Athindrya

Chapter 10

After their ‘successful’ first encounter the Alpha had taken her to a room on the other side of the pack house. Ivy had never been in a pack house, but if the change in decoration was of any indication, she’d guess they were in the Alpha wing.

While the room she had been kept in before was big and tidy, it was nothing compared to the intimate feel she got from this part of the house. There were family portraits and children’s drawings dotting the walls, Ivy could make out laughter in the distance. She couldn’t help but smile internally.

She could just picture the pups running after each other, revelling in their carefree lives.

That could be our pups. Lilka pipped up.

The over excited wolf had been untameable in her elation over finding her mate. Ivy had tried to calm her down but had been dreadfully unsuccessful to do so, ever since she had been surrounded by her mate’s arms and scent.

Azai had originally tried to house her in his room, but there was no way in hell Ivy would accept that. So instead she stood in the doorway, one eyebrow raised. The less she spoke to him the better.

Eventually he caught on and gave her a room of her own. The only problem was it was right across the hall from his room. Ivy rolled her eyes; as if she needed babysitting. She quickly dismissed the tall handsome Alpha, shutting the door in his face. She slumped against the door as Lilka whined loudly in protest.

It was a large room, but then again, all rooms seemed large in comparison to her room at Athindrya. It had a double mahogany bed on the left with a deep blue duvet and matching pillows. There was even a door on the right, leading to an attached bathroom. The room was brightly illuminated from a large window.

Ivy did have to admit it was a beautiful view. She could see some of the houses on the edge of the clearing before the forest engulfed them. The pine green and the sky blue almost merged together on the horizon.

If she wasn’t so set on her freedom, she might have been able to admit to herself that this pack seemed to be a welcoming and refreshing place. All expect Grumpy McGuard of course.

Ivy wondered what his problem was. He had smelt of a ranked wolf, but she hadn’t been able to figure out which rank. Guess she was a little out of practise. She wondered how close he was to the…

Drool worthy, panty dropping Alpha? Lilka supplied, a huge grin on her face.

He’s not even that good looking. Though Ivy knew as well as anybody she didn’t even sound slightly convincing.

Uh huh. That’s why you’re currently picturing him shirtless.

Stop invading my thoughts! Ivy shook her head in an attempt to rid herself of those mental images Lilka had placed there. Lilka sneered.

Ivy knew from the moment she had smelt her mate, her mission had become ten times harder. But she had thought her and Lilka would be on the same page, just as they always had been. She should’ve remembered the mate bond was twice as strong for wolves, and even then Lilka had never shown any disinterest in a mate.

Just then came a knock at the door. Ivy turned around expecting to go open it herself, but there was no need as the intruder was already stepping into the room.

She could already tell this guy was a Beta by the way he sauntered into the room, a charming smile on his face. He had curly light brown hair, it was clear he worked out, but he also had an air of self-assurance but without the arrogance.

Once the door was shut behind him, he did an over exaggerated bow, tilting his head down.

“My lady, it is wonderful to finally meet you.” The posh accent he put on made the scene all the more ridiculous and Ivy could barely restrain her lips curving up slightly. Thankfully, she composed herself before he straightened up. She just nodded her head in acknowledgement.

“Well pleasantries aside, I’m Shane, the pack Beta. I’ve been sent here to make sure everything is to your liking.”

This seemed like an oddly kind thing to do, but then why did the Alpha not just check himself, if he claimed they were mates.

We are mates dipshit. Lilka corrected.

Shane must’ve read the confusion on her face.

“The Alpha is in a meeting at the moment, so he sent me instead. Which quite frankly is always the better option.”

He looked on expectantly at Ivy while she remained silent, a blank expression on her face.

The silence lasted a bit longer, Ivy was determined she would not be the one to break it. Shane clapped his hands.

“Well then, I’ll just leave you to it.” Spinning on his heals, Ivy was once again left alone.

She sighed as she limped over to the small sofa opposite the main window. As she stared out into the outside world Ivy got lost in her thoughts.

She could clearly picture Lorelai jumping for joy at the news of Ivy finding her mate. Mei would soon join in the group hug, with her infectious happiness. While Seff would put on his big brother persona and threaten to tear the world apart if he ever hurt her, before squeezing her in a bear hug.

She could almost feel the warmth and comfort of Seff’s hug. She could almost hear Lor’s and Mei’s laughter and shouts of congratulations. If only they knew how much she didn’t want a mate. She couldn’t be free with a mate especially if he was an Alpha. Let alone the Alpha of the pack she had to investigate.

Urgh. Her head dropped into her hands.

We can be free with our mate. He loves us. Lilka’s gentle voice reminded. Ivy appreciated how Lilka knew her. When to make jokes and when not to. But on this one Ivy wouldn’t agree.

Maybe a walk around the pack lands could help. She lifted herself off the comfy sofa and headed out the door. The pack house was a maze.