(Rowan)
I looked down at my mate, the woman I loved and the reason I had even been put on this earth for..this woman alone..she was my everything and it had only been a fucking week. I felt horrible, I fucked up and said some shit I shouldn't of. But hearing how her own father practically beat her and treated her like a grown fucking man in the ring sickened me. He taught an eight-year-old how to fight..not only that he fought her like an adult, hitting her and injuring her. I tried to suppress that anger as Mila's bright emerald eyes looked up at me.
She thought I was mad at her..she thought I was disappointed and upset with her. I could feel it, I felt her emotions and how sad she was. But she was completely wrong, I was mad that my mate had to live a life like this. While I was living in this house, being given everything I wanted, whenever I wanted and it made me feel sick knowing that my beautiful precious mate was working her ass off just to live day to day. I knew her dad's type, he sounded like an asshole warrior to me. One that lived, breathed and even slept with a warrior mentality. My mate was so sweet, and kind, her heart pure. Knowing she had to endure that type of life just pissed me off completely.
Mila stopped quickly, looking up at me as we were about to enter the sitting room. My family had been trying to link me this whole time. They all felt like shit too, after realizing Mila heard us.
"You aren't mad at me right?" She whispered softly, looking down as her words practically shattered me completely.
"No of course not..I was never mad at you baby, I promise." I reassured her, my hand cupping her cheek as I felt relief fill her. Fuck she was so perfect, I didn't want to do this Chloe shit now..I just wanted to go to bed and hold my mate all night.
"I love you." She said softly, reaching up on her toes as I met her quickly, kissing her deeply as that desire began to rise once more.
I didn't have enough of her, I needed more. I needed to taste her, to see her naked body before me. What we did in the woods was enough to satisfy me for now but tonight I needed all of her. That was the only way to get this uneasy feeling to leave.
"Are you going to be okay? I don't have to do this tonight if you don't want me to." I said, practically begging her to give me an excuse not to do this.
She shook her head, her small hand resting on my bicep, sending sparks shooting through me as she looked at me with those big gorgeous emerald eyes.
"It will make us both feel better." She was so logical..I noticed one thing about Mila..she was so genuine with everything and never lied. She told me how it was even if it embarrassed her. That's how I knew nothing was going on with Ian..fucking prick. Don't get me wrong..he is one of our best warriors but seeing him looking at her like that..I was so close to ripping his throat out. I had to close my link with Bain, he was going completely crazy.
She had no idea either, the way he looked at her with wonder, and how he wanted to be closer to her. I saw it clearly..so far the only one I can trust is Tristan..Blakes is still questionable.. especially after he told her all about that Chloe thing. What the fuck was he thinking?
I left Mila with my mom reluctantly..both of us not wanting to be apart as we kissed and said goodbye for the eighth time.
'I miss you already.'
I linked Mila as I walked through the doors leading outside. I was going to meet up with Chloe at a coffee shop. It was 7:40 now so I had twenty minutes to get there.
'I miss you too, your mom is showing me the movie theater. I have never seen a TV so big.'
She sounded amazed and I couldn't help but smile. I could picture the look on her face and how excited she must be.
'Maybe we can watch one this weekend, just you and me.'
That's all I wanted, I just wanted her to myself..I know it's selfish but I realized that I had been waiting for her all this time..and now that I had her I didn't want to share. I love my family but they are really pushing me and I have barely had her for a fucking week..
'I can't wait, love you, your mom is showing me the gaming room now. Blake wants me to play something called Mario Cart.'
She said confused and I laughed to myself, picturing her sitting there and holding a controller in her small hands warmed my heart. I had to admit that she seemed a lot happier now, which made me feel happy.
'Kick some butt.'
I linked, letting her hear a growl as she sent back an adorable laugh. Fuck..how could one single laugh pretty much unravel me completely. I needed to get this done with as soon as possible.
I walked towards the garage and a few guards bowed to me as I nodded my head. I decided to ride my motorcycle tonight. It was still pretty cold out but the sky was clear at least. Before I left I ran upstairs and changed into jeans and a white long-sleeve shirt. I grabbed a leather jacket and my helmet. I quickly walked up to my Suzuki and started it. Before slipping on my helmet I felt a text and looked down at my phone.
'At our usual table. I ordered your coffee already :)'
It was from Chloe. Well, at least she was early for once.
'K be there in 10.'
