Chapter 22 His Mate
Russell tutted, but his resolve was still unshaken.
“Can you at least hear me out? There is a good explanation to what you saw down there.”
“Not interested!” Mia bellowed, and then a clattering sound followed.
Russell moved closer to the door, pressing his ear against it.
“Are you okay?”
“I am fine,” Mia responded, her voice sharp and quick.
Russell grunted, shaking his head slowly.
“Open the door, Mia. You will understand better, I promise you.” He waited patiently, listening for even the tiniest sound.
“Mia? I am still here.” He said calmly, taking a deep breath.
He thought he was going to have to wait much longer, but the clicking sound said otherwise.
A few seconds later, the door opened, and Mia stood before him, staring with a deadpan expression.
“Let me guess. She is one of your mistresses, and she means nothing to you.”
Russell scoffed, and then he laughed silently, shaking his head.
Mia scowled at him, fighting the urge to slam the door to his face.
“What’s so funny, Alpha Russell? Is that a method for you to get away with your crimes?”
“No,” Russell responded at once, stretching his tone.
“You need to see the jealousy in your eyes, Mia.” He walked into the room, and knowing that she could stop him, Mia stepped out of the way.
The Alpha walked to the chair by the corner and sat on it, then he placed his right leg on the left, staring at Mia with a smirk etched on his face.
“You didn’t have to run off like that, Mia. You should have at least waited to know who she was.”
“Because I wasn’t interested in any form of fraternizing with any of your countless mistresses.”
Russell tutted, taking a deep breath.
“She is not my mistress, Mia.” He said audibly, staring at Mia who stood just two meters away from her, glaring at him.
She sniggered, her eyes glittering with doubt.
“If she is not one of your mistresses, then who is she?”
“She is my sister, Mia.” Russell gave a quick response, causing Mia to gasp, her expression dropping slowly.
“What?” She arched her brows, turning to the door as though she could see through it.
“That’s Alara? The one you have been talking about?”
“Yes, Mia.” Russell nodded, and then he pushed himself from the seat.
He tried getting close to Mia, but she quickly moved away before he could get to him.
“Why didn’t you tell me that she was coming home today? You just made me look like an idiot.” Mia slapped her palm on her forehead, grunting silently.
Russell cleared his throat. “You know I would have told you, but I didn’t know that she was coming back to the city. I am as surprised as you are.”
He looked into Mia’s eyes, and seeing that she was still nervous, he inched closer, and this time, she didn’t move away from him.
Russell grabbed her hands, and then he replaced his deadpan expression with a smile.
“I promise you, Alara is very friendly, and you will love her. I am sure she will be very delighted to meet you.”
“Are you sure?” Mia asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
She looked the Alpha in the eyes, doubt simmering through her nerves.
Russell nodded to affirm his words. “Yes.” He said silently, and just then, Alara’s voice was heard along the hallway, calling out to him.
“Where are you, Russell?” She walked passed the door after she had checked the Alpha’s chamber.
Russell sighed, squeezing Mia’s hands gently.
“I think we should go say hello, Mia. Come on.” He led Mia toward the door, and after showing a little reluctance, she finally left with him.
The moment Alara heard the sound of the door opening behind her, she turned.
“There you are.” She stared at the Alpha with an arched brow, curiosity etched on her face.
“What were you doing in Mother’s room?” She asked, but seeing Mia walking out of the room, she forgot about her question, focusing all her attention on her.
Russell shut the door as soon as Mia was out of the way, and then led her to his sister.
Mia forced a smile as she sauntered beside the Alpha, avoiding the curious eyes of his sister.
Russell cleared his throat the moment they stood in front of Alara, and then he took a deep breath.
“Alara? This is Mia.” He turned to Mia, holding onto his smile.
“Mia? This is Alara, my sister.”
Mia finally lifted her face, facing Alara.
“Hello, Alara. It’s so wonderful to finally meet you. Alpha Russell has told me so much about you.” She chuckled softly, extending her hand toward Alara.
“I wish I could say the same.” Alara shook hands with her, turning to the Alpha.
“Unfortunately, my brother failed to mention that we have a guest in the castle.”
“Mia is not a guest, Alara.” Russell corrected, ignoring the smirk on his sister’s face.
Alara nodded. “Right.” She returned her gaze to Mia, releasing her hand from the handshake.
“You are welcome, Mia. How long would you be staying with us?” She asked, ignoring the Alpha’s gesture.
Mia cleared her throat, unprepared for the unexpected question.
She turned to the Alpha, having nothing to say.
Russell sighed, and staring at his sister with a wry smile, he broke the suspenseful silence.
“Mia is my mate, Alara. I don’t think there is a time duration for how long she is going to be here.”
“What did you just say?” Alara gasped, her eyes bulging like they were about to crawl out of their sockets.
“She is your mate?” She muttered, pointing to Mia and staring at her.
Russell nodded with a firm smile.
“Yes, Alara. You don’t seem excited, you should be happy for me.”
“I…” Alara stuttered, and then she returned her gaze to Mia.
“You have a new mate? How is that even possible? It’s only been two years since…”
“I don’t want to hear that name.” Russell stopped her before she could finish, and then his smile replaced the brief glare.