AN ALPHA FOR ME

CHAPTER 4

Two faces with different reactions emerge from the office. The victorious face of the alpha and my defeated look. A reminder of the decision I was just coerced to make.

I barely hear the alphas words to his son

"There you are Lukas, will you drop your mate off on your way home? Tomorrow we will announce the good news to the rest of the pack. "

If Lukas is shocked by the development, I don't know as I'm stuck in my world of thoughts. Somehow, I'm led to Lukas' truck, I don't count the minutes I sit in the car waiting for Lukas after he begs to have a word with his father.

"Why did you change your mind?" Lukas breaks the silence on our way home.

Silence.

He continues "I mean my father has told me about your fears from your parent's relationship"

That f*****g bastard of an alpha.

Despite my silence, Lukas continues " Verity I know it must have been hard or traumatizing seeing two mates part ways but I promise ours will be different. We are stuck together forever "

"Of course, your father has made sure of that", I keep the words to myself.

Thankfully the familiar lawn comes into sight as he pulls over. I'm already out of the car, making my Way to the porch when I hear his side of the door slam.

I stop " What are you doing?"

He gives a corny smile " I want to say hello to my mate's family and of course personally invite them to tomorrow's announcement"

" I will do it myself Lukas, Thank you".

For a moment I swear I see his eyes burn in rage but when he speaks, his voice is gentle

"But I insist"

I don't argue and together we walk inside like perfect mates.

My mother and Charity are the first people I see inside.

I don't see Eli, probably asleep which is a good thing. Neither do I see Tiffany, another good thing.

"Oh sweetie, you got me worried. It was already getting l…" my mother stops halfway when she sees Lukas.

He seizes the moment " I'm so sorry

for keeping her Sal but we had so much to talk about"

" That's fine Lukas, I didn't know you would be dropping her off. You know she drove" mom stutters in half shock.

Oh s**t the car, I forgot I drove. Damn it.

"Someone will drop by with the car, it's been a long night and I didn't want my mate driving home alone. Speaking of that, I and Verity have news for you Sal and Charity" he adds with a smile grabbing my hand

Charity and my mother exchange a look at our entangled hands but quickly recover from it.

" Oh have a seat please, sweetie are you okay?" my mother inquires

I try my best to let out a deceiving curve in the name of a smile "Yes mom, I'm just exhausted from all the food"

She nods reluctantly.

Again, Lukas gains everyone's attention " Verity has agreed that we tell the whole pack of our mate status"

He chuckles while the two of them raise their brows in shock.

"Turns out, she was just unnecessarily scared and all she needed was a little encouragement."

It takes every fiber in me to appear calm, instead of showing the rage I truly feel.

My mother's eyes seek mine " Yes I've decided to accept the mate bond. It was just some silly phobia"

"Are you sure ?" Charity asks

I nod " Yes Charity, Thank you "

" I better get going, big day tomorrow for all of us. Announcing to the pack and Verity moving in with me, good night "

Charity joins a beat after he is gone "I'll get going too Sal, take care, Verity "

"Thank you, Cha, good night, "my mom says, hugging her.

"Night Charity," I tell her with a smile.

As soon as the door shuts, I turn for my room " I'm tired mom, I'll just go crash"

She begins to argue but I beat her to it "Honestly, I'm a fine mom "

She nods "If there's anything you want to tell me, baby, I'm here"

I smile, trying to repress the tears threatening to spill. Of course, she is always here, that's why I need to make this sacrifice till I find a way out for us.

"For Eli " I whisper to myself as I pass his door.

Twitching with nervousness and fear as I watch the crowd. But my well-worn mask does enough to keep anyone from seeing how I feel. Even though it's been just a day, my time in the alpha's office seems so far away now. The whole park is here, and my family and Tiffany's stand out in my eyes. They already know what this is about but despite all their questions, I haven't told them why I changed my mind and I intend to keep it that way.

