"There are all kinds of love in this world but never the same love twice."
F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

lies.

Veronica

They say there are some people whose looks could stop you from your tracks. His certainly did, literally.

What the fuck.

How in my undying world is this even possible?

I checked on my wolf, who became dangerously quiet. Ezra? A second chance mate?

No shit Sherlock, she retorted.

Would you mind explaining this? Are you sure you had calmed down from the fight?  I asked, still mystified by the eyes of the man in front of me.

Standing at least six feet or more inches taller than me, he had that familiar strong face with slick hair that swayed along the gentle autumn breeze. The way his face darkened and clenched accentuated his well-defined cheekbones, sharp jaw and full lips. His broad shoulders were of the firm kind, and his toned body stood in all glory like its molded from granite. His eyes- his eyes are a tantalizing deep ocean blue, stippled with silver and black- enough to make you drown.

   "Ronnie," Alexander's voice halted my running thoughts on my current dilemma as I carried my paralyzed legs towards them.

I tried to hold back my tears as I continued to study his face. He had the same features, those eyes- same ocean blue eyes that begged for her and her unborn child's life years ago.

The child really survived. I gaped at the thought, and my knees felt week. I couldn't believe it.

Lily...

   "Alpha Archer," Alexander broke the silence when he cleared his throat, giving me a questioning look. He turned to Akane, "This is Akira's twin, Chief Warrior Akane Kimori with the apprentice."

The Alpha's gaze lingered at me before taking Akane's hand. "Pleasure meeting you."

He turned to my direction with lips primed, nose wrinkling in distaste while stretching his hand for a shake.

   "Ace Archer," he said firmly.

My body shuddered at his voice. Removing my blood-splattered sweater was definitely a bad idea.

   "Ronnie," I introduced myself, reluctantly taking his hand. His brows bumped together in a scowl, waiting for me to say another word.

Alpha. Helena linked with her eyes widening.

" just Ronnie... Alpha," I finished.

His forehead puckered in irritation. " Fine. Right this way."

There was a slight pang that I felt in my chest. His words, although very short, flowed out of his lips like an archer who just shot his arrow; Straight, sharp and deadly.

Did he realize I'm his mate or not?

Ronnie, Alexander linked, remind me to tell you not to have a staring contest with an Alpha. We can't let these people think you're challenging authority. Are you okay? Were you hurt?

No. I'm fine. I responded.

I tried my best to ignore the murmurs as we entered the cream facade of the packhouse. The chatters were like a broken record, the same, like the first time I came here.

"What is she?"

"... how can she be with the Royals."

" no scent."

"...who is she?"

" is it safe for it to be here?"

Every thump of my boots against the marble floors whispered go, run, and never look back. The drapes on the windows, the fireplace, and the pieces of furniture, even the smallest of details screamed Lily's name. My history with this house echoed through the old-fashioned parquet walls, wanting to be heard. Memories, both happy and painful, seeped through every step of the stairs as we head to the Alpha's office. Sadness and guilt hung in my heart like the pictures on the walls.

"Oh! Goddess!"

A petite old woman croaked, giving that same homey and motherly hug she used to give me and her daughter-in-law before. I smiled sadly as I returned the gesture.

Faye...it's nice to see you again. I linked, putting one of my many goddess-given abilities to good use.

Yes. I can use the mind link to anyone regardless of which pack they belong to. No need for blood pact or other ceremonies to create a pack bond.

She moved away from the embrace then placed both of her hands in her mouth, her eyes glimmering with tears.

Don't...please, I pleaded.

"Veronica?" I inhaled a sharp breath then my head instantly shifted to the familiar voice of Brandon, who entered the room with David.

Goddamnit, we're old, Ezra huffed. Familiar faces everywhere.

"I- I'm sorry, that would be my mother," I blurted immediately. I mentally scolded myself for not coming up with a better lie.

"But the resemblance... the resemblance is uncanny," he continued, staring like I'm some ghost who came back from the dead. David did the same.

"I get that a lot," I said, trying my best not to blow my cover.

"How is she then?"

Damn. That voice.

I knew coming here will open old wounds but I wasn't expecting to deal with it all at once.

What a reunion.

I turned to Raphael and smiled slightly. He still looked good, only older. His hair, once as dark as midnight was now sparged with white and silver. The map of wrinkles on his face signified the journey he'd been through, the memories of the past, and the worries of the present. He had the face of someone who endured, loved, and mourned. Every line and crease represents the time that flew and the opportunities I've missed.

"Dead," I answered with all honesty.

That is what I am anyway. Dead on the inside.

"I see," he paused. "I'm sorry for your loss."

"I wish your mother could say the same about our Luna, " Brandon sneered, spitting venom with every word.

But hey at least he bought my lie.

"ENOUGH!" Alpha Archer's voice bombarded the whole office. " We have more important matters to discuss than talking about people who are long gone."

My chest ached at his words. His pained eyes shifted to me again, now glazed with anger.

"It's not going to bring them back anyway," he finished, his voice almost to a whisper.

I turned my gaze on the floor, wishing the ground would swallow me then and there.

"Alpha Archer," Alexander spoke, "I think it's best we retire for the day."

"Certainly," the Alpha answered turning his heels instantly out of his office not once glancing in my direction. The current and former Gammas and Betas followed.

What am I expecting? He's going to pull me in his arms and scream "mate"?

"I'll leave you with my Raphael," Faye said, giving my shoulders a squeeze before leaving.

I nodded hesitantly then looked at Raphael, desperately finding the right words to tell him.

"Raphael... I... your son- "

"Give Ace some time, Veronica."

"I- I never believed it Raph, I thought the child died... with her. I thought you remarried. I never knew."

"Not my fault. I wasn't the one who disappeared and hid for years." He managed to joke although the pain in his voice was obvious.

"I'll leave you guys to settle in. Make yourself at home, " he gave my pack members a smile. "A lot has happened in one day."

"It was nice seeing you again, Alpha. You know where to go." he continued as he walked through the door.

I stood still, trying to keep my balance and letting all the realization sink in.

The baby lived.

The boy became the Alpha.

And he's my second chance at love.

I don't know whether to laugh or shout at the moment. Out of all the wolves in the Kingdom or the whole world for the matter, the Moon Goddess chose him to be my mate.

This is fucking unoriginal of you Hecate. I thought, fiercely wiping the tear that finally came down my cheeks.

I wanted to smack Fitzgerald out of his daydream when he said: "There are all types of love in this world but never the same love twice."

Because mine will surely end up like the first one.

There wasn't even love in the first place.

Chapter 9 everybody!

What are your thoughts on this chapter?

I hope you have a great weekend. Work was again very hectic. I was supposed to update like, 3 days ago.

Let me know what you guys think!

P.S I love this chapter's title btw. F. Scott Fitzgerald is one of my fave authors and his work, The Great Gatsby is a classic favorite! ( Veronica says she's sorry she said she wanted to smack him.)

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Love,

ladypaperback