Destin POV
Wren doesn't trust me, and I don't blame her. I hid from her for a year, and now I am choosing to stay behind and speak to her parents. It has nothing to do with Macy, but I don't know how to make her see that.
She storms off, and two of the triplets shoot me a death glare before following her. Scarlett remains behind. Her arms are crossed over her chest, and I swear I see the faint outline of runes etched on her skin. I am staring at her skin, and I may have inched a little too close.
She shoves me back. "You have got to be the stupidest man alive," she groans. "Have you learned nothing in the past five hundred years?"
"First off, I am not five hundred years old. Secondly, no sex clubs, and don't let her get too drunk." My finger is pointed right at her nose.
Scarlett scoffs and slaps my hand away. "She's an adult, Grandpa. I'm not babysitting."
"For fuck's sake, Scarlett," Charlie growls. "Do as you are told, for once in your life."
She looks Charlie up and down. Her jaw is clenched light. "Is that an order from my Alpha?"
"No," he sighs. "It is a request from a friend."
Her hardened exterior cracks for a moment. "Whatever. We are going to Jesse's."
Charlie lets out a sigh of relief. "They can't get into trouble at Jesse's. It might be a dive bar, but the owner will cut them off if they get rowdy."
"I think you underestimate the triplets," I mutter. "They are walking chaos."
"They grew up rogue," Charlie shrugs. "Pack life is new to them. They need time to adjust."
I watch as they sneak Wren out of the back door. These girls are trouble, but she is my mate. I am not interested in controlling her every move. Still, I am too nervous to leave her witht them for too long.
"They need something," I mutter.
Charlie slaps me on the shoulder. "Let's fix this."
"There is nothing to fix," I hiss in return. "She is ours."
Charlie gives me an odd look but doesn't question me. We walk into the conference room, and it appears that Raven has managed to calm Leo down. Though he is still scowling at me.
"Where is Wren?" Oliver asks before anyone else can.
"We thought it best to speak without her," I reply before Charlie can.
"We did?" He asks stupidly.
Macy is staring at Charlie. Her head is cocked to the side. I know she sees the runes on his arm, and I am not sure I can count on her to keep her mouth shut.
I clear my throat loudly, dragging her gaze away from Charlie. Her mates are on either side of her and are oblivious to what is going on.
"Like I said before," I begin. "Fae can't reject their mates, but the rules are a bit looser for us. I assumed if I put distance between us, the mate bond would fade. I was wrong, and I am no longer interested in denying the bond between us."
Leo scoffs, but Raven silences him with a look.
"She will grow old," Oliver says kindly. "I think we are concerned about what happens to your interest when you are still young and vibrant, and she is… well… not."
I nod in his direction. I am fond of Oliver. He is a gentle soul. "I am aware of her mortality. I will love her still."
"Maybe a deal can be made with Selene," Macy butts in. "With the proper leverage…"
"No," I cut her off. I will not offer her anything to make Wren immortal."
I roll up my sleeve to show the darkening runes on my arm. "The bond is already solidifying between us. It is only a matter of time until it is complete. I know you dislike me, Leo, but I am your daughter's mate. Perhaps we can find some middle ground."
"I think we should stay for a while and get to know one another," Raven smiles.
Edward slaps his hands on his knees. "Alright. It is settled. We aren't needed for you to get to know each other. We are going home."
"Not so fast," Macy holds up a hand. "I need to speak with Destin alone."
"Whatever," Edward glares at me. He hates me almost as much as his dad. "I will be right outside."
"Winston should stay," I blurt out.
I don't want Wren to find out I had a private meeting with Macy. It is likely to push her over the edge, and Winston is the lesser of two evils when it comes to Macy's mates. I am certain I can count on his discretion.
Leo stands to leave but stops in front of me. "You aren't good enough for her. There is no middle ground."
For once, I keep my mouth shut. I have made him angry enough for one day.
When everyone is gone, Macy turns her icy gaze on me. "What the fuck are you hiding?"
"Nice to see you, too." I dodge the question.
She crosses her arms over her chest. "I know what I saw. Explain, or I will send Nyx back through the portal."
"Somehow," I sigh. "Charlie is her mate as well."
"But the Moon Goddess..." Macy trails off.
"Lied to us," Winston finishes her thought.
"This is bad," Macy mumbles. "Why haven't you told them? They deserve to know."
"I don't have a good reason," I admit. "I need to know if they can sense it on their own. Plus, I am not keeping them apart."
"We have to tell Mom," Winston jumps to his feet. "It fated mates betray the bond..."
"Werewolves will only feel the betrayal if they have met," Macy reminds him.
"We still have to tell her." Winston stands his ground. "This important, Macy. How many werewolves are in pain and don't know why?"
"Maybe it is only Wren," Macy shrugs. "The Moon Goddess said Wren would be the last to receive a fated mate. She never mentioned how many."
I suck in a sharp breath. I know it isn't just Wren and Charlie. I have seen the proof myself.
Macy's eyes dart to me. "What now?"
"I have seen them on another werewolf," I admit.
"And you just now decided to tell me?" Macy snaps.
"Calm down, Princess," I roll my eyes. "It was like two minutes ago."
"I am telling Mom," Winston says as he makes for the door.
"Wait," I stop him. "You can't. You have to let me speak to Wren and Charlie first. They will be pissed if they find it out from someone else."
Winston snarls at me. "You have until midnight."