Shadows of Destiny

The Dark Side Of Fate By Karima Sa’ad Usman Chapter 98

98 The Awkward Meeting

~Sylvester~

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 Tamia could tell, seeing that I was willing to talk to Devin Corrigan about it.

My reasons were simple. Whoever was responsible for this would likely use my enemies to get me.

Devin 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 Tamia 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.

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?

Tamia 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 Leo and Devin, 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 Devin 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 Leo, 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, Tamia

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 Theodore branched to deal with the card issue leaving Devin, Leo and me. We walked to

my private booth, where I held meetings.

I sat down before Devin and Leo sat.

Leo was relaxed, but Devin 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.

“Leo,” I said, and Leo smiled at me.

“I see you and Tamia are yet to smooth things out,” I said, and he could not say a word. Then I looked

at Devin.

“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

Devin was attentive, likewise Leo.

“Today, Tamia received a series of cards threatening her,” I said, and Devin 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,” Devin 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 Devin banged the table.

I did not let it affect me. I looked at him, and his eyes were misty.

“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 Leo 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, Devin, 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 Volkov. You had your chance, and you blew it

just like me, Devin, so let it go.” Leo said, sounding a bit short, and I knew Devin’s words got to him.

Devin 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.

“Susan 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 Tamia. 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, Sylvester. 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, Devin. By the time you found each other, she was already carrying my child,”

I said, and Leo made a fist and tried to calm himself down.

Devin was in utter shock. He had realised something.

“That was why there was no pain,” Devin 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 Susan, Tamia became my second chance mate. We are fated,” I

said, and Leo’s hands shook. Tears were streaming down his cheeks.

“Liar,” Devin 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.

Leo stood up to calm himself down and then sat back down. He was a mess.

“We were best friends,” he started, and I knew he was speaking more to relieve himself, but I was

silent.

“I promised her we would always be together. It would be us against the world. I broke my promise and

let another woman into our lives. I still can’t forgive myself or let it go.” He said and looked at me.

“The day she gave herself up to be taken by your men, she was hurt that I took precautions with her

and got Amanda pregnant. The hurt was so profound that I still have nightmares about it. She gave up

on me that day. She refused to fight. She chose captivity over surviving with me,” he said, and I knew it

would always haunt him.

He wiped away his tears and looked at me.

“Thank you for giving her everything that I couldn’t. I know she is happy. I can see it. I am not against

your love. I am glad you two have been matched by fate. I also know you will care for her, but I can

never get over what I did. I have tried. I won’t lie to you, Sylvester. I love Tamia, and there is no day that

I would stop loving her, but I have accepted that she is no longer mine in this lifetime,” he said, and I

knew he had spoken his peace.

Devin, on the other hand, was silent, and I knew it would be easier for him to let Tamia go because,

other than the bond, they had no history together.

There was silence in the booth for some minutes before Devin finally spoke up.

“Why are we having this meeting?” He asked, and I cleared my throat to speak.

I told him everything that had been happening, starting from the attack on Brighton. I also told him

about Ramsey and what has happened till now.

I held back Gezel’s and Liam’s names but spoke of the rest. I could not give them all the information I

had just in case they betrayed me.

“This is extreme,” Devin said, a bit shocked at what I had told him.

“Scrap the council,” he said, and I shook my head.

“I wished it was that easy. I am a lord, not a king. They are all noble families, and each noble family

owns a seat. Besides, this thing is moving farther away from the council and pointing at an organisation

fighting for democracy,” I said, and Devin shook his head.

“A democracy that waters down all our relevance as region heads, destroys the monarchy and puts the

council in charge,” he pointed out and putting it that way didn’t make it seem like the council.

“It can’t be all the council, or they would have succeeded. Maybe one or two people. But the real threat

isn’t from the council,” I said, and Leo shook his head.

“Sometimes the threat is obvious,” He said, and I nodded.

“I need to be sure. I could lose my power if I prosecute the wrong council member without proof. It is a

very difficult situation for me.

