31. A Decision

ALEJANDRO

I had spent the night running, hunting and even working out. I don't know why but I couldn"t face coming back. I had never been so thrown off after sex, all I could think about was how I felt when I fucked her. I wanted to taste her again, to feel her against me once more. To taste those lips of hers and to actually eat her out… Yeah, that was something I never did… I'd take the favour willingly but I wasn't one to return it. Not until it came to her. Kiara Westwood. Just her name was fucking making me throb.

Fuck it.

I finally headed back home when the sun had risen. I stopped in my tracks when I saw her standing there dressed in tiny white shorts that showed off her thigh tattoo and her sexy legs, with a green top that only made her eyes look greener. She looked directly at me. Her heart was racing and I had no fucking idea what she was expecting from me. I didn't know what I wanted either so I just walked past her, feeling something tighten in my chest. It was fucking strange, I never cared about anything but she was doing something to me, and it was getting fucking hard to resist.

It took my all not to turn, slam her against the wall and fuck her all over again. I closed my eyes. What did I want?

Instead, I headed inside, using all my willpower not to go back and call out to her.

I needed to avoid her if I could. I guess I should focus on that fucker Bill so he can leave the fucking pack. Not to mention there was the council meeting in a few days.

I showered, before mind-linking Darien to send Bill to my work office. I glanced towards my home office, last night vividly coming back to me. Foreign feelings consumed me and I frowned, turning away. She was messing with me and she wasn"t even around…

-----

"Alpha." Bill said politely, entering my office and taking a seat opposite me.

"So, have you come to a decision about the land?" I said, skipping formalities.

He shuffled in his seat, his face changing to an interesting shade of plum. He was nervous, I could smell it from here. The dude needed a shower too… I resisted wrinkling my nose. Disgusting piece of shit.

"I have… and well… I uh… I have a pre-proposition for you!" He spluttered, his face going darker.

I raised my eyebrow. What the fuck was this proposition. That he couldn"t even speak? Fucking loser.

"Keep talking, I don't have all fucking day…"

"I will give you the land, free-to keep forever! As a gift, I mean - as a wedding gift. Take my daughter as your Luna and after I die, even my pack will become yours!" He shouted.

The fuck? I wasn't deaf, why did he feel he had to bark like a fucking dog?!

"Chill the fuck out." I growled, resisting the urge to massage my temples.

The Quick Fang pack was a decent size but I wasn't looking to expand my pack. I only needed warrior wolves. As for the land, I'd take it one way or another… Usually, I would have declined the offer straight-up… I knew the council wanted me to take a mate… but… Kiara.

I looked out the window at the shining sun. What did I do? Kiara was young…Yeah, I didn't seem to care when I fucked her. She deserved someone who could love her… Not someone who would destroy her. Even if my assumption was correct and maybe just maybe she was my mate, I wouldn't be able to treat her the way she deserved to be…

Jasmin was twenty-five, smart and knew when to shut her fucking mouth. She was the type who wouldn't even dare to speak up against me if I fucked another woman. The type who would just be happy with the title of queen. Yet she had the experience to run a pack, as the default heir to her father's pack after her brother's death, she knew how stuff worked.

The council wanted me to choose a bride of Alpha heritage. Jasmin had never found her mate, possibly dead. I guess that was another reason to choose her when our situations were so similar…

Kiara was eighteen, feisty and strong-willed. The type to challenge and question my every decision… The type to keep me fucking grounded, or try to. She was compassionate, strong and entertaining. The type of woman that if you had her, you wouldn't even consider looking at another woman.

I stood up and walked over to the window, looking out at my pack. She would be the type of queen who didn't care about the title and care for this pack as her own. If she didn't turn out to be my mate, then she would find hers sooner or later. And if she was destined for me… Then one day, she would tire of waiting and take a mate of her own choice. Who wouldn't want her?

I remembered a few council meetings ago when someone mentioned her eyesight. They had said to Elijah, that they wondered why the Goddess had blessed them with a faulty pup. He had flipped and said that any man would be lucky to have her but none would ever be fucking worthy of her.

