Omega Bound Chapter 39

Ayla

Rolling over and feeling for Thane in my bed first thing this morning, only to find an empty side of the bed is disappointing. I am not sure what I thought would happen or how this separation would work. I guess I didn't think at all.

Getting out of bed has me wincing. Turns out coming close to death by orgasms can be painful. I vaguely remember water last night and by the feel of my hair, Thane must have bathed me. He is quite possibly the most thoughtful alpha I have ever encountered. I have no memory of my father being so affectionate with my mother. Glancing over at the clock, I found a note left behind.

*Little Wolf-*

*I had to get up earlier than expected for alpha duties. I want to thank you for giving us the night. It is one that I will keep in my heart forever. Just know that as your alpha, I will do everything possible to ensure your safety if you choose to be pack. I want you to also know that no matter what, you will remain with me. I am quite certain our connection may be difficult for us both to break, but it is necessary to go forward. No matter how painful, you are the strongest shifter I know and can pull through anything. I will get a hold of you when I know more about your mate situation. I can't promise I will be in a good mood though. Just know it has nothing to do with you. I have placed Monica's number in your phone. She said she took you to the mess hall and I think you two would make great friends. I am proud of you for going. Think about what other things you are now strong enough to do and go for them little wolf. You deserve it. To live.*

*\-Thane*

If I could cry, I would be doing so. But, as I waited, no tears came. Last night was the best night of my life. However, this morning is one of the hardest I have had. No, it doesn't compare to any of the horrific days I experienced when kidnapped, but a different kind of hard. Heartbreak, sadness hard. I really don't have words to describe it. I gather myself emotionally and decide to shower and dress for the day. If I am going to meet my fated mate, I definitely don't want to smell like alpha musk. I wouldn't think Kian would attack his alpha, but shifters will fight to death over the mates, especially if they feel threatened by another. I don't need to meet my mate and get caught in a shifter fight. I also don't need to meet my mate and have him murdered by Thane, although I could keep him that way. Until he found his mate. Then I would be alone and worthless. No, showering is a must.

I have butterflies in my stomach, and I feel like I could throw up at the same time from being so nervous at the prospect of meeting Kian. Staring at my clothes, trying to come up with the perfect outfit is enough to enrage me. I decided to settle on skinny jeans, knee high boots with a little heel, a black knit, off one shoulder sweater, and my long hair braided over my shoulder. I don't want to give off the wrong impression and I only have rather plain clothing to choose from. Thane stated he would take me shopping, but now I think getting money and asking Monica may be the better idea. Although, I am not sure I can ask Thane for money, truthfully. It may be time to think about employment. If I can think of the right job, one without too many encounters with Alphas, I could possibly do it. I just don't know what “it" is yet. I put on some mascara left amongst the makeup purchased for me, lip gloss and call it good.

My phone beeps and my heart sinks knowing that it is probably Thane. I rush to check it, not sure why because it won't be anything my heart actually wants. The fact that I know what it wants, and I am capable of wanting it shows how much I have changed over these past few weeks.

I pull open the message and begin biting my nails when I read that Kian has agreed to meet me in Thane's office. Apparently, he is there getting the run down about me and my background. A thought disgusts me that someone else will know what happened to me, but if he is my mate he should know. Maybe I will be comfortable enough to go into details someday.

I agree to the meeting. I really don't want to, but I can't come up with any good reasons why. It isn't fair to him if he knows that I am here and refuse to meet him.

Around 30 minutes later, Cyrus is at my door to escort me to Thane's office. He has a thin smile, doesn't really meet his eyes. I can't help that maybe he realizes how hard this is on me, or maybe he knows what Thane and I did last night. The thoughts of the night and what Thane can do with his mouth have me blushing, and Cyrus lets out a small laugh under his breath. Yeah, he definitely knows. Why wouldn't he? They are best friends, and he is his beta.

For some reason the walk to the office from the elevator feels like I am walking to the electric chair. A slight sense of dread takes over me. I am sure it is nerves, but I can't shake the feeling. I can't quite put my finger on it and contribute it to seeing Thane post orgasms for the first time.

I walk into the room, the door already partly open, and see who I presume to be Kian sitting at Thane's desk, his back facing the door. Thane isn't looking up at Cyrus and I, no he is looking at Kian. Thane is intently studying him and watching his movements. Or lack thereof.

Thane's eyes dart to me and he tries to smile, but it falls flat. I know he is thinking about this entire messed up situation we created. I know it also must be double hard for him to see me with a mate to hop on over to and start a life with, making it easier to get over him, and he doesn't have that luxury. I could pray for him to find his mate, but I am too selfish to do that today. I don't think my heart can handle it. Cyrus clears his throat, and Kian turns his head around towards us and smiles. He has a nice smile. No dimples still, but what can I do about it. He is handsome, but the love at first sight, fated mate bond snapping into place, the unicorns and rainbows isn't there. I literally feel no different than before I walked into this office. My eyes dart back and forth between him and Thane, waiting for someone to take the initiative. The first step to end this awkwardness I am experiencing.

"Kian please stand and greet Ayla. Ayla, this is Kian. He claims that he recognized you as his fated mate and that is why he is here."

"I didn't CLAIM, I know. My wolf recognized her scent. She is my fated mate." Kian gruffs off sternly to Thane, causing Thane to dart his eyes back to him.

"You will recognize me in this situation. I am still your alpha, whether you like what I am saying or not."

"Yes, Alpha Thane, of course. Sorry, my wolf is just a little on edge at the moment."

"Your wolf is on edge in the presence of his mate? I am not sure that would be a normal fated mate bond reaction Kian."

"Look alpha, I don't know why you would think I would lie about this. Ayla is my fated mate. My wolf recognizes her as his mate. I feel it," he states while holding his hand over his chest. "Ayla, do you feel anything right now when you look at Kian, or when you entered my office?" Thane asks me and I answer by shaking my head "no" truthfully. Kian is handsome and I am sure he is nice or whatever, but I literally feel nothing.

"She doesn't feel anything because she is wolfless." Kian states, causing me to bristle at his words and furrow my brows in anger. I am not wolfless, I just haven't made me decision to connect with her, which sounds absurd, but when I think about it, I have other safety variables to consider. One of them being my mate and whether he would accept us. Or if I would want him to.

"How do you know she is without her wolf? I did not tell you that." Thane asks him sternly.

"I heard it when I was asking around about her, and I do not sense one within her. I didn't mean any disrespect by it. I just think that could be the reason she isn't feeling our bond."

"That is quite the theory you suddenly came to. One that we also had but wasn't sure we were ready to share." Thane informs Kian, not beating around the bush when it comes to his suspicions of Kian.