(Karson)
I got out of the shower with a smile on my face. Maybe Ruby would join me for a run before I took her home. I wrapped a towel around my waist as I walked out of the bathroom, my face fell when I couldn’t find Ruby anywhere.
Where did she go? Did I say something to offend her? I was pretty sure I rocked her world both last night and this morning. Walking into my closet to grab some clothes, I spot a note sitting on my dresser. It was from Ruby.
I needed to head home to my kids, get them ready
for the movie. I’ll see you tonight.
-Ruby
I sighed with relief, I didn’t scare her off after all. I headed down to the kitchen after I finished getting dressed. Once in the kitchen, I grabbed a bottle of water and headed to the training grounds. Since last night I still had energy to burn. I was halfway out of the kitchen when my gamma stopped me.
“Good morning Karson. Did anything productive last night?” He nudged me jokingly.
“What are you insinuating?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Oh nothing, I just passed Ruby on her way out, you two seemed to have had a good night.” He said, winking.
I couldn’t help but smile, thoughts of Ruby laying in my bed last night, bearing my mark. For once, I seemed genuinely happy.
“Oh goddess, I’ve never seen this smile before. What’s got you in a good mood?” The question came from Olivia entering the kitchen. Before I could answer her question, my mother also walked in, happy as ever. Dad must be taking her into town, she only smiles like that when she gets to go shopping.
“Oh Karson my dear. Is that what I think it is?” My mother pointed at my mate's mark on my shoulder. I smiled at her, running my hands through my strawberry blonde hair.
“Ya, we finally accepted the bond and marked each other last night.”
“Oh, that is such good news. We must celebrate. This calls for a party.” Only my mother would think of throwing a party for something like that. For an alpha to accept his mates' mark, it was a pretty big deal. It meant that my mate would be ready to be Luna, but I knew Ruby wasn't ready, I simply had to calm my mother down.
“Mother, we have already discussed this. Ruby isn’t ready for that role. As a matter of fact, I’m taking her and her pups out for a movie tonight.” I kissed my mother's cheek and headed out the door. Tonight I was going to show Ruby. I didn’t just want her, I wanted her pups as well.
(Olivia pov)
I prayed I misheard what was just said. It couldn't be true, but there it was. My body tensed as my eyes turned to Karson’s shoulder, there sitting just below the neck was a mark. My blood was boiling. How could that bitch claim my man, my Alpha? I averted my eyes. I couldn't bear to look at it anymore. I felt cheated, I knew I wasn't his fated mate, but I was meant to be his chosen.
My day was ruined. I needed something to cheer me up. Anything would do. Just then, my phone vibrated in my hand. I looked down to see an ‘unknown caller’. I stepped away to answer.
“Hello. Who is this?” I questioned.
“Ms. Pearson, who I am, is not important. I was told you needed information on a certain female wolf. Does that ring a bell for you?” The mysterious man questioned. My lips curled into a sadistic simile.
“Yes, hello. What do you have for me?”
“I have a file for you. Meet me at Duke's tavern on the outskirts of town. Say 9 o’clock?”
“I’ll see you there.” I ended the call, happier than I was 10 minutes ago.
(Ruby pov)
I walked in through the front door, hoping my pups were still sleeping. Only there weren't. Rini is standing in the kitchen pouring cereal for them when she spots me.
“Well, don’t you look like a ray of sunshine. Did you enjoy your night?” She points out my messy hair and the new clothes I'm in.
“Long story. How was everything? Were the kids good?” I asked, placing kisses on the top of their heads.
“Don’t avoid my question. I clearly see his mark on you”. Rini takes a sip from her cup, which must be tea, since she doesn’t drink coffee. She claims coffee is bad for one's body. I ignored that comment.
“I need to get ready, Karson is taking me and the kids to a movie tonight.” I called out, heading to my room. I heard my kids scream in excitement for the movie, causing me to smile.
I casually strolled to my closet determined to find something for tonight's date, nothing over the top but nothing too casual either. Tonight will be a test to see how well Karson can handle my twins. He mentioned he cared for them when I collapsed and was taken to the pack hospital, so we will see how he does. I decided on a white frilly tank top and a pair of jeans with my favorite boots. As for my twins, I chose pants and t-shirts with zip-up jackets since at night it tends to get cool. I wanted them to look respectable yet cute.
5 o’clock came faster than I anticipated. There was a knock at my front door. I knew it was Karson.
Right on time- Flora purred
You hush, I want to see how he does with our pups- I told her
He will be perfect, he’s our mate- Flora said.
She was right, he’s our mate, but perfect, that I wasn’t sure of just yet. I was a bit scared to let him officially meet my twins and I hoped this night would go well. I quickly headed out of my room to let Karson in, only Rini beat me to the door.
“Good evening Alpha Karson. What a pleasant surprise.” Rini said cheerfully. “Ruby is finishing getting the twins ready. Would you like to come in?”
“Thank you, I’d love to,” Karson said as he entered the threshold. I noticed the bouquet of flowers in his hands as well as two bags, one in pink and one in blue.
He brought our pups gifts- Flora pushed through again. It took everything in me not to run into this man's embrace. I collected myself and walked to Karson with my twins in tow.
“Alec, Anna, this is Alpha Karson. You remember him right?” I asked my kids. Alec was the first to speak up. I watched as my 3-year-old smiled and extended his little hand.
“Helwo, Mr. Alpafa.” My son sounded and looked absolutely adorable, it melted my heart. My sweet Anna, still hiding behind my legs, popped her head out looking at Karson and then back to me.
“Mama… Is that dada?” My heart felt heavy, I wasn't sure how I was gonna broach that topic. Karson looked at me as if he felt my worry.
