Nalya
To say I was shocked by yesterday's events was an understatement. I put on my robe and went to the kitchen. Kiyana was making a delicious breakfast.
She smiled at me as I sat on the counter and pushed a plate of bacon and toast my way.
"Thanks,"
She placed her hand under her chin and smiled.
"Rhaegar," she teased. I knew she would have questions. I raised a finger in the air, asking her to wait. I finished eating while she watched me.
"Now, ask," I said.
"Are you alright?" Her question caught me off guard, but I nodded slowly. I think I was fine,
"What happened?"
"Kiya, I'm a rogue wolf. It means I don't belong to any pack, so we easily lose ourselves to our animalistic nature because we have no link to an alpha or a pack. Hence, we are treated with disdain by most," I told her, and she gave me a pitiful gaze.
"Is that why Rhaegar rejected you?" she asked.
"Rhaegar is an alpha Prince. The leader of all werewolves, and yes, he rejected me because he thought he was doing what was best for me," I sighed.
"Are you going to forgive him?" she asked.
"I don't know. A lot has happened, and I will require time to find myself. Right now, my focus has shifted to this baby," I told her.
"I don't know much about Rhaegar, but I could tell he was sincere and regrets rejecting you," she said.
"He already has another woman who he chose as his Luna,"
"Luna?"
"An alpha's mate who leads with him," I informed her. " She's everything I'm not, Kiya. She's confident, strong, perfect for the position, and everyone thinks highly of her,"
"Oh babe, you're all that. You are so strong. I know because you had the strength to leave your abusive home. You left the man you loved because it was best for you. Not many can do that," she stared at me fondly. I smiled at her, and tears built up in my eyes. I did tell her about how toxic my family was. I kept from her the part about being married off.
That fucking man still haunted me in my dreams, and I only ever felt safe with Prince Rhaegar.
"I don't hate really Rhaegar. Am I stupid for not hating him?" I asked.
"No babe, you're not,"
"I was disappointed that he didn't want me. I still have anger towards him. I keep wanting to find a reason to appall him, but I can't,"
I closed my eyes and breathed out.
"I'm sorry. I know you want to know good parts about mates, so ask," I smiled at her. She looked at me for a long time.
"I think Rhaegar had a deeper reason to reject you, not because you are young or a rogue wolf," she said.
"Hmm, he didn't give me any. Shouldn't he have said something yesterday to help him have a strong case?" I frowned.
"I just keep feeling there is more," Kiyana shrugged.
Much to my relief, Kiyana didn't talk about Rhaegar and me anymore.
"What about you? Will you accept Nate?" I asked.
"I will, but I need to educate myself about the werewolf world first," I was pleased that she was willing to know more. Nate was a good guy, and he accepted her instantly. Most werewolves would reject a human mate on sight.
Next, I told her about mates, and she was intrigued. I told her the process of mating and marking.
"I did think it was strange when I felt tingles erupt on my skin when Nate touched me," she said.
We prepared to go to work. To our surprise, there were two cars in front of the building. Rhaegar and Nate were standing on each with the door held open.
"So fucking handsome and sweet, am I dreaming?" Kiyana gasped. I pinched her side, and she hissed.
"Thanks,"
She went to Nate and entered his car. I shook my head. Kiyana is such a princess. It won't take time for her to accept the bond.
"I'm here to take you to work," Rhaegar's voice was warm, and I stared at him. He dressed in an elegant black suit, white shirt and tie. His hair was unruly, and his gaze made an odd shiver run through me.
"I can walk. I always do," I spat, tearing my gaze. I started to walk. Rhaegar grabbed my hand and took me to the car. He fastened my seatbelt, and while I struggled with it, he entered the passenger seat and put on a child lock. I glared at him.
"What's with you and forcibly getting me in your car,"
"Because you never get in willingly," he answered, possibly amused.
"Have you thought just maybe I don't want to be with you?" I asked.
"Everyone wants to be with me," he was cocky and playful. It was new behavior.
"Except me," I murmured.
"I want to change that, Nalya," I blinked at him, lost for words. The way he stared at me made me flush. Please stop, please stop. I begged.
I was happy by the ping of my phone. I received messages from Layth. He wanted to meet soon and sent funny emojis. I put my phone in my bag and stared at Rhaegar once. His head was cocked to the side, curious why I was smiling.
"I'm late for work," I mumbled, and he drove me to work.
The past few days, Rhaegar had been following me around. He wanted me to go to the packhouse, but I refused.
I received Marigold flowers today at work, with a note written,
- Lovely flowers for a lovely woman. Have a good day at work- signed, R.
"Again?" My Dora smiled at me. Rhaegar sent me flowers every day and notes every day.
"Yes, he's determined," I mumbled, blushing. I put the flowers in a vase before going to the kitchen.
"Nalya, table three wants you again," someone told me. I went to get the order and scowled with frustration. It was the three weirdos who came to hit on Kiyana and me. Usually, Kiyana would deal with them, but she was on her second date with Nate today.
"Hello, lovely lady," the guy with a tattoos grinned.
"Hello, gentlemen. You requested I serve you?" I smiled tightly.
"Yes, you have good customer service,"
"Thank you. Now, what would you like to have?"
"Where's the other one with the sharp tongue?" Weirdo number 2 asked.
"It's her wedding day today," I lied. They frowned, looking at the geek among them. He was about to cry, and I had to suppress a laugh.
I was almost done with my shift when I saw a black sports car through my window. I wanted to duck so he didn't see me, but he spotted me immediately and came in.
"Alpha Layth," I breathed. He smiled at me and took long steps towards me.
"Nalya, you have been avoiding my calls lately. Why is that?" he asked.
"I've been busy,"
He checked his clock and smiled. ' It's a quarter to five. Almost finished with your shift for today,"
"Um. Yes?"
"I'm here to collect,"
I narrowed my gaze, confused. " Collect?"
"Yes, you promised to have dinner with me today,"
I withered. Rhaegar would come here soon. If he saw Layth, they'd be a big fight.
"I forgot about that, Layth, and didn't bring any appropriate after-work clothes,"
"That's alright,"
He wouldn't leave. I quickly handed my last orders to another waitress and went to the lockers to change.
I texted Kiyana, telling her I'd be home late, but I doubted she'd see it because she was on her second date with Nathaniel.
"I'm ready to go," I told Layth. He opened the door for me.
A few minutes later, I noticed the roads were clear. We entered a route I was unfamiliar with.
"Where are we going?" I asked.
"My pack," he answered casually, and my eyes bulged.