The Designated Mate novel Chapter 20

"Oh, Poppy! I'm so glad you're okay, honey!" Luna Caroline gushed before rushing over to me and pulling me into a gentle hug. I accepted the embrace instantly, letting her powerful presence rid my body of some of my pain.

"Thank you. I was hoping I could speak with you about something urgent," I said, causing Luna Caroline's face to morph into one of concern.

"Of course, dear. What is it?"

"I got a call from Kiara. My old Alpha took her and my mother into custody for interrogation after they realized I'd disappeared, and now Alpha Williams is threatening to start a war if I'm not found and returned to him in the next three months," I whispered, a slight tremor of fear in my voice. Alpha Aaron released a deep sigh before leaning forward on at his desk, appearing to be in deep thought.

"Shit. This is bad. We can't come clean to your back about housing you under the pretense of wanting to help fight against Alpha Williams because I have no doubt they would wage a war against us alongside Alpha Williams. I'm not worried about us in combat - because, you know - it just doesn't feel right wiping out two entire packs. But, on the other hand, we can't sit back and do nothing because Alpha Williams is known for keeping his promises," Alpha Aaron explained before forcing a puff of air out through his lips.

"I'm so sorry," I mumbled, my tone heavy with remorse.

"Don't you dare apologize. Not a single part of your past issue or this current one facing both packs is any of your fault. This was brought about by three selfish men trying to play God; your father, ex-Alpha, and Alpha Williams. Why don't you go home and try and rest up, maybe elevate your foot a bit? The Alpha and I will discuss some possible solutions. We'll keep you in the loop, alright?" Luna Caroline said with a soft smile before ushering me out of the office.

While I still felt terrible for being the reason surrounding three packs possibly going to war, I knew that what Luna Caroline had said was true. This isn't my fault.

**

"Jesus, Poppy! This place is practically an iceberg!" Grace scolded while standing in the middle of my living room floor. "Why didn't you just come back to Jason and I's place? This is ridiculous." She huffed with a shake of her head.

Turning to her with a serious expression, I said, "Grace, what do you know about that Lycan in the pack...Carmichael, I think they said his name was?" I asked. Her expression looked like she'd rather be anywhere but here right now talking about anything else, which only caused my interest to peak even further.

"I don't know much about him, and I don't wish to. He coexists in our pack and that's all you need to know," she said, too forcefully to be natural. It was almost as if she were warning me to keep my nose out of it and just turn the other cheek.

"Look, I already like you more than half the other bitches in this pack and I don't want to find you face up in the forest, okay? Just please leave it alone." She begged before hoisting herself off my bed and making her way to the front door. She inspected it for a few seconds before giving me a disdain-filled look.

"We've got to replace this door. It's barely hanging on its hinges," she observed to which I burst into giggles. She joined me seconds later with a shake of her head. "Jason cut a few logs of wood for you that should last you into tomorrow morning. They're out here on the porch. If you need us for any reason, no matter the time, don't hesitate to come over. Okay?" She insisted before blowing me an air kiss and leaving.