*Alonso*
This was getting better, more than I had anticipated. I knew she was hurting very much from everything I was doing.
But that was the point.
I wanted her to suffer so much, that the moon goddess would regret sending such a weakling to me, especially after I had told her I don’t need another mate after Hilda.
Today at the border, Lance had told me about her indifference toward pups, and that I should cease what I was doing to her. It only aggravated me the more.
It irked me beyond expressions the way the both of them were acting all cozy.
That was why I stood on my word that she must work at the infirmary. At least both of them don’t get to stay together all the time, not to mention having the time to go out to have fun.
What temerity!
“Son, don’t you think Lance should be the one to decide the future of his mate, concerning what activities she is to engage in within the pack?” my mother’s annoying drawling voice rose on the table.
“Yea, I think so too,” my twin brother added.
I met his gaze squarely, my hand around my glass tightening so much I feared it would shatte. “Mother, as the Alpha of this pack, and the Alpha King per se, I have the discretion of appointing anyone to any position I deem fit. And as it seems, Lance’s mate has nothing to do around the pack, so this is her chance to show how useful she can be. ”
“But she’s a Hybrid,” Paisley spoke up beside me. “She told me so herself. And I think mother is right. Now you have ruined our plans of going shopping,” she added petulantly.
If only she knew how much hearing her voice irritates me. I had only opted to make her my Luna as the last resolution. Anything. Just anything, to make my mate grind in misery.
Yesterday at the beach, I had done the very thing that sickens me to the core-kiss her. After that kiss, I so much needed to puke but had to pull off that stunt for the betterment of my role. I have never felt so furious seeing Danika laughing so freely while Lance had his arm around her… like he was the best thing that happened to her!
“Alonso!”
I blinked unsteadily, picking up the bottle of red wine to refill my glass before meeting the questioning eyes of my mother.
“What mother?” I grated out, the glass finding my lips.
“I was asking you what your plans are towards tightening the border. You know the full moon is almost close, and a period when invaders start thinking of trying their hands at-”
“Mother, we are fine. For the past ten years, we have never experienced any attack. No one would dare think of stalking into any of my packs or subordinate packs. They know better.”
“Mmm,” she hummed nonchalantly, her eyes raising to meet mine, “I was thinking perhaps you should put your brother in charge of the guardians. That Rochas guy is getting old and might need to retire. There is always a first for everything.”
I pinched my eyes closed, striving very hard to stabilize my breathing. Why would my mother always do this? I thought we have passed this phase of constantly trying to show her dauntless preference for my brother to me. If it’s possible to ask me to hand over my position to him, I’m sure she won’t hesitate to ask.
Opening my eyes, my face stretched in the most forced smile I could garner. “Whatever you say, mother.”
“Good,” she said, smiling broadly, her fingers circling the glass and lifting it carefully to her painted lips. Most times I wonder if she and Paisley ever wash those dratted make-up off their faces.
Unlike my mate who even without those artificial applications, still stood out among the crowd. My wolf growled within, making me harden just at the mere thought of her.
“Excuse me, I have to check on my… my mate.” Lance stood and started making his way out.
“Wait!” I called him back, standing up. “Can I have a word with you? In private.” He seemed to think on my demand before concurring, “Sure, let’s go. Excuse me.”
I didn’t know why I stopped him but I know I didn’t want him to be alone with her from now onward. I can smell it, and see it in his eyes-he was beginning to grow feelings for my mate.
*
Danika.
After dabbing my face with a little water to restore the fullness and remove any bearing of sullenness, I washed my hands and made my way out of the bathroom.
I just hope the dinner is over so that once I get there we will leave. I can’t bear any more wickedness from Alonso. I’ve had enough for one night.
The minute I made it to the entrance of the dining hall, I almost collided with Lance and Alonso who were leaving.
“Sorry,” Lance said, holding my shoulder to hold me up. “Are you okay?” he asked, worry etched in his voice.
I nodded looking down my hands, the sight of Alonso reminding me of my recent situation. “I think I will need to go back to the house, I’m feeling sick,” I muttered to his hearing.
