Cruel Alpha

Chapter 3

“Look at this one, this is not so far from the Gallery I’ll work in,” Margo said excitedly as she turned the laptop towards Robin. They were sitting in the kitchen, Robin trying to cook dinner while Margo was going through websites trying to find rental apartments in New York. Robin looked and nodded half-heartedly. She knew she was being a b***h, but the fact that Margo was extremely settled on traveling miles away from her and didn’t even want to negotiate it irritated her. 

“You haven’t even heard back from the Gallery, I think you shouldn’t rush into this kind of thing,” Robin suggested. Margo has applied to a range of galleries, she wanted to start as a guide or manager hoping to move on display her work in them. Robin loved her enthusiasm but she also knew the reality of the job market right now, artists barely earned anything and big cities were expensive. 

Margo sighed and put the laptop down. She wrapped her arms around Robin. “New beginnings aren’t that scary, Ro. It is a big city, full of new people and opportunities. Just imagine our life there. It can be so much grander. We could move in together, you could easily get work in any Gallery, they are all very keen on getting supernatural artists.” Margo teased and Robin chuckled. She didn’t need some big city gallery’s pity. 

Robin put their food on plates as she spoke. “It all sounds wonderful, you will have great opportunities and definitely be a star of some posh uptown gallery.” Margo smiled at the thought of it, she would enjoy her art finally getting the recognition it deserves. This small city people never fully appreciated her. 

“But…” Margo started, knowing perfectly well what Robin was going to say. “But, it’s not for me. I don’t think I can just up and leave everyone I know. I mean, what would Wren do? I am basically the second owner of the museum. Or the pack and training? How will I train in a city that has no forests?” Robin breathed out, stopping herself from revealing any more of her concerns. What if I leave and something bad happens at the pack? What if I leave and lose them too?

Margo sighed and dug into the food. They ate in silence until Margo put her fork down and spoke again. “I understand your … nature is more inclined to like trees and clearings, but maybe, New York wouldn’t be that bad for you.” Robin sighed and stopped eating as well. “Margo, I love you. But I can’t change any more of me to fit your world.” 

A year ago, Robin thought the biggest problem they had was her inability to commit to a relationship or stability. After winning the deal, Robin promised to commit and take the risk of loving someone against all the odds of losing them. She went into the city more frequently, the complimented Margo and every time she felt like Margo was on the verge of a breakdown she hugged her and did her best to confront her lover. She kept giving and giving but whenever it was Margo’s turn to commit she seemed to shy away. She missed Pack dinners, disliked going into Pack territory, even though everyone welcomed her there. Half-human or not, she was one of them, she had the instincts and strength of a wolf. She refused to train or even use it. She kept insisting on being more human and refused to enjoy anything even remotely werewolf-related. 

Robin didn’t back down this time, they continued eating in silence, neither willing to sya anything else. This marked the end of the discussion and after the food was done, Margo offered an olive branch in form of a movie. They cuddled on the couch and watched a movie, leaving this discussion for the next time they have a clash of opinions. 

This was their problem, Robin realized halfway through the movie as Margo lightly snored on her arm. They never worked through the problems, it was just a movie, or a date or s*x. Anything but actual confrontation. Because you know what the confrontation will end with. Her wolf spoke, Robin chose to focus on the movie instead. 

Wilder’s night was progressing…. Differently. Much more different from what he has grown accustomed to. Firstly, it was a Friday night and he was at an expensive restaurant, instead of a rundown bar where the bartender knew his name. Secondly, he had a gorgeous woman seated across him, though this wasn’t the different part. The different part was that he had no intention of sleeping with her tonight. Wilder was determined to prove his gallantry to Lauren and it started by having a date that wouldn’t immediately end in s*x. 

Lauren and he started with a work discussion which moved to them bickering about the annoying co-workers and Wilder imitating their boss. They slowly moved on to their respective packs and lives. Lauren was a common wolf and was surprised when Wilder told of being from the Alpha family. “I would never take you as an Alpha type." She said and Wilder hid his irritation with a smile. “Alpha blood doesn’t necessarily mean huge muscles, sometimes it's other aspects of personality and strength.” Lauren raised her eyebrow and Wilder chuckled as he said. “Also, I am the third child, less pressure, fewer muscles,” to this Lauren chuckled, enjoying the truthful answer rather than the classic lie. 

Wilder didn’t know if the date counted as a successful one, not until they stood in the parking lot. They each had a long drive to take and it was in opposite directions, towards different packs. Lauren moved from one leg to the other, displaying shyness Wilder hasn’t seen in her throughout the night. Wilder smiled and stepped closer. “This was a pleasant night,” he said hopefully. Lauren nodded and looked up at him. “It was a very pleasant night.” Her eyes drifted to his lips, Wilder himself barely kept the urge of wrapping his hands around her figure and kissing her. 

Lauren kissed his cheek and Wilder chuckled. “Taking it with high precautions, my dear.” He said and Lauren looked down. “Well, you have a wild reputation.” She spoke, they were standing closer now, much closer. Wilder tilted her chin upwards, looking into her brown and silver speckled eyes. “I promise to not live up to my reputation.” He whispered and moved away. He broke whatever trance they had going on, though he would much like to continue, her skin was soft, she smelled of lavender. 

They parted their ways, both driving home, towards their house, but their thoughts were on each other. The next day, Wilder tried to not text her, to give her space and time to consider his words. When he checked his phone, there already was a text from Lauren. She sent the date and location for their second date.