BLACK MATE

Chapter 12

Love is the only sane and satisfactory answer to the problem of human existence.

- Erich Fromm

Luca had watched his sons grow up, alongside their sister, whom they were fiercely protective of. The last three years had been marked by judgment, agony, and constant discord. Despite his efforts to find Marcel a second chance mate, none had been granted. Marcel had shown disinterest in the women his father introduced to him, often warning them to stay away.

Upon receiving a call from Alex about Marcel's growing fondness for a human, Luca decided it was time to address the situation. He was concerned about Marcel's choices and actions and sought to repent for his past missteps. Enlisting the help of his third and fourth in command, Luca prepared to have the overdue conversation with his son.

"I heard you've taken a liking towards a human, is that true?" Luca asked his son, staring at him intently.

"I don't believe that's the focus of our discussion," Marcel replied without lifting his gaze, engrossed in peeling the spring onions before him.

Luca glanced at the others in the room, giving them a slight shrug. "But that's part of why we're here," he explained.

"We also hope for your forgiveness towards your brother and friends for their past mistakes. They regret their actions and words, and we long to see you return to your former self. Son, the past cannot be altered, but we can aim to make amends while we still have the chance," Raynor, the former Gemma of the pack, added matter-of-factly.

Marcel chuckled darkly, "Forgive them? They wouldn't hesitate to harm her if she were still here, insulting her without remorse. Why should I forgive them? Would she forgive me? Would she be proud of me for pardoning those who led to her demise? I doubt it." His skepticism echoed throughout the room, leaving a heavy tension in the air.

"Forgiveness doesn't mean forgetting the past; it signifies our strength amidst turmoil. It demonstrates our resilience and hope for a brighter future. It indicates that we cherish our scars but abhor their origins—an acknowledgment that we deserve better. It implies that the person she knew continues to evolve for the better each day. Do you not agree, Marcel?" a voice resonated from the kitchen entrance. It was Excel.

Marcel's parents and companions watched in disbelief as Excel strode into the kitchen, perching herself on the island where he once sat with his late mate. "Releasing your grievances brings relief," she continued, meeting Marcel's gaze with unwavering conviction. "Although I don't know your past, I implore you to grant yourself peace. Life is fleeting, and dwelling on the past only deprives you of the present. Time waits for no one."

Feeling the weight of her words, Marcel felt a sense of liberation as he declared, "I forgive you all, but I need time to collect my thoughts." The room exhaled in a shared relief, perplexed by how Excel's words had moved him to offer forgiveness for their transgressions.

After an exchange of gratitude, everyone exited the kitchen, leaving Marcel and Excel alone. Excel sat across from Marcel, observing him as he chopped vegetables for the meal. As he finished cooking, he served the meal before her. "Go ahead," he offered.

Excel nodded appreciatively, taking a bite of the salad pasta. She couldn't contain her delight as the flavors danced on her palate. Holding a fork of pasta to his lips, she encouraged, "Take a bite too."

Compelled by her invitation, Marcel sampled the dish, his senses overwhelmed by her aroma mixed with the meal. His eyes darkened, fists tightening at the sensation. Unaware of his inner turmoil, Excel continued to feed him, her demeanor oblivious to his internal struggle. "Mine," Marcel's wolf growled faintly in his mind.