Chapter five

Xander

As I watched the so called friends of my mate leave, I regretted not creating a law against cheating. They looked like they regretted it but I know they will do it again. Soon.

Selfishly, I was happy that that coward didn't touch my mate and the mating ceremony was called off but I know that it hurt my mate. I don't like seeing her hurt. It was also insulting, my mate was goddamn perfect and anyone who couldn't see that was a fool.

I've known she was mine the moment she turned eighteen. It was too late then, she was already in love with Damien and her link wasn't good enough to sense me as her mate.

Hala, my wolf started pacing, he has been on an edge since she barged into my office with flashing eyes and red cheeks.

It was hard to keep him from tearing Carlson apart limbs by limbs but I managed…rather, he calmed down a bit after realizing that I also wanted to kill my supposed right hand man.

Leila was outside the door, her scent came in with the breeze. It calmed Hala down. There was no scent of fear just wistfulness.

She must have met her friends at the door.

“Alpha” said Regan as he entered, his head lowered. His mate Marenza was behind him, holding my mate's wrists.

“Marenza, how is her throat?”

“The healing process has begun Alpha, I gave her somethings that will heal and also sooth the throat.”

“Will those marks stay?”

“No, they won't scar Alpha.”

“Thank you Marenza, Regan. I will like to talk to Leila alone.”

“Of course Alpha” Regan said and led his wife out.

I ignored the curious look on Marenza’s face, let her think what she wants to.

Leila played with her fingers, watching the floor with so much interest and her signature flushed cheeks. Cute.

I got up and walked to the front of my desk, leaned on it and crossed my arms.

“Can you talk without your throat hurting?”

“Yes Alpha.” Her voice was still hoarse but it was better than it was this afternoon.

“Are you scared of me Leila?”

“Anyone with survival instincts should be scared of you Alpha.”

I chuckled, “are you going to look at the floor through out our conversation?”

How red can she get? She looked up, her gaze stopping at my chest.

“Eyes are higher than that darling.”

Fuck, does she get red everywhere? I banished the image my sex deprived mind conjured to the depth of my brain. This is not the time for that.

Hala chuckled, enjoying my current situation.

‘Why are you acting like she doesn't affect you?’ I asked Hala.

‘She does but I'm satisfied with her scent.’

‘Lucky…’

Leila's green eyes finally met mine. Her gaze didn't waver. A small smile danced on my lips, she may be shy but when she tapped into that hidden confidence, she held it firmly. It was sexy.

“Good. Come sit, I don't bite.”

Leila laughed, “some people may argue with you.”

“Those people are guilty of something…” I pulled out a chair for her, “...are you guilty of something Leila?”

Sitting, a frown appeared on her face.

“Yes, I think I am. I said things I wasn't supposed to say to my father. If I kept my mouth shut, he won't have done what he did.” Her delicate hand touched her throat.

“That's not an excuse. He is not supposed to treat you like that. Did you lie against him?”

“No…”

“I see, you told him the truth he doesn't want to hear. Leila, I can't make you forgive him with pretty words but I can assure you that the moment he did it, his regret began immediately.”

“Then why didn't he stop?” She whispered.

“Carlson let himself get ruled by his emotions. That's why.”

“And if I don't want to forgive him?” Her voice was still small but she didn't break eye contact with me.

“That's fine. I'm not urging you to, I just don't want you making decisions that you may regret like he did.”

Leila nodded, “thank you. While Marenza was helpful by being supportive and treating the issue casually, you answered the questions in my head…Alpha…” she blushed like she just remembered who I was.

I chuckled.

“You're welcome. Do you want anything? Have you eaten?”

Just then her stomach grumbled. Her constant blush achieved a new level! Her whole ears were red.

Leila shifted her gaze.

“That's my answer” I replied to myself.

“Sorry…”

“Don't bother, it's natural. Come.”

I led her to my kitchen.

My office was the backroom in my large house. The pack wanted to build a separate building for me but I refused. This arrangement was convenient for me.

“Have a seat.”

Leila nodded, her attention on the decor of my house. I looked around, trying to see the house like someone who didn't live here would.

It's okay…large and neat.

“Chicken soup will be okay right?”

“Can you please just bring out the ingredients? I'll cook.”

“Nonsense. You're a first time visitor and you want to cook?”

“But, you're the Alpha of our pack…”

“And as the Alpha, I command you to seat down and let me cook for you…”

“Okay.”

“What do you want to do? You don't have a mate at the moment, do you want to work or start looking immediately?” I asked as I started cooking.

“Work…I'll like to start helping Marenza in her workshop. If possible, I will like to leave my father's house.”

“And a mate?”

“I don't want to think about that right now.”

That's good in a way. There has been talks about a lost temple of the goddess recently found in the east and the relics it contains.

I will have to start asking around, there has to be something I can use to help her link get better. For her safety and for my heart.

“Are you always this kind or do you just feel pity for me?”

I stopped and turned to face her. Her gaze met mine.

“I do not feel pity for you. I am kind but I do not tolerate a lot of things, that's why people see me as harsh. A leader should be kind and considerate, if not they'll just be a tyrant.”

Leila smiled, “thank you Alpha.”

I nodded, “I've changed my mind, come and help me with this.”

She laughed, her eyes bright with happiness. “Okay Alpha.”