“I think you should reject my sister,” Zack finally said with a deadpan expression.
Maybe I should reject his face with my teeth, Devon growled.
Chill dude. There has to be a great reason behind this, I said.
Trying my best to keep Devon's emotions from coming through. I sat back in my chair regarding him seriously for the first time. This was an odd request. Zack of all people knew the importance of finding a mate. So for him to suggest this was beyond crazy. Before I could answer he started to chuckle but I didn’t hear the joke.
“Sorry that was a bit extreme. I meant I think you should wait to fully accept her. It might not seem like it, but she’s been in a fragile state lately.” Zack sighed and I knew that this was going to be a long story. I wasn’t sure I was ready to hear. He looked at me and I gestured to him to continue.
“Alaia and I have the same father, different mothers. My mother died during childbirth, and my father met Alaia’s mother a few years later. Her mother was half witch half wolf and so is Alaia. During a rogue attack, her mother died protecting us. My father couldn’t handle losing two mates, so eventually he met his fate. It’s only been a few years since then. So it’s just us now. A little over a year ago, Alaia fell in love.”
Now he had my attention. I sat up straighter in my chair, needing to hear more. Thinking of Alaia with anybody but me wasn’t sitting well with me or Devon. Too many questions ran through my head. Who was this person? Are they still alive? Should I be worried they might come after her?
Zack saw my response and continued. “He was my best friend, my Beta at the time, James. We were raised together so he was like a brother to us, well to me. Alaia saw something more, but it was more of a one way street. James ended up finding his mate, leaving Alaia heart broken.”
It didn’t make it better that his mate was her best friend, Maria. At first, we thought everything was fine until Maria started exhibiting some strange behaviors. She started acting so paranoid towards her mate and Alaia. Pretty much anyone. Then one day, out of nowhere, Maria lashed out at Alaia. Before we could stop her, Alaia lost control and killed her.”
I kept a straight face as he was speaking but I was shocked. I couldn’t believe that someone like Alaia could be a killer. Granted I don’t know much about her but she seems so harmless. So innocent.
I don't believe him Devon growled.
Have you tried talking to her wolf I asked.
Yes but to no avail Devon whimpered
“We were shocked. Alaia never used her powers before like that. I knew she could enchant things but as far as a killing blow. Never saw it coming. James called foul play. Saying Maria was not in control of herself, putting all the blame on Alaia.
He even tried to attack her, so I did what any Alpha would do to protect his family. I banished my best friend.” Alpha Zack stood up and walked to one of the windows. I could tell from his stature he didn’t like sharing this story. Painting both his friend and sister in a bad light.
“When James found Maria, I kept a watchful eye on Alaia. When you lose a lot of love you tend to want to fight for whatever love comes your way. Alaia wasn’t fine with their relationship. Here and there, I would catch her staring daggers at them or whispering under her breath when she thought no one was looking. She would lock herself away for days in her room refusing to eat or socialize.
So when James called foul play I decided to check for myself. One day I went into her room when she was out. At first it looked normal, until I broke into her closet. On the floor, there were sigils and runes and books on curses. I confronted Alaia and she didn’t deny it. I guess realizing that James would never be hers did it.
So again I had to do what any Alpha would do to protect his pack. I brought her to the council. They wanted her life but I begged them to spare her. She was all the family I had left. So we made a bargain. Her powers for her life.”
Alpha Zack returned to his seat. "Stripping away someone's powers can take a toll not just physically but mentally. She said it was like being torn in half. So she was kept in a rehabilitation center until last month." He stared me straight in the eyes. “So that’s why you might want to reject her.”
“NO!” screamed Devon through me.
So loud I had to brace the desk to keep from shifting, but I could feel him scratching the surface to get free. He wanted to take Alpha Zack’s head right off his body in one swipe. I couldn’t blame him. Zack wanted to take the woman we love from us.
There was a slight glow from the bracelet I forgot I was wearing. It was supposed to calm me, right? All I felt was the undying love for Alaia. Love that Zack wanted to take from me.
Alpha Zack sat there, unchanged. “With everything that has happened I’m not sure she is emotionally stable to handle any type of relationship.”
“Maybe that’s why she needs to be here. With her mate. So I can protect her and maybe help her through this.” Because I can love her. Can’t you see that? I thought to myself. Or at least I thought I did. Was it too early to feel this way? I didn’t know but I did know that Zack is out of his mind if he thinks he’s taking her away.
“And if she loses control, what will you do then? Kill her?”
“Of course not!” Why would I kill Alaia? I LOVE HER YOU IDIOT. “You said it yourself, she doesn’t have her powers anymore. What could she possibly do that I can’t stop,” I growled that last part.
I saw that the bracelet was glowing but it wasn’t working. The more I focused on staying calm, the angrier I felt. Zack was pissing me off and more of Devon was coming through. I tried to control my breathing that seemed to heighten the more I talked.
What the hell was wrong with me? All I could think about was how much I love Alaia. But I just met her. Was that possible? Yes, Alaia is my mate, the one the goddess has given me. She was going to be the love of my life. What is with these conflicting thoughts? Why am I answering myself? I need to chill.
Seriously, you’re driving me crazy here with your emotions all over the place, Devon growled. I could feel him getting antsy.
“I know that this is not easy. Believe me. I understand-,” Alpha Zack started before I cut him off.
“Do you? Have you found your mate? Did someone make you reject them?” I stood up. “I love her.”
“Love her? You just met her.”
“YOUR POINT!” I slammed my fists on the desk. Immediately the office door opened with Hunter standing on the other side.
He always seems to know when I need him without me asking. “You’re alright there, Alpha,” Hunter asked, stepping to the side of Zack, who paid him no mind.
Judging by the way Zack’s eyes were changing, I could tell he was getting angry too. He stood up never once breaking contact until he noticed the bracelet. “Where did you get that,” he asked, reaching for my wrist.
“It was a gift,” I said, moving my hand just in time. “Hunter, could you please show Alpha Zack to the guest room for the night. He seems to need some rest.”
Then Zack sighed heavily and shook his head. “We will be leaving tomorrow morning. I’ll wait for your answer until then.”
Before I could answer, he left with Hunter in tow. I sat back in my chair thinking over what Zack said. I can’t imagine her being the monster he described, but I only just met her. However, she is my mate and if I reject her, there’s no guarantee for a second chance.
I ran my hands through my hair thinking over my options, but could only feel the anger from Devon towards Alpha Zack. Why would he bring me something like this? Knowing full well how hard it is to find one’s mate. Knowing how hard it will be to reject them and suffer the pain of a rejection.
I walked through the windows leading to the balcony. A little fresh air right? I leaned over the balcony looking out at the garden my mother is very proud about. I tried to find solace in the mirage of colors below but something better came in view. Alaia. How could I reject someone who seemed so wonderful and amazing?
For the first time in a minute, I felt at ease just watching her. The way the colors surrounded her was she walked through the garden as a slow glow flowed around her neck. It was the same glow from the bracelet. Maybe we’re even more connected. One thing I knew for sure was that there was no way her brother was taking her away from me. I made my way down to the garden. She needed to know my decision first.