Chapter 28

Vedant

I return home after rescuing Chiara from her own stupidity once again. What is it with that girl? She always seems to land herself in the worst positions.

I shrug as I push my way through my front door. It doesn’t matter. I just wish the bond would stop alerting me.

I walk through the foyer and see my father waiting for me in the large living room. I sigh. The scene I caused the night of the competition had been a big embarrassment to him and he had been in an even fouler mood than usual ever since.

I think about trying to sneak down the hallway to the right, but he’s already spotted me. “Vedant, come here we need to talk.”

I don’t bother hiding my irritation. All we do is fight now, anyway.

I walk forward into the living room and stop in front of him. “About what?”

He gestures to the couch. “Why don’t you take a seat.”

That’s new. I examine his face, wondering what he’s playing at. “I’d rather stand.”

He scowls but doesn’t push. “Fine, have it you way. I just wanted to let you know that we will be having a party here tomorrow.”

I roll my eyes. This was an awfully big production just to tell me that we are having a party. “Is that all?”

My father shakes his head. “No actually. The party is for you. It is high time we’ve found your mate.”

Irritation claws its way into my chest at his words. I don’t respond.

“You’ve put this off long enough, chasing after some internet girl you don’t even know. I’ve had enough. If you are going to lead this pack one day you need to be strong. You need a mate.”

My hands clench into fists at my side. “Don’t say I don’t know her!”

He continues, his voice rising at my outburst. “You will do as I say! All of the unmated young women from the surrounding packs will be here. That is final.”

I think about shouting back, but it’s not worth the effort. He is going to get his way one way or another. I don’t say anything else, just turn and walk to my room.

I enter and then slam the door behind me. It’s petty, but it’s all I can do right now. I sit on my bed thinking.

My father wants to force me to take a mate, but I’m already mated to Chiara, something that I don’t want anyone to know about. I consider rejecting her, but fated mates are stronger than chosen mates. I’m not willing to give that up unless I find Iris.

I think about my father’s words. If it’s true that every unmated woman from the nearby packs are coming, it’s possible that Iris will be there. My momentary hope falls when I remember Iris’s last message to me.

If she really is adamant that we don’t see each other any longer it’s possible she will find a reason not to come. Even if she does, I don’t even know who she is to convince her to be with me.

I fall back onto my bed. Tomorrow is going to suck.

I wake up the next morning and dress for the party slowly, dragging my feet. The only woman I want to meet is Iris.

When I’m done, I sit in my room, unwilling to come down the stairs and help my father greet the guests. He will be unhappy, but I don’t care. He shouldn’t force this upon me.

Eventually I know I can’t delay any longer and head down the stairs to see that the party is already in full swing. The room is mostly full of unfamiliar women, but I also spot a few of my friends from school. I’m grateful for that at least.

I avoid the flurry of women tying to make conversation and make my way to Simon, who I assume is here to accompany Alice. “Welcome to hell. Having fun?”

Simon laughs and looks around the room. “I’m not sure that a party full of women, who all want to get with me is quite my idea of hell, but to each their own I guess.”

I roll my eyes. Simon knows my history with Iris and knows exactly why this part upsets me so much. “Shut up.”

He holds up his hands. “Sorry, sorry.”

I turn to face him. “Besides, it’s not like any of these women really care to get to know me. They just want to be mated to the future Alpha.”

He nods. “Except Alice of course.”

I smile sheepishly. “Right, except Alice. You know that I see her like a little sister though. Just like I see you as my brother. I don’t know what to do about her crush.”

Before I can answer I feel a tug and see that Chiara has entered the room, clinging to her friend Lynn. I watch as she drops Lynn’s arm and heads in my direction, almost unconsciously.

I blink and realize that I’ve done the same thing. I’ve taken several steps away from Simon who looks at me with a confused expression on his face. I take a deep breath, trying to clear my head.

The stupid mate bond keeps drawing us together. I turn back to Simon, “Sorry, I thought I saw a friend from another pack.” I walk back over to where he’s waiting.

I shoot another glance at Chiara and am relieved to see that she also appears to have come to her senses.

The party continues and after a while Simon wanders off to look for Alice. Women come up to talk to me, but I do my best not to engage, giving them one word answers until they give up and walk away.

As I wind my way through the crowd, I notice that I keep ending up next to Chiara. I scowl at her, but I know it’s not really her fault. The bond draws us together.

The fourth time this happens my father takes notice and comes over to say something. I swear under my breath. He cannot know that Chiara is my mate.

He looks like he is about to say something, but before he can get a word out Alice appears with Simon at her side. Simon shoots me an apologetic look.

Alice beams. “Alpha Richard, it’s so nice to see you again. Thank you for opening your home!”

My father smiles at Alice, pleased. “It’s a pleasure to see as always, Alice.”

Alice moves in close to my side, pushing Chiara out of the way in the process. “I was actually hoping to catch you two together,” she says looking between my father and me.

She looks into my eyes. “Vedant, I am hoping you will choose me to be your mate. We’ve been friends for a long time, and well…” she looks shy for a second before continuing. “You know how I feel about you.”

I start to protest, but my father cuts me off. “Alice, I think you will make an excellent mate for Vedant! You come from such a strong family as well. I can’t think of anyone better suited!”

He turns to me. “It’s settled then.”

I take a step back. “No. It’s not.”

His smile vanishes and he there’s a warning in his voice when he speaks next. “You couldn’t ask for a better pick Vedant.”

I shake my head. “I care about Alice, but she’s like a sister. I’m sorry I could never take her as my mate.”

My father lowers his voice, looking around the crowded room. “We will discuss this when the party has concluded. Alice, dear, don’t pay him any mind. I’m sure we will work this out.”