“I specifically told you to stay in my room,” he reminded me calmly, yet, coldly.
“That was before dinner,” I blubbered. “I merely came here to see my friends before she came in.” I eyed Paisley.
His eyes went back to her. “Don’t make me change my mind and cast you out, Paisley. Stay away from my mate until your father comes to take you away.”
“Bab-”
“Out, now!” He dodged her theatrics and opened the door wider, his stern countenance relaying to her not to test him. “Now,” he pushed.
She stomped her feet like the spoilt brat she is was, gave me a last promising gape of torture, and stormed away the way she came in.
“You two, out!” he ordered and my friends looked at me for confirmation. I smiled apologetically at them and nodded hence they scurried off.
He came to meet me, took my wrist, and twisted me around as if checking for any break or tear. Satisfied with whatever he was looking out for, he took a last look around the room and tugged me out with him.
He didn’t say a word to me as he marched down the hall toward his room in giant steps, leaving me to literally jog after him. I knew too well than to try and mince words with him or even as much as a protest. The time has come.
Almost reaching his room, Lancelot materialized from the other side of the hall leading to the stairs causing Alonso to come to an abrupt halt and I collided against his back with a hiss.
I was still trying to recuperate when the next sight that greeted me was the unsettling presence of Alfred walking behind Lance. They stopped in front of us.
“Is everything alright?” Lance asked, his eyes moving from Alonso to me and back. His mate wasn’t with him. Betrayer!
I didn’t meet his eyes. I needed him to know very well that I wasn’t sunny with him and wouldn’t hide it. I focused on skimming my already short nails mindlessly while at the same time reflecting in what fate lied ahead for me after now inside the room with Alonso. I will have to tell him the truth, simple. I didn’t do anything with her and he has to believe me.
While the idea of going the extra mile to make sure he wasn’t aware of everything that happened that day was concealed from him was frightening, I will have to tell him. Perhaps it would help make him trust me once more.
“Danika?”
I flicked my eyes up to meet Lance, blinking severally to show I didn’t hear any word he might have said before. “What?”
“Are you okay?” he asked.
My eyes found Alonso drinking me in. Why would Lance ask me that? Is it that he doesn’t trust his friend with me or what? Very hilarious. I have been with Alonso all th- Oh, I see. He was still judging Alonso from the past. I don’t blame him, it’s not like when he left, Alonso and my relationship had been anything smooth. “Yeah, I am,” I said at last.
“Cool…” His velvety eyes were still checking me out as if in doubt.
“Are you here to concern yourself with matters affecting my mate or you two have anything important for me?” Alonso drawled drily, seemingly not impressed by his friend’s skepticism.
“There has been an attack at the border. The patrollers got a message across to us immediately after we left the dinner and they said three guardians are down. I think it’s the-”
“Vampires,” I said inaudibly. When I looked up, three captivating male pairs of eyes were fixed on me. They heard me. Great!
“Exactly,” Lance concluded.
“We have no proof, yet,” Alfred said from the back of Lance, gradually coming to his side. I battled not to look at him, but standing directly in front of me, made the venture difficult.
I rolled my eyes. Even a baby in this pack knows our greatest adversaries have been the vampires. Why is he trying to beat around the bush? “Unless you have another enemy I don’t know of, then I think they are the one. Since I came to this pack, they have been the only ones I think are our pack’s greatest foes…” I blushed crimson at the intent eyes on me at my undemanded rapid utterance. Did I just call here my pack? Well, I will like to think so. This is the only home I know now. From the way Alonso’s hand tightened on mine, I knew he was pleased.
Alfred chuckled. “You already call here your pack. He hasn’t even married you yet.”
“Do you have any problem with that, Alfred? The last time I checked I am more of a pack member here than the pup born today at the infirmary, respective of not being married to my mate yet,” I challenged him, seeing a flit of disbelief cross his face. It was my turn to smirk at him. He was my friend after all. I more than anyone knows how much pride he takes in unnerving people with his impulsive words. It was time he has a dose of his own red pill. And from his sullied countenance, it seemed breakfast was well served.
“Back to the business, everyone. See to it that the rest of the guardians and patrollers including warriors are safe in their homes, Alfred. By tomorrow, start thinking of a good defense strategy. I will visit the Vampire kingdom soon. I hear they just installed a new King- who apparently wants my mate. A word would suffice.” The subtle way he marshaled out the words drove goosebumps through my flesh. It was like an invisible hand was crawling up my skin and like the wind, leaving me chilled, seeking warmth.
“I will see to that, King…” his brother dragged petulantly, gave me a tedious dark skim, and stalked away.
“You two still at each other’s neck. I see.” Lance touched his chin while addressing Alonso, his eyes looking down the hall in thought, then came back and said, “You know, I think we should catch Derrick and his cohorts. I thought you did, judging from the other time we spoke when you said you will handle it.”
“I am far too busy to chase down never-do-wells,” Alonso retorted.
“I will see to it then. Goodnight.” He smiled at us. His eyes lingered on me for a notch, while I maintained my sore facade. “By the way, congrats on your engagement. I knew you will do the right thing someday.” He patted Alonso’s flank, winked at me, twisted about, and left.
“Why do you take so much pleasure in bringing out the worst in me?” Alonso confronted me the minute we are behind doors. He locked it and faced me.
“I-I” I swallowed, my eyes meeting his squarely and relaying the weight of my guilt in my eyes. “I’m sorry.”
“Did she touch you?”
My head was shaking before he finished the question. “No! She didn’t. I agree I had desperately wanted to use her- her…”
“Her lust for you?” He shook his head with a blank expression.
I blanched. He knew.
He blinked once and went deeper into the room. He unbuttoned his loose shirt and flung it to the chair. “That was very reckless, Danika. Now you have brought out the worst in me.”
“Mmm… W-what?” I was distracted by his creamy endearing abs.
“Strip and get on the bed. You have to pay direly for your transgression!”
Why do I like the sound of that?
…