Chapter 41

~Alistair~

There I was, in my office, standing in front of the window with a blank expression, and thinking hard about the request Aunt Salome had made to me. She had come again two nights ago in the form of a wolf, howling loudly for my attention. I was going to ignore it, but I decided to just hear what she had to say.

I left my house for the field, from which her howl had come from, but this time around, I armed myself with powdered wolfsbane. If she was up to no good again, all I had to was just spray it on her and her minions, thereby weakening them instantly. She was very lucky that I had no intention of killing her, being the last blood relative I had that was still alive, healthy and breathing.

When I met her in the field, she was alone, and I could sense that there was no one else around besides her. I wasn’t going to be fooled and let down my guard, and thought that the werewolves that had come with her were probably masking their scent with one of Katherine’s old spells. I didn’t let my guard down, and while preparing myself for the worst thing that could possibly happen, I demanded to know what it was that she wanted from me.

To my surprise, Aunt Salome had swallowed her pride and apologised for the other day. She then pleaded with me to come and defend our pack, stating that they were ready and willing to welcome me back as one of them if I was able to help them defeat the members of the Mystic moon pack.

I had laughed hysterically, surprised by her audacity. After leaving me for dead for twenty five long years, how could she and the other members of the pack be so bold as to come and request for my help? I was disgusted, annoyed, and in my enraged state, I warned her sternly not to ever show up in front of me again. Aunt Salome could do anything for her people, even roll on the ground unashamedly, but none of that was going to move me into helping the same people that abandoned me at the time when I had needed them the most.

Turning my back on her and ignoring her pleas, I had left for my house. I thought the matter would end there and then, but for some reason, I couldn’t stop thinking about the request Aunt Salome had made, especially since Eliana was of the opinion that irrespective of what had happened, they still remained my people and my father had given me the Alpha powers to protect them, and not just for my personal use.

When I explained how it was not possible to help them out when I still hadn’t forgiven them, she had told me that I don’t have to forgive them or forget the harsh treatment they had meted upon me for something I didn’t even do. All I needed to do was show them I wasn’t like them who’d forsake one of their own, protect them and defend them, after which I’d reject their hand of friendship. To her, the best way to deal with an enemy is to not let them guess your next move.

“What are you thinking about? Don’t tell me that you’re seriously considering Salome’s offer,” Jenny said, walking towards me.

I wondered how she had gotten into the office without me noticing it, and it was surprising that I hadn’t even heard the clink-clink sound her shows made. It was so obvious that I was really thinking hard about it.

“You weren’t going to involve yourself with this matter, you said so yourself. Why are you then working yourself up because of it? What changed?” Jenny asked, standing beside me.

I didn’t turn around to face her, and just stood still by the window. “Everything changed, Jenny,” I said.

“Is this because of Eliana? Have you begun considering Aunt Salome’s offer simply because Eliana wants you to?” Jenny inquired.

I heaved a sigh. “What if it’s because of Eliana?” I retorted, in a calm voice.

Jenny scoffed. “It’s apparent that you’re thinking about this issue because of Eliana. When are you going to understand that it doesn’t matter what Eliana thinks of you? She gave her opinion, you don’t have to let go of yours because of hers. Is that so hard for you to understand? Why would you even be thinking of getting involved in a deadly situation because she thinks that’s what’s best for you?”

I finally turned around to look at her. “Maybe because she knows what’s best for me. You advised me, Jenny, to give up my abilities, and if I had done that, I’d have never forgiven myself. Eliana, on the other hand, forced me not to, and because of her, I defeated Aunt Salome, her werewolves and a powerful witch. If I go ahead with what she says, maybe I’d finally find inner peace. I can’t help but consider Aunt Salome’s request, and I’m sorry if that’s such a bad thing,” I told her, raising my voice.

She put her hands up in surrender. “Whatever you say, Alistair, whatever you say. Eliana Venator would end up being your doom, and when that happens, don’t come running to Jennifer Stuart, because I’d remind you of this day,” She said, expressing anger in her tone of voice.

“Well, Jenny, that day will never come,” I said, going over to my desk.

“We shall see, won’t we? Anyways, that’s not why I’m here. Your uncle called. It’s going to be the company’s anniversary soon, and he’d like to be given the full details of what you have in mind for that day,” She said.

I sighed, and yawned tiredly. “I have been working on it. Please, tell him to exercise patience, and that I’m going to send it via email before the week runs out,” I said, taking my seat.

“I’ll do just that,” She said, and was about leaving the office, when her eyes caught hold of something.

“What’s that?” She asked.

“What’s what?” I retorted, tracing where her gaze rested upon.

“This,” She said, picking up a magazine I hadn’t noticed before that was lying on the desk.

“I’m sure that magazine does not belong to me,” I said, staring at it in surprise.

“Seriously? That means one of the cleaners must be a huge fan of Sliana,” Jenny said, wearing a grimace.

“What are you talking about?” I asked, almost completely confused.

“I explained to you what Sliana stood for, how could you have forgotten so soon?” She asked, staring at me with a disappointed look.

“Sliana? Oh! Sam and Eliana?” I inquired, finally getting a little bit less confused.

“Glad your memory is intact,” Jenny said, focusing her attention back on the magazine.

“I don’t get it. What does Sliana have to do with a magazine I’ve never seen in my life?” I asked, getting confused again.

