Fated is overrated
Chapter 161

Zane

POV

I can see the color is starting to drain from Lola's face at mom and dad's reaction. I have to say I am confused as well, I knew they were both team Lola all the way, so why are they reacting like this? I can see Lola visibly shrinking back, as neither of my parents are

saying anything yet, so I decide to step in."

Mom? Dad? What's wrong? I would have thought you would be over the moon that your daughter has finally marked Zeke?" I deliberately say your daughter, because Zeke and I had been complaining to mom ever since Lola came into our lives, that it almost seemed like she was her daughter, rather than us being her sons.

It seems to snap mom out of her haze, and she replies "it's not that, son. Of course I am over the moon! But have you seen Zeke's mark?". In all honesty, we didn't even care to check his mark yet, as we had more important things to tend to. "No mom, why?" I reply, and glancing at Zeke he is even more confused and worried than I am.

The mark is on his neck after all. Mom smiles broadly and turns her attention to Lola now "come and take a look, dear!". Lola seems to have calmed down from her initial shock, although she is still visibly confused. She moves over to my mom's side and a small gasp leaves her lips upon seeing Zeke's mark as well. "What's wrong?!" Zeke panics. That does it, I have to see what is wrong with his mark too. I move a few steps to be able to see his neck as well, and what meets my eye is the most remarkable mark I have ever

seen.

A mate's mark is like a tattoo on your neck, a visible claim for everyone to see. The mark is different for everybody. Usually royals have the most extensive marks, and the lower down the chain you get, the simpler the marks will be. Since Lola is a royal dragon, it would make sense for her mark to be special. But for starters, and as the biggest shock of all, I wasn't expecting her dragon to be portrayed in the mark as well. Although there aren't many hybrids and very little is known about them, I am pretty sure it is highly unusual.

'It means her dragon has accepted Zeke and Lex as her mate too' Lance explains to me. It makes sense, but I'm shocked her dragon would approve of a Lycan as her mate. The mark is a picture of a dragon with its wings spread wide, surrounded by fire. Which is ironic, since she is the only ice dragon known to exist.

In front of the dragon a Lycan is stalking forwards in a menacing stance, with its teeth bared. Although there is only black ink, you can somehow tell the dragon and Lycan are meant to be white. Maybe I am biased because it is Lola's, but to me, this is the most breathtaking mark I have ever seen, it is absolutely stunning. "Wow"

I replace myself breathing out. Lola is still looking a mix of confused and worried, however. "What's wrong?" I ask her. "Was I not supposed to mark him? Or have I done it wrong or something?" she asks hesitantly, directed at mom and dad. Mom snaps her gaze from Zeke's neck back to Lola so fast, I'm surprised she didn't strain anything.

Her eyes are twinkling, as she gushes "oh you sweet girl, it's not that. The mark is just... Extraordinary! I have never seen such a beautiful mark". She is nearly clapping her hands in excitement, the sight is pretty comical. Lola's worry and concern turn into a hesitant smile, when Zeke cuts in anxiously "let me see!". Mom retrieves a small mirror from her purse, and hands it over to Zeke. The moment his eyes land on his mark, they light up like a Christmas tree.

He has a megawatt smile on his face when he too gushes over the mark "wow!! It's beautiful". He turns to Lola and grabs her into a firm hug, clearly catching her by surprise. I know I should be over the moon for him, but I feel a pang of jealousy stabbing my heart. And honestly, I wish it was me carrying her mark.

Just as I am about to pull back, feeling a little left out, Lola grabs my hand and pulls me into her embrace as well. I sink into the calmness her embrace brings me, feeling slightly better instantly. I look up when I hear some sniffling, to see mom dabbing tears from her eyes. "Mom?" "I'm just so happy for you. All of you" she sniffles.

Surprisingly, my father cuts in too "you 2 better not mess this up again, or you will answer to me next time". He is looking sternly between Zeke and myself, as we put up our hands in a surrendering motion. Mom is just clapping her hands, yapping away about how she is going to start planning our mating ceremony.

Which is a royal tradition, when one replaces their mate. Although Lola is smiling at mom, I can tell it is becoming a bit overwhelming for her, so I mind link mom if she can get Zeke discharged so we can go home. She happily complies, and mom and dad leave the

room.

A silence stretches between us, as Lola seems to be deep in thought. Zeke and I are just looking at Lola, and occasionally glancing between each other worriedly. 'Do you know or can you feel what is going through her head right now?' I ask Zeke over mind link. 'No, she seems to have me blocked out'.

I squeeze her hand gently in an attempt to break her train of thoughts, and ask "are you ok, my love?". She looks startled at my sudden attempt to break the silence, but she recomposes herself quickly. "Yeah. I was just thinking I should go home soon, my dad and Damon must be worried sick". "I can teleport you, if you want" I offer.

"That would be great, thanks" she replies with a smile. "Can I come too?" Zeke asks her hopefully, but even I can tell she will think it is a bad idea. "You shouldn't Zeke, you have only just woken up, you need to heal and..."

"I will heal best when I am with you" he interrupts her, with a corny grin on his face. Technically, he is right. But I am unsure if he is healed enough to be out and about already. To my great surprise, she answers"

OK, but if I feel you are starting to struggle, you are going to lie down immediately!". It's like a switch has been flipped, and she now enjoys our company as much as we do hers. "Definitely, my love. We could always retreat to your room.." he drawls, the cheeky bastard.