Blood Awakening Chapter 5: Doubts

Blood Awakening Chapter 5: Doubts

It has been weeks since their visitors came, but Lachlan could not get over her. From afar, on the balcony of his room, that provides a vantage point over the ground where ceremonies would often be held, he persistently watches her. Sometimes, Lachlan would shift just to vividly hear her delicate laughter with the young pups as they play on the ground. His been doing that since after the day he first behold her rare beauty. She definitely had intrigued him.

“Alpha Lachlan,” called his beta Mellow. “Did I disturbed you?” he added. He noticed Lachlan been in a pensive state.

“No, not all.” Lachlan faces Mellow.

“So, how was it?”

“Fine. Nothing unusual since day one.”

“Okay. You may now leave. That is all that I need for now.”

“Is something bothering you, Alpha?” Mellow hesitantly asked. He knew Lachlan since childhood. It was always been the two of them who shares almost everything like brothers do.

Lachlan's hold on his wine glass tightened. Slowly, he swirls it making the scent of an old wine wafts on the air. He clenches his jaw. “Yes, something is bothering me. It must have been the alliance.”

“About that. The government had issued tightened protocols over the vampires. What's worse is there have been reports of insurgency from the vampires' race. It had seemed the small faction who were against the truce had gained the audacity to rebel. The same reason the city is becoming an anti-vampire.”

“Damn! We really need to catch that culprit. How dare he or she to ruin the peace that we have been enjoying for decades! Now, that person has fueled insurgency!”

Mellow abruptly took a step back as Lachlan violently slammed the glass wine on the wall beside him. He is so angry. He remembered how the old wars had killed thousands of his fellow; the cries of the children cuddled on their mother's arms whose strength depleted with the news of husband, brothers, fathers or any of their beloved’s death.

“A-alpha...your hand is bleeding,” Mellow worriedly said.

“I’m fine. Just leave. I can handle my wounds.”

“As you wish, Aplha.”

“Tell me updates as soon as possible.”

“I will.”

Deep breaths were the next thing Lachlan hears vividly. The incident had gotten into his nerves so far. Few days after the rumored vampire attack that had caused the lives of three people, he volunteered to help the alliance made to resolve the case. They were never easy on the vampires. Though they have been bounded with the truce that had brought everyone to solemnity, there was never been an assurance that vampires who feed on human blood and loathe the wolves would like to stop their aspiration on being the superior race. And now, insurgency is not going to make things any better.

Lachlan seeks for his medicine kit and after few minutes was able to tend for his own wounds. He's not good at it, but at least he knows little, just enough knowledge to give his self first aid.

His lips slightly curved on one side. It's not of something like a silly thought but a response to his frustration. “Decades of fighting and having wounds for myself, I still can't get this right,” he said while wrapping a kerchief around his palm.

A moment later there were three knocks on the door.

“Come in,” he commanded.

The door swung open and it revealed Lily. She's been nervous from the time an omega has informed her of Lachlan wanting to talk with her—alone. Some thoughts, probably possible reasons of such call have been bothering her. However, the prior notice made her prepare to conceal unwanted emotions to evade endangering her and Mari; she hopes it must be something else. Everyone knew that Lachlan is well-established when it comes to questioning.

“Alpha, are you okay?" Lily notices Lachlan looking after his wounds.

She got no response.

“An omega said you wanted to talk to me.”

“Yes, I just wanted to ask how are you and Maridelle. Is your stay here good?”

“Yes. It is nice to be with my race after years of being away. And Maridelle she is enjoying her stay here with the young wolves. She loves the children.”

“That's great because the last time I talked to you, you were talking deliberately, so i guess something's bothering you. I might be able to help.” He just wanted to confirm his doubts.

“That was nothing. I just told Mari some things she needs to know to adapt the environment,” Lily thriftily answered. Lachlan must be referring to the day when he seemed to overhear her conversation with Maridelle the first day they came to the his place. She then put her hands behind her back to hide its trembling. For both of their sake, Lily cannot afford to get cornered. She have not realized her goal. Saying less is a tactic. She hopes her alibi will save them from his inquisition.

“Of course, how silly I am to think it must be something.” Lachlan smiled. “I’m worrying the omega might be a little late to clean the mess here, can you do me a favor?”

“Sure, Alpha Lachlan. Your chamber will be freed of the mess.” Lily breathed of relief. Lachlan might believe her it was just nothing. She considered it lucky to receive few questions from him.

Lachlan left Lily. It took him few strides to gain distance from the chamber. He took his phone and dialed a number.

“Mellow, continue keeping a tail on the visitors. I don't trust them.”

There is no way he will trust as easy as one, two, three. His father had taught him to read people, to detect lies. As far as he's been observing their guests, he sensed something is off. And Lily is showing signs to get dubious.

Lachlan's mind is preoccupied of the duties of being the Caruso pack's alpha, the alliance he volunteered to help, and the doubts he sees in their visitors that he was not able to notice Maridelle is coming on his way. Maridelle too, is oblivious of his surrounding as she tries to familiarize the place.

“Oh, I’m sorry.” Lachlan panicked beholding Mari stumbled on the hallway.

“No. It's my fault, Alpha. I was busy site seeing so... I was not looking at my way. Then, I bumped at you,” Mari said, still her butt on the floor.

“I got a share of mistake. Grab my hand, I'll help you.”

“Thank you. Oh, wait. Your hand’s bleeding. Let me take care of it.”

Lachlan was surprised by the softness of her hands, tender and like something so generous of care. He wanted to take his calloused hands but he wants her hand on his.

“Not bad but this is inappropriately dressed. You might tell your nurse or whoever did this to do it right. To avoid infection and for faster healing.” Mari is getting talkative about it. She sees a handkerchief plainly wrapped over the wounds. As a nurse, she does not tolerate such.

With her knowledge, she knew it is still fresh as suggested with blood's vibrant color; there is also an iota of blood oozing the moment she removed the kerchief.

She wanted to help but suddenly she thinks she will regret helping. The smell of Lachlan's blood wafted. She can smell it. It's delicious, very tempting. She wanted to taste it; lick his hands. Unfortunately, the memories of her killing people flashed on her mind. Blood. She killed for blood and she wanted more. Her hands quiver. She have to deal with that desire or else exposing her dirty dire secret will put both her and her Aunt in danger.

“It’s done. Good thing I was tending the wounds of a wolf awhile that I have a medicine kit on hand,” she hastily finished the job. Her thought is making her crazy. “I have to go.”

“Thank you,” he replied while he's seeing the professional work Maridelle did.

He feel bad of thinking they are here for a reason other than a visit. She is good and her appearance do not belied her character; she's an angel in and out. However, Lachlan didn't fail to notice Mari feeling unease as she left all of a sudden; things like contradicting each other.

His phone ringed.

“Alpha, I have new informations about our guests. This might shock you.”