Chapter 3

Serenity’s POV

“Get in the car young lady,” Brady said to me as he rough-handled me towards the car, finally letting go of my hand as he opened the door. He had come at the perfect time to save me from Anthony but I wasn’t going to let him know that I was grateful.

“I wasn’t doing anything wrong Brady,” I told him as I crossed my arms over my chest. “What are you stalking me?”

A rasp of breathing slipped from Brady’s lips. “Protecting you from the wickedness of men. You don’t understand - wolves are usually dangerous just before the mating ceremony. Because the ceremony is drawing near, they may be in heat and promise you all kinds of nonsense in that condition just to get in your pants.”

Huffing, I got in the car. “Oh well. He is a Beta’s son. He won’t try any bullshit to ruin his reputation.”

“How naive!” Brady shook his head at me before getting into the driver’s seat. “I want you to know this - that most men are not good for you, So choose wisely. Even your mate may not be good for you. The bottom line is to be logical and objective when selecting a mate for yourself.”

I began to wonder if anyone in his eyes was ever good enough for me.

“Talking reasonably like this is better than you have to drag and grab me around. And I wonder if you won’t get worse after finding my mate on Saturday.”

Brady ran his hands down his chin. “I hope you don’t get caught up with the wrong mate. That is not something you want to experience.”

“What? You mean like what happened to mum and dad?”

“We carry their genes. It’s most likely we might not be able to fight against fate.” He took a deep breath and said. “I will accept whoever my brother-in-law will be. But that will be on the note that he will be good to you. Most men in this pack are hideous.”

“How can you talk bad about your gender?” My face wore a surprise look. “And why are you so hard on me? It’s almost like you hate me. My friends’ brothers don’t behave like you do.”

“It’s because I love my baby sister and I know what’s best for her.”

“How many times have I heard these lines?” I rolled my eyes.

“The older you get, the more privy I am to protecting you,” Brady uttered and I kinda feel bad for not seeing that he cares. But he is so annoying with it. 

“I know you protective of me, but I’m no longer a she-pup. I’m a grown woman about to find my mate on Saturday. I will be getting married and raising kids soon. The Moon Goddess will give me the best of mates. So worry no more.” I replied to Brady - a part of me knowing that he would be happy to see me taken.

Brady started the ignition and then turned to me. He looked intently at my eyes. It was the first time I had ever looked truly into his eyes. I realised they were the prettiest shade of brown that reminded me of a spring’s day sky. “Serenity, I don’t want you to think that I hate you.” Brady reiterated his point and for a moment, I believed him as I gazed at him - unable to look away. I began to wonder if he was using some Alpha aura on me.

Brady extended his hands to me and rubbed my palm soothingly. My wolf rippled and squealed. Closing my eyes and opening it almost immediately, I saw he was no longer holding my hand when I thought he was.

“My wolf, I can feel her,” I said excitedly. But he continued to drive and kept mute. “Did you hear me, Brady?”

“Yeah, I did.”

“Are you not happy for me?” His voice showed no excitement.

A sullen feeling hit my chest hard. I could feel Brady tighten his fist on the wheel. It was the first time I saw him suppressing what I call anger.

Why is he getting angry?

My brother confuses me a lot.

“Are you alright?”

“Yes, I’m alright!” He snapped back at me like a little child with an Alphaic tone.

“Don’t use that tone on me, Brady. I’m an Alpha’s daughter too.” I dared to be unafraid.

“When we get home, just go straight to your room.” He ordered and then I heard a howl from a distance. I could smell a rat.

“Stop with that abusive tone of yours. I hate how you behave. Are you a sociopath or a psychopath? Which one?” I was equally angry.

“Just do what I say.” The howl from the distance came up again,

“You know what?” He stopped driving and tossed the key at me. Getting down from the car and commanding me to drive.

“Just go straight home okay? Don’t send backup.” He was brief.

The howl was coming from the lakeside.

I wanted to go with him and be sure that my friends were alright. But first, he had shifted to his black wolf form and ran a great distance in a flash. And the howls were heightening my leaps of fear.

With shaky hands, I moved to the driver’s door and got in the car; locking the doors for double safety. 

Just as I got the car started, there was a bang on the passenger side window, and I jumped out of my skin to see Penn hastening me to open for her. I could see the same measure of fear in her eyes.

Quickly, I unlocked the door, and she jumped inside and locked the door after her. Penn was breathing heavily. And I could tell she had a lot to say. But all she said was, “Drive.”

Without second thoughts, I drove at maximum speed. Straight to the packhouse.