Chapter 12 Eleven
Howard.
“I don’t think taking her out on a date just this once would kill you, Howard. It’s her eighteenth birthday.”
As the basketball bounced off the hoop, frustration continued to build inside me as Alex persisted in his irritating suggestion. His words rang in my ears, but I kept my focus on the game, trying to drown out his incessant prodding.
"It's her eighteenth birthday, man. You should take her out. Show her some kindness after all the hurt you've caused," Alex repeated, seemingly unfazed by my silence.
I paused and turned to face him, my face contorting into a scowl. "She deserves everything but me. She deserves a chance at happiness, not the pain I've given her," I retorted, my voice laced with frustration and anger.
Alex rolled his eyes, seemingly exasperated with my stubbornness. "You know, if she accepts your rejection, she won't have another mate. The Moon doesn't offer second chances like that," he said matter-of-factly.
A pang of guilt tugged at my heart, but I shook it off, refusing to let it sway my resolve. "I know that, but maybe fate will be kinder to her than I have been. Perhaps the Moon will give her another chance," I replied, my tone still firm.
His next question made me bristle. "Have you even told her that you're fated mates?" he asked, and I chose to ignore him, not willing to divulge that piece of information.
Alex shrugged, seemingly unbothered by my silence, and delivered his final words with a hint of certainty. "She'll find out tonight anyway. It's her birthday, and the truth has a way of revealing itself," he said before walking away from the basketball court, leaving me feeling slightly dumbfounded.
The weight of the revelation about Nora being my fated mate weighed heavily on my shoulders as I stood alone in the middle of the basketball court. If this girl finds out we’re fated mate, nothing would stop that wedding from happening tomorrow.
Why did the Moon have to pair me with someone I couldn't stand? I had never wanted a mate; I cherished my independence and loved the life I had built for myself.
The thought of marrying Nora tomorrow, now that she knew we were fated mates, fueled my frustration even further. The idea of being bound to her for life was suffocating, and anger surged through me at the unfairness of it all. I left the court, my mind in mayhem, and stormed into my house seeking solace and a moment of peace.
However, as I entered, my anger only intensified when I found the woman I had slept with still lingering in my living room. The clock was ticking towards noon, and she should have left already. She had no right to make herself comfortable in my home, eating my food and watching TV.
I turned off the TV to get her attention. “Why she was still here?”
Her confused look only added to my annoyance; it seemed like she had no idea what a one-night stand meant. “Get up, get dressed, and leave immediately,” I bluntly told her.
Her initial confusion soon turned into gasps of disbelief as she finally grasped the situation. “Pervert,” she accused me which only fueled my frustration further. I couldn't stand this intrusion into my life, especially at a time when I was grappling with the knowledge of my fated mate, someone I never wanted to be with.
As she gathered her belongings and prepared to leave, I felt a mix of emotions—irritation at the awkward situation, anger at my own fate, and a growing sense of anxiety about the impending marriage to Nora. My life was spiraling out of control, and I couldn't help but wonder how I would navigate through the tumultuous days ahead.
As I entered the Alpha's house, a mix of nervousness and concern washed over me. The usually vibrant and welcoming atmosphere now felt tense and charged with an unspoken urgency. I could sense that something serious was afoot, and my mind raced with thoughts of what could have provoked my father's anger.
I hurried through the familiar halls, my footsteps echoing in the quietness. As I reached the Alpha's study, I paused for a moment, taking a deep breath to steady myself. Then, with a resolute determination, I knocked on the sturdy wooden door.
"Come in," my father's deep voice rumbled from within.
I entered, finding him seated behind his massive oak desk, a stern expression etched on his face. His piercing blue eyes locked onto mine as I stood before him, trying to read his emotions.
"What's the meaning of this?" he growled, his voice tinged with restrained frustration.
"Father, I'm sorry if I did anything to upset you," I said, firmly. "You sounded upset on the phone, but you hung up before I could understand what was wrong."
He leaned back in his chair, scrutinizing me for a moment. "It's not just about the call," he said, his tone softer now, but still serious. "I've been hearing troubling reports about your behavior lately, not showing respect to your pack, and disregarding your responsibilities as an heir to the Alpha position."
My heart sank at his words. I hadn't realized my actions had been under such scrutiny. "I didn't mean to show disrespect, Father. I've just been dealing with some personal issues that you know of," I explained, hoping he would understand.
He sighed heavily, his expression softening a little. "Your personal issues should never affect your duty to the pack. As the future Alpha, your actions carry weight, and you must learn to balance your emotions with your responsibilities."
Guilt washed over me, and I nodded solemnly, realizing the gravity of my actions. "You're right, Father. I will do better. I'll make amends and strive to be the leader our pack deserves." I vowed but my mind was thinking of the person that had the guts to report me to the Alpha. Yes, I knew inviting strangers into the pack is against the rules because our enemies might be closer than we thought but who dares interferes in my life?
