Chapter 33
Ashira's POV
I heard mumbling and whispers from the living room as I walked down the staircase.
I woke up without Aiden beside me. Its weird because I'm not used with sleeping with anyone but when I opened my eyes and did not find him there, I felt sad. I told you, its weird.
When I entered the living room, I saw everyone sitting on the couch. Ava, Seth, and Nick are the ones talking and thats where the noise is coming from. It seems like they're discussing about something. Aiden, on the other hand, was sitting comfortably while sipping on his coffee.
When he saw me, he smirked and my cheeks flushed instantly.
Last night, we did it three times in a row and that smirk clearly means something.
"Yes! Then we should add a beer fountain!" Nick suggested happily. Okay, I guess something is happening.
Aiden tapped on the space beside him, giving me a small nod. His playful gaze didn't left his face. Ugh. Why do I feel like he's always teasing me after our earth shaking intercourse?
"Beer fountain? Is that a thing?" Ava asked, still oblivious of my presence. She even chuckled from Nick's idea.
"Well, we can make one." Nick said, thinking. Ava laughed and I smiled upon their conversation.
"Don't believe him. He always got a fever for parties." Seth grinned as he mocked Nick who just scoffed and rolled his eyes.
"Goodmorning." I greeted when I reached closer. They turned to look at me and mirrored my smile.
"Hey, Ash!" Ava waved at me. I missed her high pitched voice. I should ask her to visit often. Both men greeted me back and I tried avoiding Aiden's gaze though I can feel how hot he looks at me right now.
"We're just talking about the upcoming party." Ava added.
Aiden leans in when I'm close enough, pulled me to sit beside him and I sat down while feeling the lump on my throat. He's making me feel hot again. Ugh!
"What party?" I asked, distracting myself when Aiden played his fingers on my back.
His other Hand found it's place on my leg. Oh damn. When will his effects on me will change? I can feel my heat flaring and I'm so nervous that I might be aroused and everyone might caught the scent.
I tried composing myself and constantly swallowing. My mouth dries up everytime Aiden is touching me and I'm all but comfort whenever.
"Prime had a tradition of having a New Year Countdown party. Nick is excited about it." Aiden said in a low voice, almost whispering to me.. I can feel his hot breath on my ear and it sent gazillion of shiver down my spine.
"I'm not excited!" Nick strongly denied the he looked at me. I can't help my smile. "I'm not, really."
"Its okay, Nick. I heard your beer fountain idea. You sure don't sound excited."
He puffed and pouted. I laughed and Ava joined me. Seth was chuckling and I can feel Aiden trembling as he quietly chuckle too.
"Fine. Team up." Nick stood up and walked out of the living room in his inhuman speed. My jaw dropped with his action. Is he upset? Oh my!
"Hey! We're kidding!" Ava shouted at him but he continued walking away.
"Find someone else to organize NYCP!" he shouted before storming out of the house.
Aiden chuckled beside me while Seth keeps grinning as he shook his head with disbelief. Ava and I exchanged glance. Okay, this is disturbing.
"Is he mad?" I turned to Aiden who's still grinning beside me. I'm worried more.
"No." he lightly squeezed my back. "He's on his way to order someone to build him a beer fountain." he said and Seth chuckled even more.
I frowned. Is he still kidding? Nick just walked out!
"I'm serious, Aiden." I narrowed my eyes as I looked at him. He bit his lip and tried suppressin his grin but eventually failed.
"He just told me." then he tap on his mind.
Oh.
I sighed. Childish Nick mode in On, huh?
We finished breakfast without Nick and I noticed that Au is already gone. I haven't seen her recently.
Ava and I sat beside each other while the guys are talking about something.
"Did Aiden talked to you?" I asked Ava while Seth and Aiden are discussing something. Whispering to her and trying to keep.the conversation between us.
She nodded and smiled.
"Yep. He's scary even when he's calm! Ugh! I'm glad Seth stayed with me throughout. I could've died in a heart attack." she grinned.
I'm curious what her reaction will be but I can see she's fine with me being a stealer. I sighed in relief for that before smiling to her.
"So, are you okay? About that S-thingy? I mean, Aiden got mad, right?"
