Haven's silence only serves to further frustrate me.
Throughout our stay in the sheriff station, I notice my mate's distant gaze, suggesting deep contemplation. There are things she could confide in me, and I could offer guidance or answers.
I struggle to find a gentle way to explain to her, without provoking her to hurl insults at creatures like me, that we are destined to be mates and that mates provide support in various ways. I just want to prove to her that ever since I laid eyes on her, I will always be there to help her through any problems.
"Nothing."
Haven shakes her head, her smile radiating warmth and tenderness towards me.
I adore her smiles; they are like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day. Above all else, my desire is for her to experience constant happiness.
The only problem is when she happens to smile the way she is smiling now; there is no warmth in her eyes. Her smile is clearly forced, giving away her true feelings of sadness and nervousness, which seem to emanate from her. I just have no idea what is causing her to feel that way, her body tense and her hands shaking.
"I just feel a bit off, to be honest. With everyone watching me and all that."
Nodding rigidly, I shoot a fierce glare at the wolves surrounding us. Growling loudly, I make no effort to conceal my anger as I point a claw at everyone, gesturing with my thumb over my shoulder. I observe from the corner of my eye as Haven's eyes grow wider in response to my primal growl, and I am relieved that she doesn't avert her gaze or flee from the intimidating sound.
I stand there, the center of attention, as the wolves around me stiffen, waiting for me to give the signal.
"Show's over! Get your ass home now! I don't want any of you nosing around here anymore, you understand?!"
Haven stands there, dumbfounded, as the strange werewolves stare at her with wide eyes before whining and bolting away as if their lives are at stake.
Although I would never confess, the weight of their lives rests on the decisions I make.
As the newly appointed Alpha of the entire town, fear seems to radiate from the residents whenever they see me. The only ones that still regard me with suspicion are the elderly individuals. On the other hand, the loyalty of those old werewolves remains with my father, not with me.
I may be considered too young to handle serious business, but my years of experience show otherwise.
"Why does it feel like everyone's scared of him?"
Even though Haven whispers her question to Lydia, my heightened senses allow me to hear every word.
Blood surges to my face, a clear indication that my wolf finds the question incredibly flattering. I can see the admiration in my mate's eyes as they behold my strength and overall authority.
The temptation to answer it is almost overwhelming. Almost. It is fortunate that I keep quiet, realizing the conversation is meant for Lydia, not me. The day has been full of surprising moments for Haven. She doesn't need one more; she is already overwhelmed.
"Only the brat would know the answer to a question like that, I think."
Lydia quickly conveys for me, her words tumbling out in a rush. As I turn around, I lock eyes with Haven again, captivated by the curiosity shining in her gaze.
I almost croon again, savoring the way her eyes hungrily drink in every detail of my presence.
As I scratch my cheek, I desperately attempt to avoid making eye contact, inadvertently giving her an unobstructed view of me. I try to appear taller by flexing my muscles and standing on my tiptoes, but Haven doesn't comment on it.
Lydia, on the other hand, persists in teasing me. As she walks towards Haven, she playfully wraps an arm around her waist, flashing me a mischievous smile.
"Okay, that's the end of the lovey-dovey stuff. Kieran, make your way back home. It's time for Haven and me to call it a night."
I don't appreciate the way the old woman is bossing me around, treating me as if I were a misbehaving child.
Even my wolf seems to be bothered by it.
I want to growl at her, a primal sound that would serve as a reminder of her subordinate position within the pack. If it weren't for Haven and my longing for her to regard me as a man rather than a tyrant, I would have acted on my impulse moments ago.
The worst part, Lydia knows all too well.
I know that I am giving it my all to keep myself from spiraling out of control.
The woman is intentionally trying to provoke me, and that's the only reason.
"Yeah, I gotta talk to her in private before anything else."
Lydia rolls her eyes, a gesture of annoyance.
Opening her mouth to argue, she lets out an exasperated sigh.
She quickly closes it as I release some pheromones and speak in my Alpha voice, completely serious. Showing respect to elders is not something I frequently do.
"Lydia, I think you misunderstood me. Just so you know, I'm not asking. Why not go inside and make coffee for both of you while I have a quick talk with Haven?"
Lydia presses her lips together, restraining the urge to speak her mind.
A feeling of impending doom makes my lips almost twitch involuntarily.
Luckily, the situation takes a different turn.
With a stroke of luck, Lydia stiffly nods and turns around, the creaking of the door signaling her entrance into her small abode, leaving the both of us outside.
The relief washes over me, prompting me to grab Haven's hand, clasping it tightly in mine and soothingly caressing it.
Haven doesn't seem to mind, and I know I'm not hallucinating when I see my mate leaning in closer to me. It fills me with such pure joy that I want to howl.
"You okay? Something bothering you?"
"I'm fine, Kieran."
Despite her answer, her scent gives away her true emotions. Frowning, I lean in closer to her, trying to catch every word.
"You can be straight up with me. I'll give it my all to help you, Haven."
Haven sighs, her bottom lip caught between her teeth as she ponders.
I watch as she wrinkles her nose, furrowing her brows like she's in deep thought, the faint scent of something unpleasant lingering in the air.
"I…"
She starts, releasing a heavy sigh and avoiding eye contact.
As my mood sours, I can feel a heaviness in my chest.
"What? You think I'm lying?"
"No! It's just - What's holding you back from tearing me to shreds and devouring me?"
I blink, confused. Then, I throw my head back and let out a boisterous laugh that echoes through the room. I want to tell her that I would go to any lengths to avoid causing her any harm, even if it means severing both my arms.
And yes, I do feel hungry, but it's a different kind of hunger, not for her innards, that's for certain.
"Try me, Haven."
And so, Haven confides in me, her voice filled with a mix of concern and vulnerability.
And a wave of rage washes over me, almost causing me to see red.
"Have you seen Evan anywhere? He wasn't there waiting for me when we got outside."