Layla was deep in the dungeon of her coven house, poring over different magic spells and potions in search of a way to bind Lisa and Joseph back together. She was keenly aware of the stakes: if she failed, not only would she lose her prominent position within her coven and the Blood family, but the entire family would suffer a devastating loss of power. The union between Lisa and Joseph was crucial for maintaining their standing, and Layla was determined to make it happen.
She gazed at her crystal ball, hoping for a glimpse of the future with the desired outcome that would lead her to the right solution. But even the crystal ball wasn't cooperating, just like her daughter who was not behaving as Layla wanted her to. This was unacceptable.
Layla let out a frustrated sigh. She knew time was running out, and the longer she did nothing, the more she was solidifying a future that was not in her favour. A future where she didn't get what she wanted was simply unacceptable.
Layla was deep in thought, searching for a solution to the problem at hand when she was jolted out of her concentration by the sound of Lisa running into the room.
"Mum, Mum! I have great news!" Lisa exclaimed, her face glowing with excitement.
Layla looked up, intrigued. "What is it, Lisa?"
"Joseph is going to be at the mating games!" Lisa exclaimed, her eyes shining.
Layla's face lit up with hope. "This could be to our advantage," she said, "You have to attend the mating games and become officially Joseph's mate."
Lisa nodded, her eyes gleaming with determination. "I'll do whatever it takes," she said. "I want to be with Joseph and I'll do whatever it takes to make that happen. I just hope that he will accept me."
Layla put a reassuring hand on Lisa's shoulder, "With a little bit of magic, he will have no choice but to accept you."
Lisa smiled, feeling a sense of relief. "Thank you, Mum. I don't know what I would do without you."
Layla smiled back, "You don't have to worry, Lisa. I will make sure everything works out for you."
***
Layla hurriedly left her coven house and arrived at the Blood Stone's pack well past midnight. Without wasting any time, she went straight to the Alpha's quarters. As she entered, she saw Titus lying half-naked next to a young woman who was fast asleep. Despite the scene, Layla didn't flinch and immediately woke up the Alpha.
"Titus, wake up," she said, shaking him. The old Alpha opened his eyes quickly and was immediately alert. He looked at Layla and then beside him at the sleeping woman.
Layla could anticipate his worries and said, "Never mind her, Titus."
"We need to talk. Get dressed and meet me in the kitchen now," Layla continued, already heading out of the room.
Titus quickly got dressed and met Layla in the kitchen as she requested. He could tell from her expression that something serious was going on.
"What's going on, Layla?" Titus asked, pouring himself a cup of coffee.
"It's about Joseph and Lisa," Layla said, taking a deep breath. "I need your help to ensure their union."
Titus raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Really? My help?"
"Yes Titus, don't look at me like that." Layla sneered
"Like what? Like I haven't seen you for... what is it this time?Mh.. 2 years and a bit? And you just come in as if nothing had happened, needing my help?"
"Oh, you are so childish! Cant you just grow up?!"
"Yes, darling, of course darling..." Titus replays sarcastically "What is it that you need from me?"
"It's not for me its for Lisa and she is your daughter too, remember?"
"Yes, I do remember... Titus said, his voice tight. "I also remember you telling me that I had a son and then telling me that Lisa was the true daughter of ours, then you told me Lisa is more of a witch than a wolf so she needs a covent... He sighed heavily and ran a hand through his hair. "I remember so many things Layla... Its hard to guess what part of those memories I should concentrate on right now?" Titus said while he paced back and forth in the room, his steps heavy. Finally, he stopped and cornered Layla against the wall.
"Perhaps I should concentrate on the memories of you tricking me into believing that you are my mate and then abandoning me, when you were done?"
"Titus, you haven't changed a bit! Still the macho attitude over any sense of purpose" Layla responded while shuffling out from his side.
"You were my purpose Layla, you and Lisa and you give it up. So don't blame me for any of this..."
"Oh Titus, this sounds so romantic if only it were true..." Layla says in a mocking tone "Don't kid yourself Titus your priority was and is your pack, not me and Lisa and it doesn't look like you are missing either one of us! It looks like you are quite comfortable upstairs..." Layla raises her eyes to the ceiling as if pointing at the bedroom above them.
"Fine, what do you want Layla, because right now I just want you to leave her" Titus looks up as if pointing at the woman sleeping upstairs"and my pack alone, so I will do anything you want, not because you are asking nicely, but because I do not want you and your magic anywhere here"
"Whatever works for you Titus" Layla smiles
"I want you to send some of your best women and men fighters into the mating games that are coming up. I want your women to grab a girl that may appear during those games leaving a clear path for Lisa to mate with Alpha Joseph"
"You want me to arrange a kidnaping of Alpha Joseph's true mate, so that Lisa can abandon her true mate and bond with someone you approve of? Is that right?"
"If you want to put it that way... I just need all of this to be done discretely, do you understand?"
"I understand Layla... "
"Good, will you get it done?"
"Fine, but let me ask you one thing and I want a true answer..."
"What is it Titus? You need another set of lottery numbers?"
"No... You do you know who is the true mate for Lisa?"
"Of course I do, but that little Alpha will not influence anything and will not add any power to our Blood family. We need Joseph, do you understand?"
Titus leaned back in his chair, considering the information. "Yes, I understand Layla"
Layla nodded firmly. "Good, I will leave you with this, but Titus do not let me down."
Titus took a sip of his coffee, nodding slowly. "Alright, we'll do it your way. Don't worry I will take care of everything."
Layla nodded, determined to make this plan work. She knew the stakes were high, but she was willing to take the risk for the sake of her family and their position in the pack.