Chapter 6 - Pride

CHAPTER 6

VOLK

Conri had not eased since we got home. He had asked to go see her so many times and I refused. I didn't want anyone seeing me with her. I didn't want anyone thinking I cared.

”Until you accept her, Volk, I would go into hibernation.”

I scoff at his words and continue to ignore him. I feel him go completely still and silent as if to make good of his threat but I know he is only trying to challenge me. He would have to get over his obsession with the girl and I figured, time would serve its purpose there. Mate or not, I could not have her as my Luna. 

Even as I thought about Conri, I knew I had a much bigger worry now. If Ashina called Mum and Dad, which I was sure she would, I would have a lot more to worry about. Dad would not take abandoning my mate lightly and he would make certain I paid for it.

I start to pace in my study, wondering what to do. Ashina’s words are constantly torturing me. All that had happened with the girl before our meeting must be the reason for her current state. I feel a wave of pity and sadness wash over me but quickly replaced it with anger. Damn that Klaus, he deserved to die.

 ”Go see her.”

I stop pacing as the thought I just had overwhelms me. It was either my mind was playing tricks on me or Conri was still on the issue.

”Conri.” I call.

He's quiet. Not even stirring in the slightest. I hated to think he was making good of his threat. 

”Fine, I'll go see her.” I say. Again, more silence. 

He was making a fool out of me. 

I walk out of the study and take a glance at the wall clock, It is exactly 2a.m and I was sure everyone had retired to their rooms. Unlike many packs, as the Alpha, I had decided that the Red Cresent would spread out and not live in a group. We needed to increase our network, gain vast knowledge and have the younger ones live a normal life before their wolves matured and they were ready to turn. 

I had chosen to stay back in New Jersey because we needed to keep the base everyone could fall back to running. I knew my parents would not leave for any reason so after the pack had spread, I had made sure to build close to our mountain and keep watch. We had gatherings at different times of the year and I knew I didn't need the pack to hold our forte.

I walk into the room where I expected her to be. It was a room I set aside belonging to my Luna and Ashina was sure to keep her there. Her frail body lay on the bed and I feared even sleeping must hurt her. I watch as her chest rises and falls in a sluggish delicate step and it would have been almost unnoticeable that she is breathing. Her eyes are closed and after Ashina must have bathed her, her face glows in the dim night light. I wished she wasn't hiding those beautiful grey crystals that had stared at me. I look at her full lips and wonder how she was able to look so beautiful even after everything she had gone through. 

All of the dirt and hair covering her face that night must have been blinding me. Her tiny figure laid limply on the bed and I took in every feature she possessed. Something in me longed to care for her. To touch her and finally feel the warmth of a woman and not just anyone, but my mate. 

Conri stirred in my head. He must have been enjoying this as much as I am but I still refused to say a word. I still could not take her as a mate. She did not have the strength I needed for her to stand by my side.

She was laying with her face turned in my direction and I watched as the first tear slid down the side of her eye. The sight of it broke me and I wiped it off with my thumb. Another tear fell and I wiped at it again. Whatever this girl had and is going through was beyond my comprehension.

I was too busy watching her that I didn't hear Ashina coming. I hear the crack of the door and look up to find my sister, watching me in shock. I freeze and take my hand off Rudina. 

Ashina turns back to leave and I walk out right behind her. 

”If it isn't my arrogant brother. I’d expect you to put a knife to her throat and not caress her.” She gloats when we are a safe distance away from Rudina’s room

” It's only proper I check on a sick person that I am housing.” I say.

”Oh, spare me. It would be best for you if you warm up to her now as you have no other choice.” She retorts.

” I do not have to do anything you tell me, Ashina.” I tell her.

”What about Dad? You do not have to do as he says also?” 

Even in his late fifties, my father was still one of the strongest wolves in the world and aside from that, he was the only person that made the hair on my body stand.

”You wouldn't dare!” 

”Oh, but I already did. Dad says you must have cared for Rudina before his return else you would face very grave consequences. His words, not mine.” Ashina says.

I feel the air in the room suddenly too little and I want to put a hole through something. I did not need Dad interfering in this. Mates were one of the most important things to us all but Dad took it to another level. 

”Why would you involve Dad in this, Ashina. I do not need him interfering in my decisions.” I tell her.

”Why don't you tell that to him in three days.” She smirks, then walks away.

I stand there, rooted to my spot. I could not imagine how Dad would react and I didn't even have enough time to brace myself. Their vacation was already over and I would have to face him in a few days. 

Everything angered me now more, I didn't know who to blame. The universe for taking me to the Blood moon pack? The girl for being there in the first place? Or Klaus and the whoever bastard had been abusing her?

I head back to my study, knowing I was not getting any sleep tonight. My entire world was falling apart and it seemed only I was on my side. How was I supposed to fight a battle when no one understood where I was coming from. 

I was an Alpha, feared by all packs and the universe had decided to give me a weak mate. No one was ever going to take me seriously again and my status would derail completely. I could not afford it. I could not let everything I had worked for go to waste.

No one before could brag about being an Alpha at 21 and no Alpha could brag about being the strongest Alpha in the world 4 years later. I had invited and visited several packs to test myself. See if I could defeat them and till today, I had always emerged victorious. 

A new drive fills me as I think about all of my past conquests and how I was greatly respected. I was never going to accept a weak mate. Not because I hated Rudina, but because she was not what I needed to stay at the top.