“Interesting.” Waylon said. We watched as they started making out. “I guess she is coming along after all.”
“Yeah, dont want to stand in the way of the mate bond” I said sarcastically. I sat towards the front so I didnt have to watch them suck face. I was excited for her but still a little bitter.
“This is an interesting development.” My anger just kept growing.
“Yes, interesting.” I knew I couldn’t accept this. He would have to use my birth name and I couldn’t tell him
“What’s wrong?”
That caught my attention. “What’s wrong? You cant be serious.”
“I can feel your anxiety.”
“Why do you care? You obviously haven’t told Axel who I am.”
“To be fair, I dont know who you are.”
“Listen, I’m just here to do this project and then I’ll be gone.” I said as I looked out the window. We had just taken off and the ground was getting smaller and smaller.
“Is that what you want?”
It’s what has to be done. It’s what is requires to keep my identity a secret. “Y-yes.” The lie tasted so bitter on my tongue.
“What aren’t you telling me?”
“Listen, you dont want me anymore than I need a mate. You have Jasmine. Just let me do my job and you will never see me again.”
Waylon leaned forward. His arm touched mine as he gripped the arm rest. The sparks thst flew across my body made my eyes roll back in my head. I had to cough to hide a moan.
“Dont’t-”
“WHAT?” We heard Axel yell. Looking back, I saw the panic in Nova’s eyes. Axel was standing up looking pissed.
Pushing Waylon away, I ran up to Nova. “What happened?”
“Stay out of it!” He rounded at me. Waylon came up behind me and let out a small growl. Axel backed away, allowing me to hug Nova.
“I started telling him” Nova told me.
“Oh.” I nodded in understanding.
“Tell him what?” Waylon asked. Axel had his hands in his hair.
“You boys sit down and give her a chance to tell her story.” I said firmly.
“Don’t tell me what to do! Dont tell me to calm down!” Axel rounded on me.
“Axel.” Waylon said extremely sternly. “Sit.”
Axel did as he was told. He sat across from Nova and put his elbows on his knees. Waylon sat beside him, leaned back and put his chin on his hand. His elbow rested on the arm rest.
I was sitting beside Nova. “It’s okay.” I encouraged her to get it out. It was hard for me to watch. She has fought against domestic violence for so long and is the strongest person I knew. To see her shaking like this, pissed me off.
“My real name is Carolyn Kennedy.”
The realization spread across both if their faces. I held up my hand to stop them from speaking and nodded her to continue. “When I turned 18, my dad gave me one year to find my mate. When that didn’t happen he arranged one for me. I-” she stopped for a second. The pain on her face was clear. “Anyway, my mother got me out the night before my mating ceremony. Dad killed her when he found out. They havent stopped looking for me.”
“Last night, they found us.” I filled in for her. “Our cando was trashed and she found...” I looked at her. She pulled out the picture from her pocket. Axel and Waylon looked at it as their face darkened.
“So you were going to sneak her to my pack and hide out? Bring trouble to me? And the Broken Arrow Pack at that?” Waylon’s face was pure rage.
“I’ll take whatever punishment you wish to give out but I will not allow someone to be dragged back to their physically abusive ex!” I matched his anger.
“Axel, are you going to reject me? I rather you do it now so I can move on. I need to tell my business and stay running.”
I looked at Axel. I was deathly afraid for my friend. So far, he hasnt been thr nicest but I haven’t exactly given him a reason to be nice.
Once I knew she was safe, I got up and went back to my seat. Leaning my head back, I closed my eyes. I slept like shit last night. Even if it wasnt the threat of Nova’s ex finding us, she kicks! As much as I didnt want to, I tried to see where Waylon went. I didn’t smell him so he must have gone to the back of the plane. My head said good but my heart hurt. Right now, my head needed to listen to my brain. Waylon was already pissed I brought trouble to his pack, he could never find out about me.
I must have dosed off because next thing I knew was the plane jerking as it hit the runway. We were here, at Waylon’s pack and now Nova’s pack. For some reason, that made me feel lonely.
Once we were stopped, the pilot opened the door for us and lowered the stairs. I was the first one out since I was sitting in the front. There was a limo waiting for us but two people were standing there. The first I knew was the driver, the second was a very pretty woman. I was 5’9” and she towered over me. She looked like a damb model with her two toned brown hair and pointed fingernails. Her skimpy outfit had me thinking it was Jasmine.
