Is It You

Malachi POV 5

I aimlessly spread out on my bed for more than half the day. My mind was all over the place and I couldn’t begin to understand how to mourn a mate I hadn’t met or loved. I had been waiting for her, for so long, but I didn’t know her. I hadn’t spoken to her. I hadn’t kissed her. I hadn’t looked into her eyes or met her wolf. None of it mattered.

I met Adira.

She was extremely identical to her twin in the picture but the personalities seem to differ greatly. In hindsight, Marcel and I shouldn’t have jumped the gun but we were so excited, we didn’t stop to think. Now we were partially connected to a soul that was not our mate and the thought of sending her back put a pain in my heart.

The clock read 2PM. I was pretty sure she’d be gone by now and I expected Wildon to arrive in a few. I got off the bed with all the strength I could muster and changed my shirt. I pulled on a pair of sweatpants that hung low on my hips and left my feet bare. I had no one to look decent for so at this point, I couldn’t bother. I shuffled down the stairs and landed in the living room. Wildon and Adira sat across from each other on the couch and stared at me.

“Malachi,” my Beta frowned. “I was wondering when you’d get down here”

I raised an eyebrow at him and kept my gaze off Adira.

“Why are you sending Adira back to her pack?” He asked.

“Excuse me?”

“You heard me. She said her father is supposed to be in our territory in the next five minutes”

I grit my teeth together and shoved my hands into my pockets. She told him I was sending her away? It wasn’t like that! I narrowed my eyes at Adira now and the expression she had was one of horror.

“It wasn’t like that. After she told me she wasn’t my mate we had to call her parents” I seethed.

Wildon’s expression turned pale and he looked at her then back at me. I could tell he was confused. You and me both. He stood up and quickly came over to me with a remorseful look.

“What happened?”

“My mate was the one who died in the crash. Lovely Adira here, is her twin sister. Her blood coated Adira in her scent,” I explained.

I could hear the anger in my voice slowly dissipate and I vaguely sounded like a whimpering puppy. Marcel, are you okay? My wolf had retreated to darkness and refused to budge from his mourning. I surmised he’d be there for a while, which meant I had to be strong.

“Its fine”

Wildon gripped my shoulder and frowned. “I know you’re not fine, Malachi. Don’t pretend with me...We’ve known each other for more than a decade”

I looked away from him and at Adira.

“What’s done is done. I don’t care anymore. If she wishes to leave, it's within her right. Whenever you’re ready to discuss business, I’ll be in my office as always”

I turned on my heel and went upstairs again. I had to get away from them both. Wildon knew when I needed comfort but I hated to do it in front of her. I didn’t want her to see me weak. If I meant nothing to her then all of this was a waste of time. I pushed my office door open and collapsed in my chair. All my paperwork was complete, sadly, so I had nothing to distract myself with. I needed to focus on anything other than the pain I was currently feeling. But clearly my Beta wouldn’t let me be.

Get down here, Wildon mind linked me.

No, why should I? I threw back.

Because you two need to talk about this. I know you’re hurting but she is as well. Please Malachi, He added.

I looked at my desk again and frowned. Why did I have to comfort her when she barely wanted to comfort me.

No! I don’t care if she’s hurting. She’s barely reciprocated proper emotions since I’ve met her yet she needs my comfort? Ridiculous Wildon. I’m staying in my office so she can leave.

I shut off the mind link and breathed. I thought the worst was over but I soon heard footsteps coming up. They were doubled and I could smell him approaching. I gauged if he wanted a fight but...

The door burst open and Wildon had Adira trailing behind him. He was surprisingly calm and he led Adira in and closed the door behind him. What are you doing! I want her to leave just as much as she does. Let me go through this misery alone.

No! Wildon answered, It’s going to destroy the little good part of you I have left.

I looked away from him. I didn’t need to hear this right now.

“Adira,” Wildon spoke, “This is where you explain. I’ll step outside”

I heard the door open and close and then his footsteps down the stairs. Adira was still seated in front of me and I tried my best to reign in my anger. My emotions were slowly spiraling and I could feel my last bit of restraint tipping over. Tears were forming on my eyelids but I held them at bay.

“My dad was here a minute ago,” She said softly. “He came to tell me that he’s not bringing me back until I make up for how I told you about her death. Alpha Hendrix has also ordered a lockdown of the pack territory so no one will be able to get in or out for the next 6 months but I'm not sure why”

Basically she was saying she had no other choice but to remain with me. She wasn’t doing this because she wanted to. It was out of pity. The thought of it riled my anger more and I couldn’t help but grit my teeth. I slammed the desk with one hand and it frightened her. She leaned into her chair more.

“I don’t need your f*****g pity Adira,” I bellowed. “I’ll speak with your Alpha myself and maybe then we can come about a suitable arrangement. For now, stay the f**k out of my way, it’s the least you owe me”

She nodded. I pointed to the door too and she scurried out with a soft click.

Wildon was not convincing me to stay here with her! She had to return home at once or we’d be neck to neck for the next six months.