by Rua Hasan
“Well, I called Nate. If you guys remember him, he was here on my birthday,” Aiden reminded us.
“Oh, don’t worry, dude. We totally remember him after what happened,” Liam brought up the topic of when Aiden marked me by force.
Aiden rolled his eyes.
“Well, anyway, he said that if there will be an attack, then he will gladly stand by our side. So he’s coming here tomorrow so we can discuss the patrol and what not,” he said.
I smiled knowing that Nate will be here tomorrow. It felt like ages since I last saw him, and I knew I hadn’t known him for long, but I felt like we already clicked the moment we met each other.
“What are you smiling about?” Aiden asked as he narrowed his eyes at me, giving me a suspicious look.
I rolled my eyes, knowing that he was jealous of the friendship I had with Nate. The last time his friend was here, things didn’t go pretty.
“Nothing,” I said.
I laid my head on the window as I stared at the trees we passed with enough speed to make it look like they were only paintings hanging on a wall. The stars were clear as crystal, while the moon hung in the sky. It looked as if it were hung by an invisible threat.
Time flew by, and before I knew it, we were in front of the pack house. We got out of the car as Liam carried a sleeping Sarah. Aiden took my hand and lead me to the door. Once we got in, Liam and Marie took Sarah to the room she would be staying in, while Aiden and I went to our room to sleep.
I yawned, as with every second, I became more tired. Once we were in our room, I grabbed a pair of shorts and a shirt for Aiden then went to the bathroom while he changed in the closet. I did my business then wiped off any remaining makeup I had and exited the bathroom to see Aiden in his boxers.
He sat on our bed as the covers fell to his waist. I blushed at the sight and felt his eyes rake over my body.
“You know my clothes look good on you,” he said.
I rolled my eyes but then smiled and got into bed. We lay down next to each other as we stared into each other’s eyes. Aiden tucked a strand of hair that was covering my eye then caressed my cheek.
“Don’t be afraid of what tomorrow has in store,” Aiden said as if he saw right through me and knew that secretly, deep down, I was afraid. His arms moved around my waist and pulled me closer to his bare chest.
“Sleep, my love,” he said.
And with that, darkness crept closer and spread throughout my body as my eyelids became heavy and shut my vision as if they were curtains.
I ran toward my closet and grabbed a pair of short jeans and a crop top.
I’m pretty sure if someone saw me right now, they would think I was trying to break the world record of the fastest clothes changing.
As I tried to pull up the tight jeans, I stumbled and fell on my butt. I immediately got up, while cursing Aiden for not waking me up earlier, and wore my top. The time was around ten pm, and Nate was already in the pack’s territory. I was supposed to wake up an hour ago, but it looked like Aiden didn’t want to wake up his sleeping beauty.
Once I was done, I let my hair fall down naturally and ran down the stairs to see Aiden giving Nate a hug. I rushed up to them and stood next to Aiden with a wide smile. Once Nate noticed my presence, he pulled me over and gave me a bone-crushing hug. I hugged him back until I was pulled away by none other than Aiden.
“Hi, Nate,” I said as I tried to ignore Aiden’s possessiveness.
“Hey, Stella, it’s good to see you again,” Nate told me and smiled.
“It’s good to see you too,” I told him.
Nate was about to say something when Aiden cut in.
“Nate, you go wait in the living room while I have a word with Stella here,” he said.
Nate narrowed his eyes, then looked at Aiden and me, and slowly nodded.
“Okay then. Stella, you’re probably in deep shit, which I’m not surprised,” Nate told me, and the smile on his face was replaced with a smirk.
I rolled my eyes then shook my head while chuckling.
Nate disappeared down the hall and into the living room.
I turned to look at Aiden and was surprised to see his eyes a dark shade of blue.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
“That’s what’s wrong,” Aiden answered as he pointed at my clothes.
I looked down at them then looked back up at him while raising an eyebrow.
“What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?” I asked.
“It’s too revealing. That’s what’s wrong,” he growled out.
I narrowed my eyes at him and put my hand on my hip.
“Are you seriously doing this right now?” I asked.
“Just go back upstairs and change into something else,” he said, ignoring my statement.
I shook my head.
“No, I don’t want to. It’s hot outside,” I argued.
“Then go change into a dress,” he ordered me, but I simply shook my head.
“Aiden, you’re my mate, not my father,” I pointed out.
He took one step forward and was towering over me with his tall frame.
“Well, I’m your Alpha,” he said.
“Are you seriously going to pull that card on me?” I asked.
Aiden nodded.
“I will if you don’t get that sexy ass of yours up those stairs and into our closet, or so help me, Stella, I won’t hesitate to carry you there myself,” he warned me.
I growled in defeat and crossed my arms over my chest as I stomped up the stairs as if I were a child getting her toys taken away from her.
Stupid mate of mine.
Stupid, stupid, stupid.
I continued to curse at him as if those words would sink into his thick skull and remove the possessive side of him which would get annoying at times.
But deep down inside, I knew that I kind of liked it.
Chapter 33
Aiden
I watched as Stella stomped up the stairs as if she was a kid whose toys have been taken away. But little did she know the effect she had on me, with her smooth long legs that can attract any guy’s attention and that sexy ass that moves from side to side when she walks.