I shook my head and looked at Aiden. His face is serious while Seth was talking. I wonder if he's listening to our talk.
"I'm fine. He didn't hurt me or anything." A little. "I can't do anything about it, though. I'm born this way."
"Come on! Being a S-thing is not all bad. I heard that it's a blessing."
"A blessing? How? All I can perceive with this abnormality are disasters."
"Not entirely, no. I only heard it from a wolf professor when I was a child. She said being a stealer is a blessing, too. However, I didn't know how or what that means."
A moment of silence passed and I'm wondering what her words meant. A blessing? Stealer is a blessing?
"Professor from our previous pack? Can you remember the name? Maybe we can ask her more about-"
"I'm sorry but she's dead." She cut me off and I noticed the sadness in her tone before smiling, a sad one. "She's my grandma. We lost her on her sixties. Heart attack."
"Oh." I reached to hold her hand and gave it a light squeeze. "I'm sorry to hear that."
She shook her head. "No, it's okay. What saddens me was not asking more about stealers. I think she knew some about it and it might help you feel better. Somehow."
I smiled and felt grateful with her concern. Ava is kind and thoughtful. No wonder I feel light and easy when I'm with her.
Aiden walked to us and his eyes were glued on mine. I can't take my eyes off him whenever he looks at me. I always feel like I'm drowning in it. Seth was walking beside him.
Aiden snakes his arms on my waist, again, his favorite gesture whenever we got near each other.
"We'll have company tonight." he said. His face is serious and I wonder what he was thinking.
Is he thinking the same thing I have in mind right now?
Okay, Ash. Stop it.
I feel like I'm a pervert. Ugh.
In the end of trying to resist his charm over me, I inhaled his scent and drowned more. Oh, holy mother of God.
"Um," I cleared my throat. "Who will we be expecting?"
"We'll renew the treaty with Shadow pack. It dues today so some of them will be here for tonight but they will leave early tomorrow."
I got intrigued and all my attention was on him when I heard the Shadow pack.
Lucy!
She's mated with Alpha Jacob!
"Will their Luna come too?" I asked nonchalantly.
Aiden's forehead creased. He didn't know?
He turned to Seth who's also looking at me.
"Jacob find her mate?" he asked him
Seth shrugged. "I haven't heard about Alpha Jacob finding his mate."
"Oh, he did. Remember the cheating mate my friend has? That's him."
Both of them was stunned before Seth burst laughing and Aiden smirked a bit.
Okay, what's wrong?
"What?" I'm so curious. Why are they happy about it? That jerk Alpha cheated on my best friend!
Aiden was the one to answer.
"Nothing. I'll ask Jacob to bring your friend." he then pressed his lips on my temple before turning away and nodding at Seth. "We'll be back for lunch."
"Cook something edible, Ash!" Seth teased.
I flushed. I can cook now!
"Can't promise!" I shouted back since they're far away.
Ava giggled when they are gone. We decided to watch a film and Ava promised to help me cook something. I can cook but I'm not that good.
Oh, it's a relief that she's helping me. I heard from Setg that she can be a chef by her cooking.
***
Lunch came fast and we already prepared the foods before Aiden, Nick and Seth arrived.
"Smells good!" Nick said as he sat on a barstool.
"Guess what Nick did." Seth said with a goofy grin. Nick scoffed but didn't say a word.
My mood blossomed by the thought that Nick did something foolish again.
Aiden sat beside me and started placing foods on his plate. Oh, my. My mate looks famished. That's a feast on his plate!
"What is it?" Ava asked, seating beside Seth with wide grin.
"Someone got a beer fountain in the making." he laughed and we chuckled when Nick's face turned red but he ignored us as he stuffed his mouth with food.
"I can't believe you." I said, laughing. He really did made the beer fountain possible!
Oh, God.
He just shrugged at me and grinned after, his mouth is still filled with food.
"So, Ash, I heard your friend is Alpha Jacob's mate?" Nick asked after swallowing a huge bite.
I nodded. "Yeah."
"Is she the friend we talked about? The one having a cheater mate?" Another nod from me. "Wow. I thought we're talking about Aiden back then."
