Sigh.
"That's the nth time today." that comment out of nowhere launched me out of my seat. My papers followed suit. I glared at Alvin. He dropped the clipboard he has been holding. Then, he gives me the "what's wrong with you" look. "It's good." he tilts his head towards the clipboard.
"Are you sure you're alright? Is your back still bothering you? That was like a week ago. Are your bones that brittle? That's unusual for a wolf." He bubbles more. "--we can man the mart today. You can take a rest." I rolled my eyes at him. Of course, they can man the mart. I was able to hire two part-timers yesterday. Jake and Katrina. Both are hardworking and trying to save up for college.
I've been asked the same question for these days now. I appreciate their concern, though how do I explain to them that I'm missing my mate? I'm like seeing Atlas everywhere. I almost call out his name multiple times. The nights were more difficult because I get nightmares and unexplainable sorrow.
"I'm fine, Al. I'm just bored and kinda missing those two." No one can lie smoothly better than me. I've been lying a lot. I don't even know how to go around it. "And you've just messed with my papers. I've already arranged them!" I glowered at him. Those scattered papers took hours to fix.
"My bad," He was quick to make himself scarce. Rolling my eyes at his running back, I check the clipboard. The paper was for the plumbing cost. The mart needs new pipes. Since Alvin has know-how on how a plumbing system works, I asked him to check if the materials on the list would suffice for the new plumbing. Alvin approved, so it is reasonable. I removed the papers from the clipboard and stored them in one of my folders.
Begrudgingly, I collect the scattered papers on my table again and sort them out. I wonder what Atlas is doing right now? Dang, thinking about it worsen my somber mood.
Should I go for a run? It's not uncommon for us, but werewolves don't go for a run frequently. It's to minimize encounters with humans and the risk of spooking them. Though we're fairly known around this area, it's best to take precautions. Runs only happen during extreme situations or special occasions. Pack Summit would be one of them. It happens during the days of the full moon. Pack Summit is usually the day we worshipped goddess, Selene. It consists of amiably connecting with other packs and sharing a meal with everyone. It was the practice hundreds of years ago.
The present times are more on practicality though, we do still promote an amicable relationship with our neighboring packs. The Pack Summit now meant relations and renewing ties.
During this time, the pack Alpha would visit a pack along with two or three of his best fighters. Also, the Lunas' would usually accompany their Alphas. The Beta would be left behind to man the pack.
The pack where the Pack Summit will be held was decided through a tossing game. The pack that hosted the previous Summit would be excluded from the game.
Meadows Pack, my Pack, was the host for this coming Summit. It spells unending effort and hardwork for the next few months. As far as I know, the Luna has been preparing a few months ago.
Also, the Alpha's Birthday is just a few weeks away. The series of occasions would surely drain the pack in the coming days. Just the thought of it was depressing. I've got a failed mating to mind, and now the celebrations.
"Ugh, I need coffee." Dragging myself out of my looming office, I spotted Jake on the counter. He was busy arranging the mini snickers on a small tray.
"What would you guys like to have? Coffee? Drinks?" Jake looked at me, smiling. This one kid got a great smile but Atlas tops it. Also, Jake's flawless mocha skin got me conscious. I haven't seen any pores.
"This a daily occurrence Boss? If it is then I might do full-time here." He gave me a full-blown smile and it made me think of brushing my teeth right now.
"Mavis is fine and just for today, but you can do full-time whenever you need to." I took my phone out, ready to type his coffee.
"Nah, it'll be Boss for me. Moreover, it sounds way cooler. Iced Latte for me, please." he shared, and I diligently type the words. I'm so preoccupied with my mate these days that I tend to forget things often. Using my phone to take notes is always handy. I don't want to give the part-timers the wrong impression if I gave them the wrong drinks.
"Where's Katrina at?" I asked him as he continues to tidy the mini-snickers. "Aisle 3, Boss." I waved at Jake goodbye and slowly looked for the same aisle I've ogled Atlas before. Damn it. Atlas, again. Katrina was stacking the empty shelves.
Gathering my scattered brain, this lovely red-hair gal would snatch attention anywhere paired with her big electric blue eyes. I silently approached her. "What would you like to drink?"
To my surprise, Katrina skitters away while hugging a bottle of red wine. The sight was so silly that I burst out laughing. It made me gather my scattered wits. I think, we'll click just fine.
"That was so rude, Boss." Yes, this one wants to call me boss too. Katrina's startled face while hugging the bottle of red wine was so comedic that it took me a few minutes to recover.
"Coffee?" I asked her while wiping the side of my eyes. "That was a good laugh," I added as I grabbed my phone again.
Katrina shakes her head and grins. "A bailey frappe, please." I nodded at her and walked out of the mart, still giggling. I'm sure Alvin's somewhere around the mart, but he'll like some iced caramel. All the time.
