Chapter 12: Ada's Mate

Ada

I slam the door shut behind me and rest my back against it as I softly release my breath. What did I just do? The only reason I kissed him, was to shut him up. I was not supposed to enjoy it that much.

I am supposed to figure out what the hell is going on with the bomb, not lose myself in men’s arms. Yes, men, because I enjoyed Reese’s kiss as well.

Frustrated with my mixed emotions, I take off my clothes and get into the shower. Maybe the cold water can wash me of my sins. At the very least, it will rid me of this ridiculous throbbing desire for a man that does not like me.

Blake’s face said it all when I introduced myself. At best, I amuse him, but he does not like me. Not that I care, I never had this overwhelming desire for people to like me.

There are voices in my room when I close the taps. I unhook my dressing gown that is hanging on the back of the door and pull it over my naked body just as there is a knock on the door.

“Ada?” Zoe whispers. “Are you all right?”

“Peachy,” I smile as I open the door. “Have you cooled down?”

“Yeah,” she grunts. “But I still want to kill him.”

“You and me both,” I chuckle. “Go take a shower and get back into bed. There are only two more hours before daylight, and we need our beauty sleep.”

“Cooper is in the closet,” she says as she walks past me into the bathroom. “Don’t scream when you see him.”

“Thanks,” I grin and limp to the closet.

“Hello, Cooper,” I say friendly as I walk into my closet. “Your turn to keep watch?”

“I might as well go to sleep,” he sighs as he walks to the closet door and turns his back to me. “I doubt Clyde will be stupid enough to try again tonight.”

“You’re right about him not coming again,” I say as I put on fresh underwear and pyjamas. “But you’re wrong about his level of stupidity.”

“That makes absolutely no sense,” Cooper laughs as I walk past him to my bed.

“He would’ve tried again if he had time,” I explain as I pull the covers over me. “But he must be at training in an hour.”

“He could skip training,” Cooper suggests as he makes himself comfortable on the couch.

“My brothers won’t allow it,” I give him a devious smile. “Torturing him during training is their favourite part of the day.”

“Especially for Zayne,” Zoe chimes in as she walks out of the bedroom to her mattress. “He’ll never forgive Clyde for making a move on Tara.”

“Get some rest,” I say as I toss a pillow to Cooper. “Nobody will bother us until sunrise.”

“Thanks,” he grins as he fluffs the pillow. “And here I thought Blake got the best shift.”

My stomach dives when he mentions Blake but I turn on my side, close my eyes and will Blake’s face to the back of my mind.

**

“Ada,” Zoe’s voice is smooth as she shakes my shoulder. “It’s time for breakfast, wake up.”

“Urgh, I’m up,” I moan as I struggle my eyes open.

I rub over my face and force myself out of bed.

“How’s your ankle?” Zoe asks as I hop to the bathroom.

“Painfully broken,” I groan and close the door to go to the toilet.

I do not say a word to Zoe as we get dressed. All my thoughts are overpowered by the pain. All I want to do now is get food into my stomach so that I can lay my hands on the medication.

“Do you think you can guilt Chef Grumpy to make us some pancakes?” Zoe asks hopefully when we leave my room. “Nobody makes it like him but he never wants to make it.”

“He doesn’t respond to bribes,” I snort and come to an abrupt halt when I notice Reese by the stop of the stairs.

“Your carrier awaits,” Reese smile brightly at me. “You can hobble around all you want, but we cannot give Clyde the satisfaction of you tumbling down the stairs and sustaining more injuries.”

“Well, if you put it like that, I cannot resist,” I laugh as he picks me up.

“Your hair smells nice,” he whispers as he carries me, and I can feel a slight blush.

“You’re making this awkward,” I say softly as I avoid eye contact at all costs.

“Wow,” Reese snorts. “I never pinned you as a person that would find the truth awkward.”

Fortunately, we are in the dining room, and I do not have to respond. I thank him softly as he puts me down. I say morning to everyone as I take my seat across from Clyde but he does not look at me. I quickly glance in Blake’s direction but I might as well not even be here.

“Did you sleep well, Ada?” Father asks as I help myself to an omelette.

“Except for the nightmare, I slept like a log,” I smile before taking a bite.

“A nightmare?” Father looks at me amused. “I figured you’d be slightly comatose with all the medication Seth gave you.”

“Then I should double up tonight,” I shrug. “Maybe then the boogieman will stay away.”

I look at Clyde when I speak the words and his mouth turns into a thin white line, but he still refuses to look my way.

“Ada, you’re being silly in front of our guests,” Margo says with tight lips. “We’re all aware that you have an injury, you can stop with this attention-seeking.”

“You know, aunt Margo,” I put my cutlery down and give her a death stare. “You’re right. That must be it. I’m so desperate for attention that I dream a man is standing next to my bed masturb*ting.”

“Dear goddess, Ada,” Margo explodes and slams on the table. Her eyes are wild and angry and for a moment it seems like she is about to have a stroke. “Is it too much to ask that you utilise the manners that I know your mother taught you? There is absolutely no need for you to be so crude.”

“Margo, please …”

“No, Theo,” Margo cuts him off. “This time she went too far. Yesterday she accused Clyde for no reason and now this. Nothing you say can justify such behaviour. I don’t know how you can just sit there while she humiliates this family in front of our guests.”

“I had enough,” Margo jumps up and storms out of the dining room.

“Can you hand me the salt, please Zayne?” Tyler asks as if nothing just happened.

“This bacon is fried to perfection,” Cooper says as he dishes more.

“Ada,” Father sighs and I look at him. He suddenly looks much older than fifty. “You need to apologize.”

“But …”

“There is a time and place for everything,” Dad cuts off my protest. “And masturbati*n is not a topic when you enjoy bacon and eggs. You know that and I know you only lashed out because she accused you of seeking attention. But please, just be the lesser person and apologize.”

“Okay,” I nod and look down at my plate as my blood is boiling. Things would have been different if I only said it for a reaction, but it is the truth. If Zoe did not stop Clyde, he would have completed the act.

“I would also like an apology,” Clyde says as he sits back and fold his arms. “For accusing me of planting the bomb.”

“You, dear cousin, can go f*ck yourself,” I hiss and stand up.

“Here’s your apology,” I flip him the finger. “I’m truly sorry that I ever met you.”

“Ada, enough,” Father explodes. “That is completely uncalled for.”

“Really, Father,” I shout, now beside myself with anger. “You know what’s uncalled for? This f*cknut coming into my room in the middle of the night. Ask Zoe if you don’t believe me. I’m not making this up.”

“Clyde, is that true?” Dad bellows and his nostrils flare in anger. “Were you in her room last night?”

“Yes, alpha,” Clyde’s voice is soft but steady. “I was concerned and checked in on her.”

In a flash, Dad is out of his chair and next to Clyde. He grabs him by the throat and Clyde’s eyes are wide and filled with fear.

“If you ever, ever go near Ada again without her permission, I will have your head. Do you understand me, boy?” He bellows.

“Ye … yes, sir,” he stutters.

“You owe her an apology,” Dad releases Clyde and he plumbs back into his chair.

“I’m sorry,” Clyde mumbles and keeps his eyes in front of him.

“As if you mean it,” Dad shouts and hits him hard on the back of his head.

“I’m sorry,” Clyde says as he looks at me with unblemished hatred.

In my heart I know he does not mean it. The only thing he is sorry for is that we are not alone right now so he can take his anger out on me.

I nod and walk away to find Margo. I will do as Dad said. I will apologize but I can guarantee that dear aunt Margo is not going to like what I have to say.