Of prejudice and pack ( Bound by fate 2)

Chapter 9: Ties That Bind"

Eric approached, his posture relaxed but his eyes searching her face for any sign of discomfort. "Ready?" he asked, a hint of hesitation in his voice.

Elena nodded. "Let's get to it."
As they ventured deeper into the territory, members of the pack went about their business, watching the unfamiliar face with a mix of curiosity and caution.

As they approached one of the larger cabins, a striking woman with sharp features and piercing eyes stepped out. The resemblance between her and Eric was uncanny.

"Elena, meet my sister, Bethany." Eric introduced.

Bethany gave a curt nod, her gaze cold and assessing. "Eric has told me about you. The human officer."

Elena offered a tight smile, sensing the underlying disdain. "Pleasure to meet you."

Bethanys eyes swept over Elena, her expression unreadable. "We'll see."

Before the tension could escalate, a boisterous laugh echoed through the air, drawing their attention. A tall, muscular man with a mane of golden wild hair approached them, his stride confident and his grin infectious.

"Ah, the famous Officer Elena!" he exclaimed, enthusiastically. "I'm Storm. Eric's told me a lot about you."

Elena couldn't help but smile. "All good things, I hope."

Storm winked. "Mostly."

Bethany started to prepair some food for everyone Elena offered her help but Bethany wasn't too interested. Storm made up for Bethany's iciness.

Elena started to feel more comfortable as Storm told her stories about Eric when a newcomers came. Elena looked on as Eric was unable to tear his gaze away from the ethereal beauty before him.

"Eric," she greeted, her voice lilting and musical, seemingly unaware of the impact her presence had on him.

Beside her, an imposing man with sharp features and a powerful build watched their exchange. His gaze was fixed on Elena, evaluating yet not overly intrusive. His arm was draped casually over the women's shoulders, marking his territory without being overly assertive.

"Lauren," Eric responded, his voice softer than Elena had ever heard. "It's been too long."

"An entire month," the man next to her says "woww, the ordeal." Dripping with sarcasm. momentarily shifting to Elena, who felt oddly out of place in this sudden reunion. "And who might this be?" Lauren asked.

"Elena," Eric introduced with a hint of pride, "my colleague."

Lauren extended a slender hand, her fingers delicate but her grip firm. "A pleasure. This is Thunder." she motioned to the man beside her, who nodded in acknowledgment.

Elena tried to engage in the conversation, but she couldn't help but notice how Eric's gaze often lingered on Lauren. It wasn't overt, and Lauren seemed completely oblivious to it, wrapped up in her world with Thunder.

Elena watched their interaction, feeling a pang of something she couldn't quite identify. The connection between Lauren and Thunder was palpable, and the way Lauren seemed so engrossed in her world, unaware of Eric's lingering glances, made Elena's heart clench.

On the way home Elena took a deep breath, her voice softening. Knowing she was bringing up somthing that he might not want to talk about. "Eric, when I met Lauren I felt this strange pull towards her. It's disconcerting, and I can't explain it."

Eric looked at Elena, searching her eyes for answers. "A pull?"

She nodded. "Yes, like a magnet. It's unsettling."

They drove in silence, the weight of unsaid words and unexplained feelings filling the space between them.

Not being able to help it she asked " why would I feel that way."

" she's an empath, usually people who struggle with unresolved feeling feel a pull towards her. It's the internal self looking for help. Usually that only happens with pack members. It means you recognise each other as pack to some degree."

She sat in silence, not sure what to say or do.

Eric glanced over at her, sensing her turmoil. "It's not something you need to understand immediately. There are many layers to our world that humans aren't typically privy to. The bond between pack members, the draw of an empath, they're all nuanced experiences."

Elena looked over, her brows furrowed in thought. "I'm not sure I'm ready to delve into all of that, but I can't help but wonder about your connection with Lauren. Why does it feel like there's something more between you two?"

He let out a deep breath, his fingers tapping the steering wheel nervously. "Lauren and I....We grew up together, and for a time... I was hoping.... But she was made for Thunder. That's her mate, and in our world, that bond is sacred."

She took in the information, mulling it over. "But you still have feelings for her?"

Eric hesitated for a moment before nodding. "But I've realised those feeling are just mis placed respect. I love her as pack, as family," he looked at her trying to convey something, "Elena," he rubbed his face and let out a curse.

Elena's heart ached for him, seeing the raw emotion in his eyes. "Eric, I'm not here to judge or make things more complicated. I'm just trying to understand this new world and my place in it."

He glanced over at her, a soft smile playing on his lips. "Your place is wherever you feel most yourself, Elena. And whatever happens, know that I've got your back."

She gave him a grateful smile. "And I've got yours."

Their bond, though different from the rest of the pack, was still powerful in its own right. It was a bond forged out of trust, understanding, and mutual respect. And as they drove through the night, Elena felt comforted by the thought that, no matter how confusing this new world was, she wasn't alone.