Alpha's Stolen Mate

Chapter 2

He saw her again. Adorned beautifully in luxurious jewels from head to toe. That's all she always desired. Living a luxurious life. But he couldn't give her that. Though he had always made sure she had enough, she wasn't satisfied with the little he was providing her with. And for that, she left him for a man she believed could provide her with a life she always dreamed of. And he did a good job at it. But that wasn't a surprise to him. John Jr Walker was the CEO of the multi-billion oil mine, while he, Emric Ashford, was just a mere teacher. Emric couldn't compete with that. Though his family owned a large, prestigious private school in Swakopmund and made a lavish lump of revenue. It was his title she claimed she was ashamed of. Apparently, it was too weak a title for an alpha. But Emric loved being a teacher. He loved teaching and learning from his learners. And a woman like Lydia wouldn't understand that. Because nothing else mattered to her other than her desires, her aspirations, and greediness.

It took him a year to come to terms with the fact that she had really left him. Left her family behind. Left the pack behind without a mother figure. The boys were as devastated as he was, but his grief was far beyond theirs. He was still hurting, especially because they just couldn't let him be. Today, they summoned him to their mansion to discuss a fundraising project they were planning to host next month. And since he was in charge of such things at his school, they were hoping he could help them out with a venue. Ashford High had infrastructure – playgrounds, auditoriums, sports facilities – that could be rented out for such events. They even went to the extent of explaining to him how such collaboration could be mutually beneficial. Of course, he knew that hosting community events not only added to school finance but also fostered community engagement. But was he willing to humble himself for the sake of the school? Yes. He was. Such qualities made him the best alpha the Ashford Nobles had ever had. His willingness to put his pride aside for the benefit of his family, his pack.

But that didn't mean he wasn't disturbed, especially at that moment. Even after she had left, she was still tormenting him.

"I told you not to go there, Ric," Theo, one of his betas, said to him.

"They wanted me to be there," Emric answered.

"No, you wanted to see her," Nathaniel told him. He was the only one, the only beta that could differ from him.

"You're wrong, Nate. I don't want to see her. How can I? Huh? When, every time I hear her voice, I can feel the agony of my broken heart all over again," he said, taking a seat on the throne-like seat, modern in design—sleek lines, smooth surfaces—but its presence carried the quiet authority of a throne. The high back rose tall behind him, upholstered in deep black leather that caught the light in subtle waves. Its edges were sharp and clean, the frame crafted from dark metal that gave the chair a strong, commanding structure. And yet, even with such luxury, he still felt empty. The sadness bled from his broken heart every time he thought of her with his archenemy. So, how could he possibly be yearning to see her? She was nothing but a backstabber, a betrayer, a gold digger, and a filthy woman. He had cared for her, provided her with anything possible, but she left anyway. So why would he possibly want to see her again and again? He couldn't be so unfair to himself. He couldn't torment himself like that. He went there because they asked for him, and he wasn't the type to shy away from his enemies. He faced them like a real alpha he was. He had to stand his ground. He had to establish dominance in every space he stepped in. He had to show why he was the alpha of thirty-five werewolves and why he could do it even without her.

Everyone in the room was silent for a while. Though they had gathered there for a completely different reason, they found it fit to discuss his sudden visit to the Walker's. And he wanted to disappear. But he couldn't. Not now. Not when they were waiting for the headmistress to come, because she informed them she had a very important issue to discuss with them. And she was taking way too long. At sixty-eight, Sara Ashford still ran a school full of hormonal, hyperactive teenagers with diligence and power. And it was a rare occasion for her to ask them to gather together to discuss matters related to the school. In most cases, they entrusted all the decisions and choices to her capable hands. They were waiting, although it was obvious everyone wanted to discuss whatever happened that morning. Except for him. He didn't want to discuss anything related to his ex-mate and her new beau. It hurt. It stung. It agonized him. And he knew deep down that his ego, his pride was insulted, humiliated by her disgusting actions. His was an immense amount of pain that occasionally kept him awake at night. But he couldn't do anything to stop the discussion awaiting. He was the alpha, and he had to make the decision benefiting everyone in the family. If he chose to refuse Walker's offer due to personal vendettas, that would be selfish of him. And selflessness was his character.

The door suddenly opened, and the three men turned their heads to see who it was. Though they already knew.

Sara Ashford. The most elegant and classy Ashford woman. Their only elderly alive. They respected her and admired her. Now, with the luna gone, she was the mother figure to the pack.

"Why do you all look like someone has just stolen your treasures?" she said as she made her way towards them.

"We have unresolved issues with the neighbours," Nate said.

They referred to the Walkers as neighbors, though they literally lived fifty miles away from them. But since they were the only two packs in town, they saw it sensible to call them that.

"Still Lydia?" Sara asked, shooting Emric a concerned look.

Emric closed his eyes tightly and used his hands to massage his temples. A headache was lodging, and so was his impatience.

"Enough with this name," he glowered, getting to his feet with urgent impatience.

"Calm down there, Emric," Theo said, already on his feet. There were three things he feared about his alpha. Number one, his anger. Number two, his decisions. And number three, his trust. Because when Emric trusted someone, they had to ensure that they made no mistake and stain that trust. The smallest lie, the smallest deceit, and it was all gone.

Emric looked at him, eyes burning red with anger.

"Please, I can't bear hearing that name. I've heard it a lot today," he said through clenched teeth.

"My apologies, my alpha," Sara said, taking a seat.

"Now what's this important issue?"

"I want to enroll two more students

"No," Emric said. "The school can't afford even one more learner."

"This is their only hope to continue studying, Emric. They moved here recently with Leah .... And she was pleading for her nieces. Please don't let their hope shatter, my alpha." she pleaded.

"My word is the law, Sara. I said no,"

"Emric, why don't you think about it? In fact, why don't we investigate this so we can confirm if the story is true or not? Maybe we can visit the learners great-aunt is talking about," Nate suggested.

"I really don't like it when I'm being contradicted. There's no space for extra learners."

"Nathaniel and Theo, can I have a moment with Emric?" Sara asked.

"Sure," Nate and Theo said in unison. They closed the door behind them.

Sara came to stand next to Emric. She held his forearm and said, "You know I'd agree with your words over and over without a doubt or questions... But I need you to understand why I can't this time," she started. And she told him about Leah's situation.

In the end, she said, "Leah is a friend. Please, let's help her."

"She doesn't know. That's why she's our friend. I'm afraid if she finds out, she'll distance herself."

"Who wouldn't?" Sara asked. "But we don't know that."

"Ah, Greatgrandaunt," Emric sighed.

Sara smiled before she left the room. It wasn't an everyday thing to convince the alpha against his decisions.

Emric stared at the walls. The stunning gallery wall that added a touch of glamour to the vintage design of the study, and a neutral colour palette that created an inviting atmosphere that exuded understated luxury, and he managed a chuckle. His life was surrounded by luxury, but he hadn't felt luxurious ever since the day she left. He stood staring heavenwards, the bold chandelier shone beautifully, its lights illuminating the whole room. But who would show him the light? What could possibly illuminate light into his soul?

Was the agony of his broken heart as endless as time itself?