5. Too Fucking Early

Max

I felt like shit.My head throbbed and my back hurt.

It was apparently a rough night.

When I woke, I found myself on my living room floor with a small glass of water near my head. I had a vague memory of Lindsay walking me home, but I couldn"t remember much else.

We were in the tavern. Then walking past the gazebo. Did I kiss her?

I scrubbed my face hard, then sucked in a deep breath. It was still dark, at least thirty minutes or so before dawn. It was well before my shift was due to start, but there was no way I was going back to sleep—although my wolf was desperate for me to try.

After a cold shower and a weak breakfast, I made my way to the packhouse. It was sure to be dead quiet inside, and I was looking forward to it. Hopefully, it would ease the pounding at the base of my skull.

I stepped into the entryway and Demi's enchanting voice stopped me in my tracks. "Good morning, alpha." Her hair laid across her shoulder in a long braid.

"Demi?" I stared at the beta, shocked to see her up so early. "Is everything okay?" I glanced at the main staircase. "Is it the Luna? Did something happen?"

"Calia?" Demi's eyes went wide, then she smiled as if understanding my concern. "She's fine." She gave a quick wave of her hand. Her nails were bright red today, matching her flowing gown. A faint pattern of flowers were embroidered around her waist and down the long sleeves. She was breathtaking in red. "I couldn"t sleep, and thought I'd come keep you company."

My wolf perked, inching a little closer. He wanted me to scent the pretty beta, but I held firm.

"I wasn't sure what time you reported for duty." Demi swept her golden braid over her shoulder. It fell down her back, swaying slightly. I wanted to touch it so badly. "Did you sleep well?"

I nodded, turning toward the stairs. Demi quickly followed, staying right at my side.

"Will Florence be worried you aren't home?" I asked. "He might think you were kidnapped."

Demi laughed, the sound so bright and free. "He'd probably be relieved." Her green eyes held mine. I wanted so badly to smile at her.

"Commander." Daniel greeted me as we approached.

"Report?"

The young alpha opened his mouth, then closed it as his attention drifted from me to Demi, then back again. "Should I…" he trailed off, obviously not sure how to ask if he could speak freely in front of Demi.

"The maiden can hear this." I gave him permission. "She guards the Luna just the same as we do."

"Well, the Luna…" he looked at Demi again, deep worry settling between his brows, "...she had another rough night. I heard them arguing about requesting the healer."

"Did they?" Demi asked, inching a little closer to the door.

"No, ma'am." Daniel pressed his lips into a firm line. "They fought for a bit longer, and then they," his voice dropped to a whisper as his cheeks burned red, "...they had relations."

I let out a tight breath as Demi giggled.

Calia could be stubborn, but I didn't understand why Davon didn't force her to see reason on this. She was ill, andan omega. Her kind were very delicate and prone to sickness. Davon's reluctance was ridiculous—not that I'd tell him that. After all, I didn't fully understand the challenges of handling an omega. Relations with them required an alpha to walk a thin line between commanding and nurturing. It couldn't have been easy.

"Thank you, Daniel." I cut a weary look at the bedroom door. It was dead silent inside, both the Luna and Pack Alpha possibly still asleep. "Dismissed."

The young alpha bowed his head, then walked slowly down the hall. The second he turned the corner, Demi looked up at me, smiling widely.

"How was your evening?" It was clear she was hoping to look friendly, but I couldn"t help but notice her stiff posture and raised tone. Was she nervous?

"It was fine," I said simply. However, my mind moved through the events of last night once again—the rowdy bar, too much whiskey, then a swift image of Linsday begging for my cock.

Shock tore through me as a fresh wave of memories flooded my mind.

I fucked Linsday.

I fucked her against the woodshed.

Shit, I silently cursed myself. What was I thinking? I hope I didn't hurt her. I'd never forgive myself.

"Max?" Demi placed her hand on my bicep and my worry instantly eased. "Are you okay? What happened?"

I shook my head, not sure what to say. I needed to speak with Lindsay. I was sure the beta knew that last night meant nothing, but I had to make sure she was okay.

"Alpha?" Demi's girlie voice dropped to a whisper as she stepped a little closer. "You look upset." She was so warm and smelled so good. Almost…floral? It was slightly different from her usual smell. Deeper. Maybe even sweeter? Perhaps she was wearing perfume.