Back then, I had rolled my eyes as I told him to let go of the other Alpha. But now… I had to admit he was right. The thought of her with another man, made my chest squeeze fucking painfully. The very feeling sent bolts of shock through me, carrying the weight of realisation with it.

I cared for her. I fucking cared for her.

Did I even have the capacity to care? I don't know. Recently I was feeling stuff, stuff I've not felt in a long time… My mind went back to many years ago when Kiara had given me a flower for saving her. I had crushed that flower under my foot, and with it, I had probably crushed her little heart... That was what I was good at, hurting people. I didn't have the mental state to love, nor did I want to… My purpose was to govern the werewolf race and that's it…

"A-Alpha…"

Bill brought me back to the present and I schooled my face back into its usual ‘I don't give a fuck' look before I turned to him.

"First of all, who the fuck do you think you are trying to bargain with me?" I said coldly, walking over to him. He cowered in fear.

"N-no, no, my king. Even if you refuse, you m-may take over the lands and do what you need to…" He spluttered, spit flying from his mouth.

I looked at him in disgust. How the fuck was he Jasmin's father? They were fucking opposites. I mean, with Kiara you could tell she was Elijah's- Oh hell no. I was never going to admit that. No. Fuck that.

I glared at the pathetic Alpha before me, crossing my arms as I turned away. I had made my decision.

"I'll marry Jasmin."

***

32. Determined To Succeed

KIARA

I looked down at the man before me. He was in his early twenties from what I could see. His face looked sickly and I could see some abnormalities in it. His skin looked sallow and there were grey veins around his eyes and up his neck, it was also covered in a layer of slime-like sweat.

"He was bitten by a Manangal two weeks ago. We have tried several treatment methods. You can see his wounds… infected. Any suggestions? I have tried all the herbal remedies, including your suggested method yesterday. It hasn't made much difference at all. His blood is completely poisoned." Doctor Callum said.

I could tell he truly was a doctor who aimed to help his patients no matter how low the chances were - that was clear from the fact he was asking me. Looking for any input I stared at the man before me, analysing him quietly. He suddenly turned and looked at me with his dilated pupils that were a pale yellow, most likely his wolf's eyes… The urge to help him overcame me. I looked into his eyes which seemed to be trying to speak.

"It's his mind." I said suddenly, blinking at my own words.

Doctor Callum and the two warriors looked at me sharply.

"Mind?"

I shook my head; I don't even know what I meant… I stepped closer and one of the warriors placed an arm in front of me.

"It's dangerous." He said, his bright, sharp blue eyes looked cold.

"I'll be fine." I said confidently.

I stepped closer, until I was right up against the bed. The man growled, his eyes enlarging as he tried to reach for me as if he wanted to attack me. The two men moved forward but I raised my hand.

"Hold it." I said, before I placed my hand on the man's forehead, forcing it back against the table.

He struggled as I gently stroked it, it was clear he was in pain. My heart was filled with sadness, wondering how much pain he was in. I understood the need to bind him, but it was clear the restriction was distressing him too.

"Do sedatives not work?" I asked, watching the man calm down under my touch.

No reply. I looked up at Callum who was watching me with an unreadable expression on his face.

"Doctor?"

"How are you doing that?" He asked quietly.

"Doing what?"

"Calming him…" He said.

I looked back at the man who now had become still, his breathing more even. My heart skipped a beat and I removed my hand.

"I didn't do anything special." I said.

Callum grunted. "I would assume you're a witch, but us wolves can smell witches."

I smiled cheekily despite the grim situation.

"Maybe I"m just a natural." I teased, before looking back at the man. "We need to keep him calm. I'm sure if he wasn't so distressed, he would heal better."

Callum looked at the warriors before scratching his chin.

"I'm not sure what to say, this patients' chance of survival and recovery is a less than five percent. I don't think just his mind being at ease will help."

