When The Fates Align

Chapter 2

I was acutely aware of her presence—the one my soul yearned for, the one who could make me feel complete. Her fragrance enveloped me in a soothing embrace, beckoning me to draw closer. As I gazed upon her, my Lycan, Bardou, surged forth, eager to experience her beauty through my eyes. I felt a connection deeper than mere attraction, as if our spirits were intertwined in a dance of longing and desire. With each heartbeat, the pull between us intensified, igniting a fire that had long lain dormant within me.

She simply turned away, catering to the humans around her. I seethed with rage as a man's hand crept up her thigh and settled on her rear. All I could think about was tearing his feeble hand from her body, dismantling him, and shredding every man in this club to pieces.

She continued to gaze in my direction, but I sensed that something was off. She appeared uneasy, as though I had frightened her. But why? Even amidst the deafening music and the lively chatter of the crowd, I could distinctly hear her heartbeat—erratic and rapid.

This made me curious and suddenly my vision was blocked by a woman. Even among the humans, she was beautiful. She flashed a too white smile as her hand slid down my arm.

“Would you like some company?” She tried her best to sound seductive.

I never desired her; my heart was set on my mate. Yet, I couldn't shake my curiosity. What was my mate doing here, dancing and stripping for humans as if she were an ordinary courtesan? It didn’t make sense. Did this woman know her?

I glanced up at the woman, gave a slight nod, and rose to my feet. I followed her into a private suite, but when she began her routine, I swiftly shook my head.

“No, you can keep your clothes on,” I said firmly. The confusion on her face was evident. “I have a few questions for you.”

“This room is quite expensive, just so you know,” she replied.

“Of course, I understand. Money is not an issue, I assure you.” I placed two thousand dollars on the gold-framed glass table that stood between us.

“Well, alright. What questions do you have?” She asked as she sat on the couch across from me.

“The dark haired woman that was serving gentlemen drinks. What is her name?” I asked her.

She chewed her bottom lip, “Her stage name is Roxy.”

“I am not interested in her stage name. What is her real name?” I asked her.

"Oh I am not allowed to give that information.” She leaned back against the couch.

“Well, what about now?” I placed another two grand out on the table. I watched as her eyes drifted to the money and back to me. “Can you tell me her name now?”

She nodded, “Her name is Athena.”

“What information can you tell me about her?” I relaxed more in my seat. I could tell she was nervous.

She relocated here just over a year ago and quickly established herself as one of the best dancers, attracting a diverse clientele. The men who visit are captivated by her, and she earns a substantial income from her performances. In fact, when she reaches her personal earnings limit, like tonight, she starts attending to clients to ensure the other dancers can also profit, particularly during the weekdays she works. She truly has a heart of gold—I know it sounds cliché, but it’s genuinely true. About six months ago, after my ex assaulted me, she generously offered her small apartment as a safe haven until I could secure my own place. A meticulous neat freak, she maintains her home impeccably. Living there was a pleasure, especially since it was only a few blocks away from here…” She stopped talking and covered her mouth. “I should not have told you that. Fuck.”

I chuckled lightly as I slid another two thousand dollars her way. Her eyes widened in astonishment at the sight of the money. "I won't breathe a word to anyone. Is she seeing anyone? Does she have family around?"

"No, she hasn't been in a relationship since I've known her. I think she had a rough falling out with her family after her mother's passing. She mentioned living a few hours away in a no-name town out in the countryside. I didn’t press her for details."

“I really appreciate the details… Well I never caught your name.”

“Heather is my real name.” She flashed her bright smile at me.

“Heather it has been a real pleasure. Thank you.” I stood, leaving her there, and left the club.

As I stepped outside, I surveyed my surroundings. Towering buildings loomed over me, and despite the dazzling city lights, the night remained damp and shrouded in shadows. I was not sure why but I began walking. Soon, catching the scent from the club, I began following it. I came to an ally way and looked down it. The scent drifted through and I was baffled. Surely not? I looked around the darkened street and it seemed dangerous, too dangerous for a woman to walk through alone.

I took a step forward and walked through it. The smells of food seeped through the closed doors, as well as trash from the bins from the back doors. I nearly jumped out of my skin when I racoon ran out right in front of me to hide behind a bin. Bardou roared with laughter inside.

“The Lycan King scared of a little racoon.” He couldn’t control his laughter.

“I wasn’t expecting it.” Which only deepened his laughter, until her scent wrapped around us again as we exited the alley.

This was her building. As I approached the door, I gazed at the keypad, aware that I could easily gain entry if I chose to, but I wouldn’t jeopardize the safety of anyone living here. I lost track of time, intoxicated by her lingering scent, until a sudden crash erupted from the alleyway. Then I heard the same frantic heartbeat echoing from before. Turning my head, I caught a glimpse of her from my peripheral vision.

She stood paralyzed with fear, utterly motionless, as if time had stopped. I doubted she was even breathing. I inhaled deeply, savouring the captivating fragrance of lavender and rose, before I quietly slipped away, merging into the shadows of the night.

“Are we just leaving her behind?” Bardou's tone dripped with irritation.

“She was frightened. I don’t know her, but I can sense she’s not ordinary. She’s a Lycan, yet why can't she recognize us as her mates?” I queried, veering onto another street as we walked.

“She better not have a mate; I’ll take him out,” Bardou seethed within me.

“There’s no mark, and let’s not forget what Heather mentioned earlier,” I replied, rolling my eyes at his suffocating possessiveness.

“Well, true. But I do believe we should keep eyes on her. Keep her safe until we can figure her out. Don’t you agree?”

“Yes, I believe you are right. Let’s get a room and make contact with Jace. I don’t want anyone thinking that something has happened to us.” I pulled my phone out and sent Jace, who was my Beta, a text.

"Everything is going smoothly. I’ll be staying in the human city for the next few nights as an intriguing opportunity has presented itself. I’ll share more details later. Please continue the training with the warriors and inform Ashley that I won't be home."

“You got it boss. If you need anything Cyrus, let me know and I’ll be there.” I placed my phone back into my pocket.

"If she agrees to take us as her mate, it’s going to be a challenge. You know how ruthless Ashley can be."

"Absolutely. I'm not looking forward to that encounter at all. I shouldn't have let it drag on for so long." I let out a resigned sigh.