But before I could ask, Florence cut around the corner, beaming at Demi. "My goodness!" he said loudly, his expression so cheerful. It was a little unusual for the beta. He was always so grumpy at daybreak. I assumed he wasn't a morning person. "I cannot believe you are actually here before me," he said to Demi. He looked so happy. Maybe even proud. "I don't know what brought on this change, but I like it."

Demi smirked at the valet, planting her hands on her hips. "Well, you always say you'd die of shock if I did something right. I was just testing to see if it was true."

Florence huffed, but before he could say anything back, the bedroom door creaked open and Davon poked his head out.

"Max," the Pack Alpha's urgent tone immediately had me on alert. "Get the healer. The Luna isn't well."

My instincts immediately took hold, and I ran.

Cutting through the packhouse and down the stairs, I burst out of the main door, then raced through the village. My wolf snarled and scratched, begging for me to shift. But the whole pack would panic if they saw a shifted alpha running through the village. They'd think we were being attacked.

"Johns!" I pounded on the infirmary door, making the wood creak and groan. "Johns!" I shoved aside all sense of decency and flung the front door open. It popped against the wall, echoing through the small cabin.

"Max?" The beta's voice was groggy as he stepped into the main room. His dark hair stuck out at all ends, and his eyes were puffy from having just woken up. "What's wrong?" He yawned.

"It's the Luna," I growled, unable to help it. "She's ill."

Two minutes later, I was jogging back toward the packhouse. I carried Johns's medical bag, wishing like hell the beta would pick up his pace. I wanted to break into a full-on run, but Johns was already struggling to keep up, and I needed to make sure he arrived in one piece.

Once inside the packhouse, I took the stairs two by two, not stopping until I got to the Pack Alpha's bedroom.

Luna Calia sat in the center of her bed with Demi snuggled up next to her. The omega looked flushed and tired, with her smooth black hair sticking to the sweat on her forehead. Florence pressed a wet cloth to Calia's cheeks, before brushing it over the back of her forearms and hands. Poor Davon just stared, watching the betas care for his mate. I was sure the uncertainty of the situation was killing him, but he was trying very hard not to show it.

"I have the healer," I said.

Davon spun, his wide eyes darting from me to the door. "Where?" he snipped. He was on edge. And I understood why.

"I'm here," Johns panted, rushing into the room. "I'm here." He bent, resting his hands on his knees as he tried to catch his breath. The beta wasn't out of shape or especially old—he was maybe only a few years older than me—but he was gangly. Not much muscle and clearly no speed.

"The Luna isn't feeling well," Davon said in a firm voice.

Johns immediately stood tall, walking swiftly to the bed. "How long has she been sick?"

"I'm not sick," Calia said at the same time as Davon said, "A few days."

Calia glared at her mate, then at Johns. "I'm just restless, and too hot." Her tone was as sharp as the look in her eyes. "I don't need a healer."

Davon glared right back at his mate, making it clear that he wasn't going to back down. "She hasn't been sleeping, struggles to eat, and is very moody," he said to Johns, ignoring her protests.

"Moody?" Calia's voice rose, clearly offended. Demi pressed her lips into a tight line, hiding her smile. "I am not—" The omega sucked in a sharp breath and her body jerked as if she might be sick. Florence snatched a bin off the floor, and Demi gathered the Luna's hair as she heaved.

"It's okay, Calia," Demi whispered, rubbing the Luna's back in slow circles. "Deep breaths, babe. Florence?" She glanced up. "Will you get her some water?"

"Of course," Florence positioned the bin in Calia's lap then rushed past me to the washroom.

It was interesting watching the two betas work together. They bickered all the time, but when it came to Calia's well-being, they were both all business.

"Sir?" Johns pressed the back of his hand to Calia's forehead. The omega flinched, but didn't react otherwise. "I need to do a thorough examination of the Luna."

"Then do it," Davon snapped a little too forcefully. I couldn't blame him for his reaction. We could all see fear weighing heavy on the alpha.

In fact, I wasn't sure I'd be so collected if someone I loved was ill.

Without meaning to, my attention drifted to Demi. The pretty beta fussed over Calia, whispering in her ear and holding her close. She was so tender and caring.

"Sir," Johns moved to Davon's side, "I think it would be best for the staff to wait outside." He cut a quick look at me, then whispered, "I need to do a vaginal examination."

