Nicholson's POV “Yes…Alpha.”She answered, keeping her eye level down to her torso as she played with her fingers. She was obviously nervous and her face was tainted with a heavy blush of embarrassment after almost falling back on her head and getting herself into the ER again. “Amalthea…” I called her name. It wasn't a very common name, but it was befitting for someone like her. Her hair resembled the opening of a wild desert rose, if they were ever colored blond by chance. I realized I had nothing to say when she looked up at me with those heavy blue doe eyes. I was just finding out how her name tasted on my tongue. With nothing else to say, I let myself out of her room while she still had an expectant look on her face. I left the clinic completely and stood some feet away from the white and red building, looking at the vast path that led back to the training ground. The cars packed to my left were all glowing under the sun, showing just how intense the sun could get in the middl
Nicholson's POV I did keep to my words though. The moment I got into my office, I pulled out a brown glass of bourbon and poured myself a generous amount into a rocky glass cup. It was just a few millimeters shy from pouring over, so I had the excuse of sipping it half way through before filling it back up again. I looked up at her, surprised she didn't have any ‘drunk’ comment till now, even though I was doing everything I usually did to earn the name, she just wasn't having it. I rested my head back on my office chair and narrowed my eyes at her. “You are mad at something.” I said, making her know it wasn't a question but an actual statement. She seemed to be unfazed by my discovery. “I certainly do not look like a happy chap.” She tilted her head to the side, holding some kind of mild frown at me. I decided to empty my glass and bring another clean one from beneath my table—yes, I have glasses of shot laying around me, doesn't mean I am actually a drunk. It actually means I am a
Amalthea’s POV I couldn't sleep. I could overhear the nurses gossiping about the state of my mind and body. The news of my weakness traveled faster than I would have liked it to, but then again, it literally happened in the middle of the training ground right in front of everyone who didn't know me. But somehow they knew what role I was playing staying in the Alpha’s house. How did my life come to this though? Just a few nights back and I could perfectly picture Fredrick perks in the shade of moonlight that spilled through his oval window. Oh, that dream house and how he didn't care for the silver he had around the room. He said it looked dashing on me, so he had it around to remind him of how rare of a gem I was. I knew Fredrick loved me, even in the moment of the greatest misfortune of my life, which was ironically caused by his own flesh and blood. I gripped the shit beneath my feet trying to digest the leftover rage that rushed through me recalling now she spat in my face all t
Amalthea's POV "Is there still a throbbing in your head?" The doctor asked. "It's just mild." I replied, gently massaging my temple as I sat up. He hummed as he ran a few more tests, nodding in approval. "Everything seems to be alright. Your vitals are stable and as long as you don't put pressure on your leg or hit your head anywhere else, everything should be fine." He informed me, looking down at my report sheet. "I'll prescribe a few painkillers incase you experience any pains but if they are too intense you are to come back immediately." He explained, looking at me pointedly. I nodded in understanding–its not like I have much of a choice though. It had been a few days since I had been at the clinic and I was beyond relieved I would finally be discharged. "Thank you Doctor,” I muttered, and then suddenly remembered something. “About my bill–” I drawled. "Alpha Nicholson has settled all your bills." He informed me with a small smile. My brows furrowed in confusion, but I de
Nicholson's pov As soon as I dropped off Amalthea, I felt Callum trying to mindlink me. “Nic, you need to come to the office,” he said, as soon as I opened the mindlink. “What is it?” I asked. “This is not something I tell you over a mindlink, I need you seated for this,” he informed and ended the mindlink. I exhaled sharply as I couldn't help but wonder what Callum wanted to discuss. I knew it would be something serious. He was one of the most level headed people I knew, which was part of the reasons why we were best friends, and I also made him my Beta. He complimented my blinding rage and helped me stay grounded while I did the craziness on his behalf in times where it was much needed. Arriving at my office I found Callum by the doorway deep in thought. His hands had some blood on them which was the first thing I noticed as the smell was pungent and they smell somewhat foreign and familiar at the same time. “What happened?” I asked, as soon as he took note of my presence.
