today was the ball and she felt an increasing feeling of unrest within her. A soft knock on the door brought her back to her reality.“Hailey, are you awake?” Jane’s familiar voice called out.“Yes, come in,” Hailey replied, her voice still groggy. Jane entered with a bright smile on her face. “Good morning! Ready to get all dolled up for the ball?” Hailey tried to mimic Jane’s energetic tone, “Yes Jane, I am as ready as I can be.”A team of servants quickly entered the room wheeling trolleys filled with hair styling tools, make-up palettes, and accessories.One of the servants, a kind woman named Elise, carefully brushed out Hailey’s hair. “You have such beautiful hair, Miss Hailey. We’ll make sure you look stunning tonight.” Hailey o
Fated Mate CHAPTER EIGHT
Hailey looked down, her shoulders slumping slightly. Her eyes were clouded with regret. “I’m sorry Duncan, I can’t.”Duncan’s jaw stiffened, his eyes squinting with a mixture of irritation and hurt. “You can’t or you won’t?”Hailey’s voice trembled as she met his gaze, her expression hurt. “I can’t. I am obligated to put the interest of my pack first. I’m sorry.”Duncan threw his hands up in exasperation, his voice rising. “Excuses—that’s all I can hear.”Hailey’s eyes flashed with a brief spark of defiance before she composed herself, her voice steady but sad. “Excuses? As an Alpha, one would think you should know how obligations work. And if you are eager to get out of this so much, why don’t you end it?” Still getting no reply, she spun on her heels and stomped off.On getting close to the drink section, Jane pops up, a flute of champagne at hand and a smirk on her face.“You and Duncan looked spectacular on that dance floor.” Jane teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I saw y
Fated Mate CHAPTER NINE
From across the room, Hailey saw Jane running out of the hall, her face a mix of shock and confusion. Concerned, Hailey quickly excused herself from the dance floor and went after her, calling out her name. "Jane! Jane, wait!"She ran after her, panting when she finally caught up with her. ”Jane, what is wrong? ” She asked with a look of worry painted on her face.Jane looked at her, blinking slightly, as if she was in a daze. She murmured, "I think I just met my mate," her voice shaking slightly.Hailey’s facial expression transitioned from being shocked to being happy."That’s amazing, Jane! I’m so happy for you!" But noticing Jane's lack of excitement, she frowned. "You don’t seem excited. What’s wrong?”Jane frowned and threw her head back, nervously ruffling through her hair. "I don’t know, Hailey. Maybe it’s because it happened so unexpectedly.” Hailey nodded slowly, trying to understand. "Who is he? Do you know him?” Jane let out a breath and slipped down the wall. “I do not
Fated Mate CHAPTER TEN
As the ball finally came to an end, the guests gradually dispersed, leaving the grand hall empty and quiet. In their quarters, Duncan decided it was time to confront his mother about the sudden marriage ceremony being imposed on him. “Mother,” Duncan began, his voice tense, “we need to talk about this marriage.”Lady Grace sighed, looking weary. “Duncan, it’s for the best. I mean just imagine it as removing a bandage. It is better to do it fast.”Duncan was angered, and this was evidenced by his clenched fists. I really did not plan to get married soon. I’m still having a hard time with the concept of a forced or unwanted betrothal. Now I have to marry her immediately?”Lady Grace’s expression softened, but she remained firm. “I understand it’s difficult, Duncan. But this alliance is crucial and waiting is of no use.”Duncan shook his head, his eyes narrowing in exasperation. “I need more time to process this. It’s all happening too fast.”Lady Grace rubbed her temples, clearly exhau
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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
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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
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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!”