"Is there anything you can do for him?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Nothing more, we will of course keep trying but-"

"Then that's fine. From today, can I decide what to do with this patient and take care of him?" I asked.

My gaze fell to his mark and another wave of sorrow washed over me. I wonder what his mate was going through…

"Very well…" Callum said. "I will make you a pass while you are here. This is against protocol, but the Alpha made it clear that you were to be treated with the highest regards."

Despite the situation, those words made my heart skip a beat. Did Alejandro really say that? My heart warmed and I knew my cheeks were heating up.

"That would be great. Could I start with some blood samples?" I asked.

"Of course, I will give you access to the supplies room and lab. Warrior Julio and Bryan, if you can both make sure Miss Kiara is kept safe." Doctor Callum said, and the two men nodded.

"What's his name?" I asked, looking at the man on the bed.

"Valentin." Callum replied.

"Maybe a visit from his mate, may ease him."

"That isn't really an option. It would only distress her, seeing his condition like this."

I didn't question further and nodded before I moved to leave the room to get what I needed. Valentin suddenly grabbed my wrist, instantly the warriors were about to interfere. My eyes flashed and I glared at them.

"Please, unless I tell you otherwise, don't butt in." I said to them. Couldn"t they see his condition?

Why was it that wherever I went, people thought I couldn"t handle myself? I slowly freed myself and looked at the man.

"I'll be back." I said before I walked out, welcoming the fresh clear air.

My stomach was hurting thanks to the fact I had no breakfast. I still felt tired and achy, but I was more excited to focus on the patient. I knew I was half avoiding Alejandro, but I didn't care. Not after how he ignored me this morning.

-----

Three hours later, I had several samples and assessments done. I was sitting in the lab looking at the results and comparing them to the ones that were taken this morning, two days ago and then a week ago.

What caught my attention was the latest ones, which seemed to contain slightly less poison. Was it the fact he was in a calmer state of mind? I tapped my pen on the table as I jotted down some notes. My stomach rumbled loudly and I saw the other doctors who were working on stuff look at me. I blushed in embarrassment until one of the women came over.

"Miss, you've been here for hours. Why don't you call it a day?" She suggested.

"I think I will, I wanted to prepare some medicine for him before I leave." I said.

"Just don't burn yourself out." She replied before walking off.

I looked down at my notes, I needed to look through the journal copies I had made. Glad that I had brought them along. There might be something in there that could help. Apart from that, I wanted to visit his mate.

I placed my notepad aside and labelled all my vials and research before storing them in a container and placing them in the fridges at the back. I then got to making the medicine.

-----

I finally left the hospital holding my notes late in the afternoon. I took my phone out, realising I had a few missed calls from Raven and two from a number I didn't know. I frowned as I unlocked it. Ignoring Ravens" countless messages, I sent her a quick message telling her I'll be back a little later. The unnamed number had also left a message.

‘Hey Kiara, It's me, Rayhan. Could we talk when you're free?'

I let guilt wash over me and I took a deep breath. Yeah, maybe we did need to talk.

‘Sure, I'm heading to the pack hall for some food. Meet me there? By the way, I'll be cheeky and ask you to bring some money - I forgot mine when I left this morning.'

I hit send and then decided to head to the pack hall's diner.

I was halfway there when none other than Carmen came in front of me, I saw the flicker of annoyance in her eyes. I didn't need this right now.

"How are you finding your visit?" She asked. I looked into her dark, piercing eyes.

"Great actually." I was about to walk past her when she stepped in my way. "Can I help you with something?" I asked, my eyes flashing.

"Calm down, I"m just curious… I heard you're an impressive fighter from your pack member, Greg, was it? I was wondering if you ever wanted to match me. I"m just curious how good you are."

I knew what she wanted to do: beat the shit out of me, if given the chance. I was strong but she was way more experienced. Her bulging muscles and battle scars spoke for themselves. Not to mention, she was at least ten years my senior and one of the head warriors of this pack... But I was my mothers' daughter.

