Royal Secrets & Beastly Desires

15. Shadows of Sorrow: Pushing Love Away

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Dakota stared at the small wolf pup at Draiden's feet, confusion and disbelief etched on her face. He had been gone for days, and now he returned with a pup that bore his Alpha mark. A whirlwind of thoughts raced through her mind. Had he cheated on her? It seemed unlikely that he could have impregnated another she-wolf in such a short period unless it happened before they mated, but the very idea sent her heart racing.

"How is it possible that she has your mark? Did you impregnate another she-wolf and expect me to raise your pup?!" she demanded, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and hurt.

Draiden shot her a furious glare, his emotions bubbling just beneath the surface. He could feel the weight of her accusations and was angry by her suspicions. "I don't owe you an explanation," he replied sharply. "No, I didn't impregnate anyone, but yes, the pup is mine. It's not what you think. Braken will explain everything. I didn't want a mate for this very reason!"

Dakota's eyes filled with hot tears at his harsh words, feeling as though the ground had been pulled out from under her. His refusal to acknowledge her pain only deepened her sense of betrayal.

Draiden remained silent, stepping aside and allowing Braken to take control of the situation.

As Draiden's pale green eyes turned black, a wave of relief washed over Dakota, even as a flicker of fear surfaced. Braken was intimidating, more so than Draiden, but he had always shown her kindness and love, unlike Draiden, who now felt so distant.

"Braken, please, can you tell me why this pup is here with your mark?" she asked, her voice softening but still laced with hurt. "I know you've been with other women, but bringing your pup here feels like a slap in the face, especially when part of Draiden doesn't even want me as a mate. I need to understand how this happened."

The weight of her words hung in the air, and Dakota desperately sought answers in Braken's expression, hoping for clarity and reassurance in the midst of her turmoil.

Braken moved closer to Dakota, gripping her arms gently but firmly. "My love, I would never impregnate another she-wolf or cheat on you. I know you won't understand this right away—neither did Draiden when I explained it to him. The pup is a gift from the Moon Goddess. Centuries ago, she created a wolf destined to save the future lives of all Lycans by mating with a Royal Vampire named Tyreal Matheas. She chose us to raise this pup. She will stay in wolf form until the new moon Ritual and you accept her as yours. So now do you understand why I brought her home?"

Dakota looked down at the small furball nestled in her arms, her heart softening despite the weight of the revelation. The pup's soft whines contrasted sharply with the heaviness of the situation, and she felt an unexpected surge of affection for the tiny creature. "I understand, but are you really telling me that our pup will be mated to a bloodsucking vampire who threatens to destroy all Lycans and shifters?"

Braken smiled down at her, his eyes filled with pride and determination, a stark contrast to the storm of emotions swirling within her. "Unfortunately, yes. She is special. She will save us all and then create a new and powerful breed. The Moon Goddess knows what she is doing and what the future holds."

Dakota's brow furrowed as she absorbed his words. "But how can we trust that vampire? They've always been our enemies. They kill our kind without remorse. How can we raise a child destined to be mated to one of them?" The fear in her voice was palpable, mingling with concern for the pup and the future that lay ahead.

Braken gently stroked the pup's head, eliciting a soft yip from her. "That's exactly why the Moon Goddess chose us. She knows we have the strength and the love to guide her. We will teach her the values of our kind and prepare her for the challenges she will face. We can't allow fear to dictate our actions. This is a chance for unity, something our world desperately needs."