Chapter 12
RILEY.
Nadia and I ate dinner together after I helped her find a shirt and shorts from my closet that she could use.
I had to draw the strings tightly on the shorts to keep them from falling, and I chose a black shirt so her nipples wouldn’t be visible.
I knew no one was around, but the black shirt was more for me.
I didn’t think I would be able to keep a straight face while talking to her if I kept seeing her proud nipples against her shirt.
We talked about the packhouse, my Beta, and the Gamma couple. I didn’t want to pressure her, so I tried to keep the conversation light—nothing about what she needed to do once she stepped up as my Luna.
We didn’t talk again about what happened three full moons ago. I guess it was better that way. As long as she was with me, I could work on all the other things I needed to do as a mate and Alpha so she would stay.
When I woke up this morning, I thought this was just an ordinary day. I didn’t think that a miracle could happen—that a miracle was still possible for me.
All my senses suddenly snapped awake the moment I saw her at the border. And having her in my territory brought back my energy. I wanted to be an Alpha again and make up for what I missed and discarded for the last three months.
Nadia—my Luna needed a capable Alpha. I would be a better Alpha and a better mate.
After our dinner, we walked outside. I showed her the buildings around us, including the building where the cells were located. Then I showed her the insides of the packhouse.
I felt good the whole time. It was like she was meant to be walking with me.
Everywhere she stepped in, the room just felt like it had suddenly come alive and become more colorful.
I didn’t know it was possible to feel this way.
And even if she was still unsure of how she felt about me, I didn’t miss the glimmer in her eyes during the short time we spent together.
So here I was, lying in my bed with my arms under my head, staring at the ceiling. I’d been in this position for quite some time. It was impossible to sleep knowing she was on the same floor, even if it was the furthest room from here.
My mind was so alive and gave me too many things to think about, all related to my mate and what I wanted to do to win her over.
To say that I was excited was an understatement. It was more than that. I hadn’t had this kind of feeling in a long time, or maybe never at all. I felt motivated to woo her.
Nadia.
I wanted to see her. I wondered if she was still awake. Maybe I should initiate her into my pack. It’d be easier if I could mindlink with her.
I have to call Davin tomorrow. Although he has no say in this since Nadia is my mate, I had to inform him as a courtesy.
I rose from lying down and grabbed my sweatpants, putting them on before pulling a shirt over my head. I had no idea if Nadia was still awake, but I wanted to see her to pacify my wolf. And me.
Knowing she was just around made me restless. I hope one day I can convince her to share a room with me or at least move to the big room beside mine after the renovation. But of course, she could do as she pleases. As long as she stays.
I walked out of my room and threaded the corridor, going to the farthest end with easy steps. I wasn’t expecting her to still be awake, especially since I was sure she had had a long and tiring day. But I hoped I could at least smell her before I tried to sleep.
I stopped by her door and knocked thrice. No response.
I tried to calm the erratic beating of my heart. Her scent was too faint, but it might have been because she was asleep and under the blanket.
I knocked one more time. And then another. I should turn around and let her sleep, but my guts told me something was wrong.
Why are lights illuminated under the gap below the door? Did she fall asleep with the full lights on?
My breath hitched as I grabbed the door handle and twisted it slowly. It was unlocked.
Fuck! Where is she?
I knew she could possibly be in the bathroom again, but I couldn’t help the negative thoughts that rushed through my head. I opened the door abruptly and scanned the room. When I saw no sign of her, I rushed to the bathroom and flung the door open.
Empty.
My eyes darted to the clothes hamper sitting in the corner beside the sink counter. It was empty.
Where are the clothes she came with? Did she put it on again?
I felt dizzy as I turned around and swiped my gaze around her bedroom one more time, my eyes looking for her clothes.
Fuck! Did she really fucking leave me? Was everything a fucking lie?
I didn’t know if I would burst out in anger or cry as I walked towards the door, punching the wall beside it before leaving her room.
‘Has anyone seen Nadia?’ I sent a mindlink to my Beta and Gamma.
‘No…’ They replied at the same time.
‘Then fucking get up and find her now!’ I roared in their heads while pain coursed through my chest. She left me.
‘I’m coming down!’ My Beta replied, and my Gamma gave the same response.
I was moving too fast and was flying down the flight of stairs. In seconds, both of them were trailing behind me.
“Check with someone at the border!” I ordered, not caring who among them would do it.
Fuck! I coiled my hands into fists as we reached the first floor of the packhouse. Her scent was faint here. She passed here moments ago.
I walked down the corridor, my gaze sweeping each room that I was passing while the others were checking the other places on the first floor. I couldn’t think straight as I ran towards the entrance of the packhouse with my heart hammering in my chest.
Please! Don’t fucking leave me! My eyes watered at my own thoughts. I didn’t know what I would do if she left again.
I was almost out the front door, preparing my wolf to take over, when Gamma Sebastian shouted after me. “Alpha! I found her!”