“What the hell?” I asked, glaring up at one of the bodyguards, Francis, who suddenly got in my way when I tried getting into the car and heading out to meet Lionel and Tatiana for our picnic.
We had planned on meeting up at our usual spot by four, so I stayed back after my work closed to get a few markings and gradings done for the tests I had on my desk. This way, I would not have to take them home. Once it was three thirty p. m., I stepped out of the office and locked the door, hoping to head out, only to have Francis step out of line when I got to my car.
He was doing more than his job at this point. I didn’t understand his goal, and I didn’t want to. I had a place to get to, and I didn’t want him to make me go late.
“I’m sorry. We just received instructions from the Alpha to bring you home.”
“What the hell? If the Alpha wanted me home, he would have called. Now, get out of my way before you get yourself in trouble.” I snarled at him, but he didn’t move away like he should; instead, he nodded at the second guard, Bruce. They both took hold of my hand and pulled me away towards another car, ignoring my struggles and protests.
“I am sorry, Ms Adams. We are just doing what we were told.” He said this and gently pushed me into the car. I entered and wrapped my hand around my left wrist, which felt sore from having struggled with them to be set free.
They shut the door and entered. I restrained my anger. They weren’t to blame; they were just following orders. Aaron, however, deserved to be blamed. He knew I had plans for today, and he decided at the last minute to step in and change the course of things just because he could. Lionel and Tatiana were probably at the park waiting for me now, and here I was, being driven home.”
After thirty minutes of driving, the car stopped at the park estate, and I stepped out and stormed into the house. I ran into Ivan on the way in, and he spoke to me, but I was too angry to hear as I headed for the study where I’d found Aaron these last few days.
Once I got to the door, I pushed it open and stepped in. As expected, I found him seated across the room, reading.
He glanced up at me at the intrusion, and a smile spread across his face, but it vanished the same second after seeing the look on my face.
“Zera,” he started, rising to his feet, but I didn’t let him finish his words.
“What is this?” I bellowed, my face turning red and my hands balling into a fist.
He looked around me as if trying to find what I spoke about, and after failing, he returned to me and asked. “What?”
“Do not fucking act clueless with me!” I snapped, pointing my finger at him. “Why did you tell your guards to drag me home when you knew damn well I had plans with my family?”
He sighed and walked towards me slowly. “I am sorry. You’re right; I knew your plans to meet up with your siblings today, and I did not mean to be the villain, but I had to be. We believe the rebellion pack will strike today, and we don’t know how or why, and I can’t take any chances.”
“Why didn’t you call me then?”
“Because I didn’t know who could be watching or listening. The crimson moon approaches with every day that passes, and every pack by now must have known what it means. The only thing on my mind was getting you home safe and unharmed.”
I sighed, and my lashes fluttered. He had never lied to me, and I knew he wouldn’t start now. “The crimson moon is still many months away,” I told him.
His hand came up to cup my face and say, “I know that, but you’re important to me, and I know the rebellion pack knows that too. They would want to do anything within their power to take you away. Believe me when I say that I am doing this for your good. I can’t risk your safety, and I wouldn’t try.”
My anger subsided at his explanation, and I knew I couldn’t stay mad at him for long. Damn this man.
His eyes narrowed at me. “You’re not mad at me, are you?”
He was looking out for me, and I couldn’t stay mad at him for that.
I shook my head and said, “I’m not. I just need to call them. Lionel and Tatiana, I need to inform them I won’t be present.” I reached into my bag and pulled out my phone.
“Sesi went ahead to Lionel. She would keep him safe until we are sure of our next step,” he answered, and I knew he told the truth.
“And Tatiana?”
“She as well. I sent the beta Jude to monitor her,” he answered, telling me he had all the things covered.
“Thank you,” I said. Knowing that my siblings were safe was a relief.
He took hold of my cold hands. “I should be the one thanking you. You’ve sacrificed everything for me, and I don’t know if I’m worth it.”
“You’re worth it and more.” I tilted my head and kissed his lips before wrapping my arms around him.
I admit I was a train wreck and knew how rebellious I could get, especially when backed into a corner. I was grateful for the man Aaron was. He always had his plans and always saw ahead. I didn’t say it as often as I should have, but I was glad to be his. I was glad that he was mine and glad that we were together.