*Grayson*
I patiently stood behind my desk, my eyes fixed on the door as I waited for Ria to arrive. The weight of our impending conversation settled heavily in my chest. She was not going to like what I had to say to her, that’s for sure. Sadly, she was just going to have to come to terms with it. I had requested for her to meet with me in my study. I didn’t think I wanted her presence in my room any longer and it was easier to have the conversation in the study anyways. It would make the discussion more formal.
The door opened, and Ria walked in, her expression curious. I saw the wariness in her expression as she approached me. Her eyes scanned the room, searching for clues. “Grayson, what’s this about?” she asked calmly. Her voice shook a little, betraying a hint of unease. I’d made my message cryptic so she would want to see me as quickly as possible. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the conversation. “Ria, I wanted to speak with you before the council meeting,” I began, choosing my words carefully.
Her expression immediately shuttered. There could only be one topic I would need to bring up with her first, before bringing it up with the rest of the council. Her arms crossed defensively over her chest. She eyed me anxiously, worrying her lip between her teeth. “Does this have something to do with us being mates?” She asked, gesturing between us. I nodded. Her shoulders deflated and she quickly uncrossed her arms, her confusion mounting. “Is something wrong?”
“Ria, I can’t mate with you anymore.” I informed bluntly. Her eyes widened, her mouth falling open in shock. She took a step closer until she was almost touching the table. She shook her head slowly from side to side, her dimples flashing as she laughed awkwardly. I knew Ria well enough to know what each reaction meant. She couldn’t believe it. Her mind was currently upside down in disbelief. “I can’t mate with you anymore, Ria. I’m truly sorry.” I hoped it would sink in.
She fluttered her eyelashes at me, looking extremely hurt. “W-w-why not? You’re the one who had sent for me after turning me down,” She reminded, using a finger to quickly push her hair away from her face. “I hadn’t forced you, Grayson. And now you’re going back on your word?” The last part had been a cheap jab. She knew how much I prided myself on keeping to my words. This wasn’t anything like that. Even the moon goddess herself could ask me to mate with Ria right now, and I wouldn’t do it. She sniffed, holding back tears. “I want to know why.”
I rounded the table, staring at her. “And you would,” I replied. I glanced down at my wrist to stare at my watch. “In about ten minutes.” I finished, meeting her gaze again. She searched my face for any signs that I was joking, slapping a hand over her mouth when she realized how serious I was. A part of me felt bad that I was hurting my friend this way. She had said she was in love with me and I knew this was going to be hard for her. But the other part of me, the part who wanted a chance to be with his fated mate was more than relieved.
Ryan and Trevor had been right.
I’d taken the time to think about what I wanted, and what I wanted was Keera. I would be completely miserable if I settled with someone else. We silently headed to the second conference room where the meeting would be held. Ginny was the first to notice how flushed her face were. Her eyes met mine as she hurried to her side to ask what the matter was. Everyone gathered around the table, taking their seats. I winced when a tear rolled down Ria’s cheek. I hadn’t intended to hurt her.
But I couldn’t mate with her. She had to come to terms with that.
I had even hoped she might be a little relieved. She’d been making a huge sacrifice by giving up the chance to be with her fated mate, and now she no longer had to. It appeared it didn’t matter to her as much as I thought it did. “I have an announcement to make.” I said firmly. Conversation died around the room as I gained everyone’s attention. “I would no longer be mating with Ria.” Everyone looked surprised at my words, their eyebrows raising, everyone except Ryan and Nyx.
They actually looked… relieved.
Ryan, I could understand, but Nyx? She wasn’t aware Keera was my mate. The fact that she wanted us to be together simply because Keera made me happy, melted my heart. “You had told us Ria and you would perform the mating ceremony together and that you would take her in as your mate. What changed?” Elena asked. I didn’t think I was imagining the accusatory tone in her voice. I had known they would have questions. I didn’t make it a habit of going back on my words. But this was different and they had to understand that one way or the other.
I released a deep breath, meeting their curious gazes. “I’ve found my fated mate.” I admitted. Their faces went slack with shock. I slanted a look at Ryan, holding my laugh in when he pumped his fists in the air. The room went silent for a few seconds and then congratulations erupted. I breathed a little easier, relieved I’d finally let go of the secret I’d been keeping for so long. I knew they would have questions when they realized it was Keera I was talking about, but I was going to cross that bridge when I got there.
“You sly!” Ginny scolded playfully, bumping my shoulder with hers. She pulled me in for a tight hug. “I can’t believe you didn’t let me know first,” She whined. I laughed, pulling at her cheeks. She slapped my hands away but there was no heat in her actions. Her lips were pulled back in a wide smile. “Who is it?” Everyone stilled at her words, holding their breath as they waited for my reply. They all had identical looks of curiosity, but Ria’s eyes also held a mix of fear.
