The Prophecy

|| Chapter Thirteen ||

The days following their return to the packhouse passed in a blur. Between researching vampires and warlocks, assisting with company business, and finalizing plans for the event, Bea was run off her feet. Following a particularly busy day, she had returned to her bedroom and stripped off her formal wear, changing it out for the oversized grey sweater tossed on the back of a chair.  

She stormed into their private kitchenette and began noisily pulling out pots and pans and began preparing dinner for her and Alexander. She was grumbling about those “stupid useless humans” and was so engrossed in coming up with a new expletive to describe them that she didn’t notice the soft ding of the elevator.  

She had just come up with a particularly nasty one when peppermint overwhelmed her senses and arms slid under the sweater and encircled her waist.  

“Honey I’m home” a low voice whispered into her ear.  

“And what sort of time do you call this?” she replied without turning, continuing to stir the minced garlic in the pan.  

Alexander tugged on her sweater causing it to droop and slide off a shoulder. He placed open-mouthed kisses on her skin. Satisfied at the shudder that swept through Bea he moved her hair and began to move his kisses towards her ear, capturing an ear lobe gently and swirling his tongue over it.  

“Alexander I’m cooking dinner.” She squirmed and tried to move away from his ministrations.  

He sucked for a moment and stopped. “Fine. Why are you cooking dinner anyway? We can just ask the cooks to send something up, you can come and join me in the shower.”  

“Well, Alpha, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. I have a game to win. Besides, I cook when I’m stressed.” 

He chuckled and she turned to raise an eyebrow at him. “Still believe you’ll win?” 

“I could say the same to you.” She grinned at him.  

He just shook his head and retreated to the bedroom for a shower.  

When he returned, two plates of pasta were set on the kitchen counter. Bea still had her back turned to him, busy pouring two glasses of wine. He cleared his throat and she turned, ready to snap back with sarcasm but she paused with her mouth agape.  

Alexander smiled when he saw her eyes rove over him and darken. He had stepped out of the shower and was about the dry and dress but decided against it. He was still in a towel slung low on his hips and there were still beads of water on his skin. He watched her throat flex as she swallowed nervously.  

Bea’s wolf howled with excitement at the sight of their majestic mate. His broad muscular chest made her knees weak and as her eyes dove south; his sculpted abs and trim waist just made her mouth water. 

Take that towel off him and let him take us on the counter, her wolf wailed in her head. She nodded lightly and was about to move towards him when she stopped and shook her head to clear her mind. She cleared her throat and jerked her head towards the plates. 

“Sit down, dinner’s ready.” 

She watched a frown spread across his face and saw disappointment and frustration flash past his eyes. He made a step towards her and growled but settled on a barstool and began digging in.  

“Men” she muttered and rolled her eyes at him.  

 ---

Alexander’s flirtations had increased heavily since their return and it was getting harder and harder for her to resist his charms. This damn bond for her mate wanted her to do nothing more than allow him to take her. When he had appeared in the kitchen like that, she wanted to rip her sweater off and climb him like a tree, self-respect be damned. But Bea didn’t that night and she fought what felt like a losing battle with her wolf. She was determined for him to commit to both her and her wolf before she threw herself at him.  

So, she had thrown herself into her work and preparations for the meeting. She could feel his eyes constantly on her as she moved through the house to speak to pack members. The only contact she allowed were pleasant conversation over dinner, chaste kisses, and cuddles when they settled together for bed. She knew she infuriated his wolf, and hers, but she was absolutely loving it.  

 ---

Bea and Jasper panted as they jogged into the house. She finally felt stronger and had begun to go for runs and joining in on warrior training in both human and wolf form. As Gamma, Jasper was tasked with training the warriors and had insisted on easing her into training, claiming that Lycan warrior training was like nothing she had ever experienced before.  

She had scoffed and stubbornly joined the training session the next day but almost instantly regretted it after the 200 push-ups that followed from a long run. She had begrudgingly allowed for Jasper to train her, one on one, for a while before she joined the rest of the warriors again. Bea didn’t want to admit weakness, but her scars still throb on occasion, causing her to double over in pain especially when she overexerts herself. 

