-Athena-
The rest of yesterday passed in a blur. After we returned from visiting Axel, Nadia and their little bundle of joy, Ava, Theo and I decided to concentrate on our businesses. He chose to work in his study at the pack house, because, according to him, I would distract him. I didn't agree with him at first, but then gave in.
At the end of the day, it was a good idea, since I managed to come up with more designs for the fall collection and also sent them to Rebecca. At least that will keep her off my back.
Currently, Theo and I are on the field, it's a little over 5:00 am and we're training as usual. Today, I can fully concentrate on my moves and punches. Turns out, I wasn't as bad as I thought. It was just the upcoming heat that was clogging my other senses. The heat was the reason I couldn't concentrate on anything else apart from mating.
''Ready?'' Theo shouts from the other end, breaking me from my thoughts.
''Yeah. Come at me!'' I shout back, and this time with no hidden meaning. I was ready to fight, my sole focus was on getting in as much punches as possible. Theo charges forward as do I. We both meet half way, ready to attack.
I predicted his first move and dodged out of the way before he could land a punch on me, then struck him from the back. He hit the ground with a thud as I towered over him, a satisfying smirk playing on my lips.
''Oh, you think you've won?'' he cocks an eyebrow at me.
''Oh no, no. We're just getting started babe,'' I continue smirking. ''Up! Get up!''
He is on his feet, and in a flash, has me pinned to the bark of a nearby tree. ''You got lucky.'' He hisses in my ear. If this were yesterday, I would have unleashed thirsty on him, but it's not. Today, we fight.
''Luck has nothing to do with it,'' I hiss back and wrap my legs around his waist, pulling him close to me. This took him by surprise and his grip on me loosened. Taking advantage of that, I pull my hands away from his, grip his shoulders and roll the both of us to the ground. In between the tumble, I let him go and separate myself.
''That was clever, love.'' He says as he gets up and dusts himself off, before charging towards me.
For the next hour we exchange punches, kicks and blows. I think I bit him too at one point. My right side is bruised by now as is his I'm sure. ''Hey, not the face!'' I duck from his kick and put some distance between us. ''The party is tonight!''
He stops midway, his leg hanging in the air for a few seconds before dropping it. ''Right, I forgot about that.''
Wiping the thin line of sweat from my forehead, I signal him to stop. ''I think we've had enough. Let's go back. I'm hungry now.'' And as if on cue, my stomach rumbled. ''See?'' I point to it.
''You're a monster,'' she shakes his head. ''Come on. Chef Perez, has been instructed to deliver our breakfast early. So I'm sure it's there already.''
We run back up the hill, past the tree with the hollow and to our house. Sure enough, the breakfast was delivered and placed on the kitchen counter, just like Theo had said. Both of us take turns in showering. I got dressed quickly and practically ran down the stairs.
''Cookies, cookies, where are you?'' I open the cabinets, searching for the box of cookies chef Perez, had sent. ''Ahh, there you are!'' I open the flap and pick one. I bite into it and by instinct my eyes close. ''Mhmmmmmm, oh goddess!''
''Are you eating the cookies Athena?'' I hear Theo's voice from behind me. Before I had the chance to turn, strong arms engulf me from behind. ''There is a whole spread laid out and you are eating the cookies.''
''I just felt like having it,'' I reply between munches.
''I'll take that,'' he says and takes the whole cookie into his mouth.
''Seriously?'' I glare at him. ''That was mine.''
''Not now it isn't,'' he smirks at me and then kisses me. ''One of these days, you're getting in that shower with me.''
''Hmmphh, keep dreaming,'' I elbow him and sit on one of the stools.
''You'll see.''
He sits on the stool opposite mine and helps himself to the bacon and eggs before putting some on my plate. After a few minutes of comfortable silence, he finally speaks up.
''So, you're ready for the party tonight?''
''Ughh, don't even start. I still don't see why we should have a party!''
''But it's important to your mom,'' he says in between bites.
''Yeah,'' I nod. ''That's exactly why I agreed to it.''
''Come on, love. Just relax, it'll be fun.''
Fun. We have an impending spell coming up, but no, everyone is super hyped over a party. Which, according to me is still not necessary. But it's important to my mom, and I don't want to be that person.
''Okay, fine, whatever,'' I heave a sigh.
''That's my girl,'' he chuckles. ''So, what are you doing the rest of the day?''
''I have a video conference with my office today, also need to work on more designs. Rebecca didn't hesitate in letting me know that the designs I submitted yesterday, were less than what she'd expected. Then, there is this thing with Leo that I need to sort out.''
His hand stopped midway, the bacon dangling between his fingers. ''Come again love.''
''I said, I have a video conference with-''
''No, no, not that. The last part.'' He cocks his head to one side and gives me a look.