“I’m going to let you guys know whenever we finish with the case. Right now, that’s more important.” I grinned back at Ryan when everyone began whining and talking about how I always took the fun out of everything. “Can’t have you all hounding my mate now, can I?” Dear goddess, it felt so good to say that out loud. I had found my mate. The one who the goddess had destined for me to be with. She might be human, but she was still mine. Ginny pushed at my chest again, but she was still smiling widely.
“I’m happy for you Grayson,” She said, hugging me tightly one last time. I kissed the top of her head, knowing she had only ever wanted for me to be happy, in her own little way. She moved back, giving the others room to congratulate me. Ryan clapped me on the back, Jax and Ralph nodding in approval. me on the back and Trevor nodding in approval. “About time you found happiness,” Ryan said, his smile genuine, a knowing look in his eyes. Jax and Ralph echoed his sentiments. “You deserve it, Grayson. You’ve been carrying the weight of this pack for too long on your own.”
Conall walked over, giving me a handshake and clapping my back. “I’m happy for you, Grayson. Everyone deserves a chance to experience true happiness with their fated one,” He put his hands in his pockets, giving me a small smile. “And you’re no exception.” The ladies said their congratulations last. Even Ria managed a weak smile, though her eyes still held a hint of disappointment. She took a deep breath and stepped forward. “I’m happy for you, Grayson,” she said, her voice calm and a little shaky. “You deserve to find your true mate.”
I couldn’t help pulling her into a hug. “I’m sorry it has to be like this Ria,” I whispered against her hair. “Maybe you’ll find your fated one too.” Ginny’s excitement was infectious, spreading throughout the room like wildfire. Her eyes sparkled as she grasped my arm. She went on and on about how the pack would finally get to have a Luna, and how she couldn’t wait to plan the mating ceremony. As the congratulations continued, I scanned the room, taking in the reactions. Some were genuinely happy for me, while others wore masks of curiosity or concern.
Whatever happened, I was going to deal with it.
The meeting drew to a close and everyone dispersed. Trevor was flinging his duffel bag over his shoulder when I walked down the stairs hours later after waking up from my nap. As Trevor prepared to leave, the team gathered around him, exchanging well-wishes and words of encouragement. The atmosphere was thick with camaraderie, and I watched, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside me. Keera stepped into Trevor’s arms for a hug but I didn’t feel the slightest bit jealous as I watched them. There was no need for me to.
We both already knew Keera was mine.
Joe shook hands with Trevor, patting his shoulder. “Stay safe, man.” Kathleen hugged him tightly, letting out a little laugh. “We’ll be back home soon enough.” She said lightly. Her words caused a small ache to settle in my chest. It was true that they were close to cracking the case. I couldn’t help but wonder what would become of Keera and me afterwards. I still hadn’t gotten the chance to let her know I’d made it clear to the council that I wasn’t mating with Ria.
With a final round of goodbyes, Trevor left the house. A few pack warriors were already waiting to escort him to the woods. Minutes later, I stood outside Keera’s door, my heart pounding in anticipation. I took a deep breath, mentally preparing myself for the conversation ahead. I knocked softly. “Come in.” Keera called. I stepped into the room, finding her seated on the bed. I knew she hadn’t been expecting me from the way her eyebrows jumped.
“Grayson,” She breathed, standing to her feet. Her gaze immediately darted to the door. I hated the unfairness of the situation. I hated the fact that we were being forced to keep our relationship a secret. We were doing nothing wrong, damnit. This was the woman I was supposed to end up with. I hated that she always had to be wary whenever we were together. “Grayson, is there a reason you’re here?” She asked worriedly. I knew why she was concerned.
It was still daytime and I knew she could sense I was beginning to care less who found out about us. “I told the council I wasn’t going to mate with Ria.” She gasped, slapping her hand against her mouth. I saw the question in her eyes, and shook my head. “No, Keera. I didn’t tell them about us.” I fisted my hands, containing the urge to let her know I had been incredibly tempted. My brazenness would only scare her into avoiding me.
“I wonder… I wonder what they would be thinking.” She whispered, staring into space. I hated that I couldn’t alleviate her worries. I still couldn’t let her know she was my fated mate. I had to wait for the right time, when the truth about our destinies wouldn’t spook her. She met my gaze, releasing a shaky exhale. “Grayson… please tell me you actually know what you’re doing.” She whispered worriedly. I closed the distance between us, pulling her by her waist and brushing my lips against hers.
She sighed, running her hands through my hair as she returned my kiss.
“Trust me, Keera.” I begged, staring deeply into her eyes. “Please.”