Chapter Five

Ariel Brent

Say something to him, Ariel.  Anything at all.

“Answer me, Ariel or should I leave-”

“I am trying to think of the best way to explain this to you, Xavier. Please calm down-”

“You mean I should calm down and allow you to lie to me? Come on, Ariel.”

We both didn't allow each other to talk, the way he was calling my name with anger didn't give me that mushy feeling. It made me sick, in fact.

“Why will I lie to you, Xavier? I came here because I had to. Let me explain myself before you jump to conclusions.”

I beseeched Xavier and he folded his arms, and leaned against his car, waiting for the explanation I had for him.  I understood that he was angry that I attended but was it necessary?

“My brother-in-law is the Alpha of this pack and he asked me to attend the banquet. I couldn't refuse and when you marked me, it was too late to back out of the initial arrangement.”

I did my best to explain, letting Xavier know that I was still under Alpha Coles’s author for as long as I remained in his pack and under his roof.

Xavier’s glare dropped and he unfolded his arms, looking less angry after listening to my explanation.

“You should move out as soon as possible.”

He pointed out and I couldn't agree more, however, our discussion was interrupted when Alpha Cole rushed toward me. He eyed Xavier with disgust and eyed his conventional car with irritation before inquiring about his identity…. Angrily.

“Who is he?”

He snarled which I knew as because Xavier was an ordinary werewolf. Alpha Cole didn't see the need to show respect and since I didn't want to get into another argument with him in Xavier’s presence, I quickly answered him.

“This is my mate. He marked me and I will be moving into his house and pack tomorrow.”

I intentionally added the unasked details because I knew that Alpha Clavin was sure to become aggressive and before he could act upon my words, I faced Xavier and said, “You can leave first. I will see you tomorrow.”

Xavier shifted his gaze from Alpha Cole to me and then repeated the process. It was as if he was suspicious of me because I was Alpha Clavin’s family. He must have heard about my brother-in-law’s reputation… or maybe I was just overthinking.

Xavier glared at Alpha Cole openly before he entered his car and drove away without saying another word to me.

“Is that the useless fellow you chose to mate with? You chose him over the Alpha King and-”

“I believe I don't have to explain the works of fate to you, Alpha Cole.” I interrupted, “he might look useless to you but he is my mate and nothing or no one can change that.” I clarified and moved away from Alpha Cole.

He allowed me to leave which I believed was because he knew that I would be going to his house and he would have the avenue to act all out there. He would have to be watchful within the walls of his house.

When I got home after walking around aimlessly for a while, I ran into my bedroom to avoid running into Esther. It was better to not get my sister involved in what was brewing between her mate and me.

However, Alpha Cole also arrived some minutes after I got home and he started quarreling with Esther. I could hear their voices even though my room was far from theirs. My heart went out to Esther and young Kairo.

“You can't break that just because you didn't get what you wanted, Clavin. I told you not to try that yesterday but… stop it!”

Esther’s gentle voice was high and furious. She was screaming to get her mate back to his senses but if Alpha Clavin continued like this, I was afraid Esther might get hurt… sooner rather than later.

“Shut your mouth, Esther! You made her do that right? After every damn thing  I have done for that useless girl and you? You dread to-”

Alpha Cole was agitated. If anyone was useless it would be him but he was too blind to see that and too dumb to realize it.

“You can’t talk like that, Clavin. Kairo is just down the hall and you are beginning to terrify him lately.”

My sister cautioned but nothing could stop her mate not even the mention of their young son. At that moment, I knew I wanted to take Esther away from Alpha Clavin despite not having enough money to support her and her son.

I would perform some menial jobs to support them and get more part-time jobs if needed. I have decided to take my sister away but I needed to leave first and ask Xavier if it was okay with him to have my sister in his house until I get enough money to get her a house. I would also have to ask Esther… she wouldn't agree but I wasn't giving up this time.

I texted Regina to get Xavier’s contact details and she gladly sent his number to me and I sent him a text that goes like this. “Hello, are you still around?”, I thought that was too bland but since our relationship was fake, I didn't bother adding spice to the message.

If Xavier was still within the shadow moon pack, I would leave this house tonight. O didn't want to wait till morning anymore because Alpha Clavin was becoming louder as he scolded my sister. It was only a matter of time before he would marched down to my room.

My cell phone vibrated seconds later and I checked the screen. Xavier has responded but his response was just as plain as my text.

“Who?”

That was his response. I assumed he was asking for my identity and I responded with the pent-up anger that Alpha Clavin has created within me.