''Ohh, that. Well, remember that offer he had placed?'' I sip on my coffee and watch as Theo nods his head slowly. ''Yeah, so he wants to know my response, I've been avoiding it for days, but he's adamant and I can't keep putting it off, it's bound to come up.''
''Tell him no.''
''Excuse me?'' I put my cup down.
''I said tell him no.''' He repeats.
''Why? Because you said so?''
''Because I'll be handling your productions,'' he replies.
''Since when? Last I checked, there has been no offer from your side,'' Under the table, my hand was balled into a fist as I tried to repress my growing anger. How can he tell me to say no just like that?
He runs a hand through his hair and sighs. ''Someone is working on it love.'' Oh, so that's how it is, okay, so there's no need for me to lash out then. Gosh, I need to keep my anger in check. Another second more and I would've thrown words at him.
''Okay, okay, '' I try to reason with him. ''You know that I want to do this with you, but I also need to turn down Leo's offer and it's not something that I can do over a text. I have to do it professionally.''
''Oh, I don't know, maybe you can. How hard is it? Just message him and tell him no.''
I take in a deep breath and calm myself down, before speaking up again. ''You're being unreasonable Theo.'' I reach out and rub his hand. ''You've got nothing to worry about. Don't you trust me?''
''You, I do. Him, I don't,'' he entwines our fingers.
''Just relax. We're both over it. It's strictly business now.''
''Okay, if you say so,'' he kisses my hand and drops it.
As soon as we're done with our breakfast, he leaves for the pack house while I go up the stairs to the study. I make myself presentable for the video conference before taking a seat at my desk.
An hour later, after discussing the fall collection, submitting more designs to Rebecca and looking at our profits from the previous sales. The meeting came to a conclusion. Everyone else signed off their laptops except Nancy, who looked like she had more to say.
''Why aren't you disconnected?''
''I just wanted to check if you're doing okay, Athena.'' She replies.
''I'm fine Nancy.'' I answer as I straighten one of my notebooks on the desk which was at an odd angle. ''Anything else you want to tell me?''
''Well, things are good around here, but there has been an increase in security, especially during the night.''
''Oh?'' I quirk an eyebrow. I don't how that is supposed to be relevant to me, but it's Nancy and she has a knack of talking about the most random stuff.
''Yeah. You know,'' She leans in closer to her screen and whispers, ''I think it's the gangs. I heard some shit is about to go down.''
''Oh wow. You take care okay. Don't stay up too late at the office.'' Looking at the clock, I realize it's almost time for my other call with Leo. ''Listen, tell Rebecca she will have more designs by Monday. I've got to go now.''
''Okay, see you soon, Athena. We miss you here,'' she waves and disconnects the call.
Ten minutes later and my laptop pings again. This time the call was from Leo. ''Hey,'' I answer as soon as his face appears on the screen.
''Hii, how are you? How is it being back?'' He asks. I immediately understood what he meant, but he couldn't say much since there were two other people from his office on call with us. It looked like they were all in Leo's conference room together.
''I'm doing great. I'm glad I came back, I hadn't realized how much I missed the-'' A warning glare from him makes me stop mid-sentence. ''The place. How much I missed this place.'' I recover quickly.
''That's umm, fantastic.'' Leo chuckles. ''So, we've called to discuss the contract that I'd left you with last week.''
''Yes, right, of course.'' I smile a little, a weird feeling settles in my stomach as I watch The three pairs of eyes, looking at me intently from the screen, waiting for their answer. Just gotta do it. I'll rip it off like a band aid. Easy.
''So, ahemm, Athena?'' Leo calls my name.
I smile once again before releasing a breath .''Okay. So I went through the contract, discussed it with my team and we've decided not to take it.'' I pause for a few seconds, waiting for the three men to digest the information.
''But why?'' Leo is the first one to speak up. ''I thought my company had come with a very good deal.''
''I'm not going to lie, Leo, it was. But we've decided that after the current contract expires, we would like to work with another company. I'm sorry, but the decision is final.''
They all looked disappointed to say the least, but this is business, you win some, you lose some. The other two men exchange looks and begun whispering to each other. Leo and I exchange awkward glances. He then clears his throat and speaks up. ''It's him isn't it?''
''Pardon?'' I look up from admiring my nails.
''He's asking you not to take the deal. You can tell me the truth Athena.''
How dare he, how dare he think that? Why do men always have to say that? Like, can't I make my own decisions?
''This is my decision Leo.'' I answer him flatly.
''I don't buy it.'' He scoffs.
''Whether you buy it or not is really not my concern, the decision to not sign the contract was mine, that's it.''
''Okay, okay,'' he chuckles lightly. ''I'll drop it.''
''Good. So, if there is nothing left to talk about, I guess we can end this meeting.'' I tell him, and that's when I notice a look of worry pass through his face. He suddenly seemed agitated. I cock my head to one side, trying to understand his sudden mood change. ''Is everything okay?''
