RALPH
A persistent knock on the car window jolted me awake, and my irritation flared at the audacity of someone disturbing my much–needed sleep. Snapping my eyes open, it was this human mate of mine. I glanced upward, realizing it’s already morning, though it seemed far too early for her to be awake. With a resigned sigh, I unlocked the door, feeling the cold seep in as she clambered inside.
“You’ve got three hours left before we leave,” I grumbled, the frustration evident in my tone.
“I found it hard to sleep last night because I couldn’t stop thinking of the hell waiting for me at your place. I was also anxious about displaying any telltale signs of distress to my aunt, as I knew I wouldn’t be able to conceal my emotions and leave her side. Therefore, I decided to leave before anyone could notice my inner turmoil. Despite this, I am thankful for the time I spent with them.”
The pack house got closer as we drove back. It was good that the ride was quiet. She didn’t talk a lot, which was a relief. But then, just when I thought everything was calm, she asked about the missing cab driver and his taxi. I didn’t hesitate to answer her. I burnt his body. When I said that, I noticed her eyes widened, showing how shocked she was.
After parking the car, I dialled Dahlia’s number. She answered on the second ring. “Come take the human to her room,” I instructed her before stepping out of the car. As I exited, the human remained dumbfounded, trying to comprehend my words.
When I got in my room, I headed straight for the bathroom to freshen up. Once finished, I emerged with a towel wrapped around my waist, using another towel to dry my hair. As I stepped out, I found Benita seated seductively at the edge of my bed, as if she had all the right to be there.
“Hello, Alpha. I’ve missed you,” she greeted, moving toward me. I swiftly intercepted, clasping her hands before she could touch me.
“What do you think you’re doing?” I questioned firmly.
“I explicitly told you to refrain from entering my room without my permission. There’s nothing for you here to come in whenever you need.” As I tried to pass, she obstructed my path.
“Stop pretending ignorance,” she retorted. “You know why I’m always here. It’s you. Why don’t you just make me your mate? We all know well the council will never approve that insignificant human girl to be your-”
I cut her off abruptly, seizing her hand and guiding her out before shutting the door firmly.
“Please think it through.” She urged through the closed door. I’m the only one in this whole house who wishes you well. Frustration gripped me as I ran a hand through my hair. “What in the world happened for these women to ambush me with relentless chatter?”
As I was heading in the closet, my phone rang. Hastily, I pivoted to retrieve it. The sight of the caller ID sent my heart racing. It was one of the heads of the council-a figure who had been both a supportive aid whenever I needed him yet an unwavering enforcer of strict laws concerning werewolf affairs, especially those involving humans as potential threats to our kind. Taking a deep breath, I answered the call and brought the phone to my ear.
“I’ve heard you’ve finally found a mate. And she’s human. Are the rumours true?” His voice was direct, cutting through the tension that gripped me.
I’m going to un mate with her,” I replied, the weight of the words heavy on my tongue.
“So, it’s true,” he stated more than questioned.
“Yes,” I affirmed, my voice steady despite the turmoil within.
“Anyways, I called to inform you that you don’t have to come. We will be the one coming over before dusk. Let’s talk when I get there. And let me hope you’re ready to cope with whatever decision we’ll make. As you know, I can’t side with you on this kind of matter,” he asserted firmly.
“Alright. See you later,” I murmured before ending the call.
“I’m scared,” my wolf interjected, his unease seeping into my already racing thoughts.
“Scared of what?” I inquired, though I could feel my own apprehension mounting.
“I hope they’re not planning to make us kill our own mate,” he confessed, and a chill ran down my spine. The notion had crossed my mind but dismissed it, trusting Alexander wouldn’t condone such an act. Yet, his words during the call hinted otherwise. The possibility lingered.
As I placed the phone on the nightstand, I realized something was missing–the photo frame. I remember finding the human in my room, visibly scared by its presence, and later discovering it broken in her hands. Curiosity overcame me, and I reached for my phone to call Dahlia to bring her to me for some answers. However, a knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. “Come in,” I said, retreating to my closet to get dressed.
I heard the door creak open and close. I then caught a whiff of her scent. It’s clear it’s her, although I can not fathom why she’s here. I emerged from the closet, fully dressed, and walked past her. I positioned myself by the window, scanning my people for any clues about their thoughts on the matters that are going on. However, my own mind was too cluttered to decipher their expressions.
The human approached me, her big eyes filled with fear and determination. I glanced at her, silently asking about my photo, but she spoke before I could. Your mother told me that the wolves higher than you are coming to kill me. Is it true?” she asked anxiously.
“Yes, they’re coming this evening,” I replied dismissively.
“Is that why you took me to my aunt? Because you knew I would never see her again?” she questioned, her eyes welling up with tears. “And it’s true, isn’t it? I’m going to die tonight.
I nodded solemnly. “Yes, that’s right. Letting you meet your family was a favour I owed you for helping Isabella.
Frustrated, she ran her fingers through her hair and looked at me with teary eyes. “What crime in the world did I commit?” she pleaded.
“Simply because you’re human,” I explained. “They don’t like humans, and neither do I. In fact, the fact that you’re my mate only makes me dislike you more. To add to that, humans aren’t supposed to know about us. That’s why those cops died in the first place.
She gave me a deathly lingering stare before storming out, slamming the doors shut. I ran my hand through my still wet hair, feeling the heavy atmosphere. Was it necessary to scare her with such details? My wolf asked, irritated. “She’s so full of herself,” I replied before heading out to get something to eat.
As the evening came, I walked into the meeting hall where every pack member, except for the pups, had gathered, murmuring amongst themselves. As soon as I entered, they fell silent. The human stood beside Isabella, and I could see the pack’s eyes filled with murderous intent towards her. However, they couldn’t lay a hand on her as they feared Isabella. If she’s in her right mind like that, I don’t stand a chance against her either. Her magic is no joke.
It wasn’t long before the people from the council appeared, causing my heart to start pounding rapidly. We welcomed them respectfully as they took their seats, their expressions stern and serious.
I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves as I made my way towards my seat to address the situation to the council. Even though they were already aware of it at hand, as the alpha, it was imperative that I lend my voice to address it formally. But before I could even begin to speak, the human strode purposefully towards us, standing boldly before the council members.
Before I could fully process her audacious behaviour, she broke the silence.
“I’ve heard that you are the higher werewolf leaders,” she began respectfully, her voice firm yet laced with a hint of fear.
“With all due respect, I’d like to speak first.”