The Alpha Can’t Sense His Mate

CALLA’S POV

I hadn’t stepped outside my soon since dinner the last time.

I was placed on bed rest by the pack doctor who came in intervals to check on how I was faring, only to receive the same answer, time and time again.

Why couldn’t they understand that I was doing fine?

The only thing that plagued my mind was my latest discovery and my need to know more about the one woman who hadn’t stopped plaguing my mind since the first time she appeared in my dream. Alongside why my mind couldn’t stop conjuring up images of Athaliah, torturing me in a place I couldn’t recognise.

Shilhi the herbalist. I had decided to refer to her in that manner ever since dinner when Athaliah told me of her story. The thought of me seeing a dead, betraying herbalist didn’t sit well with me but I held on for the day I had an opportunity to see Athaliah again.

Which I hoped wouldn’t be far from now.

A knock on the door disrupted my thoughts. “Who’s there?” I asked, gingerly getting up from my bed, hoping it wasn’t another medical check-up.

“Scarlett.” She answered, and I felt life enter me.

Before I could open the door, she stepped into my room, looking rough and carrying a dark cloud around her. “What’s wrong?” I asked, filled with concern but she countered me with another question.

“How are you doing?”

I nodded my head. “I’m alright. Why do you look so down? Are you sick?” I asked again, unsure if it was okay to hold her hand.

She seemed like she was suffering. There were dark shadows under her eyes and she looked paler than usual. “Has Cole seen you?” I threw again when she didn’t answer.

“I am fine!” She snapped, and I was shocked at the anger behind her words. “Just.. Get dressed and let’s get out of here.” She said in a less snappy tone. “We have a long day ahead of us.”Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.

I gauged her for a while and decided it was best to swallow and do as I was told. The last thing I needed was another reason to put her in a terrible mood. I figured she would come around soon.

Without another word, I found my way to the closet and prepared for the outing with Scar. I hoped with all my heart that it didn’t involve hanging with Cole because I didn’t have the mental capacity to face him yet.

I knew he would be curious about what was wrong with me and what I was seeing but I didn’t feel like disclosing it to anyone, much less him.

“Where are we going?” I asked when we got out of my chambers.

“You’ll see,” Scar said and led the way with me falling a step behind her.

I looked through the hallway windows and saw that the pack was more beautiful than usual. It reeked of festivities, and the last time such decorations were made was at the annual mating ceremony.

I knew there was no such thing, so why were they decorating the entire place?

As we passed the pack members, I was greeted with a bow of the head and a mutter of my Luna title. It seemed like I was more visible than usual and every eye looked at me with reverence, love and to my surprise, jealousy.

Scarlett was a dark tower, scaring children with the frown that marred her face. What was it with her? I wondered as we journeyed together.

Soon enough, we got to a building that reeked of Cole. Scarlett answered my silent questions. “Welcome to the Alpha’s chambers.”

She led us through the double doors while I felt a bile in my throat. Why did she bring me here? I knew Cole had his building but never bothered to know where it was – seeing he was always at my end.

“Tonight is the Alpha’s birthday.” She continued and my eyebrows shot up in surprise. “There would be an occasion to celebrate tonight and you are attending as his bride.”

I nodded my head, sensory overload.

“The Alpha has prepared a team to ready you for the event. He shall be joining you here at a later time.”

“Why don’t I get dressed at my chambers? It was more convenient.” I said, unable to shake off the feeling of danger and unrest.

“The Alpha requested that you do it here.” She answered, and I heard footsteps walk down the stairs.

“Athaliah,” Scar said in an unfriendly tone.

Was that a hiss I heard.?

“Luna!” Athaliah said with a smile. “How are you doing?” She asked, her eyes wandered around my form.

“Fine,” I said. Seeing her reminded me of the memories of her torturing me.

I got a bad feeling about her. Like there was something more to her – Something she knew and I was in the dark.

“This is the Alpha’s quarters.” Scar suddenly said, breathing fury. “You have no right to be here.”

Athaliah adjusted her collar and a ghastly bruise on her neck took the limelight. Was that… a hickey?

“The Alpha sent for me.” She said, walking down with a tilt to her steps. “I heard the Luna would be dressing here so I thought to prepare the room for her.” She added snidely and I could feel the malice in the air.

If I didn’t know better, I’d think was something up between both women. I didn’t have the opportunity to investigate further because Cole came down his stairs, bare-chested with his pants hanging dangerously low on his waist.

“What’s the ruckus about?” He asked. When his eyes found me, it curved in delight, and he breezed down the stairs. “Calla.” He breathed, taking my hand in his. “Are you alright?”

Everyone asked me that question lately. It was getting tiring to answer.

I nodded and he urged me up the stairs, “Tonight I am going to make you my Luna.” he said as we climbed up.

I prayed for both our sakes it wasn’t what I thought it was. “Happy birthday, Alpha,” I muttered, glancing back at the women downstairs.

“Happy birthday Alpha!” Athaliah said from the ground. “I hope you enjoyed your gift!”

My brows scrunched in confusion. Gift? I didn’t have a gift for him.

My thoughts were shut off by a growl that belonged to Scar.

What was it with that woman today?