Secrets of his Mate

Ten

Roman

The sounds of doors slamming woke me. I looked at the clock to find it was only seven thirty in the morning. It was too early for Alessandro's temper tantrums. His mood swings have been on the rise since Elana came into his life. Luckily, he had been keeping a low profile, but soon the pack members would start to catch on and begin viewing him as a weak, unorganized, emotional leader.

It was becoming difficult to control my thoughts. There was anger building in me. I couldn't understand where it was coming from or why it was happening, but deep down I knew it was really jealousy eating at me. Life wasn't fair, but this was truly a low blow. Alessandro deserved to find his mate just like everybody else, but he didn't deserve Elana. I was the one who knew her darkest secret and had admired her for a long time. Why would the moon goddess torture me this way? Why would she make Elana my best friend’s mate?

I wasn't sure what had just occurred, but I knew it involved Elana. My new envious feelings were making it hard to get up and find out for sure. I didn't want to see Alessandro at that moment, let alone lend him a crying shoulder. I no longer wanted to cater to the grown man baby's feelings. He was becoming embarrassing to me. He wasn't the fearless, ruthless Alpha this pack respected even if he admitted to killing the rogues last night. It was an impatient, quick, brutal murder. He wasn't thinking straight. If he were, he would've known he could have pushed more information out of them with time. He was losing himself and acting desperate.

My ears tensed at the sound of a soft, creaking noise and light footsteps. I quickly hopped out of bed, threw on shorts and a t-shirt, and made my way to peep out my bedroom door. Elana was making her way down the hall in a red tank top and leggings. Alessandro nor any guards were in sight. I couldn't believe she wasn't locked in her room and roaming about carelessly.

I kept distance between us as I followed and watched her every move. She walked with her shoulders back and head held high. The amount of confidence radiating from her was powerful, not to mention attractive. Everything about her from the flow of her long hair to the sway in her hips was mesmerizing. It wasn't the time to fantasize about her, but I couldn't help myself. She was too good for Alessandro and didn't deserve to be dragged here the way she was.

Elana walked into the kitchen causing the chef making breakfast to gasp in her presence and quickly bowed his head in respect. She returned the action with a small smile as she began digging through the refrigerator. The chef watched her cautiously before building the courage to speak.

"Anything in particular you're looking for, Ms. Luna?"

She shook her head without glancing his way. "Not really."

"I am cooking for you and Alpha, Alessandro. Do you like biscuits and gravy? It's what Alpha wanted," he said eagerly wanting her approval.

"I don't give a damn what Alpha wanted," she mumbled under her breath, although we could hear her easily with our werewolf hearing. She quickly looked up at him and gave a reassuring smile. "That'll be fine, thank you." With that said, she grabbed a bagel and walked out.

Elana's head snapped at my direction as soon as she stepped out of the kitchen. "Are you just going to keep following me?"

I chuckled trying to hide my embarrassment. "How did you know I was here?"

"You're not as stealthy as you think you are."

"Ouch," was all I could manage to say.

"Why are you following me?"

"Why are you out of your room?" I retorted.

"I need some fresh air," she said as matter of fact and made her way outside.

I trailed her until she stopped behind the pack house to stare at the flower portrait Alessandro created of her. "It's nice isn't?" I asked coating the bitterness in my words.

She nodded without shifting her gaze. "Yeah, it is." She took a deep sigh. "It's a little much though, isn't it? Such a big gesture for someone he doesn't know."

"You're his mate. There's nothing he wouldn't do for you." I was disgusted catching myself defending him, but he was the Alpha and my best friend. No matter how I felt about their relationship, I needed to respect him.

"Except letting me live my normal life," she said sneakily walking over to the pond as she sat on the bench.

I sighed heavily sitting next to her. "You already know why so I'm not going into that conversation. All I know is that he really does care for you. Besides, I heard you two kissed," I said with a fake smile on my face and playfully nudged her.

"Yeah, I guess we did," she replied nonchalantly.

"You guess? Alessandro seemed pretty happy about it." I leaned in closer and whispered, "Was it not good?"