Yes, I know she hates my possessive side, but what can I do? My wolf and I go crazy when we see others looking at her for more than two seconds.
No one can look at her but me because she’s mine. She belongs to me, and I belong to her. That’s how much I care for her.
Now, don’t get me wrong. Stella is more than that. Her smile brightens up the whole room, and her confidence is a motivation I seek. I might seem like a lovestruck puppy, and it’s true. She has me wrapped around her fingers, and she only has to snap them to make me do anything.
I would do anything to see that gorgeous smile and hear the beautiful sound of her laughter which makes me and my wolf satisfied. Knowing that someone is trying to take that away from me angers me. The moment I saw what was written on that tree, my wolf wanted to break free and find whoever wrote that and rip them to shreds. No one is going to lay a finger on my dear mate as long as I’m alive.
I smiled at the thought of her probably cursing at me for making her go change, as she scrunches her nose upward while her face reddens, which is a sight I would want to see. Not because I love to tick her off, but because I find that side of her that’s sassy and confident adorable.
I was about to walk upstairs and take her into my arms, but Nate’s presence in the other room stopped me. I took one last glance at the door Stella dashed into and walked down the hall to the living room. I opened the door to see Nate looking at some photo album my mom left on the shelf.
“Didn’t your mom ever tell you that it’s rude to snoop?” I asked with a hint of amusement in my voice.
Nate put the album down then looked at me with a grin.
“Oh, she did, but if you know me by now, then you’d know that I never did listen to her,” he answered.
I nodded.
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“Of course, you wouldn’t. You were a troublemaker,” I told him, and he shook his head and wiggled his finger at me.
“Ah, nu-uh, we were troublemakers.” Nate corrected me, and I chuckled.
We both then walked over to the couch and sat down. We got serious in an instant, talking about ways we can back up each other if an attack of some sort happens.
And I hope doesn’t. I don’t want to risk my mate’s life or my pack’s. But if it does come, then I won’t hesitate to fight back for my mate’s sake.
Five minutes later, we were talking about the routes in my pack’s territory when Stella walked into the room.
And can you guess what she was wearing this time?
She was wearing a dress, which I did tell her to wear. But when I said dress, I meant the ones that came down her waist loosely and above her knees. Not hugging her curves and too short for my liking.
I mean, it was so sexy on her, and I loved it. But only I can see her wear this, and no one else. If any guy saw her wearing this, then they sure will be captivated by her beauty, and I can’t allow that.
I glared at her as she sent me an evil smirk, knowing that she was ticking me off. Of course, what did I think? That if I tell Stella to do something, then she will obey?
Pft, no. This is Stella we’re talking about. She doesn’t like to get bossed around and will fight until she wins.
Nate snapped me out of my thoughts when I heard him say. “Damn.”
I growled and glared at him, but he seemed unaffected and only smirked at me. I got up and walked over to Stella.
“Why are you wearing that?” I growled, but I already knew why. It’s to tick me off and show me that she won’t let me boss her around.
“Because I want to. You did tell me to wear a dress,” she said, acting all innocent.
I rubbed my face and opened my mouth to say something when Nate interrupted.
“Oh no, wait! Don’t start yet. I still need to get the popcorn,” he said as he got off the couch and dashed to the kitchen.
I really wanted to smack that smirk off his face but decided to ignore him and focus on my little mate over here who was trying to drive me crazy.
Knowing that if I make her go upstairs again, she might come down naked—which was a sight I wished to see but knew that couldn’t happen because of Nate’s presence. So I tried to calm myself down and control myself.
“Okay, fine. Stella, you win,” I said.
“I won’t be ordering you around, and what you wear is none of my business,” I said.
Oh, but yeah, it is, my wolf growled, but I ignored him.
“But please, for me. Will you just go change into something that won’t make me want to rip every guy’s eyes out for staring at you?” I said.
Damn, I never knew I would say this. I guess I was right when I said that she’s got me wrapped around her fingers.
Stella’s face turned from smug to shock to surprise in only a couple of seconds. It seemed like she wasn’t expecting me to say something like that.
“Wait. Aren’t you going to argue back?” she asked.
I shook my head slowly then was surprised when she touched my forehead with the back of her hand.
“Are you okay? You aren’t acting like yourself. Oh my god! You must be sick.” she said as her eyes widened with concern.
“Nate, come here! We have to get the doctor. There’s something really wrong with Aiden,” she yelled, and then Nate came running from the kitchen with a bowl of popcorn in his hands.
“What did I miss?” he asked with a mouthful of popcorn.
Seriously?
I growled, annoyed by these two behaviors, and rubbed my face again.
“Guys! There’s nothing wrong with me! Geez,” I said.
“I’m perfectly fine,” I grumbled out then looked at Stella’s dress for like the hundredth time.
“Or at least I will be until I’m assured that I won’t have to make someone blind today,” I said as I gave Nate a warning glare when I noticed him staring at Stella’s long legs. He only chuckled at my threat.
To my surprise, Stella slowly nodded and took a step back.
