Chapter 8
Albert
I moved through the quiet hallway, my footsteps echoing softly against the marble floors. The few that saw me bowed in respect, but altered no words.
I took the root that led to my mom’s chamber, on getting there, I met our little house guest, he was growling at me. He never for once liked me, and I had no problem with that, not a fan. of Cats either.
It seems she was sleeping, all I could hear was a steady heartbeat.
I headed back to the direction of my office. Two guards were outside the office.
“Welcome back Alpha,” They greeted.
“You are relieved,” I said as I closed the door behind me. The familiar scent of leather and old books greeted me. My desk was piled with documents and folders waiting for my attention. Switching on the desk lamp, I sat down and began sorting through the papers.
They were reports from various pack operations, financial statements, and strategic plans that needed my approval.
The ticking of the clock was the only sound I could hear as I immersed myself in my duties.
Morning arrived with the first light of dawn streaming through the windows. I looked at the time, and was surprised at how quick the night ran. The peaceful silence of the early hours was interrupted by the opening of the door.
I looked up in annoyance,wondering who dares to interrupt me at this hour, as well as why the person opened my door without knocking.
Marcus walked in, holding two folders in his hands. Marcus is my beta. A tall broad shouldered man with a perpetually serious face when needs be. Quite reliable if I must say.
“Alpha Albert,” Marcus said as he bowed his head in respect. “I did not know you would arrive today.” He said, and he walked toward where I was with the folders in his hands.
“I’m sorry for barging in like that, I wasn’t expecting you to be home by now, especially not in your office,” he stated.
“I can be wherever I want to be, this is my house and pack, or have you forgotten?” I said without giving him a glance. I went ahead with what I was doing. I was on the last document
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when Marcus cleared his throat.
“How was the meeting?” He asked.
“It was fine, they changed the document and st**ly thought I would sign them without going through the documents properly,” I replied.
“So…what does that mean?” he asked.
“It means the deal is broken.” I plainly stated.
I looked up at him, and he was staring directly at me. “You are oddly quiet, what brings you here by the way?”
“Have you been working
been working all night?” He asked.
“What do you think?” I questioned
“You need rest, you just got back from a business trip, you couldn’t even take the night off to rest, and you began working again,” He said. “At least if you don’t want to rest for your good, rest on behalf of the people. What will happen if they lose their very best warrior and the leader of their pack? You are overworking yourself.”
“I appreciate your concern, Marcus, but there is too much at stake. This pack needs me to be on top of everything,or don’t you like our progress? This is one of the largest, and strongest packs thanks to me.
“The pack also needs you to be well,” Marcus countered. “What good will you be to anyone if you burn out?”
I growled at his statement.
“I’m sorry Alpha, I don’t mean to be disrespectful but try to understand what I am trying to say, and where I’m coming from. These documents are for you.”
I breathed out. I knew he was right, I needed rest. However, occupying my schedule with work is a distraction from the emptiness I feel.
“I will take a break soon, but right now I need those documents you are holding.”
He hesitated for a moment before placing the documents on my desk.
“You may have your leave Marcus.”
The document he brought in was the financial report of last month and requests for what was
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needed in the pack. Stuff like: Communications devices, Weapons, medical supplies, Survival gear, Training Equipment, Ritual Items, clothing and armor, and many more.
A small golden envelope was placed beneath the folders.
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Finally done, I placed my head on the table to have a little rest. A light knock prevented me from doing so. Before I could respond, the door creaked open, and mother walked in, balancing a tray of breakfast on her hands.
“A little birdy told me you were back,” she said, a warm smile lightened up her face.
“When did you arrive?”
“Late last night.”
I couldn’t help it but feel a sense of relief at the sight of my mother. She has always been a calming presence in my life, offering wisdom and support whenever I needed it.
She placed the tray on my desk, the aroma of freshly baked bread and brewed coffee filled the room.
“You must be exhausted, you look like you haven’t slept at all.”
“I have been busy, catching up on work,” I admitted, running a hand through my hair. “There’s always something that needs my attention.”
Mom sighed, here eyes filled with concern. “You need to take it easy Albert, take care of yourself. Running the pack is important, but so is your health.”
“I’ll try mom,” I said as I stood up. “I’ll qulickly go freshing up so I can have
said giving her a kiss on the forehead.