The reason I am talking to you two is that I need help. They have tried to cause you two to come

against me already. I want us to work together to snuff these people out. Control your respective

regions and do not go to war against each other.

We have to limit their choices and detect their moves to catch them,” I said, and Devin and Leo

understood what I meant.

“I think you should give a sanction to back Leo up so they can arrest Ramsey,” Devin said, and Leo

shook his head.

“I want to watch him. He might be a pawn or might be playing at something else entirely. Let us not limit

our resources. The man has damaged the east already. If you did not send the people who joined you

back to me, the east would have been in shambles. We almost went to war, Devin, remember?” Leo

said, and I realised they were suffering almost the same as me.

“War?” I asked, and Leo nodded.

“When some eastern Alphas joined with Devin, they said Devin would attack me to take the rest of the

east by force, so he could build an army to march to the north. We would have been at war if I had not

decided to have a peaceful conversation with Devin,” Leo said, and Devin cleared his throat.

“I know this might be hard, Leo, but you should send Amanda back to her father’s house. The man

wanted her in your home for a reason, and knowing all that he had done so far, she might be in on it

too,” Devin told Leo what I was uncomfortable telling him.

Leo looked reluctant, but his eyes showed he was thinking the same thing.

“I will work with you, Volkov. If Tamia’s life is in danger, I will work with you, but I will advise you to be

open with us so we won’t be walking blind. I know you withheld some information because you are too

smart to share everything with us on our first sitting. I will do the same, but I hope we cross that bridge

eventually. All I want is peace in our world and for everyone to mind their regions while you keep us

safe and stabilise our world. Really that is all I want, and I hope we can achieve that,” he said, and I

heard the sincerity in his voice.

We stood up, and we exchanged handshakes. Promising to stay in touch and work together.

I was worried about Leo the most and hoped he would have the heart to control his wolf and send

Amanda to her father.

I knew what the bond was like, and I knew I wouldn’t be able to send Tamia away like that.

While I went to join Marcel and Theodore where they were handling the card matter, I heard Vino’s

voice in my head.

“Lord Volkov, I would like to see you briefly,” he said, and I wondered what it was about.

~Sylvester~

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 Tamia could tell, seeing that I was willing to talk to Devin Corrigan about it.

My reasons were simple. Whoever was responsible for this would likely use my enemies to get me.

Devin 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 Tamia 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.

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?

Tamia 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 Leo and Devin, 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 Devin 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 Leo, 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, Tamia

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 Theodore branched to deal with the card issue leaving Devin, Leo and me. We walked to

my private booth, where I held meetings.

I sat down before Devin and Leo sat.

Leo was relaxed, but Devin 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.

“Leo,” I said, and Leo smiled at me.

“I see you and Tamia are yet to smooth things out,” I said, and he could not say a word. Then I looked

at Devin.

“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

Devin was attentive, likewise Leo.

“Today, Tamia received a series of cards threatening her,” I said, and Devin 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,” Devin 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 Devin banged the table.

I did not let it affect me. I looked at him, and his eyes were misty.

“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 Leo 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, Devin, 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 Volkov. You had your chance, and you blew it

just like me, Devin, so let it go.” Leo said, sounding a bit short, and I knew Devin’s words got to him.

Devin 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.

“Susan 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 Tamia. 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, Sylvester. 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, Devin. By the time you found each other, she was already carrying my child,”

I said, and Leo made a fist and tried to calm himself down.

Devin was in utter shock. He had realised something.

“That was why there was no pain,” Devin 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 Susan, Tamia became my second chance mate. We are fated,” I

said, and Leo’s hands shook. Tears were streaming down his cheeks.

“Liar,” Devin 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.

Leo stood up to calm himself down and then sat back down. He was a mess.

“We were best friends,” he started, and I knew he was speaking more to relieve himself, but I was

silent.

“I promised her we would always be together. It would be us against the world. I broke my promise and

let another woman into our lives. I still can’t forgive myself or let it go.” He said and looked at me.

