“That is unjust, Bella; they were not secure in that environment.”
“They remained secure until you revealed them to your adversaries. I ensured their safety at all times.”
He could not contest her assertion; it was he who had introduced the children into their conflict, explicitly referencing them and exposing them to the wolfen realm. “I apologise for that. My intention was merely to gain access to a space with you, so you could discern my essence and recognise my significance to you. I wished for you to understand that I was your Mate. I desired our union. It was not solely my wolf, Bella.”
“Then answer me this: if your wolf had not seen me on television and felt my absence, if your wolf had not insisted that I return home, if your wolf had not compelled you to bring me in, where would I be at this moment? Did you ever once feel curiosity about me? Did you think of me? Did you wonder if I was well while you had exiled me? Prior to that moment when your wolf saw me, desired to locate me, and brought me in.”
Her remarks were devoid of passion; she had detached herself and adopted a cold, unfeeling demeanour when posing those enquiries to him. He understood the reason: she was convinced she already knew the answers, was reluctant to hear them, yet felt compelled to articulate those queries.
He felt no obligation to respond to them, nor did he desire to do so, since he was aware that the answer to all enquiries was ‘no.’ He had never contemplated her and deemed it unwise to articulate this sentiment to her, recognising that such a declaration would not be beneficial to him in any way.
She had explicitly conveyed her true feelings, claiming that she believed her presence was simply due to his wolf’s insistence. She regarded herself only as his Goddess Gifted Luna, a figure whose existence would enhance the strength of the pack.
He was solely focused on his children, choosing her as his mate for that reason.
Maddis, for once, refrained from snarling or growling at him to rectify the situation; she sat silently, emotionless, gazing at him, anticipating a response that would validate her convictions regarding their purported relationship. He understood that the moment he complied, she would relocate from his suite to the one across the hall, demonstrating her defiance.
He could not deceive her, because she would discern the truth. “I apologise, Bella; I can only express remorse for my actions. The Mate Bond occasionally supersedes all else.”
“I comprehend its functioning,” she declared tersely, diverting her gaze from him to the documents in her possession.
“Had circumstances been altered, Bella, had I not encountered Mia, you and I would have been Marked and Mated long ago.”
“I was not your Mate,” she said, avoiding eye contact with him.
“No, you were not,” he said. “However, I would have asserted my claim without reservation, once I had processed the astonishment of your pregnancy.”
“Indeed, you would have desired the child,” she murmured.
“That is not what I intended.” He exhaled. “Bella, during our relationship, I never once gazed at another nor engaged with anyone else. I had no desire to; my sole focus was you from the very beginning. I would have claimed you, as it would have brought me immense joy. I cherished our time together; we complemented each other perfectly, and I had no interest in anyone else. I fervently wish I had never encountered Mia. None of this turmoil would exist; we would have been together and content. I am certain I could have brought you happiness; I would have savoured every moment of being Mated to you.”
“However, that is not how it transpired, is it? Engaging in hypothetical scenarios is futile.”
“I desire your presence here, Bella, for my sake. Not solely for my wolf. Indeed, it may have been
Maddis recognised your significance to us before I did. However, do not misconstrue this as a lack of happiness on my part; I am indeed pleased. I felt a strong urge to confront Maddis for withholding his suspicions from me, and I often wanted to physically express my frustration. Had he informed me, our relationship would have unfolded differently. I would not have acted as I did, involving you in that manner. Instead, I would have personally visited your office in L.A. to establish our connection appropriately.
“It is too late now, is it not?”
“I suppose it is.” He sighed, realising he was making no progress with her, still entangled in her discourse regarding the ‘if game.’ “I apologise for how events transpired. However, I was unaware of the children when you visited my office that day. All I comprehended the moment you entered my office was your significance to me. I recognised that I had profoundly mismanaged the situation and that you were frightened of me.”
I needed to devise a solution to restore our connection. It was not related to the children; I was unaware of their existence, their number, or their ages. I did not know their lineage or whether they were wolfen pups or human, nor did I know their father’s identity. My sole focus was to ensure you could perceive my scent and acknowledge me as your Mate. This desire eclipsed all else.
He grasped her chin and elevated it to direct her gaze towards him.
I sincerely apologise. I recognise that I have much to atone for, and I request an opportunity to demonstrate my commitment to you. I wish to convey that your presence is significant to me, and I genuinely love you, Bella. Merely knowing you are here brings me joy.” He sighed softly, and once again, I realised I had inadvertently caused you pain. I have neither irritated you nor discussed your Luna Ceremony. I became so engrossed in our bond and the situation with Karis that I failed to fulfil my responsibilities… I am truly sorry.
“I perceive you have conversed with your mother,” she intoned.
“No, I was reprimanded, struck, and subsequently lectured by my mother, all in the presence of our Beta. She shamed me thoroughly.” He shook his head slightly. “You know, you occasionally remind me of her—stubborn and defiant. Therefore, I am here not only to apologise but also to enquire how you would prefer me to announce you. What is your desire?”
