Alpha’s Mistake

Chapter 7

Alpha Vlad~

I’ve seen bastards. Dealt with the majority, but never expected to have one as a brother.

Drago's audacity fumes. How dare he want what’s mine? He has been this way since we were boys, but this time, he crossed the line.

He knows the significance of a mate in the life of an alpha and how willing I am to risk protecting Milena, even if it costs my position and life.

Yet, he’s bent on crossing the line, letting traitorous words roll off his tongue. He always dares. I promise to rip out his tongue and feed it to the vultures.

“Nngh,” Milena moans, still in deep sleep. Gripping my shirt, she mashes her body firmly against mine, drawing my attention back to her. I clench my jaw as my breeches tighten around my extreme erection.

She has no idea the effect of her closeness. My wolf, however, makes her wolf, Nana, restless and ready to be mated.

Adjusting Milena’s hair, I gain visibility of her face. My throat runs dry as I take in every detail of her features. Her long, sleepy lashes and the freckles lined across the bridge of her nose leave me wondering how beautiful a star shines through a lovely night.

She has always shone since childhood, but more gorgeous staring from a closer edge. Amidst angels, this woman sits at the goddess's right hand. I wish I were a good man and wouldn't bring greater damage to her future; nothing would have stopped me from making her mine.

Not even my blood.

Pulling out my handkerchief from my breeches' pocket, I clean her almost dried-up sweat from her forehead. It’s a good thing her shivering has stopped. However, she is burning, and her arousal is getting intense.

The mate bond must be toying with her. Or, hold on… is her wolf in heat? Can’t f*****g be, because it won’t be a good one. I bet it’s a fever from the cold attached to the mate bond.

That’s it.

Milena’s soft wail forces my eyes to roam her body, and I take in deep breath as I scrutinize her perfect curves. They are enough to create madness in the brain of a man. Her womanly features are the best to grace the earth. f**k. I need to get a hold of myself and not mess up.

Shifting my hard c**k to the side and bringing down my shirt to assist with covering the animal, I cuddle Milena into my arms like a bride and step out of the den to a maiden room I had prepared for her. The instruction I gave to Zoran was — buy her from the auctioning ground, get her to Drago safely, and make sure she has good food and shelter.

But he failed the last order. He will answer to me when I return.

Gently, I lay Milena on the mattress. It takes everything in me not to lie by her side, bury my nose at the crook of her neck, and drown in her scent. But I dare not act stupid around her.

Milena is out of reach. She might be my mate, but I'm forbidden to be with her. The disturbing past between us and my engagement to Princess Lada are bells to my consciousness.

Fantastic reminders.

Running my fingers through my glossy hair, I look at Milena one last time. Slip my hands into my pockets and storm out of the room. I pray nothing brings us closer again even after she gains her freedom when I set things right in the packs.

We should stay memories and remain that way till eternity.

Reaching the exit of Drago’s castle, I approach Kane, who is in a heated conversation with Drago, Drago’s beta, and Gamma. I tap his shoulder, walking past the others. Their conversation is not of importance.

Kane chases after me.

“You don’t have any words for Drago?” He reaches for the horses, grabbing their reins, preparing them for takeoff.

“Drago owes me no explanation. Zoran does.”

“I doubt Zoran will be so careless as to leave your mate in such a mess.”

“If he didn't, then he failed to make sure she was in good condition before leaving.” I make to mount my horse's stirrup when Kane tugs my arm.

“Don’t you think you’re doing the same?”

His comment makes me arch my brow. Tilting my head, I nod for him to go on.

He clears his throat, acting uncomfortable out of the blue.

“You’ve been running your mouth, so speak.”

“Don’t forget you’re the reason I run my mouth. I pray my lips don’t fall someday,” he says, and I can’t help but scoff a grin.

Kane can be heap of personalities, but I love him that way.

“Milena’s heat,” he continues, “I believe it’s a thing of concern.” Kane mentions what I’ve hoped not to be true.

Funny how my best friend noticed something this sensitive about my mate. Impressive.

“Milena will handle herself,” I say.

“It’s her first heat. It’ll be painful for her to scale through without your help.”

“Hmmn,” I nod, agreeing. “But I can’t mate her, and you aren't a stranger to the odds involved.”

“You can find a way around.”

“How?”

“Vlad, stop acting like a damn virgin boy. I…” He clears his throat.

“Don’t you dare say it.”

Kane enjoys entertaining names of she-wolves I've had balls emptying moments with. He knows the circumstances surrounding that madness at the time but won’t let things be.

“Then find a way, Vlad. You have to be around her until her heat dies off.”

“It’s risky. I don’t trust myself.”

“But you’ve handled and resisted a lot of maidens.”

“None were my mates. Milena is different. Her scent alone drives me crazy.”

Why can’t Kane understand my point? He’s constantly f*****g pushing me into doing absurd things.

“Is it just the mate bond or the fact you’ve had a crush on her ever since you were a boy?” He pushes another button.

“Shut your foul mouth or my fist will do that.” I mount the horse.

“Should I ask Zlata for help?”

“Don’t get my sister involved.”

“And what’s the thing you do not wish to get me involved in?” As always, Zlata appears like a wind trailing for its name. “Hi, brother," she waves. “Or should I bow and say, 'Greetings, Alpha Vladimir.'"

My eyes roll to the back of my head as I shake my head. “When did you arrive in Duskwarren?”

Her hand covers the side of her mouth as she mutters, “The moment I heard of my brother's madness.”

“Did Drago do something again?”

She waves dismissively. “Not him, but you,” she says, and Kane laughs.

What the hell is funny?

My forehead knits as I stare at her. “Zlata, I'm your sane brother, remember?”

She kisses her teeth repeatedly. “Not after you sold your mate to the rogues. I heard the news. It’s all over the pack. People are gossiping in excitement.”

“And you, are you excited?” My grip on the rein becomes firm as the horse jerks.

“The poor girl has nothing to do with all this. It’s no fault of hers; her mate is engaged to Lada, and the engagement means a political alliance for both packs. You should have rejected her instead,” she says, twisting the tip of her ponytail.

“Milena might not survive the rejection. Don’t forget she is of an alpha bloodline. Too many risks.”

“What if she isn’t safe where she is? Men are animalistic with women, especially female slaves.”

“And that’s why we appreciate it if you look after her during her heat period,” Kane blurts.

“Kane,” I grunt.

“Vlad, Milena needs help, and Zlata is the only trusted one even though she isn’t the best option.” He clears his throat.

“Is Milena here?” Zlata points over her shoulder.

“Yes, Zla,” Kane responds.

Her eyes go wide as a soft smile appears on her lips. She brushes my thigh proudly. “Thanks for not disappointing me. I was scared you’ve finally turned out like Drago and Father."

“I don’t belong with bastards.” I pat her head. “Time to go.” I reverse my horse in the exit direction.

“Make sure Milena has everything she needs during her heat period. You can find her in the exquisite maiden room,” I announce.

I doubt leaving Milena in the hands of Zlata is the best solution. My sister is naughty. And with she-wolves, she is a horny predator. She struggles to control herself around beautiful ladies and always converts them into what she is.

But I trust she won’t try it with my mate.