Chapter 77

Chapter 77
It didn’t take long before I got accustomed to the work in the pack again; only this time I had to endure the teasing of my siblings.

I had been so worried they were going to act up because Toby was a rogue, but they have been pretty chill about it. I don’t know if they were just good at pretending or they had just come to terms with it, but either option was fine by me.

I was quick to resume work and go back to my daily routine, which was much more stressful to adjust to, but the twin made it easier; however, I wasn’t expecting this person that was currently in my office, staring at me like I had grown two heads.

“Charlie, please take a seat.” I told him, gesturing to the empty chairs in front of me. I swallowed the log that had gotten stuck in my throat, all while trying to avoid his gaze. I know that I have wronged him, and even looking at him makes me shift in my seat uncomfortably.

“It is hard to believe that I am seeing Maddie in the flesh.” He said, staring at me with an open mouth, and I shifted at the unintentional jab.

Maybe it should be the fact that I had been ignoring his messages and calls while I was at the rogue pack, but no one could fault me. I was fighting for my life and trying to get back with my mate, and the thoughts of being chummy with another man didn’t sit right with me.

And Lia wouldn’t have allowed it, especially with Adrian in close proximity.

“I know, but it is I. Good ole Maddie.” I replied with a smile, and he finally took his seat, but his eyes still lingered on me in astonishment.

“I had no idea you were gone, and when I asked, your brothers said you went to visit some alpha, but I tried to reach you, and it was almost impossible.” He explained, ruffling the curls in his hair, and I almost felt pity for him.

“Yeah, I was very busy there, so there was no time for the phone.” The lie was very smooth in my mouth. I was busy alright, getting down and dirty with my mate, and I had no care about any other man.

I know it was a horrible lie, but I couldn’t think of anything else on my mind, and he didn’t prod too much.

Charlie was sensible enough not to ask any further questions; instead, a little smile tugged on his lips. “I understand. I heard that the mate came.” My eyes widened, and I was spluttering, breaking into a fit of cough. “Here.” Charlie held out a bottle of water in my line of vision, and I took it with a mumbled thanks and opened it, pouring a generous amount down my throat.

“Yes, he was here.” I said, after I regained proper use of my throat, but I cleared it again while trying to remain composed. “He came to see me off.” I continued, deciding there was no need to hide the truth now that the rumor has really spread.

“I am glad you are back, Maddie, and you really look happy, so I will assume you both worked on it.”

“We were able to settle our differences and decided on a feasible plan, and we will see how it goes.” I told him because that was the only truth I could give him, although very vague.

“You are happy.” Charlie said, and his words made me pause. However, he was right; I had been smiling since I came back, and it is only one person that can ignite such emotion from me.

“Yes, I am.” I said with an assurance that shocked me.

“I am glad you are. Really.” Charlie replied, his words laced with sincerity, and this time my smile was genuine, and I beat myself up for ever doubting his intention. However, I hoped that he would meet someone and forget about me.

“Thank you. I hope you are happy too.” I told him, and this time I took my time to observe him, noticing he was smiling a lot more, and it was not exactly directed to me. “Did something happen?

“I found someone.”

“What?” I was flying off my seat as I heard that—the surprise too good to be true. There I was, hating him for thinking he was clingy, and he found someone else?

“Yes.” Charlie chuckled softly, a little too calm for the way I was feeling. “I was trying to tell you when you traveled, but I figured you were too busy when you couldn’t answer the phone.”

A pang of guilt flashed through my mind, but I quickly masked it with a wide smile. “Oh my! Where and how did this happen?” I asked, leaning forward eagerly, his huge, hungry eyes.

“Calm your horses.” Charlie chuckled as he saw my expression, and his hands reached up to brush his hair back. “I went to see my relatives from my mother’s side when I met her. She is a rogue that just recently converted to pack life, and she is the sweetest thing ever. We have been talking regularly, though.”

“Oh my, Charlie. I am really happy for you.” I said sincerely, a smile spreading across my face even as I sat down.

“I know. We are taking it slowly, though, until she has accustomed herself well to pack life, and then she will join me.”

“That is really good. I am so happy for you, Charlie.” I replied, even though I still felt guilty for thinking he wanted to disturb me.

“I know; I am also happy.” Charlie said, the smile refusing to leave his lips, and I could breathe easily. Everything seems to be falling into place for everyone, and I couldn't be more glad. “You seem to be busy, so I will leave you to it. I have a few things to take care of within the pack.” He was already standing up as he spoke.

“Of course. Goodbye,” I said with a polite nod, watching as he closed the door behind him and stepped outside. 

I leaned back in my chair, letting out a quiet sigh. I need to pencil in a reminder to reach out to my friends. Ever since I assumed this position, I haven’t made the time to see them, and the thought didn’t sit well with me.

Seeing Charlie today was a reminder that I should do better.

I shifted my seat closer to the table and continued the day’s job, pouring into the screen in front of me. One would have thought that with two betas, my workload would be light, yet there was a mountain load of work that had to be cleared, and I was very sure they would double in size the next day.

I released a ragged breath and shook my head. “I guess it was back to work for me.”