I got this- Karson linked me. I looked at him with confusion. What was he planning?
“No, hunny, but if you let me, I would love to be your daddy, to both of you.” Karson said, looking at the twins.
He handed me the flowers, and I stared at him in awe. He hands the twins the bags. Alec pulls out an action figure and Anna has the cutest doll I've ever seen.
“Are you two ready to go see a movie?” Karson asked excitedly. Both kids squealed with excitement as we left the house. The drive into town wasn't long. We pulled into the theater, we got our tickets, and went straight to the concession stand. Karson allowed the kids to get popcorn and whatever candy they wanted. I settled for the jr. mints since they were my favorite, Alec chose gummy worms, and Anna got cotton candy. We made our way to our seats and everything was going surprisingly well.
I noticed after the movie ended both my kids had peacefully fallen asleep. I picked up Anna as Karson grabbed Alec. Between the excitement and all the sugar they ate, I was thankful I didn't have to fight them to go to bed tonight. I myself almost drifted off to sleep once we got in the car, but I was pulled away from that when Karson sparked up a conversation.
“My mother wants to take you dress shopping for the fundraiser. We’re supposed to leave in a few days.”
“I almost forgot about that, I could use her expertise since I don't know anything about dresses.” I responded.
That's right. I lost the bet, I had to attend as his luna. The thought of attending without having the actual title of Luna was nerve-racking.
“You might want to pick out a tiara, you are royalty after all.”
Shit, I forgot about that too.
Karson placed his hand on mine and smiled gently, reassuring me that I wouldn't be alone.
“We will get to meet the rest of the pack council, from there we will establish your title as princess.” Karson said before kissing my knuckles.
We arrived back at my place. It was easing getting my twins into their beds, since they fell asleep at the theater. I kissed their heads and quietly snuck out of their room. Karson was waiting by the front door. I wasn't sure if he was waiting for me to say goodnight before he left and a part of me didn't want him to leave.
Rini was already asleep on the sofa. I turned to Kason, smiled and whispered in his ear “stay with me tonight.” Karson didn't need an excuse to stay, he simply picked me up and carried me to my room. “Anything for you princess.”
(Olivia)
I waited down the road from the pack house to be less suspicious. I called that taxi an hour ago. Where the hell was it? Pearl was getting impatient. I promised her a run, but I was too focused on the bitch who stole my man from me and my position. I was starting to think the driver wasn’t coming until I saw the headlights come into view.
“Sorry about the delay, traffic is bad.” The driver said.
I looked at his name plate on the dash as I entered the vehicle… Jack Dawn.
What kind of name is that?
A name only a parent could love- Pearl chuckled.
Damn, she was right. I could never name my kids that, if I ever had one.
“Don’t think because of your excuse that I’ll tip you. I’m already late, no thanks to you.” I snapped at the driver.
“Yes miss, noted.” He started the meteor and began driving, luckily I made it to the tavern with 10 minutes to spare. I handed the man a hundred dollar bill. He looked at me confused.
“Keep the meteor on. I shouldn't be long. Think you can comprehend that?” I asked.
“Yes miss, I won't go anywhere.” He replied, turning off his taxi sign and keeping the car in park.
I looked up at the sign above the building, Duke's tavern. Located on the outskirts of town, known to wolves and humans. I headed inside, the place wreaked of sweat and stale beer. It was dimly lit with an old jukebox up against the wall, some pool tables and a dart machine.
“What are we drinking, beautiful?” The bartender asked. He was young looking but old enough to work there. His left arm was covered in tattoos and he was cleaning up a glass.
“Dirty martini.” I replied. “Extra dirty.” I added with a smile.
“Right away.” He said as he grabbed the vodka off the shelf. I looked around and didn't see anyone who screamed outsider not from here, until I spotted a muscular male in a baseball cap sitting in a booth in the far back.
“Here you go, beautiful. One extra dirty martini.” The bartender slid me my drink, I dug a 20 out of my purse, took the drink and replied with ‘Keep the change’. I walked in the direction of the man, stopping when I reached him.
“This spot taken?” I asked in my most flirtatious voice. The man looked up at me and he was wearing sunglasses, a black tank top and dark faded jeans.
Dark and mysterious. My kind of man- I thought to myself.
Seriously, the place is as dark as a dungeon and he’s wearing shades- Pearl questioned
I rolled my eyes at my wolf and pushed her into the back of my head.
“You must be Ms Pearson?” He said, extending his hand for me to shake. I gladly took his hand in mine.
“The pleasure is all mine.” I said as I sat down. “What do you have for me?” I asked, getting straight to the point. I had to remind myself I wasn't here for a night on the town, I was on a mission. The man slid a file over the table to me. I could feel myself getting excited. I was gonna find out who this bitch was once and for all.
I went to pick up the file, but the man put his hand down on it, preventing me. I gave him a confused look, all he did was give me a sadistic smile. I am familiar with smiles like that. He wanted something from me.
“We didn't get a chance to discuss my payment.” He said almost in a low growl.
“Oh, I didn't forget, but you didn't mention what it was you wanted in return!” I said coldly.
“It was a long trip here for me and I could use the company for a night.” He hinted at me. This I could do, plus he wasn’t half bad looking.
“Do you have a room?” I asked. “I have a room at that Dusk motel down the road. Show me a good time and I’ll be at your beck and call anytime you need anything.” He said, adjusting his now hard groin. I smiled at that.
“You have yourself a deal.” I said, shaking his hand. Pearl rolled her eyes at me. We finished our drinks and headed outside to where my taxi was still sitting idling. We got in and I drew my attention to the driver.
“Dusk motel.” I said. The driver didn't respond and drove us there.