Ridian’s POV
Samantha and I talked about so many things that day, some of which I never imagined she had opinions on. Turns out she was smarter than she let on. She had dumb-ed her brilliance down so much that I had never seen it. I thought she was just another dumb beautiful blonde.
Eventually, we had to address the elephant in the room. Cilla Markle. I had tried to avoid talking about her but Samantha was not about to leave without bringing the subject up.
“I knew you were just waiting to bring that up,” I said, smiling.
“I knew you were trying very much to avoid the subject,” she said.
“What do you think I should do about it?” I asked.
“What I think doesn’t matter. What you think is very important? Do you want her back? Do you think you can accept a normal mate relationship with her? What is your view of her as a person?”
“I haven’t known her much to form a real opinion. From what I’ve seen, she’s a nice girl, quite courageous. She has stood up to me on serval occasions. Even stood up to my brother. She definitely has some good qualities, which could also be bad qualities depending on how you look it. Some would say courageous while others would think she is disrespectful.”
“What do you think?”
“I’m not sure,” he said.
“Do you think you get along with her?”
“I’m not sure.”
“Clearly, it was too soon for you to send her away. You should have got to know her first but what’s done is done. We can’t change it, but can only plan to avoid the same mistakes in future.”
I nodded.
“I think you need to return her, see how she is. If you don’t like her, you will then be able to let her go forever.”
“I think you’re right. That’s a great idea.”
“I’m full of great ideas.”
“Can’t argue with that.”
We continued to talk until we felt tired. Surprisingly, we didn’t touch each other. Samantha went to sleep in the guest room while I went to my room. Having decided on what to do, I slept peacefully that night.
Samantha spent the greater part of the morning with Camilla seeing all the amazing things Camilla’s students had made. I was in my kitchen window when I saw them strolling through the garden after visiting Camilla’s facility. They both seemed really happy. I was happy for Samantha because she had decided to start living a more meaningful life which was going well so far.
After washing my hands, I returned to the living room. Darren was waiting for me. He seemed nervous, confused as to why I would summon him. Most people always feared the worst when I asked for them.
Darren was an omega of my age. We had grown up at the same time period but we were never so close. We had never had any issues, thought. I had never thought I would need to consult an omega on anything but there I was, about to do it.
See, Darren was like me. He had not liked his mate at first but eventually warmed up to her. He had been quite a player before and I wanted to know if his life was better with a mate or not. I needed his experience to guide me further on my quest to get along with my mate.
“You look nervous, Darren, but you shouldn’t be. I’m the one who should be nervous. I want to talk about mates.”
“Oh okay. Sorry to ask but have you found your mate, sir?”
I shook my head. “No, but I have been thinking about that ever since Jane left me. Sometimes, I think I should go out there and look for her, but then I’m not sure if she would be worth it. Maybe life is better without a mate.”
Darren shook his head. “No, I don’t think so.”
“You hated your mate.”
“Yes, I did. I have realised having a mate is one of the most amazing things in this world. Having someone who loves and cares for you is great. I wouldn’t exchange it for anything in the world.”
“Are you sure?” I asked. I needed to know if he meant it or was just saying.
“Yes, Sheila and I are doing great. We are expecting a baby too.”
“Wow, that’s great for you. I can see that you’re a happy, and satisfied man. That’s all I needed to know. Thank you for your help, and I don’t think I have to remind you to keep the contents of this conversation confidential.”
“No, you don’t.”
“You can’t tell your mate as well.”
“I won’t.”
“Okay, Darren. You are dismissed.”
“Enjoy your day.”
“Okay.”
That sealed it. I couldn’t handle having messy thoughts and emotions so I needed to deal with the issue at hand for once and for all.
I picked up my phone and dialled the number of the slave agent who had enabled the transaction. He was the same one who brought Cilla to my pack and then took her away. I didn’t like him very much but he was very good at his job.
“Jamison,” he said in a loud and pompous voice. “Do you need a replacement for that pretty slave you sold off? Man, I don’t know how you can part with such a striking beauty. That was a real loss, man.”
He could have told me that before, but he was so busy trying to get a fat commission. I would certainly have thought twice before letting her go.
“Actually, I need her back.”
“Oohh man, I knew you couldn’t stay without that one for long. She looked delicious.”
If the man was near, I would have slapped him.
“Can you get her back for me?”
“I’ll try, but I’m sure someone has already set his eyes on her. It might be hard.”
“I’m willing to pay whatever amount they ask for. I need her back today.”
“You should never…”
“I know, but I did. Okay? Just do your job.”
I ended the call.
A few minutes later, he called back.
“How much are they asking for?”
“They say she’s not for sale, man.”
“What?”
“Yes, man. I don’t think you’ll get her back.”
“Shut up.”
“Okay, man. I’m just stating facts. No need to go off on me.”
“You’re right. We need to handle this like adults.”
“Right.”
F*ck my life.