I quickly texted back and slipped on my helmet. This was going to be rough, I could already tell. I just knew Chloe was the type of woman who wasn't used to not getting her way. She was definitely trying to hint at the Luna thing more this past month too. She even brought her parents over for dinner one night, surprising me. It was awkward to say the least. But this was a long time coming, I guess I just got comfortable with what we had because she never pushed anything in the beginning. She knew what I wanted and what I was able to give. Casual sex and the occasional night away. It was all physical, personality-wise Chloe wasn't my type. Way too dramatic and over the top. She tended to gossip a lot and tried to make me jealous. Which never worked because I was never a jealous person..well until now. One person looks at Mila and I feel protective..but she is different. Because she is mine and was made just for me. I'm sure Chloe will understand when she finds her own mate one day. After rounding the street and finding a parking spot in the back I turned off the bike and pulled off my helmet. After stepping off I pulled out my phone and checked it. There was a message from Blake and Tristan.
'Bro, Mila just beat me at Mario Cart by button-mashing.'
He attached a photo and it was of Mila smiling brightly, she was sitting in a bean bag chair that practically swallowed her whole and she held up her fingers giving the peace sign..she obviously learned that from my dad. I looked down at the picture lovingly..she was now wearing a pair of black and white flannel pajamas and fuck she was gorgeous. I quickly saved it to my phone and wrote back.
'That's my Luna and just got here. Hopefully going to wrap it up soon.'
After hitting send I quickly checked the text from Tristan.
'Just got everything ready for tomorrow and if you need backup tonight, don't be afraid to ask.'
I couldn't help but laugh and sent a quick reply then slid my phone back into my jacket and began walking to the shop. Chloe and I would meet here to discuss pack stuff before hooking up. After sleeping together for a few months we ended up hiring her to help with a few community projects. She was an event coordinator originally but she helped create some long-term programs like our training courses and even helped with some housing placements. So she has been an asset to us I won't lie, I just wanted to sever the physical part of the relationship.
I pulled open the glass door to the coffee shop and walked in quickly. It was pretty dead, only a couple of people sat at the tables now, working on their laptops. Each one nodded towards me with respect as the owner of the shop Natalie smiled at me.
"Good evening Alpha Rowan, if you need anything just let me know." She said cheerfully.
Natalie was a nice woman in her forties. She had light brown hair and olive-colored skin. She owned this shop with her partner Cassie. They had lived with the pack their whole lives but opened the shop about twenty years ago and have always treated me and my family with respect. Suddenly she walked from behind the counter and leaned into me.
"Congratulations on finding your mate by the way, I have only heard great things about her so far." She said with a smile.
I knew she was being honest too. Tristan told me how the pack was already raving about Mila. Between the nurses that cared for her and the guards that met her. Everyone was already in love with their new Luna which warmed my heart. She truly was amazing. I nodded my thanks and Natalie glanced towards Chloe.
"Good luck Alpha." And with that she went behind the counter once more, taking a customer's order.
I'm pretty sure everyone knew why I was here..but Chloe insisted on meeting in the Cafe. I don't know if she was trying to stir some type of memories or feelings..I just felt like it would make things even more awkward from now on. Let's just hope she doesn't make a scene.
I looked over towards our usual spot and found her instantly. Her hair was curled and done professionally, she might have even gotten it done just for this. I could smell her overwhelming peach perfume and fought the urge to gag. How the hell had I been able to stand it this whole time? She batted her fake lashes and waved her long manicured fingers towards me.
"Alpha Rowan, you're late." She teased, her pouty lips layered with some type of pink gloss.
"Sorry, been a busy couple of days." I knew she wanted me to say something flirty back and I was in no way going down that road.
"Oh, of course, it seems like it." She grabbed her iced coffee and sucked on it sensually, causing my stomach to turn. Knowing those lips were once on my cock causing disgust to fill me. What the hell was I even thinking?
"Well, you obviously know why I am here. I don't want to beat around it Chloe. I thought you should at least hear it straight from me as well." I said cooly, trying not to drag this out any longer than it should. She smirked, sliding my own black coffee towards me.
"Not even going to drink your coffee before we get into it?" She looked down at the cup and I had no desire to drink anything from her. Even that felt wrong knowing my mate was at home waiting for me.
"I don't drink coffee this late." I said glancing out towards the now lit-up street.
I need to take Mila here, I bet she never even tried most of this stuff. And she would love the Christmas lights. I began imagining her bundled up in a sweater and wrapped in my arms as we walked through the city. A small smile pulled at my lips as I realized Chloe was now staring at me. Her eyes were wide and her face pale. I cleared my throat and sat back, crossing my arms.