I didn't wait to be dismissed.

I marched to the bedroom door, holding it open for Florence and Demi. Florence immediately rushed out of the room, still clutching a glass of water. But Demi was slower, not wanting to leave Calia's side.

"What do you think is wrong with her?" Florence asked Demi, as I shut the door behind us.

But Demi didn't answer him. She stared at the door past me. The poor beta looked gutted with pure fear pouring out of her vibrant green eyes. My wolf whimpered long and loud, begging for me to nuzzle her and kiss her.To purr for her.

The thought made my whole body jerk with shock.

I had never purred for anyone before.

My beast simply never had the urge. After all, alphas only offered such intimate comfort to their mates or pups. Demi wasn't my mate. Hell, she wasn't even my lover. It didn't make any sense.

"It's okay," Demi whispered softly to me. "Calia will be okay." She placed her hand on my forearm, and my wolf melted into a submissive mess. I was so distracted by the damn beast, it took me a full minute to realize Demi mistook my confused expression for worry.

"I hate just standing here." Florence squeezed the glass of water with both hands. He looked like he wanted to throw it. But I couldn"t have that. The Luna would overhear the commotion and it would surely throw her into distress.

"Beta Florence," I addressed him formally. His whole body jerked to attention, listening carefully. "Can you get Kade? He should be here soon, but he needs to know about the Luna's situation as soon as possible."

Florence's wide eyes slid from me to the door. He didn't want to leave Calia.

"I can go," Demi spoke up.

"No," Florence stood tall, squaring his shoulders as if he were about to march off to war. "I'll get the advisor." He quietly handed Demi the glass, then walked off, his posture resembling a warrior, and not an aging valet.

I half-expected Demi to make a joke about the beta's stiff demeanor or over the top theatrics, but she remained quiet. Standing in her pretty red dress and staring at the bedroom door.

"Johns is the best healer in the village," I said, hoping to ease her worry. "He tended to my eye," I motioned to my face. "Because of him, I still have my vision."

Demi's gaze drifted over the scar along my cheek, looking at me as if seeing me for the first time. She had looked at me many times, but she was one of the few people that didn't seem to focus on my physical flaws.

"Can you see," she shrugged, struggling to find the right word, "better? Clearer?"

I couldn't help but smile at her question. Many had assumed I was partially blind, but no one had ever asked if my injury improved my eyesight. "I see the same as anyone else," I assured the beta. "I was hit in battle. The blow ruptured my eye."

Demi gasped, and I immediately regretted sharing that ugly detail. War stories were for the alpha den, not delicate betas with pretty red nails.

"The medicine Johns applied saved my vision," I continued, keeping the other gory details to myself, "but it stole the color, making it all white."

Demi tilted her head to one side, looking intensely at my face. It was almost as if she was trying to read something scribbled across the bridge of my nose.

"You know," Demi took a small step toward me, "I was lying in bed last night, thinking. And I realized I didn't know much about you." She smiled, biting her bottom lip. "I've been in Casin for over seven months now, and I barely know anything about you, Alpha Max. That's just shameful."

My wolf inched a little closer, thrilled at the thought of Demi lying in bed, thinking about me.

"What would you like to know?" I asked, pleased to see her expression shift from worry to curiosity. I was sure Johns would be done with Calia soon, but I wanted to keep Demi distracted for as long as I could.

"Can I ask you anything?" Demi tucked her hands behind her back, swaying her hips ever so slightly. If I didn't know any better, I'd swear she was flirting with me.

"Anything." I inhaled deeply, pulling in another long breath of her tempting scent. She was definitely sweeter.

"Do you have a woman in your life?" Demi asked softly. "A potential mate or a girlfriend?"

My brows shot up as I fought the urge to laugh. I hadn't expected her to ask something so personal.

"I have no one," I said, trying to quell the excitement blooming in my chest. "It's not easy to find someone willing to put up with my work commitments."

In fact, I hadn't had a proper girlfriend since I was twenty-two, and a fresh recruit in the guard. But now, I was past thirty, and written off by the more desirable prospects in the village as too old.

"You have no one? Not even a casual lover?" Demi looked up at me from under her long lashes. It was a heated look, one that made me stand a little taller and speak a little deeper.

She was definitely flirting.