The closer they got to the meeting the shorter Alexander’s temper and the less time they got to spend with each other. He had stopped joining Bea for dinner and came to bed late into the night, leaving long before she stirred. He had begun to respond to her coldly again, always snapping back when she asked questions or moving in the opposite direction when he saw her coming as if to avoid her. 

Rogues, Matty had mentioned. Rogue sightings had increased along the border of their territory, a small group had even gone so far as to attempt to attack the Lycans on border patrol. They didn’t last long and were now chained in the underground dungeon.  

She understood he was under pressure but could not stop the negative thoughts that plagued her mind. She thought they were making progress to get to know each other but now she felt like he was pushing her away again. Her wolf had soothed each negative thought, whispering assurances that they are wanted. 

Jasper passed her a bottle of water as he drained his own.  

“That was very good Bea, just a little bit more and you can join the warriors!”  

Bea glared at him and aimed the bottlecap at his head. “I don’t think Alexander would be very pleased if you killed me during one of your torture, I mean, training sessions.”  

“It’s for your own good!”  

“Yeah, yeah.”  

Footsteps echoed in the hallway and two burly figures entered the kitchen.  

Alexander’s eyes darkened seeing her in her fitted running tights and black sports bra. Her skin seemed to glisten, and he was transfixed by the rapid rise and fall of her chest.  

The man beside him cleared his throat. He was tall and tanned with dark hair and tattoos on his face; the typical characteristics of a Maori. 

“My, my, if it isn’t little Bea.” The man drawled at her. His accent was thick and his Es and Is blended together.  

“Locky!” Bea exclaimed and threw her arms around the man’s neck, “Bennett didn’t mention you were coming.”  

“I was in the area and Alexander invited me to attend the meeting.”  

“Uh, Bea.” Jasper interrupted. They followed his gaze to a silent but clearly displeased Alexander. His eyes were black now and he trembled lightly, clearly fighting his wolf. He relaxed when Bea removed herself from around the man’s neck.  

“Alpha Knight, I was just greeting Beatrice. We practically grew up together before I moved back to New Zealand. I wasn’t expecting to see such a beautiful and familiar face.” 

“Jasper Vern, Gamma of Dark Moon. it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Jasper pushed Bea out of the way and offered his hand, clearly displeased with his overtly familiar nature. 

“Kia Ora, I am Lachlan Karauna, Alpha of Fern Cliff pack in New Zealand.” Lachlan grasped the offered hand tightly.  

“Ah Alpha Karauna, your reputation precedes you! It is a pity this is only our first meeting.”  

Alexander cleared his throat and slipped his suit jacket over Bea’s shoulder. He gripped her around the shoulders tightly and forced a smile at Lachlan. “Jasper please show Alpha Karauna and his group to their rooms then come meet me in my office. I’m sure Beatrice here would like to rest.” 

Lachlan looked from Bea to Alexander and bowed slightly before grinning and allowing Jasper to lead him to the guest apartments upstairs. They watched the pair disappear into the elevator before Alexander spoke. “I don’t like the way he looks at you.”  

Bea turned to look at him and gasped, realising his eyes were still black.  

“Alexander,” she stroked his chest gently, “he’s a childhood friend. He won’t touch me.”  

One last squeeze and he was gone, leaving her in his suit jacket.  

 ---

The sun was blazing, and Bea had long given up any productivity. She could hear Alexander, Matthias, and Jasper moving around in the office next door and had spent the afternoon trying to count their footsteps instead of concentrating on her spreadsheets. She groaned and slammed her laptop shut. She tugged her collar uncomfortably and headed to her room to change.  

Now clad in a modest two-piece swimsuit, Bea settled on the edge of her pool and slid in. The cool of the water brought instant release from the sun's relentless assault. She moaned in pleasure and allowed herself to fall backward and float for a moment.  

“Now isn’t that a sight to see,”  

Lachlan was standing by the water watching her hungrily.  

“Hey Locky, settled in alright?”  

He grinned at her and jumped in the pool causing her to shriek and jump backward away from the waves. “Oi!”  

Lachlan just laughed and reached for her waist as she rubbed her eyes. At first, she laughed but then stiffened when she felt his arms around her waist. She held her hands out to stop him from bringing her any closer to him.  

