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Chapter 185
Darius
The cards got to me. It was alright when the threat was from a distance, but they hit home this time.
Threatening my mate was extreme, making me impatient to catch the people.
I was desperate, and Zora could tell, seeing that I was willing to talk to Hardy Corrigan about it.
My reasons were simple. Whoever was responsible for this would likely use my enemies to get me.
Hardy was a known enemy of mine. With all that had transpired between us. I knew he would have no issues moving against me.
I needed to keep him close so he could be one less person to bother about.
I was a bit ashamed that Zora had to take up some responsibilities when she needed to rest, but I could no longer hide the fact that I was confused
I did not know where to start. There were so many clues that led to nothing.
It was almost as if everyone was reacting to something hence why it was a dead end.
It was too much for me to deal with.
As lord of the north, my duty was to ensure peace and prosperity in every region and that no laws were broken. My existence curbed greed and madness, and now I was dealing with more than my duty.
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Scrapping my position was dangerous for our world as it would lead to chaos.
Wolves needed someone they could follow, or they would lead chaotic lives. Was this person or people so hungry for power that they were willing to destroy order just to get what they wanted?
Zora knew exactly what I wanted. Being with her now made me understand the relevance of being fated. Her scent calmed me down more so than before. She knew how to help my mood; burying my nose on her neck helped me relax.
When I saw Casey and Hardy, I almost regretted asking that Jake have them escort him, but it was now or never.
I had to swallow my pride and ask for their help.
Seeing how Hardy looked at my mate got to me. I doubt it was just the mate bond that pulled him to her.
There was nothing but longing in his eyes, and just like Casey, he too, regretted losing his opportunity.
Did it ever occur to them that fate wanted it this way? However dark and twisted it may seem, Zora and I ended up being fated after passing through others.
In a world where it was impossible to meet a fated, I believe we were blessed to be given second chances.
I did not know how the thing worked, and I did not care; all I knew was that she was now mine. Hopefully, we wouldn’t have to address the elephant, and we would only be facing the matter at hand.
Marcel and Raphael branched to deal with the card issue leaving Hardy, Casey and me. We walked to my private booth, where I held meetings.
I sat down before Hardy and Casey sat.
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Casey was relaxed, but Hardy was uncomfortable. We had never met in person before, and even though he told people he had defeated me in battle, we both knew it was a lie. But his secret was safe with me. I wasn’t the type to ruin a man’s reputation.
“Casey,” I said, and Casey smiled at me.
“I see you and Zora are yet to smooth things out,” I said, and he could not say a word. Then I looked at Hardy.
“We were hoping you would play a sport,” I said to lighten the mood, and he smiled, but his smile did not touch his eyes.
“It was a last–minute thing,” he confessed, and I did not need to guess why
he came.
“As you all know, we are the least unlikely people to speak,” I started, and they were attentive.
I did not want to beat around the bush because the awkwardness was getting too much, and the earlier we left the Arena and set out for the Estate, the better.
“We have one person in common that we all care about, and that person’s life is in danger,” I said, and Hardy was attentive, likewise Casey.
“Today, Zora received a series of cards threatening her,” I said, and Hardy growled at me.
“You have made your bad luck rub on her. She is too sweet for anyone to hate her. This is because of her association with you,” Hardy accused me, and his words got to me, but I kept it to myself
“Well, I couldn’t help it. She is my mate now, so I have to do what is best for her and love her the best way I can,” I said, and Hardy banged the table.
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I did not let it affect me. I looked at him, and his eyes were misty.
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“She rejected me because of you. She was my fated, and she let me go because of you. How much sacrifice can you make? You took her from Casey and made it impossible for her to love her fated Are you happy now? You selfish prick. You had all the women at your beck and call. but you had to take my fated from me!” he said, and I was calm, knowing I needed his help. I let him vent.
“He let go of his fated for her, too, Hardy, so let it go. I told you they loved each other from the onset, and she would reject you, so do not try to pin this on Lord Hand. You had your chance, and you blew it just like me. Hardy, so let it go.” Casey said, sounding a bit short, and I knew Hardy’s words got to him.
Hardy was surprised by it and looked at me in disbelief.
“You rejected your fated?” he asked, and I looked at him.
“You brought her to the north,” I told him, and he was confused.
“Shanon Sullivan. Nicolas Sullivan’s niece, the captain of your polo teams.” I told him, and his eyes widened.
“If I didn’t know better, I would have suspected you brought my ex to disrupt my life with Zora. But seeing that you weren’t at the ball to gloat. I realised it was a coincidence, but I must thank you because you helped me get that out of the way.” I said, and he still looked angry.
“She was mine, Darius. I would have loved her. I might not be a lord, but I would have given her my best. I spent all my years waiting for my fated. Never loving or committing to anyone, and you took her from me,” he said with pain, and I realised that was why he had made himself scarce.
I sighed and bowed my head.
“It wouldn’t have worked, Hardy. By the time you found each other, she
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was already carrying my child,” I said, and Casey made a fist and tried to calm himself down.
Hardy was in utter shock. He had realised something.
“That was why there was no pain,” Hardy murmured, still in shock.
“What do you mean?” I asked him, and he bowed his head.
“Other than the emptiness and longing I feel, I wasn’t weakened, and I did not feel pain,” he said and chuckled painfully.
“Children, they say, is a type of bond. That is why a child signifies that the bond between two wolves is permanent. She was already bonded to you by then, so it made the rejection easy,” he said, and I could hear the pain in his tone.
“It wasn’t only that. After I rejected Shanon, Zora became my second chance mate. We are fated,” I said, and Casey’s hands shook. Tears were streaming down his cheeks.
“Liar.” Hardy said, and I shook my head.
“Liar, why haven’t you claimed her?” he said, and I bowed.
“I don’t want my love hidden. I love the romance of the blue moon ceremony. I want to show everyone I love her and claim her in the eyes of everyone under the blessed moon. I want it to be special, that is why. But I am not lying to you.” I said with sincerity.
Casey stood up to calm himself down and then sat back down. He was a
mess.
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