I walked towards the limo, not ready for this conflict. Thankfully, she ignored me and ran right to Waylon’s arms. As soon as she planted a kiss on his lips, mine were on fire. I had to look away and hide the grimace on my face.
Thankfully, he cut it short. The driver took our bags and we piled in. I got in first and sat on the other side as much as I could. Thankfully, Nova sat beside me and gave me a squeeze of comfort. Waylon didnt miss the gesture as he slipped in behind Axel. Finally, Jasmine got in.
“Well, this is cozy. Who are you two?” Jasmine asked as she interlocked her fingers with Waylon’s.
“This is Nova, my mate.” Axel said. His hand was resting on her thigh. I smiled at that.
“That is fantastic news! I am Jasmine, Waylon’s mate.”
“Oh! Nice to meet you! Can I see your mark?” Nova asked, discreetly calling her out.
“Oh, we haven’t offically mated. We are waiting for my Luna Ceremony!”
“That’s so romantic. When is that? I’ll need to get a dress.” I loved Nova. Waylon was both amused and annoyed.
“We are still deciding a date.” She said as she kept rubbing his arm. “I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name?” She was looking right at me.
“Charlotte Peterson”
“Oh! The architect? I’ve heard so much about you! You graduated early and was the top of your class!”
I was caught off guard by this. “Ye-yes. How did you know that?”
“When we decided to build this building, I did alot of research into different architects. You were named in the top 5 in the U.S. but there wasnt a picture of you.”
“Yes, I was out of the country on picture day.” Complete lie but whatever.
“I’m sure you are highly sought after.” Actually no. Most of the people who needed an architect wanted men only. It was hard for a female to get her name out there. The only reason I was on that list was because of my projects in school.
“Something like that.” I smiled nicely. I stared out the window,, hoping to avoid anymore conversations. It worked until we arrived at the pack house.
It was massive. Looked like a mid-evil castle with the stone work. The iron gates almost gave it a spooky vibe.
“I think we can give you the rest of the day to settle in. I’ll have a guard show you to a guest room. We will start fresh tomorrow morning. Dinner is served promptly at 6pm.” Jasmine instructed before walking away from me. I just sighed as I carried my suitcase.
“Can I help you with that, ma’am?” Looking up, there was a good looking guard standing in front of me. He looked like a body builder but with bleach blonde hair and brown eyes. He smelled like grapes and passion fruit. The sweetness of his scent almost made me gag.
“Thank you.” I said. Everyone else had already walked inside, leaving me to it.
“Name is Paul.”
“Hello, Paul. Thank you for your help.” We walking inside to the massive foyer. The halted ceiling had a massive antler chandelier. Mainly blacks with some white and greys. My heels clinked against the marble until we got to the carpeted stairs.
“First floor is offices. Second is guest rooms. Third is gamma and beta’s rooms and their families. Fourth floor is the Alphas family and very specific guest. Fifth floor is the Alpha’s floor. Please don’t go up there unless you have a death wish.”
“Thank you for telling me.” I was on the second floor. The very first room on the right.
“Of course. However, that’s just the right side of the castle. The left is for pack members for different reasons. Pleasd, dont go over there either.”
“Noted.” I nodded my head in appreciation.
“Let me know if you need help with anything. I will be somewhat of a body guard plus tour guide.”
“Thank you again Paul.” He sat my stuff down and walked out of the room. There was a king size bed on the right. It had possibly the fluffest blanket I’ve ever seen on it. The bed was cream colored. The carpet was a grayish-blue. Everything else was different shades of those colors. Very basic, very much a guest room. It said, be comfortable without making you want to stay too long. The bathroom was very basic in design and the closet was tiny. In all, it looked like a larger hotel room.
After hanging up what little clothes I had, I checked my phone. It was 4:37pm. There was a message from the detective that said no fingerprints were found and they had basically nothing. They never will find anything.
Pulling out the blueprints. I started adjusting what Waylon wanted. More of an outdoor area and bathrooms on either side of each convention space. When I looked up again, the clock read 5:59.
Shit! Tossing my pencil down, I ran out of my room. However, I missed the mountain of a man and ran straight into Paul. My head hit the table in the hallway on my way down.“Fuck! I’m so sorry, ma’am!” Paul said as he tried to catch me but I caught him off guard az much as he caught me.
“My fault! I wasnt paying attention and I’m late to dinner.”