"That would be fun. You're said to be one of the finest warriors of this pack. It'll be nice to see how I fair against you." I said confidently.

She seemed surprised when I agreed. Brushing her hair off her face, she smirked.

"How about tomorrow… Night?"

"Night…" I said, why did she choose night-time?

Her lip curled.

"My bad, I forgot you can't really see at night. I wondered if that rumour was true or not…"

"No night is fine." I said quietly.

"Great. I"m not sure the Alpha will be ok with it. I mean, I don't want him to get into an argument with your Dad. Maybe you should ask his permission first."

I wasn't blind to hear the mockery in her voice. I clenched my jaw, trying not to get pissed off.

"Don't worry, I don't need anyone's opinion. I'll see you at 10pm tomorrow by the training grounds? Is the time suitable? It will be completely dark by then?"

Her smirk faltered; I knew what she was doing. Stupid bitch. If she wanted to play like that, I was ready.

"Sure."

I didn't bother replying or bidding her farewell and continued on my way.

Rayhan was already waiting outside, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. Once again, I noticed the resemblance between Alejandro and him. His long hair was left open today though.

He wore a white t-shirt and blue torn jeans. I stopped in front of him and I saw him looking me over in concern.

"Shall we?" He said.

"Sure." I said, as I fell in step with him and we went inside.

We were seated after ordering some pizza and french fries. We didn't have to pay, everyone knew who we were and the place belonged to the king, no payment was required.

"I'm not your Dad or your brother, so all I"m going to ask is, are you ok?" He asked. I felt my cheeks burn under his piercing dark grey eyes.

"Perfectly. I"m sorry that he hurt you… But it was consensual." I said, avoiding his gaze.

Goddess, this was mortifying! I was discussing my sex life with someone I hadn"t talked to in ages!

"You're a woman. So that's up to you… But don't get so deep into it that you get hurt in the end." He said this quietly, picking up a pizza slice.

"Got it."

Too late for that, he used me and didn't seem to care… Or maybe he didn't know what to say... What was I expecting anyway? There was never a chance for more between us.

I took one too and bit into it.

"How"s your head?"

"Almost healed."

"I guess that's why your hair is not tied?" I asked, feeling guilty.

"It's no big deal." He said grinning, running his fingers through his shoulder-length curls.

I frowned standing up and placed my pizza down.

"Let me see."

"It'll heal, I"m an Alpha." He said, picking up another slice.

He sure ate fast. I ignored his remark and walked up to him, parting his hair until I saw the wound that was not fully healed. How hard did he slam his head…? I sighed deeply.

"What are you doing?" He asked, tugging away.

"Just looking at your wound… It still has a way to go to heal."

"No big deal." He said, picking up some fries.

"I'm sorry. It was my fault."

"Not at all, but I"m curious to know... what did you see in him?"

I blushed at the blunt question.

"Can we not discuss my sex life." I said, glancing around.

"No names spoken." He said smirking.

"He's handsome… but I don't know, we clash a lot." I shrugged.

"Now enough about me, what about you? No lady on your arm or are you waiting for your mate?"

"Let's just say I'm waiting for the right girl." He said, with a smirk. "Are you looking forward to finding your mate?"

"I always have been…" I said, my smile vanished.

The excitement I"d felt my entire life about finding my soulmate seemed to have faded...All thanks to one person. Alejandro.

"Not so much anymore." Rayhan stated, picking up his can of fizzy.

"Let's just say it's kind of complicated." I said quietly.

"He's already affecting you. Don't let him hurt you, Kiara. That's all I'm saying."

I didn't reply, the dull ache I felt this morning when he ignored me settling into my chest once more.

"I just think people don't see that he's human too…" I said after a moment.

I didn't know why, but I felt the way he was viewed was because people feared him for what he was… Forgetting that beyond that he was just a human, with feelings.

"He's ruthless and cares for no one, Kiara. Everyone knows that." He said quietly, glancing around.

I didn't reply. I didn't agree.

