Unmated and Unloved

Veiled Emotions

Dalia trailed a good distance behind Xavier as they continued their journey toward his pack. It had been approximately a week since they discovered they were mates, and the situation was far from ideal. Throughout their time together, they had argued incessantly, with most disagreements circling back to what Dalia was keeping from Xavier.

Xavier slowed his pace as they neared his pack's territory and eventually came to a complete stop. He looked back at Dalia and said, Hurry up; I've been away from my pack for too long, and they need me... and you. His words carried an undertone of frustration as he muttered to himself, grappling with the unexpected situation. They continued toward the pack, with Xavier occasionally glancing back whenever he sensed Dalia slowing down, waiting patiently for her to catch up. Much of the journey was shrouded in silence, except for the occasional comment about her secret or their newly discovered mate bond that he directed at her.

Why don't you leave me alone and keep your snide remarks to yourself! Dalia growled and snapped at him, her eyes fixed in a stern gaze.

Xavier came to a sudden halt as she snapped at him. His hackles raised, and his head lowered as a snarl rippled through him. You will respect me! I don't care whether we've known each other for years or just met. You will learn to respect me, whether you like it or not, he asserted firmly, his teeth bared. He then took a deep breath trying to calm down, his hackles starting to lower, and said, We are mates. Even if we don't particularly like each other right now, we have to find a way for the sake of the pack.

Dalia lowered her head, growling softly as Xavier raised his voice toward her. She was weary of the ceaseless arguments, as was he. But she couldn't suppress her instinct to push back. She growled in response but eventually gave in. Since I am your 'mate,' I expect the same respect from you, she replied, her tone slightly softened. She stared at him for a moment before circumventing him and continuing in the direction they were headed. I also agree with you. I will tell you when I feel the time is right. I will say this much, though: It had nothing to do with anything or anyone except my feelings at that moment. She looked back at him briefly and resumed her journey toward her new home.

Xavier gradually ceased growling, raising his head as she spoke. He sighed quietly as he watched her proceed toward their territory. He mulled it over in his mind and concluded that perhaps a fresh start and another attempt were necessary. He remained seated where he was and continued to gaze at her before he gave a small sigh, How about we try this again? I'm Xavier Cade, Alpha of The Dusk Tooth Pack.

Dalia paused and looked back at Xavier as he reintroduced himself, her stance softening only slightly. Fine, I'm Dalia Wishart, former Beta of The Grey Moon Pack. She locked eyes with him for a few moments, her ears perking at the sounds of the forest around them. Her ears perked up at the noises of the lively forest surrounding them. Even the slightest touch of an insect made her muscles twitch. Time seemed to stretch on as they sat there in the middle of the forest, even though only a few minutes had passed since their conversation. Xavier remained seated, awaiting Dalia's next move. He knew they needed to return to the pack soon, as his betas might come searching for them. Dalia's ears remained perked though she averted her gaze from him. We should get going; it will start getting dark soon, and I don't want the pack members worrying about their Alpha. He stood from where he sat and shook his fur out before glancing at her for a moment, I have personal matters to attend to, so please keep this mate situation between us and the betas.

As she stood up once more, she glanced back toward Xavier, her body language now more submissive, with her ears laid flat and her head held lower than before. Xavier noticed the change in her demeanor almost instantly, as if she had become a subordinate rather than an Alpha, which she truly was. He stayed seated for a moment before standing himself and walking past her. As he passed, he brushed against her ever so slightly, making sure he was heard but not pushing further. Once we reach the pack, I'll have one of the pack members escort you to housing and assist you in settling in. With that, he continued on his way, with Dalia following closely behind.

As they moved through the forest, the atmosphere between them shifted. It was as though a truce had been silently reached, a temporary ceasefire in their ongoing battle of wills. Dalia kept a respectful distance behind Xavier, her steps measured and her demeanor less confrontational. She couldn't deny the wisdom in keeping their mate bond a secret, especially until they understood it better themselves.

Xavier, too, found himself less inclined to provoke Dalia. He realized that they were both in uncharted territory, their destinies now intertwined in a way neither of them had expected. There was a sense of vulnerability in acknowledging their connection, but also a growing curiosity about what it meant for his pack and for their own lives.

As they approached the borders of The Dusk Tooth Pack's territory, Xavier couldn't help but feel a mixture of anticipation and anxiety. How would his pack react to the news of his unexpected mate, a former Beta from a different pack? He knew that his betas, Connor and Demetrius, would be supportive, but the broader pack's reception was uncertain.

Dalia, on the other hand, couldn't help but wonder about the reception she would receive from the pack. The weight of her secret pressed upon her, and she knew that eventually, she would have to reveal her true identity.