Mireya thought, it wasn’t for nothing that Vione often spent time alone in the lounge. Apparently, the place had a perfect ambience for resting body and mind.
A plate of snacks and a warm cup of tea filled the table. Instrumental music was playing, creating a peaceful atmosphere. Mireya enjoyed the passing time, gazing at the flowers that adorned the garden, one thought running through her mind.
I won’t give up so easily. After all I’ve done, I won’t let this damn petition ruin my plans.
Unfortunately, Mireya couldn’t imagine what she could do to fight the petition. As Usher had informed her, he had called Ayla and the result was unsatisfactory.
Mireya closed her eyes. She realized that Ayla was one of those who did not like her presence. Ayla might not express it openly or show her displeasure, but Mireya could feel it. Ayla saw her as an intruder that had to be removed.
Wait a minute.
Steps interrupted Mireya’s thoughts. She blinked, and without turning around, she could guess who was approaching.
Mireya’s guess was right. A kiss landed on her head, a valid answer. She sighed and put on a pretended tired expression, considering the circumstances.
“Do you feel better now?” Usher looked refreshed and neat; he must have taken a shower. He pulled out a chair and sat down in front of Mireya. He looked at the snacks and tea, which Mireya hadn’t touched at all. He knew that the previous topic must have weighed heavily on Mireya’s mind.
“Do you think I can be quiet?”
The counter question made Usher exhale deeply. “As I said, Mireya, you don’t need to worry. I’ll find a way out sooner or later. Everything will be fine. In the end, you’ll still be my Luna and mate. You just have to wait and be patient. Trust me.”
“I trust you, Usher. What more patience do you expect from me? I’ve been patient all along. So when, Usher? You know, don’t you? I’m tired,” Mireya said, closing her eyes with a look of helplessness. “I’ve done everything for you. I’ve given you love and everything I have, just for you. Not only that, I’m carrying your child, Usher.”
Usher reassured Mireya. “I know that, Mireya. So please try to control your thoughts. I don’t want you to stress. I don’t want anything to happen to your pregnancy.”
“You know exactly what’s bothering me, Usher. I mean, it turns out that Vione wasn’t the only obstacle between us all this time. Even the pack seems to be conspiring to reject my presence.”
“Shh! Not now, Mireya.”
“You see, there is proof now, Usher. The petition is the proof, and you can’t do anything about it, can you? You can’t oppose it, can you?”
Usher couldn’t speak. “Mireya.”
“In the end, I may have to accept my fate. Maybe I’m just meant to be your mistress. Nothing more than that.”
“Don’t talk like that, Mireya. You know I love you very much. Mistress? Even when Vione was still around, you were the only one in my heart. What more is there now?”
Mireya shook her head. “I have heard enough of your words, Usher. Now I want proof that you truly love me and our child.”
“Proof?” Usher asked, looking at Mireya as she rubbed her belly. Then he looked at her. “What do you mean by proof?”
“Ignore this petition. Make me your Luna and mate, no matter what.”
Usher was stunned, speechless. The light in his eyes began to fade. “Mi-Mireya.”
“Why? Can’t you do that?” Mireya pressed on. She challenged Usher with an intense look. “Why can’t you do it? You’re an Alpha. You’re free to do anything.”
“I know I’m an Alpha. I’m free to do anything. I don’t need a reason or permission to do anything, but it’s all for the good of the pack, Mireya. I-”
“So, you want to grant the petition?”
Usher’s eyes widened. “That’s not what I meant, but there’s nothing I can do. Ayla can’t even convince the pack, Mireya. She-”
“Ayla. Ayla. Ayla. All because of Ayla.” Mireya could not hold back her curse this time. She repeated Ayla’s name several times in an emotionally charged tone. “From the beginning, she has always messed everything up. She made you mate with Vione, and now she’s the one preventing us from being together.”
“Mireya.”
“Please, Usher. Can’t you prove your love for me just this once? I’m carrying your child.”
Usher could not bear to hear Mireya’s plea. Her beautiful face turned sad and caused pain in his heart. “Don’t beg me, Mireya. You know I’ll do anything for you. You see that, don’t you? You wanted me to push Vione aside and that’s what I did.”
Mireya nodded. That was indeed undeniable proof, but she wanted another proof. So, she cupped Usher’s face. She stared at Usher without blinking, then spoke with emphasis on every word.
“I want you to make me your Luna and mate, Usher. No matter what happens, I don’t care. What I want is to be your Luna. Do you understand?”
Usher’s eyes remained unwavering. He returned Mireya’s look and nodded.
“You must do everything so that I can be your Luna,” Mireya continued with utmost seriousness. Her look became even more intense, penetrating. “Even if it means that you have to get rid of Ayla.”
“Get rid of Ayla?”
Mireya nodded. “Yes, just get rid of her. If she disobeys you, what else can you do but eliminate her? Don’t let anyone separate us, Usher.”
“It seems you’re right, Mireya. Ayla is nothing compared to me, an Alpha, and The Rulebook is just old paper that means nothing.”
A smile appeared on Mireya’s face. “Exactly, Usher. That’s right. And what are you going to do now?”
“I will confront Ayla, and if she refuses to listen to me, then there is only one choice for her: death.”
Coincidentally, the sound of a door opening echoed abruptly. The noise was thunderous, but nothing compared to the disbelief that followed.
“What did you say, Usher?!”
*