That made her laugh. "He's not a bad kisser."

Heat rose inside me imagining her enjoying making out with him. I secretly wished she had found him repulsive. I didn't like the idea of them skipping off in the sunset together. "Does that mean you're trying to make things work with him?"

She rolled her eyes. "It means I felt like kissing him. That's all."

We sat quietly for a while. Elana appeared in deep thought as she stared blankly at the fish in the pond. "So," I began to say considering my next words carefully. "Did you tell him yet? You know, about your past."

She shook her head. "I'll tell him whenever I think he needs to know that. How is it that you're the only one who knows about me anyways? I mean I’m no super star, but no one else at the party seemed to recognize me."

I shrugged. "I really don't know. Most werewolves are pretty old fashioned, especially when it comes to technology. They finally accepted cellphones as a necessity. I do spend a lot of time online when I'm alone. Honestly, I've been following you for a while now. I'm actually one of your biggest fans."

"Oh lord," she laughed and rolled her eyes. "What would Alessandro think of that?" she teased, but I could picture his rage. I hid this information from him when he'd been looking for any source of history of her.

"I don't think he'd like that too much," I answered honestly. "Which is why I can't be the one to tell him about it. I'm pretty sure he'll kill me. If not for keeping it from him, then because of his jealousy."

"So then don't tell him," she simply said.

"How does that not bother you? Are you not embarrassed at all?"

"Why should I be embarrassed? The only thing slightly bothering me is meeting my biggest fan and knowing he's my kidnapper's best friend."

"Well, I'm sorry. I was just trying to be honest with you. I never thought I would meet you in person, so I've been a little star struck."

"Right." She side eyed me and looked back at the fish. "How did you know I left the room?"

"Thanks to Alessandro slamming the doors I woke up and heard your footsteps. I'm willing to bet he didn't allow you out of there."

"I don't need his permission, ok?"

I put my hands up in defeat. "Why is he so angry now?"

Elana shrugged. "I think I really hurt his feelings. It wasn't even on purpose this time."

"He'll come around," I reassured her. "I'm sure whatever you did wasn't bad enough for him to hate you forever."

"I don't care," she said firmly although I could detect a bit of concern in her words that hurt my core and quickly changed the subject. "What's there to do here? I'm tired of being locked away."

"You haven't gotten the grand tour?" I smirked. "Let me show you around." This was her third day here and hadn't seen all the perks our pack house offered. It was a real shame, but I was about to change that.

We walked on a small path through the heavy trees that stood a few yards ahead of us behind the house. The path directed us to the town homes where the Omegas lived. I showed her basketball court, tennis court, and playground built for them. There were a few kids already up and playing that had their full attention on Elana in complete awe.

Next, I guided her to the bottom of the west wing to show off our bowling alley, swimming pool, arcade, and home theater rooms. It was pretty quiet so early in the morning, but the pack warriors who lived on the floors above would soon start their daily training outside.

I then took her back to the entrance of the pack house showing her the massive library, auditorium, and ballroom. With every room she entered, her face was a priceless look of amazement. She took her time taking in the scene in front of her as she explored and touched different objects in sight. It was adorable to say the least.

Lastly, I brought her into the conference room where we meet with other Alphas or for any serious matters. Elana walked around the large oval table and plopped down on one of the office chairs before spinning herself around. Suddenly she came to a full stop with hers glued to the door.

I turned to see a furious Alessandro glaring into me. His eyes were like fire with flames ready to burst. His chest rose up and down with each deep breath he took in. He was a ticking time bomb. Every moment that passed without him saying a word was scarier than the next. It was as if he was contemplating what to do next.

"We're having breakfast upstairs," Alessandro calmly told Elana.

"Right now?" she asked innocently.

"Yes!" he shouted without warning losing his temper. It violently shook the room.

Elana stood and walked towards him with her head down. He quickly grabbed her by the arm and pulled her away. She turned to look back at me and smiled. "That was fun. I'll see you later."

Alessandro's low growl couldn't be any stronger. I braced myself for what was to come when he locked her in her room, and we came face to face.