Chapter 9 Hidden Bonds

Lilly walked home, lost in thought, her mind tangled with emotions. The conversation with Fred earlier that day played over and over in her head-his struggle to comfort her, his anger toward Liam, and the sadness she felt remembering her father. She missed him so much, and the pain hadn't lessened even after all these years. It was like an open wound that refused to heal.

Her heart ached as she thought about how different her life would have been if her father were still alive. Would she have been treated like an outcast? Would she still be wolfless? Would Morgan have taken control of the pack?

She sighed, running a hand through her hair. Diamond Pack was responsible for everything. They ruined her life.

But even as she convinced herself of that, another thought crept into her mind-Fred. She had found her mate in someone from the very pack she despised. As much as she cared about him, there was something that unsettled her.

Would Morgan even allow their bond?

Morgan had a long-standing enmity with Moon Pack because of the gold conflict. She didn't know much about the details, but she had heard enough to understand that Morgan would never accept her being with Fred.

She bit her lip, feeling a knot form in her stomach. She needed advice. She needed to talk to her mother.

---

Lilly hesitated outside her mother's bedroom door before knocking.

"Come in," Eleanor's gentle voice called from inside.

Lilly pushed the door open, stepping in cautiously. Her mother was sitting in bed, a book resting on her lap. She looked up and smiled warmly. "You look like you have something on your mind, sweetheart."

Lilly sat beside her on the bed, suddenly feeling a little nervous. "Mom... I need to talk to you."

Eleanor set the book aside and turned to face her fully. "Of course, my dear. What is it?"

Lilly swallowed. "I... I found my mate."

For a moment, Eleanor didn't speak. She simply studied Lilly's face. But instead of the wide-eyed shock Lilly expected, there was something else-understanding.

Eleanor sighed softly, shaking her head with a small smile. "I thought so."

Lilly's eyes widened. "You... you thought so?"

Eleanor chuckled. "Oh, Lilly. A mother always knows."

Lilly blinked, confusion and surprise swirling inside her. "But... how?"

Eleanor smirked, leaning back slightly. "You've been talking about Fred a lot lately. Even when you weren't saying his name,and let's not forget the way you reacted the first time you met him. You were completely captivated, though you pretended you weren't."

Lilly's cheeks burned. "Mom!"

Eleanor laughed softly, taking Lilly's hand in hers. "I just wasn't sure until now."

Lilly exhaled slowly. So her mother had suspected it all along.

After a moment, Eleanor's smile faded slightly. And you said he's from moon pack?"

Lilly nodded. "Yes... and that's the problem."

Eleanor's expression turned serious. "Morgan won't like this."

"I know," Lilly murmured. "That's why I haven't told anyone else. If Morgan finds out, I don't know what he'll do."

Eleanor squeezed her hand gently. "Then for now, you must keep this a secret. Let's not rush things, Lilly. You need time to understand your bond with Fred before dealing with Morgan."

Lilly nodded. "I thought the same thing."

Her mother smiled, pride shining in her eyes. "That's because you're smart, just like your father."

At the mention of her father, a wave of sadness washed over Lilly. "I miss him, Mom."

Eleanor pulled her into a hug, stroking her hair gently. "I miss him too, sweetheart."

They stayed like that for a while, wrapped in a warm embrace, finding comfort in each other.

---

Fred sat alone in his small apartment, staring at nothing in particular. His conversation with Lilly replayed in his mind, but instead of feeling peace, he felt a deep, burning rage.

Liam.

The man who took everything from Lilly. The one responsible for her father's death.

His fingers clenched into fists. He hated Liam. Every time he thought about him, his blood boiled.

But that wasn't the only thing bothering him.

There was something he hadn't told Lilly.

Something he was still hiding from her.

His chest tightened at the thought. He wanted to tell her everything, but... he couldn't. Not yet.

For now, he had to focus on her. On their bond.

At that moment, his phone rang. He quickly grabbed it, smiling when he saw Lilly's name on the screen.

"Hey," he answered, his voice instantly softer.

"Hey," Lilly's voice came through, warm and gentle.

There was a pause before she spoke again. "I was thinking... should we strengthen our bond?"

Fred's heart skipped a beat. "You mean...?"

"Yes. I want us to get to know each other better. Maybe spend some time together... like a date?"

Fred grinned. "Are you asking me out, Lilly?"

She scoffed. "Oh, shut up. You know what I mean."

He chuckled. "I'd love that."

"Tomorrow?" she asked. "It's the weekend, so we'll have time."

"Perfect," he said, already looking forward to it.

For a moment, neither of them spoke, just listening to each other breathe. It was a strange but comforting silence.

Finally, Fred spoke again. "You know... I don't care that you're wolfless."

Lilly swallowed. "You don't?"

"No," he said firmly. "You are still my mate. That's all that matters to me."

A small smile formed on Lilly's lips. "Thank you, Fred."

"Anytime, my love."

Lilly's heart fluttered at his words. She never thought she'd hear someone say that to her.

----

Lucia had been walking past Lilly's room when she heard voices. She stopped, pressing her ear against the door.

As soon as she heard Lilly mention strengthening her bond with Fred, her entire body tensed. How dare she?!

Fred was supposed to be hers!

Fury bubbled inside her as she stormed toward Morgan's office. She didn't even knock before barging in.

Morgan looked up, irritated. "What is it, Lucia?"

Lucia crossed her arms, her face twisted in anger. "Lilly is trying to take Fred from me! She's claiming him as her mate!"

Morgan's eyes darkened. "What did you just say?"

"She's been sneaking around with him! And I heard her planning a date with him tomorrow!"

Morgan's grip tightened on the desk. His jaw clenched. Lilly had found a mate?

And it was Fred? From the Moon Pack?

His entire body tensed with rage.

"Don't worry," he said coldly. "She will never be mated to him."

Lucia smirked in satisfaction. "Good."

Morgan leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable.

"She belongs to Caleb. He's the one who will mark her."

Lucia blinked in confusion. "Caleb?"

Morgan's eyes flashed with something dark.

"Lilly is mine to control."