“Oh. The page in which the magazine had been folded on contained a Column of the hottest celebrity couples in California right now. Guess whose at number 5? Sam and Eliana, of course,” She said, gleefully.

I clenched my fists, getting really irritated.

“Here, look at how they described them,” She said, shoving the magazine in front of my face.

It read: “These two lovebirds are proof that what’s yours will surely come back to you.”

I grunted, irritated. I hadn’t been willing to get upset about this kind of thing anymore, but it was becoming way too much and annoying. First, it was the television that had spoken about their alleged relationship. Next, it was the fact that I had received a group invite if I was one of the so-called Sliana's shippers. Now, it was a stupid magazine naming them as one of the hottest celebrity couples. I was beginning to get frustrated, and it was even more frustrating because I had no idea on what was to be done to stop the rumours from spreading, especially since a large number of people living in California already believed it.

“Did you take a look at their picture together? Honestly, they look so good together. It’s as if they were made for each other, don’t you think that’s why fans are clamouring for them to have a blissful relationship?” Jenny asked, sounding innocent.

“Are you trying to piss me off or what?” I inquired, eyeing her severely.

She seemed sorry, and began to apologise profusely. “Oh, Alistair. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean for you to get upset. I was just gushing over them, and I forgot it would make you feel bad, considering you both have a thing,” She said, really looking sorry.

Even her apology still seemed offensive, and only reminded me more that the world thought Sam and Eliana looked cute together, and deserved each other. However, I decided to be mature and just brush it off.

“It’s okay. I’m sure you didn’t say those words on purpose. Your reaction made me realise that other people would think they’re a couple on seeing them together, and I have to do something urgently about it,” I said.

“You want to break up with Eliana, and let her be with the man she seems happy with?” Jenny inquired, much to my surprise. She continued, “Letting go of someone you truly love for the sake of their happiness is so commendable, Alistair. You’re truly a good man,” Jenny said.

I scoffed. “Well, thanks for the compliment, but I’m not letting Eliana go. If she wasn’t happy with being with me, I’d know, trust me. I’d deprive her of true happiness if I allowed her to be with another man because of petty things that shouldn’t even bother me,” I said.

For some reason, she had a disappointed look written on her face. “Oh. I thought that-"

“That I’d let go of Eliana? In the list of impossible things, that’s number one on the list,” I said.

“Really?” She asked, in a displeased tone.

“Yes, really. With the way you sound, I won’t be surprised if you want us to go our separate ways,” I told her.

“No, it’s not like that. I was just...”

“Relax, Jenny, I’m only just joking. I’ve known you for years and I know you’d never want such a thing for me. I trust you, and I was just kidding,” I said, cutting in, with a smirk playing around my lips.

She heaved a sigh of relief. “I’m glad to hear that. Now, tell me, what do you have in mind?” She asked.

“All you have to do is find the cleaner who left this here. You can leave the rest to me,” I said.

Jenny shook her head, declining my offer. “I won’t let you know who the cleaner was, but I’d find her and give her a stern warning. If l let you know who it is, you’d end her,” She said.

I wanted to argue with her, but I knew that she was saying the honest truth. If I did get a hold of whoever it was that had left that magazine lying on my desk, that person would regret the day he or she was born, for making my blood boil with rage in the afternoon.

There were too many things going on in my life, and I was probably going to war soon with other werewolves for the first time in my life. I couldn’t possibly add another problem to my list by bothering myself with unserious workers. If I knew who it was, I may fire that person without thinking twice, the same way I always took regrettable decisions when I was angry, but the thing was that I never went back on my word. Therefore, even if I later calmed down and regretted my decision, I preferred living with it than reversing it.

“Fine then, but make sure it’s a really stern warning. Don’t forget to add that there won’t be a warning next time, I’d fire the person responsible no matter how much you plead with me,” I said.

“Yes sir,” She said, giving me a mock salute, with a wide grin on her face.

“As for me, I have something in mind to stop this rumour from spreading more and more. If it persists, Sam may start having ideas. I trust Eliana, but I can’t be so sure about Sam,” I said.

“I understand you. So, what do you intend on doing?” She asked.

I drummed my fingers on the table, thinking hard. “That’s for me to know. Soon, you’ll be aware of my plans. I hope you can understand,” I said, with the intention of keeping an air of mystery.

She shrugged. “That’s not an issue, Alistair. You’ll let me know when you’re ready, right?”

I nodded my head, in the affirmative. “Yes, I’ll definitely let you know of my intentions at the right time,” I affirmed.

“Okay then. I should be on my way. After all, I need to catch that culprit,” She said, conclusively.

“All right then. I’ll just continue working on the plans for the company’s anniversary,” I said.

“I’ll see you later,” She said, and turned around, taking her leave.

There was a way to stop the rumours from continuing to fly around, and that was if Eliana could deny the alleged relationship between she and Sam publicly. However, I knew that if I asked her to do that, she’d claim that I was being petty again, and I honestly couldn’t afford to have any more issues with her.

The last time we had seen each other, she had talked about getting married. There was actually nothing to lose, and I wouldn’t mind waking up to see her beautiful face every morning. If we got married, the rumours would stop, as well as my jealousy and anger which was more than capable of ruining my relationship with Eliana.

There was only one thing to do now to preserve the love we shared. I had to marry Eliana.