Fated reborn - Chapter 228: Chapter 228

Victor's pov.
The morning passed in easy conversation, though Dorian never fully relaxed. He was here, sitting among us, nodding along to whatever was said, but his mind was clearly elsewhere. I didn’t blame him. If I were in his shoes, knowing my mate was close yet just out of reach, I’d be the same way.
Luciano had the right idea—keeping the atmosphere light, making sure our guests felt welcome. This wasn’t just any visit. This was about something bigger, something important. The mate bond wasn’t something to take lightly, and if today was about making sure Dorian had the time he needed to figure things out, then that’s exactly what we’d do.
After breakfast, we decided it was best to get out of the house for a while. Being cooped up wasn’t doing anyone any favors, especially Dorian.
“We should head into town,” Luciano suggested, leaning back in his chair. “Get out for a bit, clear our heads.”
Marcus nodded. “That’s not a bad idea.” He looked at Dorian. “Might do you some good.”
Dorian exhaled, running a hand through his hair. He wasn’t exactly enthusiastic, but he didn’t argue.
“Fine.”
That was enough.
Within the hour, we were ready to head out. We didn’t take a convoy or anything flashy—just a few cars, keeping things simple. Even in our own territory, there was a certain level of security we had to maintain, but today wasn’t about that. Today was about making sure our guests felt comfortable, about giving Dorian the space he needed to follow his instincts.
The drive into town was smooth. The streets were familiar, lined with buildings we’d seen a hundred times before. The city was alive, people moving about, handling their own routines, unaware of the weight sitting on Dorian’s shoulders.
We pulled up to one of the best restaurants in the pack, a place known for its food, its atmosphere, and most importantly, its discretion. Here, we could sit, eat, and talk without the worry of interruptions.
The staff knew who we were. They didn’t gawk, didn’t hesitate. Respect was something earned, something maintained, and here, it was given freely. As soon as we stepped inside, we were greeted properly, led to a private table without question.
Dorian was still tense, but there was a slight shift in his shoulders, like getting out of the house had done something, even if it was small.
The restaurant was warm, welcoming. The scent of freshly cooked food filled the air, rich and inviting. It was the kind of place that felt effortless, like every detail had been thought through without trying too hard.
Once we were seated, the server approached, bowing their head slightly in acknowledgment. “Good afternoon, gentlemen.”
Luciano nodded, his expression easy. “Afternoon.”
Menus were placed in front of us, though we hardly needed them. We’d eaten here enough times to know what was worth ordering.
“Bring the usual,” I said, handing the menu back. “And a bottle of something good.”
The server nodded. “Of course.”
Dorian barely looked at the menu before setting it aside. Marcus was the same. Luciano, on the other hand, took his time, as if considering his options.
“You always get the same thing,” I pointed out.
He smirked. “Doesn’t mean I can’t switch it up.”
The conversation was light, easy. Exactly how it should be.
As the food arrived, the tension in Dorian seemed to ease just a little. He still wasn’t fully present, but he wasn’t completely lost in his own head either. That was progress.
We ate in relative silence, the kind that wasn’t uncomfortable. The food was good, as expected. The drinks were smooth. Everything about the moment felt...right.
At one point, Dorian sighed, setting his fork down. “I know she’s close,” he admitted, his voice quieter than before. “I can feel it. But something’s off.”
Marcus studied him. “Off how?”
Dorian shook his head. “I don’t know. It’s like…I can catch her scent, but I can’t trace it. It’s like it’s everywhere and nowhere at the same time.”
That was frustrating, no doubt. The mate bond wasn’t supposed to be complicated. It was supposed to be instinctive, automatic. The fact that it wasn’t working the way it should was enough to drive anyone insane.
“Maybe you’re overthinking it,” Luciano said, pouring himself another drink. “The more you try to chase it, the harder it’s going to be to find her.”
Dorian didn’t look convinced.
Marcus leaned back in his chair. “Luciano might be right. Maybe you just need to let it happen.”
Dorian exhaled, rubbing his temples. “That’s easier said than done.”
We didn’t push him after that. There was no point.
The meal continued, slow and unhurried. People came and went around us, but none of them mattered. The world kept moving, unaware of the weight hanging over our table.
By the time we finished eating, the sun had shifted, casting a different light through the restaurant’s large windows. The day was moving on, whether we were ready for it or not.
Luciano stretched, sighing. “Alright. What’s next?”
Marcus shrugged. “Depends. Dorian?”
Dorian thought for a moment, then shook his head. “I don’t know. I just—” He exhaled, frustrated. “I just need to get out of my own head.”
That was understandable.
“Then let’s walk,” I suggested. “No pressure. Just get out, move around.”
He didn’t argue.
We paid the bill, left a generous tip, then stepped out into the street. The city was still alive, still buzzing with movement. The air was crisp, the kind that settled into your skin just enough to remind you that time was passing.
Dorian walked a little ahead of us, his hands in his pockets, his gaze scanning the crowd as if his mate might just appear in front of him at any second.
She didn’t.
But that was alright.
This wasn’t something that could be forced. It had to happen when it was meant to.
For now, all we could do was wait.