D'Angelo
We had a sinking suspicion that danger was lurking around every corner and waiting to jump out at us when we least expected it.
All of the packs in our tribe coexisted peacefully for centuries, contributing to the foundation of our society.
But things were changing slowly but surely. Over time, friends turned to foes to defend their territory, and the packs grew larger and more powerful.
It started with little things, and lately, I'd had unsettling dreams that seemed to be haunting me. My clan members were summoned to an urgent meeting by Alpha George of Creek Keepers. The meeting was held in one of his pack's five-star hotels.
We had to be exclusive because there were spies everywhere. I arrived before the host with Leo in tow. We exchanged pleasantries before getting to business.
"I appreciate you all making the journey here,” Alpha George said with a smile. "Spies need to be tricked into believing that this is a relaxed gathering. Yet the stakes could not be higher, as we are all aware. There have been internal rumblings that seem to be threatening to split us apart. There's a serpent in our garden.”
Aside from George's deep voice, the only sounds in the large room were whispers and quiet talk.
He went on, "We know the northern parts hate us so much and I suspect some alphas from other clans are planning to join forces with them to take us by surprise. The rumors are coming from different directions. We must eradicate this evil before it has a chance to grow, which is why I called us."
I glanced over at Leo, who was seated next to me. His expression remained neutral as usual.
“We need evidence,” I said. “I admit to being paranoid, but it is a big assumption to say that one of us is working with the North. What do you suggest, Alpha George?”
George leaned forward. “We need names. Let's send off trusted spies to observe changes in behavior and unauthorized communications. Small pieces reveal a larger picture."
"Sounds like a witch hunt, “ I said. “We need to make sure that secrecy is the watchword. Let the others not blame us for sowing distrust. I'm in, but let's proceed with caution."
The meeting lasted for hours with the pack leaders making plans and discussing how best to proceed. I missed Kira so much and couldn't wait to get back home. Unfortunately, a heavy downpour trapped us in the hotel.
Leo and I shared a suite at the hotel where we had to stay the night. A deep, sensual desire to be with Kira grew in the pit of my stomach as I lay on the bed. Her gentle voice filled my ears as I pulled out my phone to give her a call.
Acting like his gossip-mongering wife, Leo was curled up on the tiny couch.
“Hello, love," I said to Kira, trying my hardest to sound casual while battling my raging boner and ignoring Leo who kept shooting daggers at me. “Just wanted to tell you how much I’m missing you.”
“I miss you too,” she replied. Her voice was full of longing for me and I loved it. How long will you be there? I can't wait to see you. “
A smile formed on my lips.“Not too long. Just till tomorrow morning.”
The sound of thunder rumbled and I snuggled closer to my pillow, wishing I could be wrapped in her arms right now. “I miss you so fucking much. I want-”
My mouth snapped shut as soon as I realized what I was about to say. I almost told her that I wanted to be inside her.
Fuck.
Kira was very perceptive and must have noticed the awkwardness coming from my end.
“I meant to say I wish I could kiss you goodnight. Tell me how your first day at school went.“
"Terrible, “ she groaned. "The bullying was unbearably brutal."
I sat up, frowning. “You don't say. Did the principal and teachers witness it?”
She hesitated before speaking and I already knew the answer.
“Don't worry," I said to her. “I'll handle this when I get back. “
Before we said goodnight, she'd asked about my day and then gave me the latest gossip from her end.
A satisfied sigh escaped my lips and I kept staring at the ceiling until Leo broke my train of thought while looking at me with a scowl.
His face was pinched like someone suffering from constipation. The venom in his gaze burned into me and when our eyes met, he looked away and focused intently on the blank TV.
The fool was clearly against my affection for Kira, simply because she was an Omega. His reaction was so amusing that a crack of laughter escaped my lips. I was doing it deliberately to poke at his irritation
"Why are you sitting there like a jealous girlfriend? For your information, I don't do men."
He mimicked my voice, and lines of annoyance formed around his mouth as he glared at me.
“It's beyond cringe and shameful to watch you act like a starved puppy over an omega girl. Do you realize that it's a letdown for us as well? Very soon the omegas will show zero respect for us. Pathetic.”
“Are you done?"I asked while chuckling.
Leo scowled. "Fuck, I'm not! You're an alpha, for crying out loud. Don't you realize that?"
"Alphas can't fall in love? My father was madly in love with my mother before she died. The same goes for my grandfather. You love Isabel and that's why you put up with her gossiping habit. Why should my case be different?”
Leo shook his head, frustrated that I wasn't getting the point, but I didn't let him speak.
“She's omega, agreed. But the girl has my heart. If you have doubts go fight the moon goddess. “
Leo's smile turned hard. “I've always believed that the goddess never makes a mistake until now. Think deeply about this, D'Angelo. You have everything going well for you; you're running a successful pack and have a baby on the way. Why was a mistake made with your mate? It's like suddenly going blind and not finding a solution. Do you understand the implications of being with an Omega? It'll ruin your credibility. People will laugh at you, including other-”
I cut him off before he could continue his lecture. "Enough. I'm not a child, Leo."
"I'm your beta, your voice of reason," he persisted. "What about Alexis? She's beautiful and intelligent. If I were you, I would turn down the omega and concentrate on getting married to Alexis because she is already pregnant."
"All right, then you can take her as your second wife. Do you conveniently forget that she forced herself on me? I couldn't care less about your opinion right now."
Leo went quiet and leaned forward, swearing under his breath. "Why have you not declared to the world that you have found your soulmate, if you do not care about my opinion? What is the point of keeping it to yourself?”
His words hit hard, and I found myself retreating into the bed, feeling a tightness in my chest. Keeping my relationship with Kira a secret seemed like the safest option for now, considering the consequences, especially with Alexis's pregnancy.
I got off the bed and grabbed a shirt. As I did, Leo wore a triumphant smirk, knowing he had rattled me.
"See? You don't even have an answer to that question. You know your relationship with that girl can never be public. There's too much at stake."
"Mind your fucking business, Leo."
Leo jumped to my side. "The night is young. Let's go downstairs for some drinks. Maybe you'll find some girl with a fat booty to get your mind off things for a bit. “
I tossed him the middle finger in response and stormed out of the bedroom and down the stairs. I could still hear him laughing behind me as I strode out through the front door. The cold, wet wind nipped sharply at my cheeks.
Even though Leo wanted nothing more than to provoke me, he had a point; I was afraid of the consequences of marking Kira
I was a bloody coward.