“Oh, your bleeding. Come on, let me grab you a bandage.” Paul helped me back inside. I sat on the little couch as he went to the bathroom and found the first aid kit. “This might sting.” Paul said right as he put something against my head. It stung like a bitch.
“What’s going on?” His pissed off voice was sexy as hell.
“My apologies Alpha. Ms. Peterson fell and hit her head. I am trying to stop the bleeding.” Waylon was both pissed off and worried.
“Are you okay?” He asked me.
“Yeah, doesn’t sting as bad as my lips.” I knee I crossed a line as I watch Waylon’s eyes narrow at me but I didn’t give a damn.
“You can eat dinner in your room tonight.” Waylon didnt wait for an answer but he hesitated when he felt my overwhelming relief after he said that. However, he kept walking.
“Alpha usually isnt that... Difficult.” Paul tried to reason with me.
“Don’t worry. I’m sure I’ll survive his temper tantrums.”
Pauled laughed. “I like you. Anyway, I’ll go get you your food.”
“Thank you.” My head was starting to throb. Laying back, I closed my eyes and before I knew it, I was asleep.
“Charlotte! Wake up!” Slap!
“What the fuck?” I peaked my eye open and saw too many people in my room. Nova was sitting beside me on the couch.
“You gave yourself a concussion. You need to stay awake.”
“No.” I said rolling over.
“Dont make me do it!” Nova threatened.
I glared hard at her. Looking around, I saw, Waylon, Jasmine, Axel, Paul and some other guy it was wearing a white coat so I assumed he was the doctor.
“Fine, I’m awake. You all can leave.” Sitting up, the room started to spin and I fell over. Thankfuly, Paul had excelled reflexes as he caught me this time.
“Cant let you fall a second time.” To everyone but Nova and me, Waylon let out a warning growl. Paul instantly retracted his arms.
“50% is still failing.” I joked.
“Ma’am, I’d like to take a sample of your blood and run it for toxins.”
“No.” I said firmly. “I must insist. Yo-” the doctor stepped forward “You touch me with that needle and I won’t be the only one with a concussion.” I threatened. “I saw your tattoo. You can’t be afraid of needles.” Janine said. Damn, I had a massive tattoo of my wolf on my back. She was pure white, which is a symbol of royalty. “What is your tattoo of?” Axel asked. “Nothing and no I’m not afraid of needles. I do not want you to test my blood. I am fine. I just need sleep. I’ll stay up the the hour and then I’ll be okay. Thank you all for checking on me but I could use some quiet.” I said firmly. “I can stay with you...” Nova offered but her heart wasnt in it. She needed to figure things out with Axel. “No, you need to spend some quality time with Axel.” I said patting her hand. “I’ll stay with Ms. Peterson.” Paul offered. “No, everyone out. There is a few things I need to discuss with Me. Peterson.” Waylon said. Paul, Axel, Nova and the doctor all walked out. “You too.” Wa
“What happened last night? Why are you being so distant?” Her eyes filled with tears.What was I suppose to say? “I need some space to decide where the future of this pack lies. There are things happening you do not know about and are not privileged to know. Despite you telling everyone I promised you the luna spot, when I did not.” “I thought you loved me?” “That has nothing to do with the situation I am facing. Please leave so I can do some work.” I dismissed her. She ran out of the room crying. Almost knocking Nova over in the process. “What was that about?” Axel asked. They came into the office and sat down. “I didn’t tell her about your situation and told her she isn’t privileged to know.” I said bluntly and shrugged. “Before I make this call, are you guys prepared to complete the mate bond?” They both looked at each other. “Yes.” Nova answered. “You will need to mate tonight and I will need to make you an official member. Right now.” “Right now?” Nova asked. “Yes. I nee
Waylon pov ”What the fuck do you think you are doing?” I yelled at Jasmine. “I was advertising our building! Getting a head start!” Jasmine defended herself. “Its not our building. It’s mine. And it was never a government building. Who gave you permission to contact the news? Who do you think you are to do whatever you please? You are on probation. You do not to get make decisions, now get out of my sight!” Jasmine came running out of Waylons office crying. I managed to stay hidden until she was gone. However, Waylons door was still open. “You got the report? Good, email it to me, now!” He sounded pissed. Taking a deep breath, I knocked on the open door to get his attention. He looked up, his eyes were still full of rage. “Here is what you asked for. You can write whatever you want differently on the sides. I will call the contractors tomorrow and have it started. I will be packing my bag and leaving first thing in the morning.” I turned to leave. “Stop.” Waylon said firmly.
