Chapter 11 Chapter Eleven
Chapter 11 Chapter Eleven
Zeeland
I looked around the corridors we passed with my eyes, in search of one person.
“Are you looking out for Dmitri?” Alyse’s words startled me. I had forgotten that she was pushing my wheelchair over to my room.
I wasn't looking out for Dmitri, but I nodded anyway. “Yes.”
“Oh, I could get him for you.” Alyse offered with a smile.
I shook my head. “Don’t worry. Let's just spend the time together.”
‘You’ve gotten so good at lying to yourself, Zeeland.’ Raven sneered at me.
‘Stop talking in my head.’ I warned him.
‘Your stupid display of affection with Alyse has pushed our mate away. Isn't she the one you're looking out for? And don't bother lying to me, I'm in your mind, and your other half.’ He drawled.
I sighed. ‘You liked Alyse. Why are you speaking of her in that tone now?’ I asked.
‘I thought she was our mate.’ Raven merely said.
‘I’ve told you, Raven. Jaslyn isn't our mate, and will never be.’ I countered with more heat than necessary.
‘But she-’
‘If you keep saying she's our mate, I'll send you into Coventry.’ I threatened.
‘You wouldn't dare.’ Raven breathed, his tone getting weak.
‘Oh, I will.’ I assured him.
He went silent. Coventry was the worst thing one could do to their inner wolf. It involved detaching and severing the link that connected the wolf to its human side for a temporary time. In other words, I just threatened to cut ties with my wolf. I couldn't bear to think that Jaslyn; an Omega, was my mate. It wasn't possible. She was beneath me, unfit to be anything but my sex toy. Then there was Alyse, my childhood sweetheart. She was the daughter of an influential Beta from another pack, and we'd basically grown up together. But even Alyse wasn't aware that I was only pretending to be a cripple. It wasn't that I didn't trust her, but I couldn't tell just anyone.
‘Raven?’ I called out to him, deciding to pacify him.
‘There’s no need to call me, Zeeland. If you decide to send me to Coventry, that's your business. But if you push our mate away, I'll never forgive you.’ His tone was harsh and those were the most angry words he'd ever said to me.
Knowing he was upset, I said nothing further.
“Do you need to take a bath, Zee?” Alyse asked fondly. We were now in the bedroom, and she was caressing my neck lovingly.
Alyse had been my first love, and I was almost certain she'd be my mate. We just clicked on so many levels, and I was in love with her. She was pretty, and was very smart and yet considerate.
“No, I'm fine for now.” I shook my head.
“There’s something I want to ask you,” She began hesitantly. She sat on the edge of the bed, after she helped me sit comfortably on the bed.
“Okay?”
“What happens now?” She questioned on a sigh.
I frowned a little. “What do you mean?”
She leaned closer, so her arm was touching mine and her scent was enveloping me. It was good, but not as good as Jas-
I shook my head just as the thought formed.
“The slave girl. What happens with her now? You know very well that she can't be Luna while I'm here.” Alyse said sulkily.
I patted her hair. “I know that too well, Aly. You were gone for so long that I had no choice but to find a fake-mate, else I risked getting eliminated from the competition.” I assured her.
It was true. Alyse had disappeared suddenly after her dad prompted her to study in an educational program that lasted for five years. I'd been hurt when she told me. Deep down I knew it was because I was a ‘cripple’ and that was why her father looked down on me, and didn't want his daughter anywhere close to me. I'd been tempted to even reveal that I wasn't disabled just so he wouldn't take her away.
Maybe that had been part of the reason why I was determined to become the Alpha at all cost, just so I could prove her father wrong and be with the woman I loved.
‘So you think you love her?’ Raven asked sarcastically.
‘Thought you decided not to speak to me?’ I shot back.
‘I can't help but feel sick in my stomach, as I hear your thoughts. You're not in love with Alyse. We like Jaslyn and you know that.’ He said with so much conviction that I actually felt my heart shake up a bit.