"Maybe." I said, simply falling silent as I continued eating.

Once I was done I felt a lot more energised, not to mention the ache had gotten a lot less. I decided to ask someone about Valentin's mate and pay them a visit.

***

33. Bake Off

KIARA

I knocked the door to Valentin's apartment and it was opened quite soon by a young woman, who was heavily pregnant. Instantly I realised why Callum had said it wouldn't be ideal…

"Can I help you?" She asked.

I could tell instantly she was stressed, tired and distraught. I could also see she had been mated into this pack because she lacked the muscles of the females of this pack.

"I'm just someone from the hospital, I just-"

"No! Selene no!"

My eyes widened in surprise, realising what she was assuming.

"No no! He's fine! I mean, he's still healing but his bloods are looking better than yesterday." I said quickly, placing my hands on her shoulders and gently giving them a squeeze.

"Oh… But there's not much hope for him is there?" She whispered.

I gave her a small smile.

"There is always hope. I came here for something actually." I said gently.

"Sorry I didn't get your name." She said.

"Oh sorry, I"m Kiara and yours?"

"Jean." She said.

"Jean. Well, I was wondering if I could have some worn clothes, bedding, anything with your scent on it. I think it would help Valentin feel at peace… I know you can't be there but I think your scent would calm him." I asked gently. Not wanting to stress her out.

She stopped and looked at me.

"Do you think it would help?" She asked.

I saw the hope in her eyes and I swear I am going to make sure he's ok!

"I think it will." I said with resilience.

She smiled and nodded.

"Then I'll go get you some items!"

She waddled off and I wondered how far along she was. She looked to be near the end of her third trimester and I wished Valentin could be by her side when she gave birth.

She was back soon enough and gave me a tight hug as a thank you. With reinforced determination, I took the large bag of clothing and headed back to the hospital, lugging the heavy bag with me. I ignored the looks I got from some of the doctors and nurses as I had to ask someone to let me in, Doctor Callum didn't have a pass ready for me yet. Once I was in the ward, I entered Valentin's room with three items from the bag. I placed them under his head as I stroked his head gently. The room smelt slightly better with the windows now open, although they were just small vents right at the top, every little helped.

"Jean sends her regards; she's waiting for you." I said, hoping he could hear me and hopefully smell her scent.

He seemed to calm down and the two guards exchanged looks. I stayed there for a while, until Valentin had fallen asleep, before I left and headed back to Alejandro's mansion… I wasn't looking forward to this, but I knew I had to face him sooner or later.

-----

I stepped inside and his scent hit me strongly. My stomach did a flip and I hesitated in the hallway. I could tell from the scents that Raihana, Raven and Jasmin were also there.

"Please?" Raihana asked, her voice was a lot softer.

"I don't have time." Alejandro's cold reply came.

"It's just one movie. I'll bake." Jasmin's voice came.

"Oh, why don't we do like a bake-off and uncle can guess who cooked what?" Raihana's excited voice came.

"Bake-off for the king?" Raven's voice came.

She sounded quieter and I didn't miss the hostility in her tone.

"Why not? I think it'll be nice… So he and Rayhan can be the judges…"

"What does the winner get?" Jasmin asked in a very flirtatious tone.

"A kiss from the King." Raven stated.

I raised my eyebrows. What was going through that head of hers? I didn't go into the living room or bother to hear Alejandro's reply. Instead, I made my way upstairs. He was the one to blank me this morning. If he wanted to acknowledge me, he could do it on his own. I was not going to let him walk all over me.

I took a quick shower, seeing that most of the hickeys had vanished apart from one or two that left a slight bruising. By nightfall, I was sure they'd be gone too… I traced my finger over one. With its fading away, I felt like I would lose the memory of last night too…

I had just pulled on a deep purple crop top with black cropped high waisted pants, and was towel drying my hair when there was a knock at my door. I walked over and opened it to see Raven standing there. She didn't say a word and hugged me tightly.

Ok, now I"m worried.