Amalthea's pov I wandered aimlessly around the pack house, unsure what to do. My leg was fully healed now and the throbbing in my head had seized. I had tried returning for training but Alpha Nicholson had banned me from the pack training grounds until he was sure and satisfied that I was physically fit to train. Loneliness clawed at me as I watched the pack members train and laugh together as if they were one big happy family. A family I would never have since I didn't belong anywhere. "You can't be a good fighter by just watching. You need to practice,” a voice said from behind, startling me. I looked in the direction the voice came from and saw a young woman, probably around my age or less, walking towards me with a smile on her face. I stared at the woman, wondering why she was talking to me, and being all smiley. I remained silent as I eyed her suspiciously. No one had made any attempt or gone out of their way to have a conversation with me since I came to this pack so
Almathea's pov "Are you ready?" Mikayla asked me as she approached. “There's no way I'm going to fight you,” I protested. “The last time I tried I made a complete fool of myself." I refused to be a source of amusement to anyone in this pack, most especially Alpha Nicholson. "Are you trying to defy the Alpha's orders?” she glared at me with furrowed brows. I gulped, as the reality of the situation I was in came crashing down on me. I looked over at Alpha Nicholson, and all he did was just stare at me blankly–as if waiting to see what I'll do next. Outrightly defying his orders would be as good as announcing I wanted death. Letting out an exasperated sigh, I crunched into my fighting stance and Mikayla's eyes twinkled in delight. "I'll go easy on you." She informed me before she lunged at me. She sent several rapid punches to my abdomen and I staggered back as pain erupted within me. Before I could get a hold of myself she attacked once more. I desperately tried to defend my
Amalthea's POV "Why are you being nice to me?" I asked Jade as she held onto the ice pack in my throbbing cheek. "Why are you so stubborn?" She shot back and our eyes met. She stared at me for a few seconds before her features cleared and she chuckled. "What's funny?" I asked, irritated at how she always seemed to be amused by me. "You are so cynical, it's almost cute." She cooed I frowned, not finding any of what she said to be funny , or cute like she terms it. "I'm being nice because honestly, you intrigue me Amalthea. You have a horrible concept about Lycans yet you are still here and you aren't making any attempts to escape but that doesn't mean you won't express your displeasure at the slightest provocation." She explained. "I like your spirit and energy. It matches mine and I think we would get on quite well." She shrugged , making me scoff. "I'm not exactly looking for friends." I told her blankly. "Well you have one, nonetheless, and I'm not going anywhere." She sai
Nicholson's POV "How did you find the letters?" I asked Mikayla as I leaned back in my chair, scanning the contents of the notes once more.I was considerably more calm now and I had to admit I was ashamed and sickened by my outburst. I always prided myself on my ability to school my features and remain calm despite every situation but I always seemed to be out of character wherever Amalthea was involved.I cringed as I recalled how I had blatantly accused her and worse, threatened her without waiting to hear what she had to say. I wondered what she must think of me at this moment."Nic?" Mikayla called out to me, drawing me out of my thoughts.I stared down at the piece of paper in my hand and yet I didn't recognize the messy scribbles but then again I didn't know Amalthea's writing style."Did you say something?" I asked, focusing back on Mikayla."Yes. One of the maids was cleaning and she informed me she found something that seemed out of sorts on Amalthea's dresser. She was scar
Amalthea's POV It had to be today. I had to leave this horrid pack today, I refused to spend another minute in the same vicinity as that blackguard.I clenched my fists as I tried to blink back the tears that were rapidly making their way to the front of my eyes.I felt like it was happening all over again.I was being framed for something I didn't do for the second time and soon I would be thrown out."Thea, are you alright?" Jade made her way back into the library."Why wouldn't I be?" I asked. My voice betrayed me and Jade walked briskly to where I stood by the window."What happened?" Jade asked, gently caressing my arms."That...that despicable-" a sob tore through me."Hey, it's alright. Just take a deep breath." Jade comforted me.I took in a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves."Your alpha somehow believes that I am in contact with the werebears." I explained."Why would he think that?" She asked, with wide eyes."Apparently he found some incriminating letters on my dresser
Nicholson's POV "The seer was unable to provide any useful information." I informed Callum. "How is that possible? He knows everything." Callum looked as confused as I felt. "He said some nonsense about not wanting to alter fate but the main thing is he couldn't tell me anything." I explained in frustration. "What are you going to do now?" Callum asked and I rubbed my hand down my face. "I don't know." I admitted and it was true. I was at a loss for what to do. "Would you consider handing the girl over?" Callum asked. "That is not an option." I said with finality. Callum looked at me for a few seconds, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "What's so amusing?” I gritted out. "Nothing at all." Callum shrugged. "We better find a way around this, and early,” he suggested, and just then a knock came on the door. "Come in." I said, as I could already tell how as at the door. Mikayla strolled in. "What is wrong?" I asked. "I have something to show you Nic." She said and
