NALEDI’S POV
I hated seeing them around.
After the little surprise meeting with Alpha Alek, Donna and Arturo, they ended up leaving her behind – Donna.
Saying something along the lines of how easier it would make their lives if there was a representative that Caellum didn’t expressly hate.
Did I mention how irked I was by the fact that Caellum happened to be beefing Alek for some darned girl? Mila they called her. I wanted to know her. But it was hard knowing her when they all got so wound up at the mention of her name.
Today I was going to the factory. See where they were with things on the shipment. So far Matteo had said a total nothing to me on the job we were tasked with.
I was running out of patience and bored out of my mind with nothing to do but prance around town, looking for customers who had to wait till the goods were available to become paying clients.
It didn’t help that the darned mark on my neck brought nothing but Caellum. In my heart, mind and soul. There was not a waking moment that went without thoughts of that nutjob.
These days, he was scarce. I noticed he had a lot more business to do with Donna, and though I figured it was from their little deal, I couldn’t help but be jealous of the attention she got to enjoy.
I didn’t care for her, but after her little smart mouth the last time I saw her, I decided I didn’t like her. Point blank period. But there was nothing I could do about it so I sucked it up like a big girl, and went about my business like it didn’t eat me up.
“Where’s Matteo?” I asked as soon as I got into the factory.
“What do you want?” I heard his voice from the right and figured he was there all along.
Matteo was very committed to his work, it was no surprise to see him watching the workers work the job while he supervised. Sometimes I wondered if he ever got tired, or did something other than work.
“I need to talk to you.”
Together, we went into the office where Matteo took his seat and gestured for me to do the same.
“Is this about the shipments?” He asked off the bat.
I liked that about him. There was no need to walk around the bush.
“I am yet to hear a word of what’s next and the customers are not happy about it.”
His eyes gauged me with a look I couldn’t understand. “We decided to take a different route.” He said, picking his words. “Instead of getting a whole shipment, we’ll get them in bits.”
“What do you mean?”
“Half the goods will be coming in before the week runs out. Our men have been stationed to make for the safe arrival of the goods.” His eyes met mine, “The only thing we are short of is who to oversee the pick up”
“I want you to head the operation.”
I felt like I’d been slapped. Flagabasted. “Last time I checked, we were supposed to work together on this.”
“Exactly why you will be overseeing the pick-up. I have done my half of the job, now it’s left for you to do yours.”
“What if I don’t feel comfortable organising the pickup?”
“Then you will take it up with the Alpha.”
“You mean my mate?” I dared to say, flaunting my mark and fighting the urge to bare my teeth.
“You mean the same you forgot to mark?” He rolled his eyes. “Don’t get things mixed up, Naledi. The fact you have the Alpha wrapped over your fingers doesn’t mean you have us all too.”
“Who knows? Maybe Donna might strike her luck with him. I hope my alpha gets a mate that respects and regards him.”
“If you think I am one of those insecure women who are nothing without their spouses then think again.” I said, flicking my hair, “Donna has nothing on me, and I have a mark to prove it.”
“Love or hate me, I do not care. But do not think you can step over me. Beta or not, I will not hesitate to treat you accordingly.”
“Is that a threat?” He hissed, and I smiled.
“Let’s just say it’s a friendly warning.” I got on my feet. “Since you went ahead of me and got half the job done, I’ll take it that you have things under control and do not need my help.”
“Alert me as soon as the goods are here. I’ll take care of the second batch.”
I didn’t wait for him to speak. I went well on my way, refusing to allow any more of the anger I felt to spill over the place. If Matteo thought he could do whatever he liked, I was going to show him I could do better. Worse.
My strut back to my quarters was short. I climbed up the stairs, getting to the hall where I and Caellum’s rooms were located. Just before I passed the Alpha’s door, it flung open, revealing a gorgeously dressed Donna who walked out of the room, Caellum behind her.
“Do I even want to know?” My mouth spoke before I could think it through.
“I and Donna have a meeting to attend,” Caellum said, not having the decency to look ashamed of himself. “Is there a problem?”
He was trying to get a rise of me.
“You just walked out of the room with her,” I said like it made all the difference.
“I understand that you all have a unique situation,” Donna started, and she was already getting on my nerves.
“I am his mate.” I fought the urge to flaunt my mark. “But you knew that already. So you must understand my reservations about seeing another woman coming out of our private room.”
“He invited me over,” Her eyes bored into my own. “He doesn’t have a mark on him, so he’s fair game.”
I nearly coughed up blood. Was that a joke?
“Do you jump on every unmarked male or is this an exclusive to Caellum thing?”
“Only those who are betrothed to me.” She made a face and I was shaking with anger.