THE HEIR'S MATE

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

"You have a mate? And you're just telling me now?" Alpha Cedric growled in frustration. He was seated behind his large oak desk, its surface cluttered with papers, an open ledger, and a sleek but basic coffee machine, designed for minimal fuss. The walls were lined with shelves filled with ancient tomes and maps, their dark wood contrasting with the modern elements in the room. A few high-tech gadgets were present, but mostly unused, reflecting Cedric's reluctance to embrace technology. Instead, a brass lamp with a soft, warm glow illuminated the space, casting a gentle light over the room's antique charm.

Cedric's recent illness had left him pale and gaunt, but he was now regaining some strength. His eyes, though still shadowed by fatigue, burned with a sharp intensity as he glared at Luna.

Luna stood beside the desk, her posture tense as she averted her father's piercing gaze. The worry etched on her face was evident, though she tried to maintain her composure. "Father, I apologize for not telling you sooner. There were so many things I needed to resolve with him and within myself."

"And he's a beta? Just your luck, isn't it?" Cedric sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. The derisive tone seemed to echo off the wooden walls, amplifying Luna's simmering frustration. She hated that her father was mocking Elias, especially knowing Elias was just a few steps away in the corridor.

Cedric turned to Magnus, who stood nearby with his arms crossed over his chest, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern. "Did you know about this?"

"No," Magnus answered, glancing briefly at Luna before meeting Cedric's gaze. "But it explains some of the odd behavior and questions she's been asking me."

"And now, I want you to meet him," Luna insisted, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. Her fingers clenched the edge of her sleeve as she tried to manage her nerves.

"He's here? You brought him here?" Cedric's anger flared again, his face flushing with emotion. The room seemed to close in under the weight of his fury. Magnus stepped forward, his calm demeanor starkly contrasting Cedric's agitation. His gaze remained firm but soothing, a silent promise of support.

"If he's Luna's mate, then you have to meet him, Alpha Cedric. The sooner the better" Magnus said gently, his eyes steady and reassuring.

Cedric took a deep breath, his gaze flickering between Luna and Magnus. The tension in the room was palpable, the silence thick and oppressive. Finally, Cedric exhaled slowly, his eyes softening just a fraction as he looked at his daughter. His fingers, previously tapping rhythmically on the desk, now rested motionless.

"Fine. Bring him in," Cedric said, his voice still gruff but with a note of resignation. Luna nodded, her heart racing as she turned to the door, her fingers trembling slightly as she grasped the heavy brass handle.

....................................

"Nervous" was an understatement for what Elias felt right now. He wasn't afraid—there was nothing he should fear, except the possibility that Luna's father wouldn't like him and If Luna ended up disappointed or, worse, regretting being his mate. Okay, maybe he was afraid, as hell.

The echo of Cedric's booming voice, which had traveled through the thick oak door, did nothing to ease his anxiety. The hallway outside was dimly lit, the flickering torchlight—more for decoration than illumination—casting long shadows that seemed to stretch in tandem with his apprehension.

Luna opened the door with a groan of protest from its hinges, the creak cutting through the stillness of the corridor. The polished brass handle caught the light, briefly illuminating Luna's worried face as her expression shifted from concern to a wry smile. She hoped her smile would offer some solace to Elias and steady her own nerves.