NALEDI’S POV
The trip back to the house was silent.
The silence was comfortable and everyone was in their heads, no doubt going over the events of the day. As soon as the car stopped, I stepped out of the car and made my way inside, right after telling them we’d meet tomorrow.
I made my way to the Alpha’s building and the first person I saw was Donna. She was seated on the sofa and I think I heard her weep. My eyes narrowed and I took small steps towards her, only for her to whip her head at me and her face turned stoic.
“What are you trying to do?” She asked, looking anything but happy to see me.
“Were you… crying?” I didn’t know what I was expecting, asking such a ridiculous question but that was the only thing that went out my mouth at the moment.
“What do you want? Are you here to mock me? Show off the fact that you got him in your bed fucking you into the morning while I listened from my room? Huh?!”
Everything happened so quickly. How the hell did one line of words from me vomit all of that anger and pent-up frustrations?
“I know it might seem like it, but I promise I am not in the habit of beating one when they are down.” I meant every word, “I might have said that in a fit of jealousy and anger but I swear I never intended for it to happen.”
I didn’t know why I was explaining myself right now. Hell, I didn’t know what was going on but I knew the last thing I wanted was for her to think I derived some kind of joy from seeing her upset about whatever the case may be.
I didn’t hate her that much and I wasn’t a monster. Okay, maybe I harboured some resentment for her but I knew I wasn’t a monster.
“That’s easy for you to say.” She said, “You won. You got him wrapped around your fingers and I am the one who has to go.”
I did a double take, “What?”
“He wants me out. He sent a letter to my Alpha saying he decided against having me as the Luna. He chose to throw away an opportunity to get into the business of mining gold. An opportunity a union with me affords him because he wants to be with you.”
My heart fluttered at her words.
“I hold no grudges against you. But I just don’t think you deserve him. You flat out disobey him and do whatever the fuck you want to do, and yet he holds on your every word.” Now she sounded pained, “If this is what being mated feels like then I don’t want it. It’s fucking bondage.”
I didn’t know if it was anger at her words or the fact I just wanted to know, but I asked, “You know, for someone who is yet to find her mate, I’d think you’ll be happy you don’t have to give your life in honour to a promise your mother made to her friend.”
“You have a whole life ahead of you. Why hold on to someone who is not yours when you stand a chance of having one who can belong only to you?”
She sneered, “You can never understand what this means to me, no matter how hard I explain, no one could ever understand.” She blinked back tears, feigning strength. “I have to leave, and I will.”
“I just hope you are worth it.” She stormed off and headed right for the stairs. I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry at her words.
It was clear she was having a bad day, and a thorough dissection of her words told me she was keeping more than she told, making me wonder if there was more to her outburst other than the fact she had failed in her plan to kill Caellum as a requisite for setting her sister free.
Or she actually hoped to be his Luna.
Everything was twisted and all so confusing these days. I figured it was in my best interest to properly assimilate things, in order not to miss anything. I headed right for my room, passing Caellum’s office.
I heard him shout at someone on the phone and realised it wasn’t a good time to query him about what he was doing. There was a lot of time to get on page with him about everything. I just needed to make sure I had my baggage packed before we had to go through it.
Knowing he gave up such a profitable business for me both upset and elated me. Upset me for the fact that he was doing the most, giving up things for me while I was here, keeping things away from him.
And elated me because it showed just how true he was to his words. It solidified my trust in him and the fact that there was nothing we could not get through so long as we were in love with each other.
I was just about to step away from his door when it suddenly opened and Matteo came out looking disgruntled. He didn’t care to fix his face even when he saw me.
“Is everything alright in there?” I asked when he made to leave, stopping him in his tracks.
“What do you think?” He seethed, “The Alpha is calling off his union with the Lady Donna. The entire deal is falling through the cracks and we have to pay twice as much as we made for the damages.” He looked crazy, “What do you think, Naledi? Is everything alright?”
I pursed my lips, knowing if I let myself speak, things would not end well.
“He is giving up a lot for you. Shaking the finances and starting a war all because of you. And I can’t help but wonder if it’s worth it.” He gave me a bone-chilling look. “I just hope he isn’t making a mistake.”
With that, he turned around and continued his walk, disappearing from sight. I didn’t know how to feel about the information I’d just absorbed. One thing was certain, even I was starting to doubt the fact that this was a fair deal between me and Caellum.
It couldn’t be fair if he had to give up so much, and I so little.
I walked back to my room, knowing there was no hope of getting Caellum at night. All through the night, I planned my next move, deciding to take action at the break of light.