“Be quick with that, you won’t like the coffee if it gets cold,” she said
my breakfast. I
I was out in a few minutes and began munching on my breakfast. Mom was seated at the opposite side of the table staring at me with a wide smile on her face..
“Well, that’s not weird at all Mom,” I sarcastically said.
“What? Is it a crime to stare at my Son?”
“No Mom, it’s not, it
just creepy. So cut it out!” demanded as she laughed.
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Chapter 8
“What’s that?” She said, grabbing the golden envelope on my desk.
Iris
“Mom?”
an eyebrow as she opened the envelope, and was smiling nonstop.
She looked at me and her smile died, her facial expression was neutral. “It’s an invitation to the Silverwoods clan’s decennial dedication event.”
“Mother, you know I’m not one for parties, there’s too much work to be done here.”
“Whatever you are thinking, my answer is No! If you would like to go, you are free to. I can arrange for people to go with you if you’d like,” I said.
Mom frowned, folding her arms across her chest. “Albert, you can’t keep hiding in your office. You need to go out, socialize and relax. And I don’t mean work-related.”
I shook my head, already feeling the tension building. “I have too much on my plate right now, the event can wait.”
“What if we find your mate there?” she said.
I stood up abruptly, my eyes were darkened. She knew not to use my weakness on me, but she did anyways. “Mother!”
“Just think about it, what if she will be there?” She said.
I tried to steady my breathing, RIO was feeling challenged. But what if she is right? I’ve spent years searching for her, but to no avail.
“Alright, Mother,” I finally agreed, a small smile tugged at the corner of her lips. “I will go to the Event.”
Her face lit up with joy as she hugged me. “Thank you, Albert.”
“Mom, I am not doing this for you, can you release me now please?”
The hours passed quickly, and before I knew it, the time had come to prepare for the Dedication event. I stood in front of the wardrobe, selecting a tailored suit that Mom had selected for me.
The deep Navy fabric was complemented by a crisp white shirt and a silver tie. A classic yet. elegant style.
As i made my way downstairs, I found Mom waiting for me at the bottom of the grand
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Chapter 8
staircase.
“You look wonderful, Albert,” she said, her voice filled with admiration.
“Thank you, Mother, you look breathtaking as well. Shall we go?”
“Sure.”
The drive to the event center was a long one. We got to our destination few hours later. The building Illuminated with twinkling lights.
As we stepped inside, All eyes were on me and the hall went quiet. Different Alphas from different packs were here, the hall was extremely crowded. Whispers of my arrival went around.
“Oh my God, he is here!!” I heard someone say
“Can you believe it? Alpha Albert from the Midnight Claw Pack!” another said. “He never comes for this occasion, I guess it’s my lucky day!” the lady said with excitement which irritated me. If that’s their attempt at whispering, then they may need some classes.
“He’s even more impressive in person!” Another said.
Thankfully, the Alpha of the Silverwood clan came to welcome both me and my Mother.
“Alpha Albert, it’s an honor having you here, we never expected the invitation to be honored, we are glad you came though.” He said.
“Ah Same here Alpha Lucas, I never thought I would be in a gathering like this, but that’s what you get when you have a persuasive Mother,” I said and he laughed.
“Come on let me introduce you to a distant cousin of mine, he’s the Alpha of the silverbelt pack,” he said as we walked.
I couldn’t hear anything he was saying, I was lost in a sweet aromatic scent. A mixture of caramel and vanilla. I left Lucas behind and followed the scent trail.
The scent got stronger with each step I took. I stopped directly in front of two ladies, one was on the ground, she seemed like someone in pain, her dress, soaked with what I assumed to be wine, and the second lady was standing directly above the other.
Rio
grew extremely protective of the lady on the ground. I stretched my hand toward her to help her up, and immediately she grabbed my hand, I could feel an electrical sensation where our skin-touched.
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She seemed not to be affected by the touch. I couldn’t take my eyes off her she was t epitome of beauty. Her body, lips, everything about her was just perfect.
“MATE,” Rio muttered
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Rio growled wanting to mark her there and then. I had to control myself because he was getting wild.
I glanced and the lady who caused harm to my mate, but there was no sign of rumorse on her face.
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