Aiden growled and snap a sharp look at Nick. His friend just laughed hard. I smiled upon remembering what had happened before.
"Seth, do me a favor and shove anything on his mouth." Aiden ordered and I'm not sure if he's kidding because of his chilling, serious face.
We laughed and Aiden shook his head when Nick started eating a mouthful.
"A wolf cheats? Can that happen?" Ava asked hesitantly.
Uh-oh. I forgot about Ava. She's not laughing like the rest of us and I figured she's alarmed by the topic. It's rare to happen and it's only possible for Alpha's to cheat since they are the ones who can control their wolf a hundred percent. Well, Ava didn't knew that.
"Yes." As usual, the innocent Nick.
Seth rolled his eyes and put his arm on Ava's shoulder.
"Don't worry, babe. I'm not an Alpha. Only those with complete control of their wolves can divert their interest and you've already swept me off my feet." he grinned.
Aw! Seth is so good with his words. I started to wonder what will I feel if Aiden will speak to me that way.
Or no, I want him to stay the way he is. Ugh. My man is of few words but it sure hits hard. On my core.
A scoff from Nick was heard in the table.
"Too cheesy, Gamma." he teased.
"Ohh! Don't worry, my friend. You'll find yours. I guess." Seth laughed after teasing him. Aiden chuckled, too as he continues eating.
I turned to Aiden while Seth and Nick continued to argue about the mate Nick haven't had.
"Did you talk with Alpha Jacob? Will he bring her?" I asked.
He frowned and sipped on his water before looking at my eyes, intensely.
"Just call him 'Jacob', you're my Luna. Technically, you're equal with an Alpha." I bit my lip and nodded slowly which earned a satisfied smile from him. "I did talked to him and yes, he said he will bring her but he insist on keeping the girl inside a room." he shrugged.
I frowned. Did I hear him right?
"I don't get it." I confessed.
"Me neither."
I sighed. Keeping Lucy inside a room? I can't think of anything which that would mean aside from what Aiden did to me.
"Is he locking her up? He can't do that to Luce!"
I hated that Jacob jerk even more! How could he say that?
"I'm not sure. Maybe you can ask her when they arrive."
I sighed in defeat. If ever that Jacob will try and lock her, I'll make sure that I'll make a way for her! He can't treat her like some animal that needed to be caged! She's his mate!
"Luce? Is that your friend's name?" Nick interrupted my thoughts and I cleared my throat, swelling the wrath building inside me.
"Yeah. She also goes for Lucy or Lucianna."
He nodded.
"Well, Jacob can be strict but if he is keeping her in, I don't think he'll shut her without any reason." Aiden professed.
He had a point though I still believe with a good talk. Lucy is kind, feisty but with a heart. Plus, she loved the idea of having a mate. I'm sure she won't do anything bad. Actually, its the opposite. That Jacob js the one who made her live a hell.
Well, I just hope that Luce didn't do anything reckless like how she promised to have a fair fight and getting even with Jacob.
After eating, everyone dod their own thing. Aiden sat beside me, and we're a bit far from the rest.
"Aiden, " I called. He's busy playing my knuckles with his hands.
"Hm?" he hummed.
"If it will be possible, can Lucy stay here at your house?"
If ever she'll visit, she better be with me than to be locked up in a room throughout her stay here.
He scowled and I thought he'll disagree yet when he spoke, I melted.
"Our house. What's mine is yours." I bit my lip, tingled by his words and slowly nodded. "If Jacob will permit her to leave his side, she can. Otherwise, we can't interfere with their relationship."
I slowly nodded and sighed. Another point from Aiden.
"Thank you." I whispered.
"Anything to make you happy." he smiled and then kissed my head.
I'm so touched by his words that I felt my chest heaving from an overwhelming emotions. Hot damn. All of a sudden, I wanted to jump on his lap and devour those inviting lips!
"Aiden, they just reached the border and asking for permission to enter the land." Nick announced, interrupting my perverted thoughts.
Aiden sighed and smiled at me before getting on his feet. Slowly letting go of my hands as he stood up.
"I need to be there." he said to me and I hummed my 'okay', then he was gone.
