Episode 5
1224 Words
ANASTASIA'S POV
My shift was finally over and I pulled off the cashier uniform, taking my bag out.
"Go to Mr Rodrigo for your payment," a colleague said and I nodded weakly, too tired to say a word. Memories of last night resurfaced and I tried my best to ignore it.
After the small fight that happened last night, Dairus never came back home and I grew worried, so worried I almost had a panic attack, but thankfully, after a few hours I was able to calm down and go back to bed.
I knocked on Mr Rodrigo's door and he let out a groan, my signal to walk in. Letting out a deep sigh, I plastered a smile on my face.
Pushing the door open, my eyes met the ones belonging to a cheerful elderly man.
"Ana," he called, staring at me with happiness.
"Good morning, Mr. Rodrigo," I answered, trying to match his tone. Luckily it came out well and I stood in front, hoping I wouldn't have to explain why I was here.
"Why are you here?” He asked and before I could say it, he cut me off. "Oh yea, today is pay day.”
He opened the drawer, pulling out a cheque and I smiled while taking it. "Thank you, Mr. Rodrigo but I'd love it if you could work a transfer for me instead," I managed to say, hoping he'd agree.
He stared at the cheque in my hand for a while before nodding. "Well I guess I could do that," he said, taking it back.
I was already aware that putting the money in my account was going to shorten it as a result of Darius's debt.
They always took out a percentage and I had grown used to it.
"Done it," he said and I nodded in appreciation.
I headed outside, picking up a basket and in the next hour I filled it up with everything Darius and I needed for the next two weeks. I placed everything on the counter to get checked out.
By the time I was done, I had sent some money to Darius, bought the groceries, paid this month's debt and surprisingly I still had some extra cash left.
With that, I turned back to the clothing section hoping to get some underwear and maybe a new lingerie.
I picked a few, walking towards the counter to pay for it. Just beside me a man stood in front, getting checked out and I tried not to look at the stuff he held. Although he seemed confident with it.
They bagged his purchases and the cashier took my card, giving me a small smile.
“I'm sorry but your card declined," she said and I stared at her in shock. “That's not possible, I'm sure of it,” I said, making calculations in my head. She gave me a sympathetic look, trying again.
“Same thing,” she said and I let out a tired sigh. “I'll put this back, Thanks,” I said, turning back but I bumped into someone.
Rubbing my head in pain, I looked up and saw a man towering over me. I blinked repeatedly, trying to take his image in. It was Alpha Dante.
What was he doing here?
My heart raced as I took him in. His features were chiseled, strong, and uncompromising – sharp cheekbones, a determined jaw, and full lips. His black hair glistened in the store's white light and I found myself drooling.
He looked down at me and I felt myself go red. I probably looked like a mess. No, I was a mess and he was the complete opposite.
He stood at least 6'4", towering over the workers, his presence commanding attention.
"Are you okay?" He asked as a result of impact from bumping into him and I blinked repeatedly, unable to form words. "....Yes," I stuttered, embarrassment hugging me.
He nodded, walking away and I held onto my underwear walking towards my colleagues.
“Oh my God, you're so lucky," a blonde one said, staring at me like I had just seen God. I didn't utter a word but deep down I felt far from lucky.
"He had led the crackdown on rogue packs and now he was back to inherit the pack," she continued, her eyes undressing him.
"We know that. What we don't know is the reason he is here," the chimed asked and I listened quietly.
“That doesn't matter. What does is the fact that he still doesn't have a mate," the blonde one said with a dreamy sigh. "But girls like us can only dream."
I stared at him, watching him talk to Mr. Rodrigo. I couldn't help but study Dante, I had seen him a few times since he returned but it had always been from a distance. He was much more handsome up close.
Shut up Ana. You're married.
I shook my head, looking away. I shouldn't be staring at someone who I was obviously older than.
"Ana?" A voice called and I turned to see Mr. Rodrigo walking towards me.
"Yes? What's the matter," I asked, pasting a light smile.
"Well Alpha asked you to attend to him," he said and I stared at him with wide eyes.
Why would he want me to attend to him?
"I know your shift is over but please do this for me?” he asked and I slowly nodded, unable to say no.
"Good day. How may I help you?" I asked, staring at the old beta who had come with Dante. For some reason I found it hard to stare at him.
"I heard your store sometimes trades in magical props," he said. "I'm looking for something that can block the mate bond’s influence.
I stared at him, confused. I had worked here for over a year and had never heard anything like that.
"Do you have any idea?" He asked and I tried to find my words.
"I'm sorry but I have no idea what you mean," I explained and then he gave me a small smile of amusement.
"I'm sorry but why would you need something like that?" I mustered the courage to ask and the old beta answered.
"The thing is, we have been investigating illegal artifacts and tracking down forbidden items," he explained. "So if anyone here has any idea or question about such things. Please do contact us."
I nodded in understanding but a colleague of mine rushed over. "I remember, there was actually someone who came here looking for something like that," she said and we all turned to her. "He said he wanted something strong enough to block a mate from sensing infidelity.”
"Really? When was this?" The beta asked his shaky voice laced with curiosity.
"Yes, but I can't remember. I was on duty that day and it has probably been about a month," she said, running a hand through her blond hair.
Her eyes lit up and she ran to the counter. “I just remembered he had given me his number to call him if we ever got it," she said, handing me a paper.
I took it and my eyes caught contents of the paper. The number looked familiar and my blood ran cold. It was my husband's number.
- Writer