My question was for him, but the other two men thought I was asking them. A series of 'yes' and 'all good' and 'we understand' were blurted out between the two of them, and it continued until Leo stopped them. ''I think that's enough. We've come to the end of the meeting. If you both would excuse us, I'd like to speak to Athena in private.''
In private? What does he want now? Surely, it's not about us, I mean, we talked about it and decided to remain friends. Nevertheless, let me put my cursor on the 'end call' icon, in case he decides to bring it up.
''Athena, hey, can you hear me?'' Leo's voice breaks me from my thoughts.
''Ahh, yes. Sorry. So, what is it you wanted to talk to me about?'' I straighten my back and look up, my cursor still hovering over the end call icon.
''There has been an increase in activity in the city, especially during the night,'' he starts.
I cock an eyebrow at him then chuckle. ''Umm, and that is relevant to me how?''
He got on to what I was insinuating and chortled a laugh too. ''No, no, that's what I meant. Not at all.'' He drops the laugh and gives me a grave look. ''It's Amunet.''
''What, she's crawling the night?'' I quirk my eyebrow again. What's up with him? Why is he wasting my time? I think I'll just end the call.
And I was about to do just that, but he's next words stopped me.
''She's deployed her army of vampires to be on the lookout for you and a woman called Selene. Their crawling the streets like vermin Athena. They're at all the junctions, airports, railway stations, bus stations, you name it. They're everywhere.''
''Shit!'' I breathe out, not realizing I had cursed out loud.
''Yup. You can say that again,'' he sighs and runs a hand through his jet black hair. Nah, Theo does it better. ''In fact, I was cornered by some of them just a few nights ago.''
''And?'' I lean forward. Suddenly this conversation had become even more interesting.
He tilts his head to one side and studies me for a few seconds, before speaking up. ''Do you know who Selene is and what Amunet wants with her?''
''Ahem, I'd rather not say. But thanks for informing me. I will make arrangements to increase security at mine and Theo's offices.''
''Okay,'' he nods in understanding. ''Be careful Athena. Amunet is someone you don't want to mess with, she's dangerous.''
''It's a little too late for that don't you think?'' I cock and eyebrow and snicker at him.
''Regardless, be careful. And if you ever need help, my pack and I are here for you.''
I smile at him gratefully and nod, ''I'll hold you on to that.''
It was only after ending the call with Leo did I realize that it was past lunch time already. I was about to mind-link Theo, when I heard the front door open. He's musky scent immediately wafted around the house making my skin tingle and heartbeat accelerate.
''Love?'' His voice rings across the foyer.
Running out of the study, I almost tipped over the humongous vase that was conveniently placed by the door. I was just that excited to see him. It's only fair that I should be, given the exhausting conversation I just had with Leo.
As soon as I stepped out of the room, huge pair of arms shoot out and engulf me in a hug. I breath in the strong, leathery and musky scent, which calms my nerves down. I wrap my arms around his waist, pulling him tightly against me.
''Hey, are you okay?'' he places a soft kiss on my head and pulls away from the hug, looking at me worriedly.
''Yeah, I, um, I just had to turn down Leo's offer. He was disappointed to say the least,'' I begin to explain.
''It's business love, he'll get over it.''
''Yeah he will. Oh and also, Amunet is scouring the city for us. Vampires are crawling around at night, in search of me and Selene. They're stationed everywhere.''
''And you didn't think of telling me that first?'' Theo cocks an eyebrow at me.
''And what would you have done?'' I cross my arms and give him a displeased look.
''Technically nothing, but still,'' he shrugs. ''We need to be careful love.''
''We are. She can't step foot here, we are as safe as we can be Theo, just relax.'' I rub his shoulders slowly. Now come on, let's go get ready for that party.''
''Could you be any happier about the party?'' he grabs my hand kisses. ''It wouldn't kill you to smile.''
''You know how I feel about it Theo, nevertheless, I'll try.'' I kiss him softly on the lips and we both head towards our bedroom.
Half an hour later, I'm standing in front of the full length mirror, trying to zip my dress up. If Theo wasn't in the shower, I'd ask him to. ''Ughh, come on, come on!'' I tug it one last time and it finally zips up. The black dress fit me well and had pockets too. I mean, who doesn't like a dress with pockets!
An hour and a half later, both Theo and I were ready to leave for the party. It was a good thing my mom decided that the party should start early. Though, I'm sure it's only because she's being considerate towards Nadia and her baby.
''You really look beautiful love,'' Theo whispers in my ear as we enter the Crimson pack, pack hall.
''Thank you, for saying it now and the past three times,'' I chuckle.
''Well, I can't help it, you really do look pretty.''