I got excited that Lucy is finally outside the perimeter of Prime. It feels like I haven't seen her in decades! God, I miss her so much!
Though I'm a bit worried with her jerk mate.
"Oh, God. I can't believe I'm meeting Lucianna!" Ava said excitedly as she jumps like a spring towards me.
I frowned. "You know her?"
"Of course! She's one of the strongest she-wolf fighters at Regal! Everyone knew her."
I smiled. Feeling proud of my bestfriend's achievement. She is one of the best, it's true.
"Yeah, thats her." I grinned. "You could bond with us later. She'll like you!"
Ava pursed her lips and I figured that she's hesitating.
"I'd love to! But," she pouted. "I had some plans with Seth's parents tonight."
Too bad. I'd like some company and I wanted to introduce them to each other.
"Aww. Tomorrow, then?"
Her face let's up and I smiled yet readied my ears for her pitch.
"Yes! Sure! I'll be here early! Oh! And mention me to her. A lot! Okay?"
I giggled. "I will. Are you going now?"
"Yeah. I need to be presentable. His mom always makes me nervous. But she's kind, I swear." She swayed her hand in the air. "I'm just intimidated." She grinned.
"Have fun, then."
I watched her walking away then whispered something to Seth before kissing him. She waved at me before storming out of the Ancestral.
Seth walked to me after.
"You good?"
"Why are you always asking me that?" I chuckled.
"I'm your personal bodyguard. I think I should always ask that." He grinned.
I rolled my eyes. "I'm good, yes. Better."
"Okay. I think my job is done, I'll go take some nap." He grinned and I jokingly slapped his chest.
"We'll have visitors! Set aside your siesta!"
"I know. I know. Just kidding. Anyway, whats up with your friend?"
I frowned.
"Luce? What about her?"
"Alpha Jacob's cheating on her?"
I shrugged.
"She told me but I'll hear the whole thing later. It seems to me that you wanted to join the conversation." I squinted my eyes and he laughed hard.
"No way. I'll make sure to butt out." He laughed again. "I heard from Ava that she's a great fighter."
"Oh, she is. I can set you a friendly battle with her." I grinned. I'm confident with Lucy when it comes to fighting. She knew every weak part of a wolf's body and she's fast too. I'll bet she can beat Seth.
"Ugh. I believe my mate and your confidence with your friend." He chuckled. "I'll stick to that."
I laughed hard. Seth just didn't want to fought a woman.
After almost an hour, I can smell Aiden and unfamiliar scents which I figured was the Shadow pack's whiff.
Seth looked at me and I nod at him.
"Lets head outside." Seth said and I followed him.
I can sense two from Prime pack, Aiden and Nick. Then six from Shadow pack. If I'm right, two of them will be Luce and Jacob. So they only brought four more wolves.
"They're not many." I told Nick. He nodded and placed his hand on his pocket as we both look in the direction where engines of cars sound closer.
"Whenever the renewal of treaty with them arise with our pack, Alpha Jacob only tag a few of his pack."
"Why?"
Treaty is annual. It kept the peace from both packs. But I've seen this happen before in Regal and twenty wolves was present before. But now, they are only six and that count includes the Alpha and Luna.
"Him and Aiden are pals. They trust each other. Plus, he brought the strongest of his pack with him and their territory is not that far."
I see. It must be their trust. It's a high risk of bringing a few strong men because that would be nothing once attacked by number. Also, Shadow pack and Prime was only a few hours away so less attack can happen.
"Here she comes..." I squealed when I smelt Lucy. Ugh. Only a faint of her own scent lingers in her, it's mostly coated with her mate's. I felt excited to the point that my tail is wiggling.
Aiden's car stopped in front of us and followed by a black truck.
I saw Jacob went out of the truck and he was followed by a frowning Lucy.
Uh-oh. Someone's not happy.
Her face is all red and her nose is flaring as she kept giving Jacob a sharp look.
When Lucy scanned the house, she found me standing and smiling wide to her. Her mood immediately changed from angry to glinting eyes with happiness.
Her eyes widened and her mouth drops that I can't help but giggled.
"Ashi? Oh my God! ASHI!"