“The day she gave herself up to be taken by your men, she was hurt that I took precautions with her

and got Amanda pregnant. The hurt was so profound that I still have nightmares about it. She gave up

on me that day. She refused to fight. She chose captivity over surviving with me,” he said, and I knew it

would always haunt him.

He wiped away his tears and looked at me.

“Thank you for giving her everything that I couldn’t. I know she is happy. I can see it. I am not against

your love. I am glad you two have been matched by fate. I also know you will care for her, but I can

never get over what I did. I have tried. I won’t lie to you, Sylvester. I love Tamia, and there is no day that

I would stop loving her, but I have accepted that she is no longer mine in this lifetime,” he said, and I

knew he had spoken his peace.

Devin, on the other hand, was silent, and I knew it would be easier for him to let Tamia go because,

other than the bond, they had no history together.

There was silence in the booth for some minutes before Devin finally spoke up.

“Why are we having this meeting?” He asked, and I cleared my throat to speak.

I told him everything that had been happening, starting from the attack on Brighton. I also told him

about Ramsey and what has happened till now.

I held back Gezel’s and Liam’s names but spoke of the rest. I could not give them all the information I

had just in case they betrayed me.

“This is extreme,” Devin said, a bit shocked at what I had told him.

“Scrap the council,” he said, and I shook my head.

“I wished it was that easy. I am a lord, not a king. They are all noble families, and each noble family

owns a seat. Besides, this thing is moving farther away from the council and pointing at an organisation

fighting for democracy,” I said, and Devin shook his head.

“A democracy that waters down all our relevance as region heads, destroys the monarchy and puts the

council in charge,” he pointed out and putting it that way didn’t make it seem like the council.

“It can’t be all the council, or they would have succeeded. Maybe one or two people. But the real threat

isn’t from the council,” I said, and Leo shook his head.

“Sometimes the threat is obvious,” He said, and I nodded.

“I need to be sure. I could lose my power if I prosecute the wrong council member without proof. It is a

very difficult situation for me.

The reason I am talking to you two is that I need help. They have tried to cause you two to come

against me already. I want us to work together to snuff these people out. Control your respective

regions and do not go to war against each other.

We have to limit their choices and detect their moves to catch them,” I said, and Devin and Leo

understood what I meant.

“I think you should give a sanction to back Leo up so they can arrest Ramsey,” Devin said, and Leo

shook his head.

“I want to watch him. He might be a pawn or might be playing at something else entirely. Let us not limit

our resources. The man has damaged the east already. If you did not send the people who joined you

back to me, the east would have been in shambles. We almost went to war, Devin, remember?” Leo

said, and I realised they were suffering almost the same as me.

“War?” I asked, and Leo nodded.

“When some eastern Alphas joined with Devin, they said Devin would attack me to take the rest of the

east by force, so he could build an army to march to the north. We would have been at war if I had not

decided to have a peaceful conversation with Devin,” Leo said, and Devin cleared his throat.

“I know this might be hard, Leo, but you should send Amanda back to her father’s house. The man

wanted her in your home for a reason, and knowing all that he had done so far, she might be in on it

too,” Devin told Leo what I was uncomfortable telling him.

Leo looked reluctant, but his eyes showed he was thinking the same thing.

“I will work with you, Volkov. If Tamia’s life is in danger, I will work with you, but I will advise you to be

open with us so we won’t be walking blind. I know you withheld some information because you are too

smart to share everything with us on our first sitting. I will do the same, but I hope we cross that bridge

eventually. All I want is peace in our world and for everyone to mind their regions while you keep us

safe and stabilise our world. Really that is all I want, and I hope we can achieve that,” he said, and I

heard the sincerity in his voice.

We stood up, and we exchanged handshakes. Promising to stay in touch and work together.

I was worried about Leo the most and hoped he would have the heart to control his wolf and send

Amanda to her father.

I knew what the bond was like, and I knew I wouldn’t be able to send Tamia away like that.

While I went to join Marcel and Theodore where they were handling the card matter, I heard Vino’s

voice in my head.

“Lord Volkov, I would like to see you briefly,” he said, and I wondered what it was about.