Chapter 45
Miles pov
I was alpha again. I guess I don’t have a choice except to accept it. The silence of the ride back home was disturbing. My parents may have forgiven me since they had started to notice changes in my behaviour, however, our relationship never went back to how it was.
We didn’t have fun like we used to. They never lovingly addressed me. Instead, they talked to me only if necessary and said what is needed. It hurt, however, I had learnt to accept it and I had trained myself to be alone and entertain myself. I found pleasure in completing the daily tasks and helping the omegas around.
And In the evening, after all the work is done, I would go to the lake and spend my time alone. Cade would often come to spend some time with me. His sister was reluctant to allow him, however, Cade was way too mischievous. He would find a way to escape his sister’s watchful eyes and follow me wherever I went. I found it amusing how bright and eager this little omega was. His wit and funny theories about things had completely changed the way I thought about omegas.
All my life, I had been thinking that omegas were dim-witted and weak. Never did I think that among them, hardworking and intelligent pack members existed.
Spending time with that funny lad brightened my dull life. Being pushed away from my own best friends and family had made my whole life completely colourless. However, Cade was slowly changing that.
As days passed, I started to find myself looking forward to seeing him. I laughed at his funny statements and admired his eagerness to join the army. If I had the power, I surely would give him a chance. Not only him but any pack member who was interested in joining the army, regardless of their rank.
It was three days ago father called me to his office. I had humbly attended, thinking that he was going to give me another order. However, I was stupefied when he said that he was thinking of giving my title back to me.
I had refused, however, he didn’t want to heed my request. I was ordered to accompany him and mom when they go to meet the Queen, the one I dreaded meeting. I didn’t want to go with them, albeit I didn’t have a choice except to obey them.
Meeting her was something I wanted to avoid at all costs. All I felt when I saw her was guilt, embarrassment and dejection.
As I had expected, the meeting was humiliating to no end. Never in my life had I felt ashamed to that extent. Perhaps it was because I now had realised my mistake. Perhaps the guilt was making me feel emotions that I never knew existed in the past.
Anyway, we arrived at the pack. I felt as though a huge responsibility was put on my shoulders and it was weighing me down.
“Miles, in Alpha’s office. Now!” My father grumbled and walked away briskly towards the packhouse, with mom following him.
I sighed and followed them, against my heart’s desires. I had no interest in being the alpha anymore. However, it looks like I don’t have a choice except to obey. And the Queen did have a point. I could only learn from my mistakes. There is no way I can run away from my responsibilities, just because I have committed a mistake in the past.
I entered the office and stood in front of the desk, like I had gotten used to over the past few weeks, with my head hung low and eyes downcast.
I heard footsteps and once again, the door opened. The scent that hit my nose told me that it was none other than Nolan and Castor. I gulped. Did father summon them? There was no way I would have known if he had mind linked them.
“Did you ask for us? Alpha Sam?” Nolan asked.
I bit my lips and squeezed my eyes shut. Being alpha meant that I would have to work with them. This was going to be hard. It’s harder than I thought.
“Yes. Come in.” My father cleared his throat. “I am going to give Miles his title back since he has shown a considerable amount of improvement over the past few weeks. I know things are going to be weird, but he is the true alpha of the pack. We had gone through all the hustle of passing my title to him and there is no going back, except that he was exiled from this pack or he chose to go rogue. We met the Queen today and she too had told him that it was his responsibility. I just wanted to inform both of you that Miles is the alpha from now.” He paused.
I didn’t look up. I knew that these people were now those who hated me the most. They were the closest and the ones I love with all my heart, however, because of my stupidity, I had lost their love and affection. And it was all my fault.
“Yes alpha.”
A glum reply came from behind me. They wouldn’t go against my father’s order and decision.
“You may leave.” He said.
They didn’t say anything else and left, leaving me behind with my parents in the office. I also turned around to leave.
“Where do you think you are going?” His stern statement made me look at him. His deadpan face gave me the creeps. My mother stood beside him, her face completely void. It was as though she never smiled. I missed her teases and laughter. I wish it would come back.
“Umm…”
“What? Have nothing to say? Come and do your damned work! This is your responsibility Miles. Do it and do it all by yourself. It is your fault that you don’t have your Luna to help you. Now bring your lazy self here and finish this!” He demanded angrily. His voice sounded more like a growl as he shook his forefinger at me furiously.
“Yes…. Alpha.” I murmured and slowly walked over to the desk.
“Good!” He grumbled and walked away. I looked at my parent’s retreating backs as they left the office. Oh, how I missed their jolly selves. How I wish I could address them as mom and dad again.
It had been quite some time since they had ordered that I address them formally- as alpha and luna.
My heart broke when they closed the door behind them, not bothering to take a single glance at me. Heaving a deep breath, I slumped onto the office chair and covered my face in anguish. The pain of being ignored and rejected was worse than any other pain I knew of. Is this how Cassandra had felt when I rejected her that night? Is this what I had put her through?
No. Perhaps, it was worse than this. At least no one had told me that it would have been better if I died and I had even said that to her.
Oh, God…..
I felt my vision blur, with tears. What a stupid wolf had I been. No one deserves to hear that. And whatever I am going through now, is exactly what I deserved. I deserve to be ignored and treated like trash because that is what I truly am.
