CHAPTER 7 - The Scent of Memory

Kaelith’s POV

"Alpha, you're finally awake."

That was Marcus, his voice a bit disturbing because of my hangover. I battled to remain stable to my environment, my head spinning around. Did I really drink that much last night? Why didn't he put more effort into stopping me?

"Barely," I responded while groaning, dragging my hands to my face. "Tell whoever is bent on destroying my morning to stop that infernal noise."

"That must definitely be your heartbeat," he muttered in amusement, taking a step backward. "From the much you took yesterday, you reek of whiskey and regret."

I immediately shot him a him a deadly glare, but surprisingly, that didn't make him flinch. Well, beta Marcus wasn't one to shake at a mere glare.

"Did I..." I stopped halfway, the words struggling to come out. Did I behave in a stupid way last night?

As I was in deep thought, trying so hard to recall what happened the night before, images began flooding my mind. At first, there was that beautiful scent of honey and wild jasmine. Followed by soft gasps, trembling voice like she doesn't want to be around me. Then, the name Ekara repeatedly falling from my lips like an incantation.

I clenched my jaw as shame overshadowed me. "There was someone that came here last night."

Marcus raised a brow, an annoying smirk plastered on his ugly face. "A woman?"

Of course, he must know about it, why is he making it so hard for me now?

Silence stretched on for a long time, none of willing to say anything. My wolf, Zephyr, stirred restlessly inside me, urging me to go in search of her.

"Yes." I finally admitted after the silence almost defeaned us. "She's just a waitress, and I was drunk. In my drunk state, I mistook her for someone else, which is very embarrassing."

Marcus folded his arms, obviously waiting for the full story. "I remember you avoided women like a plaque, Alpha Kaelith, for more than seven years. What changed last night? Is there anything special about this lady?"

I stood abruptly, trying so hard to get hold of myself. "Nothing changed. Everything that happened was a mistake, and won't be repeated."

Zephyr growled restlessly inside me, going against what I was saying. 'How can a mistake leave it's scent in your chest, dear Alpha?' Zephyr teased me.

I ignored him completely, channeling my energy into recovering fast to resume my Alpha duties.

I took a step toward the window, to admire the works of nature, then Marcus voice interrupted me again.

"Where is she now, Alpha?"

"She's gone." I replied non chalantly.

"Gone?"

"She ran away before dawn. Maybe she was terrified, and that's not get fault. I must have traumatized her." I answered flatly, so much wishing he would drop the topic, and stay off my matter. Marcus has never allowed me to rest ever since the death of Elara. He had constantly made efforts into getting another woman for me, but I remained loyal to Elara.

"You should find her, Alpha. At least to apologize to her." Marcus suggested.

"I already told you what happened was a mistake. There would be no need to go in search of her." I replied sharply, my tone showing finality.

"Alpha Kaelith..."

"Don't dwell on that topic again..." I turned to face him, my eyes glowing in fury.

"Do you think I have no idea of what I did last night? I dishonored Elara's memory because of her. Disrespected what we shared together."

Marcus expression softened, his face brightening up with a smile. "You didn't dishonor her. You were only alive last night, Alpha Kaelith. That's all Elara had wished for you to do all these years."

I let out a bitter laugh, surprised that he knew my Elara more than I do. "You talk like you were the one married to her. Are you insinuating you know Elara more than I do? Elara wasn't just any kind of woman. She was pure, light, and.... untouchable. And after burying, and swearing to keep her memory alive, I still found a way to sin against us."

Zephyr growl became more disturbing, making me doubt myself. 'You didn't sin against anyone. You only found her for us again."

"Shut up," I tried silencing him, but he remained adamant.

Marcus blinked in confusion. "It seemed you are talking to your wolf again?"

"He refused to stay calm." I muttered under my breath, as I slammed my knuckles on the window, and it almost turned white. "He thinks... he's been disturbing me, suggesting that scent means something."

"And what do you think of it?"

I stared out of the window to the direction of the forest, watching how a hawk soared high above even the tallest trees. "I think he's completely wrong."

Marcus poured a glass of water for me, but he set it on a table close by. "I think you've punished yourself long enough, Alpha Kaelith. Seven years isn't seven days. No one would blame you for trying to live again."

"Did you just say live?" I barked out, a humorless laugh escaping my lips. "Is that how you put it? I foolishly shared my bed with a complete stranger because she had the scent of my dead mate. That can't be referred to living, Marcus. That's betrayal."

"Then, I think ithgh time you finally let go of the deal," he said calmly.

That hit me like a slap, asking me to let go of my mate?

With a grave and dangerous voice, I cautioned him. "Don't you ever date speak of her in that manner again."

He held my gaze in shock, completely taken aback. "Elara is gone, Alpha Kaelith. But for you, you ate still living."

For a few seconds, the room returned to grave silence, the only sound available was the crackle of the fireplace. As fo Zephyr, he remained restless, pacing non stop and wildly inside me.

I can still feel her scent, the girl that had me captured, completely wrapped around her fingers in just one night.

"Celeste" I found myself calling ht name, not even knowing how her name burned behind my lips. How did I know her name? She mentioned it last night, but I can't remember the exact thing she did.

"Marcus," I called him calmly. "I want you to find out the person who was assigned to serve me last night immediately."

He blinked in shock. "I thought what happened was a mistake according to you?"

"She was, but something changed." I lied. "I just want to see her...to ensure I didn't do something stupid to hurt her."

He opened his eyes wide open, stunned at what I said.

Then, he nodded slowly. "I will work on that immediately."

Then he left, but my mind was still in commotion, my wolf mocking me for denying the obvious.

But why can't I forget her? Why is her scent still lingering on?