A Stalker?
1258 Words
Zylon's POV
Five years ago, we found our mate and chose to ignore her. We were wrong—so very wrong. Hayes and I regret our decision. Our mate is perfect, and yet we treated her like she didn't matter. Hayes, in his twisted reasoning, convinced me it was for the best. He believed she wouldn’t handle being Luna because she was weak and would be a liability to us and the pack. We had settled on taking chosen mates instead—the daughters of our alpha allies.
When Ruby Rue returned, I felt immense relief and happiness just at the sight of her. I wanted to fall to my knees and beg for her forgiveness. I wanted to say so much, but when the opportunity arose, I found myself at a loss for words. Every day for the past five years, I spoke to her through the mate bond; it felt like she was oceans away, and it broke my heart every time. I was broken, and I deserved it. I brought this upon myself.
"She's testing my f*****g patience. Why is she so stubborn?" Hayes groaned as he paced the office. They had been at each other's throats since her return. "I'm not letting her leave this pack. Henry wants her, and he's determined!"
I understood so many guys were after our mate. Who wouldn't fall for her? She was absolutely stunning, with long, raven-black hair that framed her softly sculpted face and the most beautiful, large, sea-green eyes. Her body was toned and petite, and her lips, full and pouty, were to die for.
"I want to work now. Can you leave?" I asked.
He slowly turned his head to look at me, clearly furious. "I’m still venting!"
"I thought you were done."
"Ruby Rue angers me! It's like she wants me to snap or something. She fights me at every turn."
"We hurt her. Have you even said the words 'sorry' for hurting her?" I asked. He paused, and guilt washed over his face as he slowly shook his head.
"But I regret it. I want her," he declared.
"You need to tell her."
"Have you?" he shot back.
"Not in many words," I confessed.
Just then, our beta and gamma entered the office. Tate had been throwing jabs at us and was still upset about what we did to his little sister, which was understandable; if anyone did that to Manon, I'd kill them.
"Alpha Prius and Alpha Temmus are arriving in the pack in four days. They're coming with their daughters and five men each," Tate said. Hayes and I exchanged a glance.
"Why are they coming?" Hayes asked.
"They're coming to introduce their daughters to you, as agreed." My stomach dropped. If Ruby heard about this, she'd never forgive us.
"But I thought it was canceled."
"No, it wasn't. You agreed to take their daughters as your chosen mates. Your father, before he died, gave them his word," Tate said, unable to hide the bitterness in his tone. That was years ago!
"Tell them not to come. Cancel whatever arrangement was made," Hayes ordered.
I shook my head. We couldn't do that without making enemies.
"We can't afford to have the two packs against us. Our closest ally, the Jade Moon pack's stance, is already shaking because of Henry's declaration for Ruby Rue," Shane said. I nodded in agreement.
"What should we do?"
"Honor your word?" Tate shrugged dismissively.
Hayes glared at him.
"It's what you wanted."
"You know it's not like that anymore, Tate," I almost growled.
"And why is that? Are you choosing Begonia and Mary, or are you finally accepting my sister? If it's because of my sister, she made it clear she doesn't want you."
"Beta!" Shane exclaimed.
"Ruby is our mate, and we will win her back," Hayes said. The tension in the room skyrocketed as Hayes and Tate locked eyes. Tate eventually lowered his gaze and subtly bowed to Hayes.
"The other reason they are coming is to discuss the rising attacks from hunters and rogues," Tate murmured. Hunters, rogues, and pack werewolves did not get along at all. Hunters wanted to kill us and end our kind, while rogues sought what we had: our territories.
"We can't lose allies. We will welcome the two alphas and their guests with respect. Host a dinner in their honor and then tell them that we have a mate. Hopefully, they will understand without forcing us to break the alliance," I said.
"If they think of causing us any harm, they are not leaving my pack alive," Hayes growled. So temperamental. I rolled my eyes, finding myself smiling again. Ruby rolled her eyes a lot. Was I picking up on that little habit?
We spent the next hour discussing their stay in our pack. I stood up to grab a drink when I suddenly felt a sharp pain in my chest. My wolf roared in anger. I glanced at my brother, and he was fuming. It could only mean two things: either Ruby was injured or she was with another man.
"Ruby..." Hayes said quietly, filled with anger.
"What?" Tate and Shane asked at once, confused.
"She f*****g kissed someone," he gritted.
The day went by slowly. I had gone to find Ruby at her house. I rang the doorbell, but there was no answer. Just as I was about to leave, the door opened. Her mom, Gloria, stood at the entrance with a cold expression. Yes, I was the i***t who broke her daughter's heart, and I deserved her anger.
"Good afternoon," I greeted her, lowering my head.
"Hello, Alpha. How may I help you?" she asked. I opened my mouth to ask about Ruby, but no sound came out, so I decided to stay silent.
"Ruby is at a friend's house," she informed me. I nodded and turned to leave, but she spoke again, her voice soft yet stern. "You really hurt my daughter, Alpha."
"I know," I whispered. I did. She even left the pack, her family, because of me.
"I hope you don't do it again."
"I won't. I promise I won't, ma'am," I replied sincerely. I meant every word. I would never hurt Ruby again.
"Can I come in, please?" I asked. She stepped aside, and I entered the house.
"Beverage?" she offered.
"No, thank you."
My eyes were drawn to the bouquet in the living room; there were many, and a card was attached. I could read it from where I stood. It was from Damson, a warrior. Ruby had quite a few suitors in the pack, all eager to court her. Hearing them talk about her made Hayes and me jealous.
"Can I wait for her?" I inquired.
"I doubt she’ll be back anytime soon, but sure," Gloria replied before heading upstairs. I lingered in the living room for a while, looking at her pictures, until my legs led me to her room. The scent in here was strong and enchanting. I breathed it in, and my wolf, Zyo, roared with happiness. On her vanity table, I spotted a small note and picked it up to read.
"Don't drink and drive." It wasn’t signed. A strange feeling washed over me. Was my mate drinking and driving? I scanned the room again and noticed another note by the window, held down by a stone.
"HELLO, CHOSEN WARRIOR WOLF." My blood ran cold. Did she have a stalker?
I tucked the paper into my pocket and took it home to show my brother.
- Writer
