Chapter 17- Veiled Intrigues

Book:Once My Mate, Always My Mate Published:2024-12-11

In the world of werewolves, somewhere hidden from oblivious humans and hunters, an ominous tension hung heavy in the air as the inevitable need to shed blood loomed on the horizon.
Cj, the grieving werewolf king, grappled with the haunting absence of his mate, Arianna, while wrestling with the responsibility of preserving his rule. Even though he didn’t want to admit it, the death of his mate haunted him tirelessly and it was weakening him.
Also, unbeknownst to him, enemies lurked in the shadows, plotting to seize the throne that bore the weight of his sorrow.
High above, in the heavenly realm, Sabrina, watched the unfolding events with a heavy heart. Her divine advisers, ever dutiful and wise, reminded her of the celestial laws that forbade interference in earthly affairs. They cautioned against intervening, for the consequences of such actions remained shrouded in uncertainty.
“I cannot stand idly by and watch my brother march towards his demise!” Sabrina’s voice echoed through the chamber, her frustration burning within her as she confronted her advisers, who sternly reminded her of the prohibition against meddling in earthly affairs.
“We cannot predict the consequences if you were to save him or prevent the war,” one adviser cautioned, delivering an unwelcome truth.
“I implore you to find a loophole, any possibility to prevent this fate. Werewolves may heal swiftly, but I cannot live with the thought of losing my brother,” Sabrina pleaded, her words weighed with desperation.
From her ethereal vantage point, Sabrina observed the clandestine meetings and whispered conspiracies taking place among her brother’s adversaries. Their sinister intent echoed through the corridors of the realm, carrying the faint scent of betrayal. She strained to hear their plans, her every fiber yearning to protect her kin and maintain the delicate balance of power.
Just as hope began to dwindle, Aiden, Sabrina’s mate, strode into the room with an air of confidence. “Forgive me for eavesdropping, but my understanding of heavenly laws surpasses even yours, my love. May I be of assistance?”
Sabrina’s eyes met Aiden’s, uncertainty mingling with a flicker of curiosity. “How could you possibly help me? Death looms over my brother, and Xander will soon face his fate. No amount of fighting will save them if I do not intervene.”
Aiden’s gaze held unwavering determination as he responded, “You have a sister who straddles the boundaries of both worlds, a connection that allows for intervention without grave consequences, unlike your own.”
A realization dawned upon Sabrina, her eyes widening with newfound understanding.
Aiden was right.
Josey, her sister, possessed the ability to unsettle the tides of fate and halt the impending war. She could hold the key to saving Cj and Xander simultaneously, but would she arrive in time?
“I comprehend your concerns, my serene highness,” An adviser continued, “though such a loophole may present a viable plan, we must consider that this war is fated to occur. Preventing it could unleash even greater chaos, unfathomable consequences not foreseen in the ancient texts.”
Sabrina’s determination surged, fueled by a flicker of hope that seemed to bloom with each passing second. “Bring Josey to me. We must plan together… We may be unable to halt the war, but perhaps she can avert the tragic deaths of those dear to me.”
Yet, the celestial council’s wisdom resounded in her mind. To intercede was to invite chaos, to disrupt the intricate web woven by fate itself. Sabrina’s heart wavered in the face of this moral dilemma, torn between her duty as a moon goddess and her love for her brother.
As the moon waxed and waned in its celestial dance, the hour of reckoning drew near. The forces seeking to overthrow Cj sharpened their claws, their dark intentions veiled beneath masks of false loyalty. They devised a treacherous plot to strike at the heart of the werewolf kingdom, where grief and vulnerability threatened to consume the once unyielding king.
With renewed purpose, Sabrina’s heart embraced the possibility of salvation, as she sought solace in the bond she shared with her sister. United, they would face the impending storm, armed with the knowledge that even a small glimmer of hope could illuminate the darkest of paths.
Sabrina’s impatience grew as she waited for Josey to make her appearance. Time flowed differently in the heavenly realms, and Sabrina couldn’t shake the urgency that pressed upon her.
Regardless of the time difference, Sabrina knew she had to plan with Josey to ensure they understood the stakes at hand.
Aiden’s question regarding Sabrina’s “baby daddy” struck her like a bolt of lightning. She stared at him, disbelief etched on her face. This man, her mate, needed a lesson in sensitivity and understanding.
“Why would I involve the father of my child? Drastos needs him, and no, I am not okay with losing my child’s other parent,” Sabrina responded firmly, her gaze piercing.
Aiden, seemingly unfazed by her reaction, continued, “I don’t mean to insult you, but you can’t control everything. Life has its own path, and despite your immense power and position, it still plays out on its terms. You have to grieve like the rest of us and experience the full range of emotions. Let your child’s father rush to the war to save your brother, so Xander doesn’t have to.”
Sabrina’s eyes, filled with intensity, bore into Aiden’s, their connection fraught with tension. If looks could kill, Aiden would have been six feet under by now.
Before Sabrina could respond, the oldest adviser intervened, sparing her from answering. “Even if he were to do that, I’m afraid our goddess cannot warn any earthly beings about what is to come. They must navigate the trials themselves.”
“I’m certain Josey could use the help. She can’t face this war alone, and her vampire boyfriend is not to be trusted,” Aiden added, provoking a reaction from Sabrina.
Just as tension reached its peak, Josey barged into the room, her vampire companion trailing close behind.
“Aiden, I am disappointed. I had faith in you, but if that’s how you see me, I may need to reconsider my allegiance,” Josey declared, her half-smile masking her internal turmoil as her gaze fell upon the picture on the table.
The image before her eyes provoked a suppressed shriek, which she struggled to contain.
Aiden tried to diffuse the situation. “There’s no need to take offense. Your strength may be unparalleled down there, but up here, you’re still finding your way. Besides, you possess other extraordinary qualities that I deeply admire. Don’t let this moment define our friendship.”
Sabrina seized the opportunity to address Josey directly, her voice filled with urgency. “I need you to save Cj and Xander. A war is imminent, and while I am forbidden to interfere, you have the power to act, or I can intervene if you find yourself in danger. But no one can protect me from the consequences I would face if I dare to meddle.”
Confusion clouded Josey’s expression as she processed the information. “What is happening?” she asked, seeking clarity.
Aiden took it upon himself to narrate, “As you can see, your brother’s kingdom is under attack. Some of the enemies lie within, and before the war’s end, the king will fall.”
Cayden, the vampire, chimed in with an indifferent tone, “What do I gain from saving a pack of dogs?”
Sabrina interjected, her tone determined, “You will have my gratitude. That’s all. In any case, I don’t need you at all. I need my sister to prevent two deaths from occurring. The war must proceed…”
Josey, tears welling in her eyes, interrupted with a declaration of determination, “I will save our family. I promise you, Sabrina. I promise to save them!”