The Beta's Missing Mate (Book 16 Of The Regal Eclipse Pack Series)

Chapter 25

They'd returned to her own pack house after her conversation with him on the beach. Aidan was definitely pissed that his brother had left, but as soon as they left the beach, he covered it up, masking his emotions. She was a little surprised that he'd let her see he was pissed, but she supposed she'd see his true side that he kept hidden underneath everything, especially when he was conducting pack visits. He was now calm, his pain, anger and worry completely invisible.

Her father had zeroed in on her the moment she had walked back into the Alpha's office, Aiden holding the door open for her. Well?

I'm considering his offer though I probably will say yes. I'm going to return to Regal Eclipse with him and get to know him a little better before I accept, she responded through mind link.

You're absolutely sure about this?

Yes. He's been completely honest with me about everything. Which she really appreciated. 

You two were gone long enough. I don't know how old he is, but I believe he's quite a bit older than you. Isn't he or did he tell you? 

She wanted to roll her eyes at her father. They were both adults. What did it matter how old he was? He's 35. He doesn't seem bothered by my age and I'm fine with his. You know they age slower than normal werewolves.

She watched her father purse his lips. If for any reason you decide that you don't want to stay there, you call me, and I will come get you.

She nodded towards him and then her gaze started over to Aiden. He was busy talking to the Alpha, but he seemed to realize her eyes were on him and he glanced up at her.

I need to go pack. Does Mom know? she asked her father.

Yes, she's aware. She's coming to help you pack.

Bianca glanced back to the Alpha and Aiden. "Excuse me," she muttered. She nodded to the Alpha, then bowed her head to Aiden.

He stared back at her and she watched the corner of his mouth tip up a bit. She really hoped she could make him happy. She hoped he'd be willing to make her happy in return. This relationship was more or less starting out as a mutual exchange of helping each other out of some unfair situations, but she truly wanted it to become more than that. She wanted to be a good mate to him. 

She left the office and headed up to her room. Her mother was waiting for her outside the door, a duffle bag thrown over her shoulder. "Hi Mom."

"Hi Bianca. Your father told me you agreed to this. He's not forcing you into this mating, is he? The Beta?" her mother asked in concern. 

"No Mom. He's not forcing me to do anything. But I am probably going to take him up on his offer to be his mate. He asked me to come back so we can get to know each other some." Bianca watched her mother's forehead crease. 

Chosen Mates were not common, and usually didn't happen the way hers was. But it wasn't common to lose your mate at such a young age either. She couldn't imagine that Aidan's situation was common either. Probably even less common than hers. She couldn't image the heartache he was feeling right now. 

"He seems so... formal," her mother muttered. 

Bianca wanted to roll her eyes at her mother. Why was she spending all of this time defending Aidan? 

'They're worried about us, love,' Nissa said. 

'I know, but I just feel like they're all judging both him and us for this,' she muttered back, annoyed. "He's a member of the Royal Pack, Mom. He has to seem that way. But when we were talking, he wasn't formal with me. He was more...himself, I'd imagine."