"So I'm sure you have heard that I found my mate. I heard you even met her yourself." I said, watching her as she tried to compose herself.
"She seems lovely." Her sickeningly sweet tone not meeting her cold eyes.
"I'm not going to lie, Chloe, the way I feel about her..it's more of a surprise to me than anyone. I never thought I was capable of having these feelings." I don't know why I needed to explain myself, but I wanted her to know this was serious.
"I'm happy for you Rowan, truly." She said, reaching across the table and placing her cold band on my arm. The action made me visibly tense. I studied her for a moment, could it really be this easy?
"Well thank you, I'm sure when you find your mate you will understand. It's something you never really can expect." I didn't have any ill will towards Chloe and I wished her the best.
"Of course, it's only natural. Well, I hope we can be friends, considering we still are working together and she will be my future...Luna." she said, struggling to get the word Luna out.
I nodded, ready to stand as I looked at her.
"I think there would be no issues whatsoever to continue our professional relationship. I am glad you understand." I went to stand, seeing Chloe panic for a moment.
"You have to leave so soon?" She asked, standing with me. I just now realized she was wearing a skin-tight leather dress with high heels. She reached behind her chair, grabbing a long faux fur coat, and slipped it on quickly.
"Yes, I have to get back to the house." I didn't want rub it in her face more than I had to, so I decided not to bring up the reason why I wanted to rush back.
"Walk me to my car?" She said with a smile, her hand reaching out for my arm. I stepped out of reach and cleared my throat.
"Sure, where did you park?" I said, glancing down at my phone. It was 8:15 now. By the time I got back, it would almost be 9. That's more than enough time to spend with my Mila, as long as we are asleep by 11.
"Over this way." She said smiling as I opened the door for her, letting her lead the way. I noticed she kept glancing at me every few seconds. Her hand getting dangerously close to mine so I quickly put my hands in my jacket, wanting this to be over immediately.
"Here I am." She walked to her red Mustang and turned around swiftly, stopping me in my tracks.
"Well, we should do lunch soon." She said batting her eyelashes, taking a step closer to me.
"I don't think that's a good idea, I wouldn't feel comfortable with that." Here we go..I knew it was too good to be true.
"Well, Mila doesn't need to know everything does she?" She said, reaching her hand up to touch me. I quickly grabbed her wrist, anger flashing through me.
"Chloe, there is no chance in hell I am going to risk doing anything that would make my mate feel uncomfortable. I even asked her to come tonight, because I didn't feel right seeing another woman without her. Especially since we.." I trailed off, letting go of her arm as a smirk pulled at her lips.
"Since we what Alpha Rowan..Fucked? Does she know about that? About how you bent me over your desk and screwed me just two days before she came. Does she know that we fucked in the same bed she lays in? Do you think of me when you're inside of her?" Her eyes grew wild, a wicked smirk pulling at her lips as she looked at me.
'I told you about her, now do you finally see how you have been sticking your dick in crazy?!'
Bain growled, his anger breaking through those walls.
"Maybe she and I should have a little chat, so she can know the extent of our relationship." She was acting psychotic. I pushed her back against the car, my hand on her throat as that anger broke through.
"You don't talk to her..ever..do you understand me?" I growled, my Alpha presence making itself known as Chloe cowered below me. Her head falling to the side, baring her neck as she nodded.
"If I find out you have been trying to contact or harass my Luna in any way, I will ban you from this pack and Black Stone all together." I growled through clenched teeth.
"And for your information..I did tell her about us and she was the one who suggested for me to meet up with you. So don't think for a minute you can hold that shit over me..your Alpha." I barked, letting her go and causing her to slide down the car.
She gasped for air, grasping her throat as she looked at me. Knowing not to say anything as Bain made his presence before her. He never showed himself to her, Bain hated her and refused to be involved when we were intimate. He had only shown himself to Mila, his connection with her was everything to him.
Turning quickly I began to walk away, as Chloe spoke shakily once more.
"What we had..did it really mean nothing to you Rowan?" She asked, her voice hoarse.
"I told you before Chloe, what we had wouldn't be more than what it was. My heart only belonged to one person, and I know that now..now that she is here, Mila is the one I have been waiting for." With that I walked off, refusing to look back. Chloe knew exactly what we were doing and what this was. The only thing that she's upset about it she didn't worm her way into being my Luna..and thank the goddess for that.