Chapter 34: The Alpha's Burden
Leo's POV
I had barely settled into the leather chair in my study when the air around me grew heavier, thick with unease. The recent events involving Ivy gnawed at my mind, but I pushed those thoughts aside for now. I need to know who I'm dealing with first. I picked up my phone and called Zane, my Beta and best friend, to issue critical orders.
“Zane, I need you to dig deeper into this so-called Keeper. Find out anything you can—where it came from, what its purpose is, and if it’s connected to any old magic we might’ve overlooked.”
There was a pause on the line, followed by Zane’s steady voice. “I’ll get right on it, Alpha. Anything else?”
“Yes. Send a few trusted men to track Malrik. A rogue was seen lurking near my house and my mate. I want to know who it is and what they’re after. No mistakes.”
“Understood. But, Leo…” Zane’s voice hardened, his tone shifting from professional to personal. “You’ve found your second-chance mate, and you didn’t think to tell me? I’m not just your Beta—I’m your damn best friend!”
I sighed, rubbing the bridge of my nose. He was right, of course. Zane knew everything about me—everything except Ivy. And I intended to keep it that way until I figured out what this so-called curse meant for her and for us.
“Zane, I’ll explain when the time is right. For now, drop it. You’ll meet her soon enough.”
“She's human, isn't she?” he asked after a long pause. I sighed, debating on what to tell me. After a while, I reached a decision that is safe for Ivy.
“Yes. Yes she is. Just drop it for now, Zane.”
There was silence on the other end before Zane finally relented, though not without one last jab. “Fine. But you owe me an explanation, and don’t think I’m letting this go.”
Before we hung up, he added one more thing that made my blood simmer with irritation. “The council is demanding your presence. They want you to reveal your face.”
“So?” I said, leaning back in my chair. “Do what you always do—represent me.”
“No, Leo. They want you. In person. No more hiding behind shadows. You’ve achieved part of the reason you went underground. You know who your enemies are. Besides, do you really think the sorceress Dina doesn’t already know who you are or where you live?”
That thought struck a nerve. The idea that Dina, with all her ancient magic, might already be aware of my identity had crossed my mind before. Perhaps it was time to stop hiding.
“I’ll think about it, Zane. When’s the meeting?”
He gave me the details, and before we ended the call, I warned him not to let anyone know I had found my mate. Not yet.
\---
With the call over, I leaned back and closed my eyes, trying to relax. But the moment my guard lowered, the bond between Ivy and me flared to life. She was here, under the same roof. My wolf, Theo, howled in delight, urging me to go to her. But then I remembered how she had refused to share a bed with me. She seemed more human than most humans.
Should I be worried? She’s already twenty-five and still doesn’t have her wolf. Maybe I should call the witch, Lena, who enchanted the Light Wing to examine her. Perhaps there is a way to speed up the process.
My musings were abruptly shattered by a piercing scream. Ivy.
I moved faster than I thought possible, reaching her room in seconds. Without hesitation, I slammed the door open, finding her sitting upright in bed, her chest heaving, her face pale and drenched in sweat.
“Ivy,” I said softly, approaching her with careful steps. “It’s okay. You’re safe now.”
But as I reached out to comfort her, she flinched, tension radiating from her body. Her fear didn’t just sting—it cut deep.
“Let me stay,” I offered, keeping my voice low and gentle. But she shook her head, still trembling.
“I’m fine. I just need… some space,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Theo whimpered in my mind, but I forced myself to retreat. One last glance at her distant expression and I left, though the ache in my chest refused to subside. Maybe she was still shaken from the earlier invasion. Maybe by morning, things would be better.
But I was wrong.
\---
Morning came, and everything was worse. Ivy avoided me like I carried a plague. She locked herself in her room, only opening the door when she thought I was far enough away. I heard her on the phone at one point, though I didn't listen carefully to make out what she was saying.
I didn't want to pry.
When she finally emerged, my breath caught in my throat. She was dressed in a sleek, navy-blue office dress that hugged her curves perfectly, with a silver belt cinching her tiny waist. Her brown wavy hair fell over her shoulders in soft cascades, framing her face beautifully. Light pink lipstick highlighted her full lips, and for a moment, all I could think about was how badly I wanted to claim her right there, to chain her to me so she could never leave.
But I held back.
“Is everything alright, Ivy?” I asked, taking a step forward like a love struck puppy.
She took a step back.
I paused, feeling the tension rise again. This wasn’t a game anymore. My vampire side scratched at the surface, eager to take control, while Theo whimpered in the back of my mind, confused and hurt.
“What happened? Did I do something wrong?” I found myself asking, the words escaping before I could stop them.
She shook her head quickly. “I just… I have to get to work,” she replied hastily. Then, to my utter disbelief, she gave me the most awkward peck on the cheek before darting for the door.
“Can I at least drop you off?” I asked as she reached the exit.
“No,” she whispered. “I already called my driver. He’s waiting outside.”
And with that, she left without sparing me another glance.
I walked to the window, watching as she climbed into the car and sped off. My hands clenched into fists at my sides, the urge to chase after her nearly overwhelming me.
But I didn’t move.
Instead, I stood there, battling the storm raging inside me. Something was wrong, something I couldn’t put my finger on. Ivy was slipping through my fingers, and I didn’t know how to stop it.
Every instinct in me screamed to go after her, but something held me back—an unsettling sensation that settled deep in my chest, like a warning.
Theo growled restlessly. She’s ours. We can’t let her slip away like this.
“I won’t,” I muttered under my breath, though I wasn’t sure if I was trying to convince him or myself. Still, chasing her now would only make things worse.
But then, it clicked.