She was about to run towards my direction but was stopped abruptly. Jacob held her elbow and tugged her back to his side like she's a light piece.
"What now?!" she shouted at him and I heard Jacob's growl. But Lucy just looks at him fiercely. Not backing down with their stare contest.
In the end, Jacob sighed and let go of her arm.
She wasted no time and run to where I am, slamming her body on mine and throwing me inside her arms. Hugging me tightly.
"God! I missed you!" she whispered, enjoyment was on her tone.
I hugged her back and she even swayed our body side by side, making me chuckle.
"Missed you too!"
"What are you doing here? Who's your mate?" she looked around. "Was it you?" she asked to Seth.
I chuckled when Seth moved his hands up in the air and shook his head furiously.
I realized that Luce was fit to be a Luna. She's strong and straightforward. Kind-hearted, as well.
"No, actually-"
An arm snaked on my waist just before I could finish my sentence. Aiden was already standing beside me and he bent down to kiss my temple. My heartbeat drummed fast by that simple gesture of his and I cursed myself for feeling too overwhelmed.
Luce eyes widened as he looked at Aiden and back to me. Her mouth formed an 'O' shape and I believe I'll be rained with her questions later.
"Fucking hell, Ash!" she blurted and covered her mouth. Her eyes are still smiling and I can sense how happy she is for me.
I laughed from her reaction though my heart beats irregularly. Damn. When Aiden's this close to me, I only prayed we're alone in a room and ravaging each lips.
'Your friend can curse.' Aiden said through my mind.
I laughed.
Aiden stretch his hand to shake Lucy's.
"Aiden." he introduced himself to my stunned best friend. I believe everything was slowly creating into her.
Luce looked at me, still amazed before reaching her hand to Aiden.
"Lucianna." she smiled then chuckles.
I was shocked when Jacob snatched her hand away from Aiden, almost hastily.
Okay. That was rude. What's his problem?
I examined his face and I can tell that he had the same aura like Aiden. Aloof, handsome and intimidating, yet I hate him so I gave him a narrowed look.
Luce rolled her eyes and slumped her shoulder. Aiden chuckled at my side and I looked up to him. He looked amused.
"Calm down, brother. I got mine." Aiden grinned and held me closer. "This is Ashira, my mate."
Jacob looked at me and nodded. His eyes are deep and black and it seems that he's studying me for a while before he extend his arms and reached out to shake mine.
"Jacob." he said in a deep, chilly voice. I shake his hands, not smiling at all, and I let go of it instantly. He turned to Aiden and spoke, "I'm not worried you'll snatch her, it's the opposite."
I frowned. What does he mean? He made it sound like my friend here is a whore. My frown deepened from his words.
I looked at Luce and she's rolling her eyes before smiling when she met my eyes.
Luce escaped Jacob's embrace and came to me.
"I need to hear everything! Can we be alone?" she suggested.
I looked at Aiden for permission. And he nodded slowly.
"We'll be back before dinner." he said and squeezed my palm. Then he grabbed Jacob away and talked.
Before I could hear what they're talking about, Luce tugged on my arm.
"You didn't tell me your mate was an Alpha! And of the Prime pack!" her eyes are shining and I can tell how excited she is.
I smiled and flushed. "I didn't had the chance to. How are you anyway? The last time-"
She scoffed. "We'll need privacy for that." she rolled her eyes but grinned after. "But you! Oh God! We sure are best friends!"
"Ash, " Aiden called. He turned to Luce before his eyes went back to mine.
"We'll be in the pack building."
I nodded. "Okay. We'll prepare for dinner."
He nodded and kissed my forehead before turning away.
I saw Jacob looking at Luce with anger. Then they walked to the car. Something is wrong with him. I saw anger in his eyes but also hesitation to leave.
To leave Lucy with me? Or to be away from her? I can't tell but it's like.that.
"Lets go to your room!" Luce jumped and hugged me again. I laughed as we jumped together. Oh, I miss my girl!
I brought her to my old room and not on Aiden's. I'm afraid that the scent of sex we had last night still lingers on the four walls of his room.
"My God! Your mate is so sweet! Scary but sweet. I'm envious!" she sighed dreamily.
