Descendant 3: In Light of All Darkness

He appears stressed, overwhelmed. The lines on his forehead suggest that whatever he’s engrossed in is more important than his surroundings. This gives me a chance to observe him. His hair is a deep shade of brown, and his body is well-built. He’s a large, powerful man, likely from a strong lineage. His wolf aura alone screams alpha. I wish I could see his eyes, but they’re focused downward, oblivious to my presence. It’s curious that this alpha hasn’t noticed his mate standing nearby. My wolf picked up his scent from a mile away.

I retreat a step as his phone rings. The deep resonance of his voice sends a shiver down my spine as he answers.

“Jaxon, give me some news, anything.”

“Can you at least tell me where she is?”

Who is she? I watch his hands clench into fists as he listens to the person on the other end.

“I’ll be there tomorrow, after the alpha ceremony. I’ll find Azalea, Jax. We share a bond that no one else can understand.”

“I love you, brother. See you tomorrow.”

Does he already have a mate? The thought causes my wolf to howl in pain and I accidentally knock over a stack of books from the shelf, forgetting my own research. I like to stay informed about my abilities and experiment with new things. It’s difficult when there’s no one left to ask. My mother was murdered for her blood, and my father was killed by the same rogues who wanted my mother. Her dying words were a warning to never reveal my true nature.

I quickly bend down to pick up the scattered books when I see his muscular legs squat down in front of me.

“Let me help you.”

“No! I’m fine, really.”

That’s when I hear him growl.

“Look at me.”

He's recognizing me. I can either meet his gaze or flee. I don’t know who Azalea is, but she clearly holds a place in his heart and they share a bond.

I hesitate until he gently lifts my chin. I look up into the most stunning green eyes I’ve ever seen. Now, my fear is whether he will accept me for who I am when I hear him say—

“Mate.”

“Are you sure about that? I’m sure Azalea is waiting for you at home, Alpha.”

“I wish she was, but not for the reason you think. Azalea is my twin sister. She’s pregnant with her mate’s child and has been taken by the vampire king.”

“Twin sister?”

He nods.

“Why would King Xavier want her?”

“Because she is a descendant and possesses great power. Now, may I kiss you or would you like to hear more about my family?”

If Azalea had told me I’d find my mate in the university library on the last day of alpha training, I would have laughed. That’s probably why she had kept it to herself. I was so engrossed in researching broken mate bonds that I didn’t even realize my own mate was nearby. My wolf was restless, but I assumed it was due to the news about Azalea. He didn’t mention sensing our mate.

She’s stunning, with long golden-red hair and piercing blue eyes. She has an aura that I can barely see, which makes me wonder what else she might be hiding. She seems nervous, as if she fears I might reject her. Regardless of what she is, I was raised to believe that the Moon Goddess doesn’t make mistakes.

“What’s your name?”

“Remi Mendoza.”

“I’m Gideon Creed.”

“I may not be the kind of mate you were expecting, Alpha.”

“Just Gideon. And I don’t care what else is coursing through your beautiful veins. I would never reject you.”

She looks into my eyes and smiles.

“I’m a healer, a very powerful one.”

“Is that all? I can see a faint aura, but I’m not sure if it’s because you’re my mate or if it’s something else.”

She swallows hard, deciding whether to trust me.

“The reason I’m such a powerful healer is because I’m part fae. My father was a wolf; my mother was fae.”

“Do you possess any other abilities?” I ask.

“My primary and most potent power is healing. I can mend injuries that should have been fatal, far beyond the capabilities of most healers. I can also create portals and communicate in every language. When you're ready to return, Gideon, I can transport you instantly through my portal, no journey required. I've never revealed my true nature to anyone. My mother was murdered because of her fae lineage.”

“I've learned from my sister that knowing a story doesn’t mean you have to share it. I will always safeguard my mate. So, Remi, your place or mine? Because if you believe I’m ever going to release you, you’re sorely mistaken, mate.”

Her cheeks flush, but she grins. I can scent her desire as clearly as I can smell my own. She finally lifts her gaze and says,

“Yours.”

“Gideon!” I cry out.

“Hold on to my hand, sweetheart.”

For the past five hours, I’ve been straining and perspiring, trying to birth this baby. I’m utterly drained.

“Just one more push!”

I sense the moment she exits my body. It’s a relief unlike anything I’ve ever experienced, which quickly morphs into anxiety. Where is my baby girl? My relief shifts into immediate maternal instinct. My eyes dart around, searching for my baby girl, until I see a nurse carrying her over, all cleaned up and swaddled in a pink blanket.

“Here she is!! She’s the spitting image of her mother with that red hair.”

Gideon and I cradle our daughter for the first time, waiting for her to open her eyes. When she does, I gasp. She may have my hair color, but damn, she has her father’s eyes. The Creed family eyes, as I like to call them, and they’re stunning. The doctor approaches and inquires,

“What will her name be?”

I glance at Gideon, and he grins. He responds to the doctor.

“Scarlett Ariella Creed.”

He nods and jots it down. I place a finger in her tiny hand and feel it. I sense the power she inherited from my side of the family. I had hoped it would bypass her, and she would be a regular wolf.

I suppose Gideon noticed the worried expression on my face because he asks, “What’s the matter, darling?”

“She’s part fae.”

Before Gideon can respond, there’s a knock at the door. King Alpha Zander peeks in, his face displaying what appears to be…remorse?

“May I enter?”

“Of course, come meet your new niece.”

As King Alpha holds Scarlett, Gideon inquires if there’s a purpose to his visit.

“Regrettably, yes. Do you recall when the treaty was signed with the new vampire king?”

We nod.

“It contained a provision. One that permitted him to acquaint himself with his mate without retaliation when she came of age.”

“Why are you informing me of this?” Gideon questions.

“Because she wasn’t born at the time, but now she is, and he wishes to see her once before he guards her.”

Silence.

“Who is his mate, Zander?”

“Scarlett is his mate. He sensed it the moment she came into this world, and he’s waiting outside the door to meet her before he guards her until she’s of age.”

“You’re saying Alaric is her mate?”

“Yes. Remember, the Moon Goddess doesn’t err, Gideon. There’s a reason for this.”

Silence.

“Let him in.”