Waylon didnt answer me as he sat down. Leaning back in his chair, he held his chin in his hand. The silence wad awkward. It felt like the weight of the world was on my shoulders. I just sat there and picked at my fingernails. It was my word against my uncle, who is now the king. I didn’t want to be royal, I just wanted to design buildings and live the quiet life. There was very little chance that would happen now. “Listen, I am just going to-” I started talking, trying to break the silence but Waylon interrupted me. “You will be on house arrest until I decide what to do.” He said firmly. “Excuse me?” There was a fire that started burning in the pit of my stomach when he said that. “I dont need to explain myself. You will be escorted to a room on my floor where I can keep an eye on you.” My eyes narrowed at him. “Actually, you do. I out rank you and I’m not against doing what I need to do to get out of here. I have not spent my entire life learning to live on my own for my own
“Can you do it?” Knock! Knock! “Come in.” I said looking at Axel. “It will be tough but I can try.” Axel looked unsure. Paul walked in. “You needed to see me, Alpha.” Standing up, I walked over to him. “You know Charlotte is my mate.” It was a statment, not a question.Panic flashed briefly. He already feels loyalty to her. “Alpha?” “I command you to forget she is my mate.” I watch the shock run through him until the command took affect. His eyes glazed over and then went back to normal. “Thank you, that is all.” He was confused but didnt push. Since I made him forget, in his mind, I asked him to come to my office and then asked him to leave. As soon as he shut the door, Axel was on my ass. “Seriously, dude?”Sitting back in my chair, I saw Charlotte had went to the couch and laid in the fetal position. They way her body shook, I knew she was crying. I could still feel her resentment, anger and how scared she was. “I have to know the truth.” Axel stood up and rubbed the bac
Ding! The sound made me jump. Where did that come from? Suddenly, a metal door next me to opened up, revealing a large plate of eggs, sausage and fresh toast. The door was so tiny that no human could fit in it. Sticking my head in it, it was just a metal box so I couldnt even see up the shaft. My stomach rumbled at the sight of food. Eating who keep my stanima up and help my hand. I made the mistake of grabbing the plate with my hurt hand. “Ooooowwww!!” I yelled as I dropped the plate. The food went everywhere as I held my hand against my chest. I felt more anger at myself but cussing out Waylon helped too. Now I am picking strambled eggs off the floor and my breakfast is ruined. Putting it back in the metal box, I just walked back to my chair. Surely, Waylon would have felt my pain? 15 fucks hours later, still no fucking Waylon. I was going insane in this room. I didn’t have my phone, no computer, or no pen or pencils. I’ve been toying around with an idea but I hadnt had the co
Charlotte POV “I’m taking a shower.” Waylon stated before going into the bathroom. I heard the lock click and was almost offended. Did he really think I was going to just in there and fuck him in the shower? I did want to shower, myself but not with him. Sighing, I sat down on the couch. My heart was racing too much. I couldn’t believe I was actually giving him a chance to help me. It went against everything I prided myself on. After what felt like hours, I couldn’t sit there anymore. Standing up, I started walking around, looking at the pictures on the wall. A younger version of him with who I assumed was his parents, standing on the beach. Another of just him holding a trophy. Then he was older with his arm around a couple guys. Next one was him standing by a girl with his arm around her shoulders. “That’s my sister, before you get too jealous.” Waylons voice scared me as I jumped back. “Damn, don’t do that!” I snapped at him. ‘“Don’t be so jumpy.” “Excuse me? I have been
Waylon POVAxel somehow managed to get his hands on the files. “There it is. The entire file.” Slapping the thick folder on my desk. “Damn.” I said as I opened it. At the same time, my office door flew open. Jessica stormed in before I could say anything. “The fuck is wrong with you?” Her eyes looked murderous as she tossed me my phone. I was completed bewildered as I looked at it. “What? Something wrong with my phone? Is that why she isn’t responding?” “You are so stupid Waylon Jenkins! Look at your messages!” Glancing at Axel, he shrugged as I opened my phone. The first thing to show was messages from Jasmine. “Hey sexy, I’m going shopping, need anything?”“Cant wait for our usually Friday date night!”“I decided to forgive you. The love we share is too great to let something that silly get in the way.” I got five more all along those lines. Each one left on read. I saw red and by the time I got to the end, I threw my phone against the wall, shattering it. “Fucking damnit