Chapter 11

*Danika*

The day passed smoothly, with the Beta telling me different things about their pack. He told me that their activities were just like the activities of every other pack even though they were at the forefront of deciding the activities of every other pack ahead of them. I learned a lot.

The only thing just like I said earlier, was that he refused to say anything about the Alpha to me. Especially why he was the way he is.

I didn't ask. I just listened.

Finally, he left during the evening, letting me know the Alpha was back from the initiation and he needed to hear how the process went through. I bade him farewell even though I was enjoying his company-I also wished to hear how the initiation went, but I didn't ask to go with him.

He left and at once I felt his absence.

Spending time with the Beta taught me a lot, and as he left, I was sunk into several questions about most of the things he said. Firstly, I was shocked that the Alpha King wanted me to pretend to be the Beta's fiancée-cum-mate. Why would he do that? Am I that abhorring?

It was despairing and sad that he would have to result to such, just to make me oblivous to his pack members as his true mate. But I had recovered from my shock and accepted my new fate wholeheartedly. If that is what the Alpha wanted, why would I not accept? At least he didn't reject me out rightly.

The Beta had looked shocked that I didn't argue before accepting but he didn't say anything. I could see the pity in his eyes as he relayed his message. He looked like he wasn't in support of what the Alpha was doing, though didn't have the power to stop him.

I took courage from the fact that I had him. He seemed very nice and funny that most of the things he said had me cracking so loudly.

I truly appreciated him staying with me throughout the day and chatting with me-which I suspect was his way of making me feel comfortable after his hot blow. When he left, I could swear that I felt lonely and wished he had stayed back. He was one person whose smile reminded me that I wasn't that bad, but misjudged according to societal expectations.

Talking about being strong. His masculinity oozed nothing short of power- like someone I know. Urgh, he doesn't deserve me thinking of him.

I was left to myself, and I must say very lonely. I sat on the loveseat wishing he was around and I didn't have to feel that lonely and wretched.

However, I didn't have anything to do or did I try to stop him. I sat in my room afterward after he had stuffed me with so much food, eagerly awaiting nightfall, so I could sleep.  Hopefully, by the time I wake up tomorrow, it would be another day-and maybe I will forget about the Alpha King's unkindness.

It wasn't easy. I was miserable and maimed. Nothing could hide that. My mate had uttered mean things to me a night ago, and invigorated it today, by asking me to play pretend with his Beta. Nothing could erase that.

I went to bed that night feeling very miserable more than I have ever felt in my life.

When I woke up the next morning, I was still feeling very unfortunate-if not worse. I woke up early and went to take my bath, waiting for the waiter or the Beta to come get me.

When the doorbell eventually rang, I had gone to open it and was surprised to see the Beta standing there with another package. He told me it was time to leave and I had thanked him for the package, and gone on to change, and take my bag of toiletries he had provided me a night before, folding my red dress into a satchel. I loved it, even though the giver is an arsehole. I followed Lance quietly, already missing the confines of the hotel.

When we got outside, I saw a black car packed out which didn't look like the one we came with.

"We had ordered a new car. The old one seems to have developed an engine problem," Lance said beside me. I entered, not caring a bit. It's not like I'm some car specialist or fanatic.

I am used to the little things in life. I don't care if we go on a horse as far as we get to whatever we were going to.

When I entered the car, I was face-smacked when I saw the Alpha King sitting inside. He was clicking away at his phone, that he didn't seem to notice me enter. Or he noticed but chose to ignore me.

Douchebag.

"Put on your seat belt," he uttered snidely, still looking at his gadget.

I obeyed instantly, his scent encumbering me. Lord, does he know what he is doing to me with just his scent. Why won't he look at me? Do I look that repulsive to just him? Oh, I miss those blue depths even though they are often filled with hate when he looks at me.

So many ideas raced through my mind at his closeness, nonetheless, I ignored it.

The car pulled away from the lot, signifying we were off to wherever his pack was. I was relieved, knowing that wherever his pack was, we will soon get there so I can hide away from him for good. Staying this close is making me think and act stupid.

