chapter 16

Mira's POV.

My remained fixed on the door, long after Father left. Was I supposed to obey the man who made my life a living hell since I was born? Or protect my fated mate, who clearly wanted nothing to do with me?

But Navier was changing. He'd been furious at the hospital when he found out I wasn’t eating. He even carried me on his back. That had to mean something.

Father was wrong! Navier was starting to care for me. Father didn't see the love in his love eyes. I knew it wasn't conjured by my imagination. It was real.

For hours, I forgot about the hunger twisting my stomach, and fought the storm of uncertainties raging in my head, until I remembered.

I didn't have the vials anymore.

I'm so dead!

I stood up abruptly, ran to the wardrobe and rummaged through it, flipping my single man’s bed upside down in search of the Vials. Where could it be! I thought in panic, my heart racing with every second.

Father would kill me.

Then it hit me, the last time I saw the black nylon pouch was the first day here in the pack. After my visit to the pack clinic… when the guard showed up and startled me.

‘Thank you Moon goddess, I'm saved’ I thought to myself, letting out a deep sigh of relief.

Though I was weak and lightheaded, I forced myself outside. I got lost a few times, but eventually found the place I lost it. I dug through dirt and bushes like a madwoman, but I couldn't find it.

“Hi there,”

I heard a masculine voice behind me. I shot my feet in fear and schooled my face not to look suspicious, before turning to face the voice.

It was him. The same damned nosy guard that made me toss the vials in the first place.

Nosey fool! Why couldn't he just mind his business? He was starting to disgust me.

“Hey” I gestured with a small wave, masking my irritation.

“I noticed that you seem to be looking for something. Did you lose an item? I'd be happy to help you search for it, and we can cover more ground that way," He asked, concern written all over his face.

Is he insane? Help me search for a poison meant to kill his Alpha? Not a fucking chance in hell.

“Something like that. But I’ve got it.” I forced a smile. Please leave.

“Something like that, but it's nothing I can find myself. You can be on your way, don't mind me.” I signed, with a forced smile. Not that he'd understand me, I just needed him to leave.

Of course, he didn't understand my sign. Instead, he nodded and bent down, his eyes scanning the floor. “It's okay, you don't have to thank me. We'd cover more ground if I joined you in the search, it's much faster.” He looked up at me, smiling. “Can you describe what we're looking for?”

What's wrong with all these men? They think everything female they meet is a damsel in distress. I fought the urge to palm my face in frustration.

“Is it a necklace, bracelets or …?” He trailed off, looking deep in thought before he exclaimed. “Oh fuck.”

His loud shout grabbed my attention and I clenched my fist in anger. “What now?”

“Wait… were you looking for a black nylon pouch? With two bottles inside?” he asked. “The guard dog found it during our sweep yesterday at this very spot. We handed it to the kitchen staff, gave it to Ellen.”

My stomach dropped.

I’m so screwed.

I wanted to lie, but it was pointless. If it reached Navier, it’d be investigated. Then I’d really be done for. Forget about accepting me, he'd kill me. He that ruthless. I have experienced his wrath, and I can say I never want to be in that position again. Ever.

“Yes,” I signed slowly. “It’s mine.”

“Oh! We figured it was for the kitchen. Maybe spices or something. You should talk to Ellen.”

Spices? Really? How dense are these people?

Ellen hated me. She’d rather spit on me than give me the pouch.

“Thank you,” I signed anyway. Not that I felt thankful. I turned to head to the kitchen, but his next words stopped me, in my tracks.

“I’m sorry,” he muttered, guilt heavy in his voice. “For what happened with the Alpha. I never meant for him to treat you like that. I only reported seeing an unknown wolf with you. I didn’t think he’d take it the wrong way he did, calling you a…”

“A whore?” I mouthed wordlessly.

He was referring to the time in Navier's office, the way he called me different awful names. I don't want to rehash the scene. It still hurts.

“It's okay, I'm over it.” I signed. “I appreciate you apologizing, I really do. But it ain't your fault, you were just performing your duties. But I need to talk to Ellen now. It's a matter of life and death.” I signed in a rush.

“So is my apology accepted? Am I forgiven or not?” He looked confused, he didn't understand me.

I took his hand and shook it, with a smile on my face and pointed towards the kitchen's direction. He chuckled and bowed playfully, like a gentleman would do.

He looked confused. I shook his hand, smiled, and pointed toward the kitchen. He chuckled and bowed playfully.

“After you, ma’am.”

When we reached the kitchen, Ellen was dishing out tasks to the maids. Thankfully, I didn’t have to speak. Cole did the talking.

“We found the owner of the pouch we gave you. It belongs to one of your co-workers, Mira.” He said.

“Co-workers?” A maid scoffed.

“Guard Cole,” another sneered, “calling the head cook Mira’s colleague is disrespectful, an insult, when Mira's just a maid.”

“A mute,” someone added. The others chuckled, mockingly.

“Shut your mouth.” Cole snapped. “She's the Alpha's m…” He tried to defend me. I shook my head quickly, cutting him off before he could finish.

He doesn't need to do that, I have learnt to accept my fate. You don't force people to respect you, unless you've earned it. And I will once I'm stronger, and Navier accepts me, that'll shut them up.

“It’s okay, girls,” Ellen smirked. “Looks like she’s found herself another bodyguard, a new defender. And the goddess knows if he's something else to her.”

A ripple of laughter echoed again. I noticed guard Cole growling beside me and I gestured ‘it's okay’ to him. That only made them laugh harder.

“Yes to that. Now can we have the pouch, and be on our way.” Guard Cole snapped impatiently.

“Sure. On one condition,” Ellen said, crossing her arms. “Mira tells us what’s in those bottles. They smelled awful, I want to make sure it’s not poisonous. We can’t have her trying to kill us, in malice. Or I will give it to the Alpha.”

My blood froze, I'm fucking ruined!