“Oh, okay. Can you give me-”
“That won’t be necessary, Lance. I will have one of the Omegas see her to the house because you might not be going home tonight,” he grounded out, his tight eyes on a surprised Lance.
“Alon-”
“I will be waiting in the study,” he said as he pushed passed us and cornered to another part of the hall.
“It’s fine. I will be okay,” I said to Lance to ebb whatever was going on through his head. I think this is going to be our new living routine.
“I promise to come back early and take you to the infirmary. I will talk to the Dr. in charge there so that they don’t overwork you, okay?”
I nodded, my heart melting at his kindness. Lance was just perfect. If only.
“Will you go back to the dining, or do you want to leave now?” he asked me.
“I want to leave now, I can’t bear another round of what happened before,” I said, wholly meaning it.
Just as I asked, it wasn’t long and an Omega appeared to take me home.
The next morning, Lance had come back early as he had promised. Mary was alarmed when I told her I will now be working in the infirmary. She outrightly told me what the Alpha did was unfair. According to her, apart from the Doctors and nurses, the only other positions there were for Omegas.
And since I’m not a Doctor or a nurse, that means I was going to do the job of an Omega. I didn’t show my disappointment or tell her about the pup’s part. I simply told her it would be a great experience for me, despite dying slowly inside.
Reaching the infirmary in Lance’s car, he had pulled up at the infirmary’s parking lot and taken me inside for an introduction.
“Good morning, Doctor Salem,” he greeted the Doctor who stood abruptly when he looked up and saw Lance.
He reached his hand out to exchange a handshake with Lance, “Good morning, Beta Lance. What brings you out here?” His eyes moved from Lance to me.
Lance chuckled flaccidly. “I know right? Well, meet my… mate. My mate Danika,” he stuttered, still finding it hard to smoothly call me his mate.
“Your mate? Wow, you found her.” The Doctor’s face expanded in genuine glee.
“Yes, I did.” Lance affirmed. “I… well… my mate would be working here at the infirmary.”
“Uhm… as what actually? She’s a healer?” he asked, the smile on his face falling a notch.
Lance shook his head, his finger brushing his head back. I just stood there almost hyperventilating. Being around the hospital was overwhelming. “She would be working as one of the pup caretakers.”
The Doctor broke down laughing. “Pup caretakers? That is the job of the Omegas. And your mate here, forgive me for saying this, she doesn’t look like one who can handle those little monsters. They are exhausting.” He let out a spree of mild mirth which I could tell was anxious.
“Uhm… let’s just say my mate is trying to meet up a challenge. She wants to help.” He circled his hand in a demonstration. “Which is why you people have to go easy on her, please.”
“Of course, if that is what she wants. She can always do as her ability can carry. As I said, it’s the job of the Omegas.”
Lance laughed heartily, showing he was eased. “Thanks very much, Dr. Salem. This means a lot to me.”
“Anything for you, Beta.” The doctor once more reached to shake him, and like that my life as a pup carer started.
Five hours into the day, I was already wishing hell and brimstone on the said pups. Not only were they notoriously rackety, but they were also as stubborn as a mule. I wiped the sweat on my forehead as I made it out of their nursery, my body crying out in exhaustion. I went for my lunch break to resume later.
The evening finally came and I made my way out of the facility, going to wait for Lance in the lobby. I brought out my phone and dialed his number. It rungs thrice but there was no answer. Thinking maybe he was busy with something, I decided to wait.
Then my phone beeped, and when I checked it, it was a message from him. It read.
I’m so sorry, Danika. There was an attack somewhere around the pack, I am presently in a meeting. Alfred will pick you up.
There was an attack?
Alfred?
I was thinking about it when a car pulled in front of the hospital followed by the driver honking his horn. I looked up and met with the bewitching shimmering blue orbs of Alfred, accompanied by his captivating evil smirk.
I blushed when he unfolded his hands from his chest and splayed for me.
Goddess, how much more temptation can you bring my way?
…