“Yeah, well, I was planning on hanging out with Marie today, so I’ll get changed and just be going,” she said then ran to the door.
Well, that went well.
I turned around and saw Nate pouting as he looked at the bowl of popcorn in his hands in disappointment.
“Aw man! I was looking forward to a bit of action and booty kicking,” he said while putting the bowl of popcorn down.
I raised an eyebrow.
“Booty kicking?” I repeated then shook my head at him.
This guy is unbelievable.
After a minute or two, we both sat down in our previous places, took out some papers and maps of my pack, then got to business.
I walked up the stairs and toward Marie’s room. It had been about two hours since I last saw Stella, and Nate and I were discussing the recent events and how they could be linked to the culprit. But unfortunately, we hadn’t come up with anything. There were too many holes that were yet solved. For example, how were rogues able to come into my territory without being caught by my guards.
I went to the bathroom to do my business then when I came back, I found Nate gone. Knowing that Nate would have wandered off somewhere and gotten distracted, I decided to take a little break and see how my gorgeous mate was doing. I knocked on Marie’s door and waited until she opened it. I greeted her then asked to see Stella.
Yes, I know it has only been two hours, but I missed her already. It’s like she’s my oxygen I needed to live. Okay, yes, that was kind of cliché, but who cares. I miss my mate, and I want her in my arms now.
“Stella isn’t here. She left with Nate a couple minutes ago,” Marie said.
Ugh, not again!
How come every time Nate visits, he always manages to steal Stella. I swear this dude will be the death of me.
I took a deep breath and ran my hand through my hair, trying to calm my wolf that was taking the worst of this situation, because the last time this happened, I ended up regretting letting it take over. I thanked Marie then walked off to find those two, but before I could disappear, I heard Marie’s teasing voice.
“Oh, and Aiden, make sure you don’t mark Stella for the second time. Yeah, that won’t be necessary,” she yelled, and I decided to ignore her.
Geez, what is it? Make Fun of Aiden Day?
I walked past a couple of rooms, following Stella’s scent that was mixed with Nate’s and found myself in front of the gaming room. I heard a couple of noises from behind the door and opened it quickly.
I was met with the sight of Nate and Stella yelling at each other while holding game controllers in their hands. They were playing Call of Duty while standing up, and it seemed like they still hadn’t noticed me because they were both glaring at each other.
“We aren’t even five minutes into the game, and you’re already cheating,” Stella accused Nate.
He then put his hand over his heart and feigned hurt.
“What! I can’t believe you’d accuse me of that. I thought you’d know me better,” he said, and Stella gave him a stern look.
“Oh, don’t get all innocent on me. I saw what you did with my own eyes! You cheated!” she told him.
Nate put his hands up in the air in surrender and smirked.
“It’s not called cheating. It’s just playing with a higher intelligence. That’s all,” Nate defended himself.
Stella was about to say something, but I got their attention when I cleared my throat. Their heads snapped toward me, breaking them from their little argument.
“What’s going on?” I asked calmly.
“Nothing, really. Just found out how much of a cheater Nate really is,” Stella said as she put the controller down and walked toward me. I welcomed her with open arms and gladly pulled her to my chest.
These days I have fe
lt like Stella has finally accepted me as her mate. Especially after what happened with all the strange events. They have only brought us closer to each other.
“Am not!” Nate defended himself.
“It’s just I’m better than you in playing video games,” he said, and Stella glared at him.
“You really want to test me?” she asked, but it felt more like a warning.
“Is that I challenge I hear?” Nate said as he put his finger behind his ear.
Stella nodded eagerly with a grin on her face.
Nate sat down on the floor, and Stella sat on my lap, and they began to play as if their lives depended on it.
Great, this isn’t going to end anytime soon.
Chapter 34
Stella
I put on my sporting clothes and made my way to the bathroom. It had been a day since Nate’s arrival, and he wasn’t planning on leaving anytime soon. He might stay for a week or two. Aiden wanted him to be here just in case if we might need back up, and Nate said it himself that he wanted to help.
Nate finally convinced Aiden that it would be a good idea that I train with them and learn a couple of moves I don’t know. Now, I didn’t think it would be challenging because I am pretty good in defense, but Nate said that if I would be going against an Alpha, then there was only a small chance that I might win, because Alphas are stronger than normal vampires. So training with not one but two Alphas would teach me the right moves I needed. I grabbed a hair tie and put my hair up into a high ponytail then heard Marie’s voice from outside my bedroom.
“Stella, will you hurry up? Nate and Aiden are both waiting downstairs,” she yelled.
“Alright, alright, I’m coming,” I yelled back then dashed toward the door and opened it to face Marie.
Marie was wearing a normal shirt and a pair of jeans, which meant she wasn’t going to participate in today’s training.
“So what are your plans for today?” I asked Marie as we walked along the hall and down the stairs.
“I don’t know. I was thinking of going to the movies today with a couple of friends,” she said.
I smiled and nodded. She deserved to go out a bit because the last couple of days, she had been stressed about my well-being. She needed to let loose and not stress herself over my problems. But I really did appreciate her concern. It’s nice to know someone cares.