His stern demeanor softened further as he placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "I believe in you, but you must prove yourself through your actions. Lead with respect, humility, and compassion, and your pack will follow."
“Yes, father.”
As I turned to leave the Alpha's study, the heavy wooden door came to a halt with a resounding thud. His voice echoed through the room as he spoke my name, causing me to tense up instantly. I knew what was coming next, and it was not something I was looking forward to.
"Wait, before you go," the Alpha said, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "I heard today is Nora's birthday. Is that true?"
I couldn't hide my reaction, and the mention of her name made me stiffen. My father was no fool; he had an uncanny ability to read people, especially his own son. My jaw tightened as I reluctantly nodded at him, acknowledging the truth.
A knowing smile spread across his face, like a predator toying with its prey. He was clearly aware that he was about to make me do something I did not intend to do. "Well then, my boy, it's only right that you spend this special day with her," he suggested, his tone friendly but laced with an undeniable authority.
My heart sank at the realization that my father was going to ask me to take Nora out tonight. I didn't have anything against her, but the circumstances surrounding our upcoming wedding were complicated. It was an arranged union, one that held political significance for the pack, but my heart yearned for a love that wasn't bound by duty. I simply don’t want Nora.
"I understand, Father," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. "But Nora must have plans with her friends, and it's her birthday, after all. She deserves to celebrate with them."
My father's expression hardened slightly, his eyes narrowing. "I'm aware of that," he said, his tone more serious. "However, tomorrow is your wedding day, and she'll be moving to Direwood pack. It's crucial that the two of you spend some quality time together before that."
I wanted to protest, to tell him that I didn't want to go along with this charade, but the weight of tradition and duty crushed my defiance. I had no choice but to nod my head obediently, submitting to his wishes. He dismissed me with a dismissive wave of his hand, and I took that as my cue to leave the study.
As I walked down the corridor, my mind raced with conflicting thoughts and emotions. I couldn't shake the feeling that Alex, had a hand in this arrangement. He brought the idea first after all.
As I stepped out of the Alpha's house, my mind was still reeling from the conversation with my father. Alex and his father, my Father's Beta, walked out of the car, accompanying his father. I exchanged a polite nod with the Alpha's imposing figure and quickly steered Alex away, hoping to escape the tense atmosphere.
As we reached my house, Alex let out a laugh that only served to irritate me further. "What's so funny?" I snapped, my annoyance growing.
He grinned mischievously and asked, "What are you still doing here? Shouldn't you be with Nora on her birthday?"
My frustration reached its peak. I couldn't understand why Alex would bring up Nora, knowing how much I despised her. "Why the hell did you inform the Alpha about Nora's birthday?" I retorted, my anger boiling over.
Alex's expression remained unapologetic, and it only fueled my irritation. He seemed to enjoy pushing my buttons, and it annoyed me to no end. "You know I can't stand Nora, and yet you deliberately made sure the Alpha knew it was her birthday," I continued, struggling to contain my emotions.
He shrugged casually. "I thought it would be amusing to see you squirm. Besides, you can't avoid her forever, you know. Tomorrow is your wedding."
I gritted my teeth, trying to keep my temper in check. "You have no idea how much I hate being around her. She's always trying to one-up me, and I can't stand her constant presence."
Alex's nonchalant attitude grated on my nerves. "You're making a big deal out of nothing," he said dismissively. "Maybe you should try getting to know her better. You might find that she's not as bad as you think. The moon chose her as your fated mate for a reason."
I scoffed at the suggestion. "I highly doubt that. But even if she were a saint, I still wouldn't want to spend time with her. She’s weak and…unfit."
As we saunter into my house, I couldn't shake the feeling that Alex was deliberately meddling in my affairs. It was as if he enjoyed stirring up trouble and watching the chaos unfold. I knew our families were close and he’s my best friend and only friend, but sometimes, Alex's actions felt more like those of a frenemy than a friend.
“Okay, I’m sorry I told the Alpha…”
“You think?” I growled, my eyes glowering. “Now he’s fucking forcing me to go see her.” As I fumed with anger, Alex could sense the intense emotions surging within me. He took me gently by the shoulder, hoping to offer a different perspective on the situation.
"Listen," Alex said calmly, "I understand that you're feeling angry and conflicted right now. But sometimes, making a gesture of goodwill can be an act of closure for both parties."
I looked at him skeptically, not quite convinced by the idea. "But if I give her a birthday gift and spend time with her, won't she think that I've softened up? I don't want her to believe there's any chance of us making things work."
"I get that concern," Alex acknowledged, "but in less than twenty-four hours she’s going to follow you home."
"I hate her, Alex," I confessed, my voice heavy with anger. I don't want her to think for a second that I won't fulfill the misery I promised her if she marries me. I don't want her to have any hope.
He sighs and brushes off my cruel words. “Hate is such a strong word, Howard.”
“And I mean it,” I say, shrugging his hands off my shoulder. “I’ll consider the gift but I do not promise to spend a minute with her.”