I was surprised to see Micheal, my best friend hurrying towards me. I knew that he barely went out unless it was to help his father confirm matings or announce them. Everyone already knew that he would take over from his father as the Epsilon.
“Is everything okay?” I asked as soon as he was within earshot.
He didn’t reply until we met, as I also started walking to meet him. It seemed that whatever had brought him to me was urgent and very crucial.
“Derrick, Pandora has a new mate. My father just told me now.” He said to me, panting loudly.
I felt like cold water was thrown on me and I stopped in my tracks.
“Pandora? Like Pandora Miller? She was just my mate yesterday. Are you sure about this?” I asked, refusing to believe what just came out of his mouth.
Micheal held his knees and panted some more. He held up one hand to indicate that I should hold on and after a few seconds of catching his breath.
“Yes, Derrick. She’s been mated to the Alpha of White Moon Park. Alpha Rolan.” He said and bent again to breathe.
It was like my heart was cut into two, and I staggered from the blow of the information I just got. I managed to hold myself until Micheal and I got into the house. I immediately sank into one of the sofas for fear that if I stood any longer, I would collapse from the heartbreak.
“Are you okay Derrick? I thought you would be happy that at least you wouldn’t have to worry about her disturbing you with her feelings anymore?” Micheal asked me.
I nodded weakly and tried to scoff, but the attempt was so bad that even Michael looked at me like I had suddenly grown two heads.
“I am fine. Don’t worry about me.” I assured him and managed a weak smile.
Mira chose that exact moment to badge into my chambers. Her eyes scanned Micheal up and down before she settled her sight on me.
“Why do you both look like you just got caught kissing?” Mira asked us, her hands resting gently on her waist. I caught Michael’s eyes looking intently at my sister.
I was too hurt to think about that.
“Pandora got a new mate today,” Micheal informed her, and I watched her eyes go around with surprise.
“How come? Wasn’t it just yesterday that she was Derrick’s mate? How can she already have a new mate barely twenty-four hours after?” She questioned him and when Micheal didn’t offer an explanation, she looked at me for answers.
“Look, Mira. I do not know, and I honestly do not care at all. She has found a new mate. And so what? There is nothing special. Do not forget that I rejected her myself. She’s not worth me.” I scoffed, trying to act like I was good about the news.
Mira looked at me for a while then she shrugged her shoulders.
“If you say so.” She said and left my chambers.
“What are you going to do about it?” Micheal asked me.
“What about it?” I asked, feigning ignorance.
“You and I know your wolf is raging inside of you. What are you planning on doing, Derrick? I hope it is not anything stupid?” Micheal warned me.
“I am not doing anything, Micheal. You may leave, I have some important matters to attend to. I would like to sort all that out on my own.” I said, hoping that Micheal would take the hint and just leave me alone.
“Hey dude! No need to get all worked up about it. I have heard you. I believe what you say, even though your actions say otherwise.” He said, slightly upset. I guess he felt I wasn’t grateful for the piece of information he brought.
“I am sorry I snapped. My emotions are not so stable.” I apologized.
“It is fine. It was obviously a transfer of aggression.” He said and tapped me gently on the back.
“I am fine, mate. I rejected her myself. I don’t need you to comfort me on any loss. I didn’t lose a mate if I already rejected her, Micheal.” I said, genuinely angry that he had seen through my act and now knows how much it hurt me that Pandora has moved on.
“Well, it is obvious you do not need company for now. You can be alone for as long as you want. Have a great day” Micheal fired back and left.
After Micheal left, I tried to control my anger and feelings of possessiveness. I reiterated to myself several times that I rejected her, so I should not feel the way I’m feeling.
My emotions didn’t listen, and my wolf was crying in the pain of heartbreak. I could feel my wolf blaming me for losing our mate and soon, I felt my wolf recede to the darkest corner of my mind.
I clutched to my chest as the same searing pain I felt gnawed at my chest. I stood up weakly and found my way to my mini-bar. I brought out a bottle of whiskey and a glass cup.
Filling the glass cup full to the brim, I downed the contents of the cup in a swig. I set the cup down heavily and walked back to collapse weakly on the sofa.
I could not let Pandora be taken away from me like that. I had to find a way to get her back, no matter what it would cost.
I picked up my phone and dialed a number.
“I want you to keep tabs on someone for me. Pandora Miller. Find my details on her relationship with Rolan, the Alpha of white moon park. Get back to me on that in one hour” I ordered the person and ended the call without waiting to hear the response.
Barely an hour later, my phone rang.
“Alpha, Rolan is coming to take Pandora tomorrow”
“Over my dead body,” I cussed and walked back to the bar, taking another large swig of the whiskey directly from the bottle.
“Pandora is mine!”