The Alpha Twins; My Mates

Training With Zylon

Ruby

I woke from my sleep to the smell of pancakes wafting through the air. My mouth watered. I had slept well and felt good within myself. My mind drifted back to the message I had received from Henry the previous night. I still hadn't responded, unsure of what I should say. Was I ready to sever the bond with my mates? Ria whimpered in pain at the thought.

I got up and took a shower, braiding my hair into two sections and letting tendrils fall around my face. I dressed in a matching white matching bra and shorts, then left my bedroom.

"Good morning, love," my mom greeted me as she turned from the cooker to serve me breakfast.

"Morning, Mom. Where is everyone?" I asked, settling onto a barstool to eat.

"Your grandparents have gone mountain biking, and I'm not sure where your brother is," she explained. Tate! He had danced so provocatively with Beth last night. I quickly left the kitchen, ignoring my mom's call to come back and eat.

I dialed Tate's number, and he answered. "Where's Beth? Did something happen between you two last night?" I fired off my questions.

"Calm down. Beth was drunk, and I took care of her. I think she's home," he replied. I let out a breath and collapsed onto my bed.

"What happened to her?"

"Just call her or look it up online," he said before hanging up. I searched the latest blog and was shocked by what I found. That jerk Viny had cheated on Beth with Cattie! Videos were circulating of her confronting him. There was a reason I never liked him.

I grabbed my phone to call Beth. She answered on the first ring. “ Rue,”

"Hi, Beth, can we meet for a caffe mocha today and talk?"

"Sure. What time?"

"3 PM,"

"I'll see you at the café," she answered before hanging up. She didn't sound as despondent as she did during her fight with Viny, so it was a good sign.

I headed to the training field to meet Zylon. My heart raced as I approached, recalling our dance from the previous night. We had been so close, and it had been beautiful. Our walk home had been serene.

'Do you still want to go back to the Jade Moon Pack?' Ria asked. I missed the Jade Moon Pack, but my mom needed me here now that she was pregnant. I had a duty to her.

'For now, I can't,' I replied.

'Is that the only reason?' she probed. The faces of my mates flashed in my mind—handsome and devoted to keeping me safe and close.

'Yes,'

'If you say so,' she murmured. Maybe a part of me wanted to stay here because of them.

Zylon was at the field, working out in black sweatpants hanging low on his hips, paired with a black sleeveless shirt. I took a deep breath and approached him. He turned, looking at me with a gentle smile. "Good morning, Ruby."

"Morning," I swallowed nervously. He extended his hand for me, but I ignored it and walked past him, then paused, realizing I had reached my destination.

"What do I do?" I asked.

"How was your night?" his gaze was soft.

"It was okay."

Zylon and I trained in command and control. His unique style focused on feeling the energy in my core and extending it outward. By the end of our session, I could feel the energy within me and learned to control it.

We walked out of the field side by side. I deliberately slowed my pace, and he matched it. Ria was eager to be near him.

"Where are you going?" he asked.

"To the pack house. I want to see Ael," He growled lowly, possessively, and I frowned. Was he jealous?

"Why are you still friends with your ex-boyfriend? Why is he always around you?" his frown deepening.

"We're just friends," I said calmly, wanting to ease his mind.

"You were in love," he retorted, looking irritated. Zylon looked both adorable and hot with that frown.

"It was just puppy love," I said. I did care for Ael, but not in the same way... I shook my head and continued walking. Zylon asked me about my hobbies, and we chatted about our favorite music. I wasn't surprised when he said he loved classical instruments and enjoyed reading poetry.

When we reached the pack house, a few heads turned in our direction. Pack members bowed to him and smiled at me. It felt odd but lovely. As we rounded a corner, we heard Hayes, Tate, and Shane talking.

"Those rogues are getting too bold," Tate murmured. My stomach dropped at the mention of rogues.

"They attacked two packs in three months, almost wiping them out, and even took down Hephati," someone said, and I gasped. Alpha Hephati was one of the strongest alphas around.

"How did they take down Hephati, though? That guy was a beast," Tate asked.

"They targeted his mate, of course. They killed her and their unborn child, leaving him in despair, and then they went for him," Hayes exhaled. A chill ran down my spine.

"Do you think the rogues have a stronger, more organized leader? What do they want?" Shane asked, his face contorted with worry. Hayes opened his mouth to respond when Zylon cleared his throat, clearly signaling that he wanted our attention. He did this on purpose so that I wouldn't overhear their conversation. They turned to face us, concern etched on their faces.

I stepped away from Hayes. "Tate, do the rogues have a leader? Who will they target next?"

"Rue, we can't discuss this with you," he replied.

"But you said I'm supposed to take over Dad's position, right? I should know all of this!" I insisted in one breath.

"But you said you didn't want to," Hayes chimed in.

"Morning, love," he added with an infuriatingly confident smile. I glared at him, but he didn't flinch. He looked proud, as if he had accomplished something significant.

"W-well, well…" I stuttered, momentarily lost for words. The i***t had me cornered. I had rejected that position. I crossed my arms defiantly over my chest and stared him down.

"And you all told me I couldn't turn down that position until we find a replacement. Therefore, the position is still mine, and it's my duty to know what's going on in the pack." Hayes's arrogant smile faded. I had made my point.

"Touché," Zylon murmured, looking proud of me.

"Now, spill," I growled.

"She does have a point, Alpha," Shane agreed. I beamed at him, and his eyes widened in surprise.

"What?" he asked.

"You smiled at me."

"I did," I confirmed.

"I thought you didn't like me," his words made me feel unexpectedly guilty.

"You agreed with me, so I kind of like you," I muttered. Shane clutched his chest dramatically and tilted his head toward the heavens, smiling from ear to ear. We all laughed and shook our heads at his melodrama.

"Hi, our Alphas," two sultry voices purred. I stiffened. Shocked and horrified, I watched as Begonia and Mary strolled towards us, kissing MY MATES!