Chapter 2: Seraphina

Seraphina 's POV

After the meeting, I went over to Alister to ask about Lyla.

"What pack did she come from? Is she a rogue?"

"She doesn't have a pack."

"Oh? How did you find her then? Surely, my father would have told me something. I'm guessing you found her."

Alister raked his hands through his hair in frustration, "I do not know. This conversation is not important. Just drop it, okay?" I’d never heard him so irritated and defensive before.

"Okay. I guess it's not then," I frowned. Before I could continue my father walked over to us with a grim look on his face.

He scrubbed a hand down his face. “I don't like where things are going. We have been allies with the Silverback Pack for centuries, but suddenly, things are changing rapidly," he expressed to Alister without regard to me.

"I already arranged to speak with their Alpha, and he accepted. I think we can sort this out quickly. We don't need any more enemies," Alister responded with finality in his voice, and my father nodded.

"I want to come as well," I interjected.

"I don't think that's a good idea. If something happens, I won't be able to protect you and myself.” Alister immediately dismissed me.

I raised an eyebrow at him, "Are you forgetting that I'm pretty badass at fighting? I'm not just some weak girl, you know. I've trained all my life." I placed my hands on my hips. I didn’t care if I sounded like a petulant child.

"Maybe so, but you're still Alpha’s daughter. You're an important asset. I still think it's dangerous."

"Seraphina is excellent at combat. It's one of the best, if I'm being honest. I think it should be fine to bring her. She can hold her own." my dad stated, inevitably ending the debate.

"As you wish. Seraphina, we're supposed to meet them in two days' time. Be prepared by then. If you'll excuse me, there are things I have to tend to. I'll be in my study," Alister nodded at me and my father and left.

What was the point of being married if we never saw each other. We had been together for two years and only had been intimate once to consummate the marriage. After that it was like he wanted nothing to do with me. I often envied pack members with their mates because they seemed so happy.

As I walked to the large cafeteria that the pack ate every meal at, I heard some of the pack members talking about how gorgeous Lyla was. They were enthralled by her beauty and the way she carried herself.

"Well, looks like there's some new excitement in the pack," Chrissy, my best friend, noted as she bumped her hip with mine as we walked. Her auburn hair fell perfectly as she showed off the new multilayered hairstyle. It was edgy and full of character. Nothing compared to my straight raven colored hair.

I rolled my eyes. "Of course, there's excitement. Did you see her? She's perfect." I walked into the cafeteria and noticed that the thorn in my side had already beaten me to dinner.

Lyla sipped on a glass of water as the males in the pack surrounded her, most likely hoping she's their mate or wanting to take her to bed. Annoyance reared its ugly head as the beautiful woman continued to build a crowd. Even women were going over to her to see if they would have a chance with her.

I frowned. She quickly touched my shoulder as she saw the look on my face.

"What's wrong?"

I released a shaky sigh, “I wished Alister looked at me the way these pack members are looking at her. It’s been years, and nothing has changed. This isn’t how it’s supposed to be when you find your mate. It’s supposed to be different.” I took a breath and looked up at the ceiling. “Alister and I are far from perfect, but it’s like I’m invisible to him.” I got in small, formed line for tonight’s pig roast dinner.

“That’s something you should talk to him about since it’s such a deep concern of yours. You can’t go on like this. Trust me.” Chrissy said with a far-off expression. She had been going through her own mate issues lately but refused to talk about it.

“We’ve both been so busy, I guess I didn’t realize what was going on.’’

“Well I think you guys should work on your marriage. That’s so important, babe. I’ll be here for you along the way.”

“Thanks Chrissy.”

--

After eating my feelings at dinner and talking more with Chrissy, I finally made it to my room. It was dimly lit and to my surprise Alister was actually in bed on his side instead of in his study.

His eyes were glued to the phone as his fingers tapped away. A small smile played on his lips every time a notification popped up on the screen.

Sensing my presence, he stood abruptly. I walked over to him and placed a hand on his chest as I took a deep breath.

"If you're not busy –" I placed my other palm on his bare chiseled chest. I needed affection. I needed to feel like I was his wife and not a roommate.

“I need to get back to planning. I have a lot to do," he cut me off.

“Can you plan in here? I will read my book on my kindle." I pleaded. I was desperate. Desperate for anything. Desperate for him.

His eyes stared intently at me, and he slowly nodded. "Fine."

Alister took out his computer and sat on the bed as I took out my iPad where I opened my most recent novel. We were doing completely separate tasks, but it felt comforting in a weird way.

I didn't know when I fell asleep, but I felt Alister's arm around me. I closed my eyes and fell into his touch.

This was what I wanted, but why did it feel so temporary and forced?