I pushed off his words as one of those unnecessary tantrums, and decided not to argue further. Raven could be resilient whenever he wished, and I had a feeling that this was one of those times.
“Send her away, Zee. What will other packs say?” Alyse was saying now.
I let out a deep breath. She wasn't wrong. The Zen pack was a powerful one, and was among the Pillars. Pillars consisted of the most powerful packs in the werewolf race. Having Jaslyn as my Luna was sure to rub off in a wrong way on the others and would lead to them looking down on me as the Alpha. Being a ‘cripple’ was already bad enough, but having an Omega as Luna was pushing it. Sending Jaslyn off wouldn't be a hard decision, I just had to find the right reason to do so. And after that, I could freely take Alyse as my Luna.
It was such a good plan that I couldn't help smiling broadly.
“Did I say something funny?” Alyse asked, amusement twinkling in her eyes.
“No. I was just admiring how beautiful you are.” I smiled again.
Her face beamed with pleasure. “You always know the right thing to say, as always.” She giggled.
Just then the door pushed open, and a head peered in.
“Oh, I'm sorry Alpha Zeeland. I had no idea that you had company.” Jaslyn apologized, as she came inside the room and closed the door behind her.
I was trying so hard not to look at her face longer than necessary.
“What do you want?” I asked coldly. I felt Alyse trail her finger lightly down my chest, and didn't stop her.
I caught a dark look cross Jaslyn's eyes before it vanished just as suddenly as it came.
“It's time for lunch.” She informed, keeping her gaze pinned down on the ground without meeting mine.
“Go. We'll come down later.” Alyse waved her hand dismissively.
Jaslyn nodded and turned to leave.
“Wait,” Alyse called out just as she placed her hand on the doorknob. Jaslyn halted, and faced us again.
“I just remembered that my nails need some trimming. We'll be going shopping later on, and you'll come with us.” Alyse said, gesturing at the bedside cabinet that held all the nails equipment she'd need.
“She will?” I asked. I didn't know why, but I was inwardly pleased. It was a feeling I didn't understand. How I wanted Jaslyn around, yet I wanted her as far away from me as possible.
“Yes. Who else will pack my shopping bags?” Alyse asked with a little curl of her lips.
Hanging her head low, Jaslyn moved over to take out the nails’ tools from where they were neatly arranged, and set to work.
And as she worked, she didn't utter a single word, nor did she look at me.
“Watch what you're doing!” Alyse shrieked moments later, and furiously hit Jaslyn hard across the cheek. It sent her head to the side, and her hand moved to cover the spot.
“Get out!” Alyse ordered. “Pathetic bitch.” She added as Jaslyn hurried out of the room.
Alyse helped me onto my wheelchair and pushed me over to the dining hall where Jaslyn was already seated. Armand and Benoit were absent, and I didn't mind. I had enough on my plate already.
“Move away from that chair. That's not your spot.” Alyse ordered in a domineering manner.
Jaslyn jerked her head up, glanced from my cold gaze over to Alyse's furious one, and without arguing she moved into a different chair.
“How’s your preparations for the Alpha-Luna competition coming on?” I asked, minutes into lunch.
Jaslyn glanced at me as if startled that I'd spoken to her at all. I felt something squeeze in my heart at the hateful look in her eyes, but I ignored the feeling.
“I’m trying hard.” She replied in a small voice.
“You can't be thinking of sending an Omega to such an important competition as this are you, Zee?” Alyse asked with a little gasp.
“An Omega that's his mate.” Jaslyn countered even before I could say a word.
I
turned an annoyed look at her.
“How dare you?!” Alyse rasped.
“Apologize to her this instant, Jaslyn Laural. I command you as your Alpha.” My eyes narrowed into slits.
She rose from her chair slowly, and bowed deeply. “I’m sorry.”
Then she turned and left.