"My fellow members of Albaysa park, thank you for honoring my invitation" the alpha's voice travels through the crowd.

"But fear not, this is not a cause of alarm of fear but celebration. Celebration because your future alpha has found his mate and future Luna" he pauses to see the effect of his words.

The whole park faces me beside Lukas, fixing the puzzles together. Cheers ring through the crowd, I can see Lukas smile widely and I follow suit when the alpha casts me a glance.

The howl of wolves fills the night sky, I find my mother with Charity and Tiffany. Their eyes mirrored their thoughts, this journey will be a long one I tell myself as I watch Eli imitate a howl.

The gathering of little men seemed concentrated in their whispers until I intrude on them

"what's up guys".

The secret conversation comes to a halt as they accessed me with wide grins "Oh hi there Verity" they chorused.

I frown, slightly confused by their action.

Tiffany's voice booms "It's their stupid game now, chorusing words when they speak to people".

"I've only been distracted for like a day " I exclaim.

Tiffany shrugs with a smile.

" Ummh Verity, we wanted to discuss something with you " Eli clears his throat looking at his companions.

Ron begins" Yes now that you live with your mate and you are going to be Luna"

"We were wondering if we can make use of your room. It's not like you'll be needing it " George completes.

"What exactly do you want to use my room for?" I ask them half amused.

"Top secret" they chorus.

"To the car punks " Tiffany orders.

"Fine we'll get somewhere else " Ron orders and the three of them match off whispering amongst themselves.

For the first time, I'm left alone with Tiffany. It makes me nervous and dreadful about the questions to come.

"So you'll still come to work, right? Even though you'll need a ride, I mean it's pretty far" she says with a slight chuckle.

"Yes I haven't figured that out yet "

"Verity, I don't know why you changed your mind but I hope you know what you are doing ."

I nod at her ."Thank you ".

"And being the sweet soul I am, I can pick you up from a Lukas' for work "

We both laugh and for the first time in days, my genuine smile radiates.

The evening flows with me being paraded among the pack members. I play the part of a happy mate and future Luna. The charade finally ends, I would give anything to crash on my bed back home but it's only a wish.

"You can sleep in this room for now, mine is the next" Lukas tells me.

My things which were already packed down here this morning were stuck in the room.

His house looks pretty decent, with nice modern couches and designs.

"Thank you" I murmured

"If you need anything, let me know, I'll be in my room".

I nod before locking the door and crashing onto the comfy bed. Okay, I think I'll fall in love with this bed.

Tiffany honks again, just as I bash out the front porch.

"What the hell Verity, Hakeem is gonna kill us" She yells

I apologize as soon as I jump into the vehicle " I'm so sorry, I slept in late.

The day begins with the usual morning rush of customers. It's also annoying that the whole pack recognizes me as their future Luna, every customer keeps addressing me that way.

Tiffany teases me throughout the day but I'm more concerned about Hakeem.

He has barely spoken to me apart from a few words. For some reason, I'm eager to hear his thoughts about my decision. I didn't see him yesterday but I'm positive he knows about me and Luca.

He warned me about the alpha and I can't help but wonder what he knows about that family.

Speaking of the devil he interrupts my thoughts "Verity can you help with the last box."

"Okay ".

I drop the napkin and make my way out of the counter, moving straight out for the box.

I'm soon in the library facing Hakeem and other boxes.

"Oh Drop them right here, Thank you," he tells me with a smile.

I position the box as I'm directed.

" Need my help with anything else?"

He scans around " Not really, I'm good. Thank you, Verity"

I'm about to leave the library but then decide against it.

"Hakeem, I'm sure you've heard about me and Lukas. You know after my first decision and… It's just complicated " I stutter

Hakeem smiles in his usual composed manner " Verity what you do with your life and your mate is not my business. I'm just your employer, I don't control your personal life "

"Of course. Thank you "

His amused face nods before continuing its previous task.

I take my dismissal this time and a hollow feeling follows.