I reclined to the far corner of the car, giving him all the space he wanted. Why do we even have to be in the same car if he so much abhors my presence?

He was intent on his phone, not giving me any attention and I was happy about it. However, it seem the goddess wasn't so much on my side.

"What did you do yesterday?" he asked me while still clicking away on his phone.

"Nothing," I know well enough not to answer.

"Nothing?" he questioned me.

"I did nothing. The Beta came and we talked a lot. Apart from that, I did nothing else," I told him matter-of-factly. Is this the man that the Beta said wasn't as tough as he seem?

He chuckled devilishly making me want to slap him across the face. What was funny with me telling him I did nothing?

"So, I deduce Lancelot told you everything you needed to know about our pack as well as what is expected of you whence we get back at the pack?"

"Yes, Alpha," I returned poignantly.

"Great. Take heed not to make any mistakes. I can't have any of the pack members having any suspicion about you, especially my chosen mate. You understand?"

"Yes, Alpha," I replied mildly, refusing to think of his wicked tone. This is pure heartlessness. I am his mate for crying out loud! I bit down my jaw, holding back tears.

Chosen mate indeed. Another Bianca.

Just great.

The Beta who later joined us was sitting at the front with the driver and chatting about something that concerns the weather. So far, he hasn't said a word to me, which I found unfair. The Alpha King soon ignore me, leaving me to myself in abject boredom, wishing maybe him nagging me is better than my present condition. From time to time the Alpha King would respond to the Beta on something, and it continued like that.

It was as if I wasn't in the car.

I was the only one left out. I felt like I left my former box of anguish and I am being plunged into another without being given any breathing space.

Oh, I just hope we get there soon, I can't bear the silence any longer. When did I even turn to this attention seeker? Since you met the daft man, silly! I shook my head, gathering my impression.

The drive looked like it was aimed at adding to my agony. From time to time we either experienced traffic, or the driver would need to follow a hollow tunnel from an excuse that the primary road was encountering one hiccup or another.

Pfft!

Then, when it looked like I was going to pass out from everything happening around me, the car pulled into an elegant building in a narrow lane and stopped.

I exhaled a breath I didn't know I have been holding in, making sure my eyes didn't leave the outside of the car, lest I meet the condescending eyes of the mean man beside me.

"We will rest in this hotel until the morrow," the Alpha Kung announced and stepped out of the car. I remained long enough until I was certain he has entered the big building before I attempted to exit the car.

"And I was wondering perhaps your butt has gotten stuck to the car seat," commented the Beta humorously. I attempted a smile, fast getting used to him.

"Why are we stopping here? It's not like it's dark or something." I regarded him closely, reaching up to flip off my hair from my face.

"Yea..." he drawled, regarding our environment, his forehead creasing."The Alpha doesn't travel long distances. He prefers slow and steady. Don't tell anyone I said that," he hushed, tapping my shoulder, getting me to chuckle.

"Why do you like saying that? It's not like it's a taboo or anything," I remarked as we began walking into the hotel.

He cocked his head to the side, "I know it's not. It's just that he is a private person and these things are only known by me. I'm only telling you because... because you are mates and I fathom you should know something about him." He had a certain look while saying that, but I didn't want to probe him.

Now I felt more confused. Yesterday I could swear he was literally bumping around my questions concerning the Alpha. Today he is suddenly telling me he wants me to know something about him.

Eccentric.

Why is the man so cold for a start? Is this just about me or? No it can't be me. After all, the rumors about him had always been there before we met. There must be something that made him this hardened.

And he has a chosen mate. Who is she? Does he love her? Do they have the kind of bond mates are supposed to have? She must be very gorgeous, powerful, and sophisticated, unlike a clumsy weakling like me.

Urgh!

He is my mate and not hers! That's all that matters. Even though he doesn't recognize it now, he definitely will at some point.

"Hurry up, Muncho! Your mind moves faster than a truckster!" Lancelot drew me along into the building, his jest lightening my mood. At least I have someone that is on my side.

I think.

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