Emily’s POV
I have never seen any wolf take down an Alpha that quickly. It was incredible and flawless.
In less than two seconds, Alex was shifted into his black beast and took down the Alpha Wolf. Power radiated from him, and I welcomed the feeling that made me gasp.
“Our mate is powerful,” Willow purred. “More than you think…”
“Yes,” I agreed. “But he still failed the test.”
“Who gives a sh*t about your test?” She huffed, annoyed. “He was great! He protected us from that wolf!”
“I do,” I said, turning my attention back to the group. “I was in no danger; the warriors were standing ready to take him down!”
Willow huffed, rolling her eyes. She didn’t like this test.
“They would never have been so quick as Alex,” she hissed, got to her paws, and stalked off.
My gaze fell on Alex; he had shifted back, and Luke had given him a pair of spare pants. His brown, tanned body was deliciously glittering in the sun, and his upper body muscles were tight and hot.
My mind wandered off for just a second, remembering how those strong arms held me in place last night as he pounded into me.
I unconsciously licked my lips, feeling my p*ssy throbbing and soaking my underwear. I slowly stepped forward, looking between the two Alphas.
“You both have failed today’s test,” I said, keeping my face blank from any emotions. I turned and signaled the warriors to release the two she-wolves. They removed the blindfolds, stepped forward, and waved to their mates, unconcerned about what had just happened.
“This is outrageous!” the Alpha roared. “How could I have possibly failed the test?!”
“You lost focus on your opponent,” I replied, keeping my face blank and my tone serious.
Murmurs erupted, and I stopped them by lifting my hand and quieting the group.
“Your mates were not in immediate danger,” I explained. “They were brought here as a distraction. Do you not think your mate would try to alert you if they were in any kind of danger?”
Alex’s face turned pale, and Alpha Cole placed his hand on his shoulder.
“Did any of you receive a desperate call for help?” I asked.
“No,” the Alpha hissed. “But she is my mate!”
“True,” I admitted, feeling my heart pinch recalling the duel. “But you have a pack that also needs protection. Losing focus on what is important in a life-or-death situation could cost you your mate and your pack. Your opponent could have slit your throat while you were rushing toward me. Even Alpha Alex had lost the plot trying to save me from you. Twenty warriors are standing around, ready to protect me.”
With that said, I turned on my heels, shifted, and ran back home. After all, it was lunchtime, and I promised Lex we could have a quick lunch before he went to see Alex.
Mila waited on the front porch for me while the kids were running around in the yard playing. I was curious about what she wanted. At least I knew Lex was okay.
“And how did it go?” She asked as I climbed the steps to the porch.
“Same old, same old,” I said. “Alex lost focus, and he failed the task.”
“You suspect he would,” she commented.
I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding and pinched the top of my nose.
“It is in our instinct to protect our mate,” I said. “Most wolves would fail the test. There is no doubt about that.”
“Then what is bothering you,” she asked.
“I had higher expectations for Alex,” I said, unlocking the door. “He gets distracted quickly.”
Mila rolled her eyes at me, yet followed me in.
“Emily,” she said with a sigh. “Alpha Alex meets your expectations. I can see it in your eyes, and to top it off, you are head over heels in love with him.”
“I know,” I said, with a dreamy sigh. There was no way I could argue about that. “I am crazy about him. He is so perfect in so many ways.”
“Then what is really bothering you,” she asked.
I dropped my shoulders and pouted.
“I lately feel exhausted,” I answered truthfully. “Not just emotionally because I can’t be with Alex, but physically too. I feel drained and irritated, and my breasts hurt!”
Mila took a seat at the kitchen counter. Her gaze followed my every move.
“Go on,” she said.
“It is hard to explain,” I said. “I feel fine, but I am exhausted. It’s as if something is draining all the life out of me.”
“How long has this been going on?” She asked.
“A couple of days, maybe,” I said. “But I have been more aware of it after my return.”
Mila bit her bottom lip, and something like excitement crossed her eyes. It was the same look she’s been giving me the last couple of days.
Does she know something I don’t?
And that reminded me that Mila had been checking on me more regularly than usual.
Was Jax out on an expedition that I don’t know about?
Was she bored, and was she just looking for company?
Or was she just being a good friend and checking up on me?
“Lemonade?” I asked, trying to shake off my suspicion. Lex and I made some lemonade early this morning. It wasn’t something I loved, but I was craving to taste it.
“Sure,” Mila replied, and I headed toward the cupboard, grabbed two glasses, placed them on the counter, and went to get the lemonade from the fridge.
When I opened the fridge, the smell of cheese hit my nose, and I felt nauseous.
I quickly grabbed the jug and closed the fridge door.
“Are you okay?” Mila asked, getting off the bar stool, coming around the counter, grabbing the lemonade jug from me, and placing it on the counter.
“I’m fine,” I said. “I’m just feeling a bit queasy.”
Mile’s green eyes lit up, and she steered me toward the bar stool.
She carefully helped me sit, poured each of us a glass of lemonade, and handed me a class.
Mila took a seat next to me, her green eyes pinned on me.
“What?” I asked. “What are you thinking?”
“You are asking my opinion?” She asked, pointing her finger at herself.
“Yes,” I said. “Do you think there is something wrong with me? Am I coming down with the flu?”
“It’s the flu, alright,” she said, a smile forming on her lips.
“Why do you seem so happy about it?” I snapped, feeling sorry for myself. I hate getting sick.
“Because,” she said, searching my gaze. “I suspect you have a different kind of flu.”
I squinted my eyes at her, confused, which made Mila laugh out loud.
I growled under my breath, warning her to stop laughing at me. Which just added fuel to the fire.
“Mila!” I growled.
“Girl,” she squeaked out between laughs. “I suspect you have the human nine-month flu.”
Gosh, was Mila losing it?
****