Reaching the nearest coffee house, Bean, I was able to order right away. It wasn't that crowded. Patiently waiting at one of the tables, I looked around the place ended-up looking at one specific table. Atlas.
"Damn it," I muttered a series of expletives when Atlas just keep on popping everywhere, running round on my mind. Either my thoughts or my sight, there's just no escape.
I was ready to flip the table in annoyance when I heard my name, good thing. My orders were ready along with a box of large size pizza. Miffed, frustrated, and sad, I brought myself back inside my car and went back to the mart.
What should I exactly do to stop myself from going down the rabbit hole of rejection? Whom do I even ask about things like this? So far, the pack has had massive success in its pairings.
"Goddess fucking help me, what a shitty bond!" the crisp curse solidifies Atlas in my thoughts. The greenery around didn't even brighten my world.
I just got out of my car when Alvin met me halfway. "Gimme those things, and you, you get back inside your car. Luna wanted all the help she can. Better visit her." he took the goodies like a champ.
"But she didn't mind link me about it." I wondered and smacked myself. Alvin gave me the look. "Yup, not gonna invade someone's thought unless it's emergency, Luna's wisdom. She could've called me." I monologued, and Alvin just waved his hands in thanks as I hop back in.
It would have been good if I have Atlas' number. I can easily give him a call or a text. I would be giddy if I can contact him. But then again, it's also a blessing in disguise. I can already imagine myself flooding his phone with calls and texts. Just the thought of it gives me the creeps.
Luna Eva was busy looking at her papers, she has her desk inside the Alpha's office when I announced myself in. Tired eyes met my face when Luna took off her glasses and smiled at me. What a woman. To be able to lead, take care of a pack alongside her mate and make sure to be there for its pack members, was astounding. Though, I worried about the dark bags pooling under her eyes. She must've been certainly busy with the pack business, and there's little me who can't even stop thinking about my taken mate. My dilemma seems insignificant compared to hers.
"Luna, are you alright?" I acquired of her, taking a seat, a grateful smile was sent my way. Luna massaged her temples.
"Hanging in there. Thanks for the concern, sweetie. I appreciate it. How are you? Is your back fine?" I nodded at her, the worry still evident on my face. With all her business and responsibilities, she still has time to spare for my back. A remarkable woman she is.
I just realized it now but staring at the Luna, she might look like she's forty but taking care of a pack for decades must be taxing. Would I even be able to do the same thing she does? I would've been a Luna if I had the right mate.
"Don't worry about me, sweetie. It's just that I'm flooded with papers and responsibilities from all directions. The incoming birthday celebration and the Summit, they're all talking my time these days. Cedric has been traveling to and fro ironing all the needed protocol for the Summit, nonstop. I haven't had a good wink for days now."
As the Luna keeps voicing out her thoughts, I listened well. I think it was what she needed at the moment. "I don't want to take much of Erden's time. He's got a four-year-old to think about. I don't want him to experience what we have gone through raising Craig." the Luna added as an afterthought. The pack was all aware of what transpired between the Alpha and Craig, their only child. Craig was so love-depraved that he was on a path leading to destruction. He dropped out from school, mingled with the wrong crowd, and worst of all rallied the rogues. It was a threat enough that the Alpha was forced to choose if he wants Craig to be exiled from the pack or let him leave for an indefinite time to find himself and what he wants to do with his life. Craig was seventeen then, he's thirty-two now.
That being said, Craig was luckily taken back from that path and now successfully managing his life well. He reconciled with his parents and kept a healthy relationship with them. The last I knew of him was he became a renowned surgeon. He'll be back in time for the Summit. He's living a demanding life.
"Oh, I'm blabbering. Anyway, hun, I know you're a busy person but can you lend a hand with the pack trainings? I know Solace got your hands full, but the pups listen to you well." there's hope in the Luna's voice, beseeching me with that hopeful eyes. "I can't assist Wyatt all the time. Cedric is even out of the options. Wyatt's busy planning the security protocol. The unit supervising heads was already relegated to some other tasks. You're one of the next in command." that's a duty call right there.
"Luna, you don't need to ask. I'll visit by the training grounds tomorrow. I'll talk to Wyatt about it." My answer elicited a grateful smile from the Luna. The atmosphere of the room lightened. The sun's rays permitting through the windows cast a cozy feel to the room. It was relaxing.
"Please, I do appreciate it very much, sweetie." the smiling face of my Luna made me proud. I stood up from my seat and gave her a reassuring hug. With a little pat and more gratefulness, I exited the Alpha's office and tinkled with my phone. I breathe a say of relief. I won't have to deal with my failure of a bond for days. Dialing Alvin's number, plans were already swirling in my mind. It seems like Alvin will, indeed, have to man the mart for the next few days.