I learned from her words that her mate is not treating her the same. Well, I saw it. He's a walking angry bird or something.
"I hate that Jacob, Luce." I said straight to the point. "What did he do to you? The last time you called, you're crying your lungs out!"
She sighed. "I was hoping we could share getting dreamy with your mate, Ashi."
"Save that for later. What happened?"
She sighed then lay on my bed. Avoiding my eyes. I sat beside her, watching her face and waited for her to speak.
"Well, just like I said. He cheated on me. Since we met at the Annual Ball and he claimed me, I started feeling cramps and pangs on my belly and a few bruises showed on my chest and stomach."
"What? He's that violent?"
"No, Ashi! He didn't hurt me physically. Oh, you probably don't know this but when your mate began having sex with another woman, those awful things will happen to your body. Like an indication that your mate is cheating on you."
I kept silent. That's harsh. Cramps and bruises? Damn. She endured all that? God, her situation felt like way harder than mine!
"The first days are nightmares. I'll wake up in the middle of the night with screams from the pain! I didn't know he's having sex with someone but his mother told me about it. That's the night I called you."
"What did you do when you found out? Did his mother stopped him?"
"They talked to him, yes. But he didn't listen. And me? I haven't seen him after he claimed me so even though I love to kick his balls, I can't!"
"He's horrible than I thought! What did you do? Last time we talked you said you'll give him a fair fight."
She chuckled but I can hear the sarcasm in it. I saw her eyes waters but no tears came.
"I did." she whispered.
"What did you do then?"
She sighed. "I... Promise me you won't judge me."
I nodded.
"Promise me!"
"I promise! God! Just tell me!"
"I almost had sex with Justin."
My mouth dropped and my ears seems to experience tinnitus. Did I heard her right?
"You what? Who's Justin?"
"You heard me! I'm suffering the heat and the pain of Jacob's perfidy! I'm so angry and I met Justin in a tavern. He was away during the Ball, in a mission, so he's not aware I'm his Alpha's mate. We kinda get into it." she purses her lips and closed her eyes like she deeply regret it.
Oh, I would!
"How can you do that?! I mean, you've been dreamy with this whole mate thing! And who the fuck is that Justin!"
"I know! But I was matched with a nightmare! Also, I'm angry and in heat and I wanted my revenge!"
I silenced myself for a moment. Okay, I know it's rare to cheat and Lucy is not an Alpha! Not yet a Luna at that time!
She must be frustrated and wrathful to be able to do that. Or was it the heat? Oh, God.
"Who's this Justin, then?"
"He's one of the council. The head of trackers."
My jaw dropped this time. What. The. Hell.
"Damn, Lucianna." I can't believe what I'm hearing right now. This is so like the movies! "What happened then?"
"Jacob felt the same pain he'd been giving me and he tracked me down. He caught the both of us."
"What?!"
"he Caught us! Half-naked! Inside Justin's house! Kissing!"
"Lucianna!"
"I know!" she covers her face with her hands.
"And then?! Damn! Will you please finish?"
"Jacob, he..." she closed her eyes. "He killed Justin. Right when he caught us on the act, he killed him. Fuck."
Now, I'm stunned. Damn. His mate killed that Justin boy. Oh poor him. "Oh, Luce. What have you done?"
"I know. I'm terrible."
I can't tell her she's not or even consoles her. It felt not right at the moment and I'm not the type of friend who tolerates a friend.
"What did he do to you?"
She sighed. "I thought he'll reject me. At that moment, that's what I wished to happen. But he didn't."
She sounded relieved but a part of her voice also sounded disappointed. What is this woman thinking?
"Well, are you grateful he didn't?"
"No! I still hate him straight to my bones! Everyday he'll..." she trailed.
"What?"
"Ugh!" she stood up. "I want to escape him. And I figured that this treaty will be my chance."
"Are you serious?!"
"Deadly! Will you help me?"
She looked at me with a glint of hope in her eyes but I mirrored it with shock and disbelief.
"Help you? What? Escape?!"
"Yes! Please Ashi, " she held my hands. "I want to be far from him. Help me be free."
My mouth drops. Fuck. What should I do?