"I'm sorry. I know I was a bit harsh earlier…"

"I'm sorry for hiding stuff too." I said, sighing as I hugged her back.

Glad that things were ok between us.

"Good, now how about you get that sexy ass of yours downstairs and let's bake. Raihana somehow got him to agree to a movie."

"I'm surprised. It doesn"t seem like it's something he'd do." I said, as we left the bedroom, my hair was still wet and my face was make-up free.

"Yeah, well, he said he will be the one to choose the movie."

Oh. See, I knew there'd be a catch.

"I'm a little tired-"

"You are not giving me that! Who told you to get busy last night… Soo tell me how was he?" Raven asked, wiggling her brows. I blushed deeply.

"Incredible." I said blushing. She smirked, pushing me towards the kitchen.

We entered and I looked around the gorgeous kitchen which was all black gloss doors and black granite worktops. A huge double door black fridge stood to one side and there was a large island in the middle. The walls were tiled and the floor was white tiles.

"Come on, we are baking!" Raihana said from where she stood, her hair up in a bun and an apron on. "Uncle and Rayhan will be here for the movie in under an hours time."

"Yeah, I"m making brownies, so no one else make brownies." Jasmin said with a toss of her gorgeous hair.

I didn't bother replying and instead began doing a loose plait in my hair just to keep it out of my way. I didn't have a band to tie it back so left it, as long as it got me through my baking.

"Well, I'm making fairy cakes." Raven said confidently.

"Girl, can you bake?" I asked her sceptically.

"Of course, I can."

Well, I have to admit, I love her confidence.

I decided on making some blondies. We had to wait ten minutes before the Omegas got us all the ingredients. I was surprised to see the two women who worked here, they were barely seen around. Even at dinner last night, I hadn"t seen who served. I learned that they were twin sisters who both lost their mates to a rogue attack. Carla and Claire. They were in their mid-thirties and originated from Alejandro's brother's pack.

Jasmin kept making a mess and taking up more than half of the huge kitchen. I worked slowly, too lost in thought as I tossed my mixture together. Only stopping to answer a video call from Mom and Dad.

"Angel!" Dad said the moment he saw me. I saw him look me over.

"Hey Dad, Mom." I replied, waving as I poured the mixture into a tray.

"What are you doing?"

"Baking." I said.

"Hey aunty Red, uncle El, looking good." Raven added, popping her head in front of the screen.

"Dressed like that…" Dad said, frowning at my top.

"What's the big deal?" Mom asked him.

"Rayhan's there."

I rolled my eyes. Dad, you're way off the mark. It's not Rayhan that you should be worried about…

I saw Raihana watching me, I gave her a small smile and motioned her over.

"Dad, Mom, we're not alone. Raihana's here and the daughter of the Alpha of the Quick Fang pack."

"Jasmin Bloom." Dad said in understanding, then turned to Mom. "Maybe he's agreed."

"Agreed to what?" I was confused.

"Oh shoot, my cuppy cakes!" Raven exclaimed, rushing to the oven. I turned, looking at the smoke that was coming from the oven.

"Dad, we got to go. My day"s been great and I was at the hospital for most of it. I"m enjoying myself. Love you both and give Liam my love too! I'll speak to you guys later."

"Take care of yourself." Mom said with a small smile. Dad didn't look too pleased that I rushed the call but told me he loved me and to take care of myself before ending it.

I shook my head at Ravens slightly burnt cupcakes… Ok, I'm being nice; those things were as black as charcoal. I knew this would happen. If anyone could burn cupcakes, it was Raven...

"Gosh, someone open a window!" Jasmin said, wrinkling her nose.

Raihana rushed to open one and I looked at Jasmin. She hadn"t thrown any digs at me all day today. Although, after Alejandro's comment about talking to me yesterday, she had thrown daggers at me all throughout dinner. But today she was in an exceptionally good mood. I didn't think too much into it as I placed my blondies into the oven. I knew Alejandro liked my brownies. I wondered if he'd like these too…