I shake my head and chuckle once again. ''Come on, they're all waiting for us.''
We walk towards where my family is standing, together with Theo's. Mom and Lila both envelope us into bone crushing hugs. We greet the rest of the group and pretty soon, everyone is dispersed around the hall making small talk. I was just catching up with Sean, when my Mom walked up to me. She loops her arm around mine and excuses the both of us away.
''Hey, everything okay?'' I give her a worried look.
''Yes, yes, I just wanted to ask you if you're enjoying the party princess.'' She replies.
''Ohh.''
''So, are you?'' She presses.
''Um, yeah, yeah, sure. I am,'' I give her a small smile.
''So glad you are. I know you didn't want something big, so I just invited a few people.'' I look around the room and realize she's right. There aren't as many people as I had expected. Definitely not pack members whose names I couldn't remember.
''Thanks mom, this is perfect,'' I hug her lightly.
''Glad you liked it princess, I just wish your father were here,'' her voice cracks and she looks away from me. At that moment I'm hit with a pang of guilt. Guilt like I've never experienced before, my chest clenched, my eyes became teary and I could feel my heart rate rising.
''Oh goddess!'' I gasped. Putting down the glass of wine, I grab onto the nearest table and sit.
''Athena!'' I hear Theo's worried voice from somewhere, I just couldn't make out where. ''What's happening?'' He suddenly appears from my left and starts rubbing my back slowly.
''I.......I.....I....'' I try to reply, but somehow I couldn't.
''Victoria, what happened?'' he asks my mom, who looks just as confused as the both of us.
Theo's back rubs and presence somehow managed to calm be down enough to be able to form coherent sentences. ''We were, umm, we were talking about dad and all of a sudden I got this overwhelming rush of guilt. I....I...oh goddess.''
''Okay, love I need you relax. Just take in deep breathes,'' he grabs my shoulders and shields me from the rest. Thank the moon goddess, my little panic attack didn't attract a lot of attention. The last thing we need is something or someone ruining this little party.
After downing two glasses of water and a lot of breathing exercises, courtesy of Theo. I managed to calm down from my panic attack, by then Charles and Mila were already informed of it and are currently keeping me company, while Theo is outside speaking to someone.
''So, panic attack huh?'' Charles smirks as he leans against one of the cushioned chairs. The three of us had moved to a more secluded corner of the hall. I know how this makes me look like, especially since I didn't want the party in the first place, but I made sure I mingled with everyone just enough for them not to miss me now.
''Shut up Charles!'' Mila slaps his arm.
''Come on babe, I'm just trying to figure this out. I mean, I didn't know we could get panic attacks!''
''Hmm, neither did I. I mean, one minute I'm standing next to my mom, remembering my father and the next, I can't breathe.'' I throw my hands up in the air as I begin to explain the situation to them.
The two of them exchanged worried looks before landing their gazes on me. I flicker my eyes between the both them, ''What?''
''Um Athena, we were just wondering if, you uhh, you know, if you gri-'' Mila begins to speak but is interrupted by a man who rushes in to the hall, panting and wheezing loudly.
''Alpha, Alpha, where is......where.....is....he?''
Ethan, Ashton, and Sean all step forward and surround the man. He didn't look too young, but he wasn't old either. He maybe in his late thirties. He looks up at the three alphas and steps back in fear, his eyes flickering between the three of them. ''Umm, I- I- n-n-not you-umm-''
''Mark, what you doing here man?'' Charles, who recognizes the man and just like everyone else, senses his fear, speaks up from beside me.
Mark's gaze darts towards Charles, and recognition fills his eyes as well as relief. ''Beta Charles,'' he walks up to us and grabs both of Charles hand in his sweaty ones. ''Alpha Theo, where is he?''
I purse my lips hard to stop myself from chuckling after seeing Charles not so subtly struggling to free his hands from Marks grip. ''He is not available at the moment,'' Charles replies, as he finally manages to jerk his hands away from the man. ''However, we do have Alpha Athena present here.''
Mark jerks his head towards me, then inclines it to one side. ''You're the alpha female. You're alpha Theo's mate!'' He exclaims and extends his hand forward.
''Indeed, I am,'' I smile a little and cross my arms behind my back. ''Nice to make your acquaintance.'' I finish with a nod.
''Likewise. How I wish to have met you under better circumstances, Alpha, but there is something you need to know,'' he says, a thin line of sweat beginning to form on his forehead and upper lip.
From the sound of his heart beating erratically and his nervous breathing, I was sure of one thing, whatever news he was about to give, was bad. Taking in a deep breath, I look him square in the eye and nod, ''I'm listening.''
''Vampires! Vampires have arrived in the city today Alpha, almost fifteen of them!''
***
They never catch a break do they?
Hope you guys liked it.
Let me know in the comments and please, please vote!
-Jessica.S