Amalthea's pov "Is everything okay?" Jade's voice pulled me out of my thoughts. "I'm fine." I muttered, not looking at her as I flipped a page of my book absentmindedly. "You have been reading the same page of that book for the last fifteen minutes." She pointed out. "I'm trying to dissect the text." I said lamely. Jade snorted, not believing a word I just said. But I couldn't care less at the moment, since we got back from the seer, my mind hasn't been at ease. Different thoughts were racing through my mind but mostly one bothered me the most. If the werebears indeed came for me why hasn't he given me up yet? I definitely meant nothing to him and he had nothing to lose but everything to gain from stopping their attacks on his pack. If the attacks persisted would his decision waver? Would he eventually hand me over to them? I was losing my mind at this point. "You know you can talk to me, right Thea?" Jade said, her face etched with worry. I sighed, dropping the book to th
Amalthea's pov "Where are we going?" I asked for the millionth time, as Alpha Nicholson led me deeper into the woods. “You’ll see,” he said tersely. “So, I should just keep following blindly?” I asked irritatedly. "That's what you are doing right now, isn't it?" He retorted. I stomped my feet to the ground. “I’m not moving an inch until you tell me where we are going, Alpha,” I folded my arms across my chest, my brows knitted in a frown. "Now's not the time for your childish tantrums,” he said in a dangerously low tone that sent shivers down my spine, but still riled me up regardless. "Childish tantrums?" I gritted out. "Now's not the time for an argument, believe me,” he turned on his heels and began walking, no doubt expecting me to follow behind him. I remained rooted to the spot where I stood. I had to make him understand that he couldn't control me, I wasn't his minion. "Amalthea." Nicholson growled back at me. "Like I said, I'm not moving another inch till you tell me
Nicholson's POV I crossed my hands over my chest as I watched the pack members train. My expression was stoic as always, revealing nothing as I watched them. My eyes landed on Mikayla and Amalthea at a corner and I couldn't look away. I convinced myself the only reason I stared at them was because I knew Amalthea needed more training than the rest of the pack members but my conscience called me out for the liar I was. I couldn't turn my gaze away no matter how hard I tried as I watched Almathea's clumsy movements. My lips twitched in amusement as she tripped on her own feet and fell to the ground. How could a she-wolf be so weak and clumsy? "If you stare at her hard enough, she might just transform into a powerful, feared warrior." Callum broke into my thoughts, standing beside me. "Excuse me?" I turned towards him, feigning ignorance. "You know exactly what I'm talking about Nick. Stop staring at her so blatantly before your pack members begin to ask questions." He said, giv
Nicholson's pov "You dare to cut me off?" I sneered as I gripped the armrest. I had never in my life met anyone as aggravating and irritating as the little woman who sat in the middle of the bed. "Look Alpha." Almathea gritted out my title. "I already know it was stupid of me to leave the picnic when I didn't know my way back but you were the one who got me angry in the first place." She accused, her voice considerably more calm. "And while I'm grateful you somehow found me and saved me, that doesn't mean I'll let you bite my head off." She finished off and plopped back down on the bed. I remained silent as I observed her. Did this woman realize I had the power to crush her? The power to kill her within seconds? "Where are we anyways?" She arched her brows as she took in her surroundings. "A cottage not too far from the pack." I replied quietly. "How did you find it?" Almathea asked, she was so ignorant. "It belonged to my mother." I revealed and she looked up at me sharply
Amalthea's POV I intended to head back to the pack house but somehow I had lost my way. I wandered aimlessly in the forest, trying to find my way back. It was then I noticed the darkening clouds and the earthy scent of rain in the air. I looked up to the sky and it was obvious a storm was coming. I hastened my footsteps, although I wasn't sure if I was headed in the right direction. My eyes scrambled to find the nearest building or anywhere at all I could take cover under as the first angry raindrops fell onto my face. All I could see were trees...for miles to come. The rain began to fall in all earnesty and my clothes slowly began to cling to my body. I screamed as a thunderclap boomed in the air, startling me. The winds rose and blew with vigour and I had to hold on to a tree before I would be swept off. Pure fear and panic gripped me as it only got worse. I had never imagined this would be how I would die. Why had I let Nicholson's words rile me up and more importantly
Amalthea's pov Nicholson's smile slowly slipped away from his face as he stared at me and my heart dropped as our eyes met and held. Good, he didn't deserve to be happy and all smiled around me when he was making my life miserable. "Thea, so glad you could make it." Callum smiled at me. He was the only one who genuinely looked happy with my presence at the picnic. "Thea?" Mikayla arched a questioning brow at Callum. "It's our little nickname for her." Callum explained as Jade and I took our places on the mat. I strategically positioned myself as far away from Nicholson as possible, just as I had at the dinner. "It's nice to see you too Beta Callum." I offered him a small smile. "Just Callum is fine." He retorted. "It's Beta Callum to her." Nicholson gritted out and I furrowed my brows. "Just Callum then." I purposefully ignored Nicholson's words, wanting to get on his nerves. He stared at me with fire in his eyes but I ignored him. "So what did we miss?" Jade asked, clearin