JASLYNN
As soon as the Minister called the meeting to a close, I hurried back to my room. If nobody was going to assist me, I had to return to the coven and prepare to conduct the search on my own.
I took my duffel bag out of the corner and put everything I had taken out back in after quickly texting Meredith to let her know I was leaving.
However, I was called away from my duties by a knock at the door.
I shouted, "Come in," as I entered the restroom to make sure I had packed everything. I ran straight into a sturdy chest as soon as I turned around.
The question "What the-"
I turned around the wolf who had followed me into the restroom and pursed my lips.
"Jaslynn."
He snarled my name, and the manner he did so made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. I could only attribute my response to him and his gruff voice to the mate link.
The question "Yes, Alrik?"
I was expecting him to get upset with me for using his first name instead of his title, but he just continued, "Jaslynn, we need to talk."
"Alrik, I'm listening. I said with a lovely smile, "I can multitask. He scowled.
I wanted to be sure you understood that you had to accompany me to my pack.
I stopped.
visit his bag? along him? after he pronounced 'nay'?
I cocked an eyebrow when I saw him standing with his arms crossed and his biceps protruding from the pricey fabric of his shirt.
Give me one compelling reason to join you, please.
He said, staring at me aimlessly, "Because you have an obligation as my mate-"
You expect me to do my "obligation as a mate" while you haven't fulfilled yours? I dropped the shirt I was folding on the bed and turned totally around.
"What exactly do you mean by that?"
You truly don't understand, Alrik, do you? You and I are partners if I am your partner. The same dedication that I am expected to give you, I expect you to return. You told me you wouldn't help me while sitting in that conference room ten minutes ago. You now anticipate that I will attend to your mate's needs. That isn't how I see things working, though.
"So what do you want to do?" he asked, furrowing his brow. "At the moment, I wish to return to my coven because I've
and get ready for this hunt. You may come find me when you're ready to talk about our relationship and how we can make it fair for both of us, I added, zipping up my duffel bag.
He remained silent while I slung the backpack over my shoulder and checked my phone to see whether Meredith had responded. I put my shoes on and turned back to my alleged partner after realising that she had claimed she was waiting for me by the car.
Saying "Goodbye, Alrik."
ALRIK
The entire fight back to my pack, my blood was on fire.
She stated it better than anyone else has ever rejected me. She had no fear of me at all; instead, she confronted me and told me how she truly felt.
Jaslynn's confidence around me didn't bother me. I couldn't have a woman leading the werewolves by my side who was terrified of me when my mother never showed fear of my father. She had to weigh in on crucial choices for me.
She didn't want to go with me today, which is unfortunate for me. Therefore, I would need to think of another strategy to get her to me.
I was aware of how crucial the search for the book was to her. She was unaware of the task's impossibility, nevertheless. It would require resources that may be used for other purposes, like time, money, and time.
Waiting till this Malcolm moron found the book before attacking him made more sense.
After all, war was inevitable.
Considering what Jaslynn had mentioned, this man was extremely interested in the book. She would have to fight to keep it safe until she destroyed it, even if she discovered it before he did.
I've completed the background check you requested, Alpha.
I gave Conrad a quick glance before snatching the manila folder out of his grasp and asking, "Does this have everything?"
Indeed, Alpha. But might I provide you some suggestions as your Beta?
I muttered as I flung open the door.
A fine wolf, Conrad. When I assigned him a task to complete, he never complained and completed it with diligence. The fact that he gave me advise, nevertheless, was unexpected from him.
"As someone who is in a relationship, I wouldn't advise you to read that book. She will be offended by the invasion of privacy and your lack of confidence in her if she ever learns that you conducted this background check on her. Instead of doing something behind her back, Alpha, I would speak to her to find out information.
I focused on his face. He was almost too confident in his speech.
I didn't even bother to ask him a question; I just said, "You speak from experience."
He scrabbled his neck sheepishly as his cheeks flushed and said, "Yes, I do."
Then, I'll heed your counsel, Conrad, and I handed the file back to him. Tear it apart.
He smiled at me and said, "As you like, Alpha. Additionally, Commander Reece has requested a call from you.
I moaned once more.
I unlocked my laptop so I could Skype with my obstinate captain as he walked back to his seat.
As soon as she answered my call, she yelled, "ALRIK KUZNETSOV, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?"
Conrad caught my attention since he was looking everywhere but at me.
"You allowed her to leave? She was told that you wouldn't assist her. After that, how is a female meant to accept her partner? Grow some guts and pursue her! She's doing something that will beneft the world!"
The wif isn't functioning correctly, Commander. I had to hang up the phone.
Yeah, yeah, I almost heard her roll her eyes. You can run, but you can't hide, as you well know. Your mother is-"
I cut the call off before she could finish speaking, and I remained silent in shock as I looked at the dark screen.