“Bea, I’ve missed you so much.”  

“Get away from me Lachlan.”  

His grip did not falter as she struggled and thrashed in the water.  

“Imagine how upset I was when Bennett told me he had taken you away. From me.”  

“Lachlan, we went out for 6 months! We were 16! There’s nothing left between us, leave me alone!”  

“That may be true for you Bea, but I still want you.” 

“No!” she screamed.  

The scream caused his grip to tighten and plant his lips on hers to stifle her. She struggled and tried to push herself away, but his arms would not budge. His nails were beginning to dig into her side.  

There was a loud roar followed by splashes and Lachlan was pulled away from her. Matthias’ green eyes flashed in anger as Jasper joined in and they both dragged Lachlan from the water. Another pair of arms roughly grabbed her under her arms, and she was unceremoniously tossed over Alexander’s shoulder. The last she saw of Lachlan was Matthias holding him back while Jasper launched himself at him.  

Alexander settled her on the kitchen counter. He stormed to the bathroom and returned to wrap a fluffy blanket around Bea’s shoulder from behind her. Her whole body shook, and she panted, her knuckles almost white from gripping the edge of the counter so hard.  

“Hush Bea, it’s alright, you’re safe now.” He whispered, moving to wrap arms around her.  

Instead, she shrugged his arms away and turned to face him, her eyes were dark. There were no tears on her face, Bea was furious.  

“Who the hell does he think he is. And who the hell do you think you are? Why did you haul me up here?” she seethed. 

“What?” he looked at her, confused.  

“What is it about me that makes you think you have to keep rescuing me? Like I haven’t had to deal with that jerk being handsy since we were 16. I could have dealt with him myself!”  

Alexander stared at her for a moment and his face broke into a smile as he fought back laughter. She looked at him in confusion and the hesitation allowed for him to pull her into his arms. 

“I forgot how feisty you are.”  

She shoved him. “I’m so sick of you, and Matty, and Japer treating me like some sort of useless fragile girl.”  

“Bea, BEA! I said I was sorry!” he shouted, trying to keep his hold on her. 

“You’re not really though, are you?”  

Another laugh. “No, no I’m really not. You’re my mate, I can’t bear to see you get hurt. I have to protect you. Now, what is this about him being handsy when you were pups?” 

“Do not change the subject!” she jabbed a finger at his chest. “This is all your damn fault anyway.” 

Alexander grabbed her hand and placed a kiss in her palm. “And how is this my fault?” 

“Should’ve marked me earlier…”  

She felt him stiffen and suddenly she was no longer on the counter. She wrapped her legs around his waist when he swung her around and started walking, all the while staring into her eyes. 

“It’s not like he doesn’t know you belong to me.”  

“You haven’t claimed me though, have you? As far as any unmated male out there is concerned, I’m free game,” she whispered.  

He brought a hand behind her head and pushed her towards him, capturing her in a kiss. His tongue moved urgently against her lips and he nipped her causing her to gasp. His tongue slid in and he lazily ran it over her tongue. She moaned and began to move her lips in sync with his.  

They fell backward together and landed in the bed. Bea pushed against his chest lightly, but he continued his assault on her mouth, now running his hand gently along her side, bringing it under her bottom and pressing her pelvis against his.  

Bea rocked her hips up to meet him and Alexander groaned, finally releasing her lips to look down at her with lust-filled eyes. Her eyes reflected the need in his. He could feel his wolf wrestle with control and as he stared at her she saw his canines lengthen.  

She continued to rock her hips against him, her legs still tightly wound around his waist, and she pulls him down for another searing kiss. Their canines tapped against each other as they wrestled for dominance, trading nips on each other’s lips, tangling their tongues together.  

Finally, she mustered the strength to push him away from her. Reluctantly, he released her and brought himself up on his hands, still caging her under him. Her wolf howled with disappointment and need, and she very nearly wrapped her arms around his neck to bring him back to her, challenge be damned. This mate pull was battling hard with her usual competitiveness.     

Bea smiled sweetly at him and rolled out from under him, making her way to the wardrobe for a dry change of clothes. The growl of frustration almost made her giggle.