“Your wife!”

Xavier wouldn't have been able to read the anger in the reply but I was becoming furious. I wiated for his response but even after twenty minutes, none came in. I had to send a follow-up text but to my surprise, I found out that I had been blocked by Xavier.

Why would he do that?

With no answer in mind, I became annoyed because I had to spend the night at Alpha Clavin’s house despite all the noise and commotion that happened throughout the night. Thankfully, Alpha Cole didn't come to my room as I expected.

When I woke up from the little sleep I got the next morning, I went in search of my sister after confirming that her mate wasn't in the house. I found Esther in her room cleaning the mess her mate created during his aggressive fit.

“Hey, Jay.”

My sister greeted causally… as if she didn't just get dragged through an emotional mess by her mate.

“Hey, Ema.” I replied and quickly chipped in why I was there, “I am moving into Xavier’s house today. I wanted you to know since yesterday but I couldn't since Alpha Clavin…”

I bite my lips as I thought about the night. Esther nodded and came to me with a bitter smile on her face. She was worried that I was leaving but she and I both understood that there was no place for me in her house again. She knew I wasn't happy in her home.

“I will help you pack.”

My sister’s voice held so much emotion and even though I wanted to decline her help because I didn't have much to pack and she also had a lot to do in her room since she wouldn't want the servants to clean her mate’s mess., I let Esther follow me to my room.

As we folded my clothes into my old box, Esther advised me on how to cope with a man. She didn't know that I didn't want to cope with any man and I wouldn't have to since Xavier had shown me that he wasn’t interested in my life. He blocked me after all.

Regina would be the map I needed to get to Xavier’s house. I will ask her for the address when I am ready to move.

“Cole invited the Alpha King again.” My sister slowly revealed and she smiled bitterly again. I was shocked that her husband would do that after the Alpha King sent shreds of his invitation note back to him yesterday.

“He is holding another banquet?” I inquired and my sister nodded.

“It will be held at Chloe’s house.” My sister revealed. Chloe was my best friend but I didn't know they would be holding a banquet. Whatever Alpha Clavin was up to, I hoped it wouldn't affect me.

“You don't have to worry. He got another woman arranged for the Alpha King.”

Esther informed me and my worry would have faded if I didn't see her smile bitterly again. I took the opportunity to tell her my feelings.

“I think you should break the bond with Alpha Cole, Ema.” Esther stared at me in disbelief but before she could argue, I revealed how Alpha Cole had harassed me last night and how he had been trying to be sexual with me a few times. I hoped that would make my sister decide to leave him but it only broke her more.

Esther’s face became pale as she gasped. My stupid self thought that my plan was working but when I attempted to persuade Esther more, my sister stunned me.

“I can't leave him, Zay. please let me apologize on his behalf for all he had done wrong-”

“I didn't want you to apologize, Ema. I want you to leave him.” I countered but my sister shook her head and gave me many raisins why she couldn't leave Alpha Cole.

“He is my true mate, Ema and we have a child. He wouldn't let me take Kairo with me since he is his heir. I can't leave my son with Cole. What kind of a mother would I be? I have failed as your sister but my son-”

Esther broke down. She started crying after making me understand her difficult position. I wiped my sister's tears and stopped my attempts to convince her.

“Don't cry, Ema. I won't talk about it anymore although if he dares harass you again or mistreat you, I will be back to take you away. I won't be far from you even if we live in different packs. You will always be my sister… the best sister in the world.”

I assured Esther and hugged her. I was going to miss her but I would visit often. Kairo interrupted our moments and my sister went to attend to him while I called Regina to ask for Xavier’s address. She sent it via text and I called for a cab before entering the bathroom.

I left my sister’s house after that and even though my luggage wasn't much, my old box made it hard for me to push or pull the luggage. ‘The cab I called for was yet to arrive so as I wiated, I got tired of pushing the old box and began to kick it to the bus stop.

One kick after the other, the box kept moving until it slide unto the main road and I rushed to save it from breaking. But I soon realized that I shouldn't have started kicking the box when a luxurious car appeared, speeding towards me as I rushed to get my box out of the road.

I did save the box but I ended up falling before onto the road. My eyes widened, thinking I would get crushed by a car but the car stopped right before me. As if I haven't caused enough trouble, my old box had to scratch the luxurious car.

I didn't have to be told… I was in trouble and money was the only thing that could save me… I didn't have the amount that was capable of saving me though.

Darn!