A Matter of Convenience

Twenty-Nine

~Ericson~

Not that I’m surprised, but Isis is strong as f***k. That hurt like a bi.tch, and I’m still hunched over, trying to catch my breath. Are you going to heal me?

Uh, no, I won’t be doing anything. You’re being a total d***k right now, and you deserve everything she does to you.

Traitor. Blade laughs as he retreats to the back of my mind. It feels like someone tried to pull my guts out through my belly button. I take a few minutes to compose myself before standing and walking back into the packhouse. She can be as upset as she wants, but we will be dealing with this.

I find Isis pacing back and forth in the office. I stand in the doorway, leaning against the frame with my arms crossed. I know she senses me, but I can wait her out if needed. As I stand and look at her, I take in her features. Her height doesn’t match mine, but it works for her. Even clothed, you can tell that her body is nicely toned. It should be since she’s the daughter of an Alpha, but that is no guarantee. Her hips are nicely sized, and the swell of her ass is hard to miss. Her breasts are ample, and I wonder if they fit in my hand or spill over.

Isis is a beautiful woman. She’s definitely someone I would have gone for had I seen her out and about. Blade snickers in my mind, breaking from my thoughts. Had I known nothing about her, I’d have gone for her, but she’s a bi.tch. She’s someone I could never tolerate, making our little experiment all the more interesting. How will I convince the elders that we are together willingly and not just so we can get our respective packs? You should really be honest with yourself.

What are you talking about?

Isis. You like her.

You’re clearly losing your mind. We both know what an uppity bi.tch she is. She’s not my type at all. This year can’t go fast enough so we can untie from her.

Yeah, sure. Whatever you say. Blade retreats in my mind, and I mentally flip him off for his foolishness.

“How long are you going to stand there, looking pathetic? I’m waiting for my apologies.” I bring myself back to the present and realize that Isis is now sitting at her desk, staring at me. I didn’t even realize that she had stopped pacing.

“Apology? Apology for what?” She lets out a dry chuckle and shakes her head.

“What should I expect from Ericson the Egomanic?” Isis mumbles, but I know she knows that I heard her.

“What’s that now?” I drop my arms and step into the room, pushing the door closed with my foot.

“You owe me a few apologies, and I’m waiting for them.” I move to the center of the room before stopping to stare at her.

“Don’t try to avoid the topic. I want to know what you called me just now.” Isis stands to her feet and walks over to where I’m standing. She stops about a foot or so away from me and crosses her arms.

“I called you Ericson the Egomanic. It’s the nicest name for you that I have. You’re welcome.”

“Eg…egomanic?! Really? And that’s coming from the Isis, the frigid bi.tch!”

“Frigid?! How’s that? Is it because I never fell at your feet like all of those other pathetic she-wolves you’ve come across? Upset that I actually have taste and standards?”

“Please! You think so highly of yourself! Your nose is so far up in the air, I’m surprised you don’t have continued nose bleeds.” Isis scoffs and drops her arms, her hands fisting at her sides.

“You are so fu.cking disgusting. Not much has changed since we were children. I don’t know why I even though this would work! Why don’t we just go our separate ways and good luck to you!” Before I can respond, the door is pushed open, and the Beta comes strolling in.

“Based on the anger bouncing off the walls, I’d say you two are having a bit of an issue. I suggest you tuck it away because the elders are about to walk through the doors any minute now.” It was more like any second because no sooner had he finished talking than the three elders walk through the door, chatting away.

“Uh, oh, Alpha Isis and Alpha Ericson. Fancy seeing you two here together. We were planning to stop by and see you at your pack, Ericson.” I quickly turn my body so that I’m next to Isis and facing the elders. I grab her hand and plaster a smile on my face. Isis makes her feelings on my actions known by digging her finger into my hand.

“Ah, Elders Thomas, Elder Mia, Elder Jose, how very nice it is to see you two. We had no idea that you were coming today.” I side glance at Isis and am shocked at how serene her face looks. If I weren’t here, I wouldn’t even know that she had just wanted to rip my balls off mere minutes ago.

“Hello, elders. Please come in and having a seat.” Isis subtly tries to pull her hand away from me, but I hold on tighter. Her finger burrows into my hand deeper.

“Ah, no need to sit. We just wanted to come see how you two are.” Elder Jose steps closer to us, inspecting us both. “Are those marks I see? Could it be that you two… are you two together?” Isis moves forward as if to answer, and I quickly pull my hand back, bringing her body with it.

“Actually, yes, Elder Jose. We have known each other most of our lives. We chose each other before her father passed. It was a pleasure for me to bring him that happiness before the end.” A pain rips through my body, and I have to use everything in me to suppress my cry. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think that Isis has extended a claw and is digging it into my hand.

“How amazing is that?” Elder Jose looks back at the other two, who are nodding in agreement. “I think that’s a great idea, finally bringing the two packs together. I have to admit, we’ve wondered if you two would be fated to one another when you were younger. I always thought it would be advantageous.” I say nothing, gritting my teeth through the pain. Elder Mia steps forward with a smile on her face.

“Any plans regarding joining the packs?”

“Actually,” Isis chuckles. “We were starting to discuss that very thing when you guys got here. We are trying to figure out the best way to bring the packs together.” A phone dings, and I focus on Elder Thomas checking his messages. I have to focus on something other than this pain.

“I hate to interrupt, but we are needed. Maybe we can meet in a week or so and discuss what plans you two have come up with.” I nod at Elder Thomas, not trusting my voice.

“That would be great. See you then.” I watch Beta Lionel walk the elders out and close the door behind them. Isis pushes me away from her, and I slump over. I look down at my hand to see blood dripping from it.

“Seriously?! Was it that serious?!” Isis growls and stalks past me to the door.

“Clean that sh.it up!” She storms out of the room, leaving me in pain.

Will you heal me now?

I guess, but only because it hurts me too. I roll my eyes as Blade heals our hand. You know, I think I’m starting to like her.