I gave a bored look at the pile of papers on the desk. There was no way I could work like this. Perhaps a little walk to the lake would help me clear my mind.
Nodding to myself I walked out of the office and walked down the stairs. I knew the omegas would be busy with their daily tasks, the ones that I had been helping around with lately. A little smile spread across my face when my eyes landed on an omega who I worked with daily.
“Good afternoon alpha.” He bowed.
“Good afternoon. What’s up?” I asked.
“Uh… I am going to help in the garden.” He grinned.
“That’s nice. Have fun.” I said.
I could clearly see that his face had brightened up. It was strange how a simple conversation made them feel all better.
“Oh yes. Thank you alph.” He grinned.
Shaking my head and smiling to myself, I walked towards the exit.
“Ooof!”
A female gasped, as I bumped right into her. Oh s**t, I should have looked where I was going. Thanks to my reflex, I was able to hold her before she fell. I looked at the slim wolf in my arms and saw that it was Cade’s sister. She stared at me with wide blue eyes, her face completely contorted in utter shock.
“Oh…it is you.” I smiled.
“I’m so sorry alpha…..I didn’t see you coming…I was….” She started to stammer as she quickly removed herself from my hands.Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.
I frowned through my smile. Why was she apologising? I was the one who didn’t look where I was going.
“Hey. It is okay. I wasn’t looking where I was going.” I chuckled while studying her face. I noticed how her long eyelashes fanned as she blinked. Her long wavy hair was neatly done in a bun, exposing her long, slender neck. Her previous mate’s mark seemed to be slowly fading away. It was a pity that her mate had died soon after they met. She was so young and beautiful.
She looked amazing in the maid’s uniform. I wonder how she would look in a gown or regular clothes.
“Umm…alpha? I need to go and clean the dining room.” She whispered in her smooth voice.
I suddenly realised that I had been staring at her the whole time.
“Oh. Yeah. I am sorry.” I quickly uttered and stepped away from the entrance. I glanced at her as she walked away, one last time before I turned around to leave.
I gulped. Why was my heart racing uncomfortably? Maybe, I should have been more careful while I walked. I don’t want to be a nuisance and block everyone’s path. And perhaps, I had stared at her way too long. It wasn’t right for me to do that. She was a respectful lady and my little friend’s sister. I can’t believe I had admired her beauty.
I shouldn’t look at her anymore.
I rushed towards the lake, the place where I found serenity.
“Alpha!!!” Cade jumped in front of me while I sat beside the lake to watch the ducks from a distance.
Cade’s sudden visit surprised me. Startled, yet happy that he had followed me secretly, I reciprocated his enthusiasm and shouted in joy with him.
“I have heard you will no longer come to help my sister anymore. Is it true, alpha?” He asked innocently.
I chuckled. News sure does spread like wildfire. “Why are you saying that? I asked him.
“Sister said that you are the alpha again. So you will be busy.” He said, tilting his head to the side. I sighed.
“Well, yes. I will be busy. But I will try to help as much as I can.” I told him. He continued to stare at me with huge, sad eyes, making me frown.
“She also said that I shouldn’t hang out with you now, because you are the alpha again.” He whispered. My lips parted in shock, but then, I quickly gulped down and offered the best I could.
“No…please. Come to meet me. You are the only friend I have now.” I sighed.
“But why? You must have a lot of friends.” He questioned, making me chuckle sadly.
“Yes. Everything happens for a reason, Cade. And sometimes the reason is that we make bad decisions. When you grow up, always do the right thing.” I told him.
“Okay. If you say so.” He shrugged. I laughed at his innocence. It was amusing to see a little kid acting like a huge person! He was adorable. What would I do if he starts to ignore me?
“Cade, you are allowed to come and find me in the alpha office too. I don’t mind. You are like a little brother to me.” I said, ruffling his soft, brown hair.
“Brother? Cool! Like I am to my sister?” He asked, widening his eyes.
Smiling, I nodded.
“Great! Can you be her mate then? I like you. If I am like your brother, then my sister can be your mate!” He exclaimed.
Once again, I was dumbfounded. This little lad had made me go speechless more than once with his crazy theories, however, this was something he had never said in the past. And the thought of being her mate started to make my heart race and palms sweat.
“What do you know about mates, young man?” I asked, ignoring the palpitations of my heart.
“Sister said mates are your other half. I think you are her other half.” He said, scrunching his nose.
Suddenly his eyes widened as though he was petrified at something.
“Sister doesn’t know I am here. She thinks I am in the playroom playing with other kids. She will get very angry if she finds out that I had run out of the packhouse. I have to go now!” He gasped and ran off before I could say anything.
I stared at him, grinning widely as he sprinted towards the packhouse. What a delightful pup! I thought. Delightful and mischievous at the same time. I chuckled to myself as I stood up. I was feeling better now, so I should go back to finish my work.
I started to walk towards the packhouse and all the while, I kept thinking about what he had said.
I shook my head. How can a pure wolf like her be my mate? Besides, second chances were extremely rare. So rare that it was considered a miracle to find your second chance mate.
Being mated to her was impossible.