Chapter 5

Alpha Maverick POV

 

I sat at the head of the table with my beta, Damien and few members of my trusted pack gathered around me. We were deep in discussion, hashing out the details of a critical alliance that could determine the fate of our territory.

 

My sharp gaze swept the room, taking in every nuance, every shift in expression. These were my most loyal pack members, the ones I trusted implicitly to help guide our pack to greatness. Their input was invaluable, but ultimately, the decisions fell to me.

 

Suddenly, the door burst open, and a familiar figure strode in - my twin brother, Damien. Although we were birthed as twins we didn't look alike. His brows were crinkled with a look of urgency engraved on his features as he approached me.

 

"Maverick, I need to speak with you. It's important," he saidas his eyes darted around the room.

 

I felt a flicker of annoyance at the interruption. "What is it, Damien? We're in the middle of a meeting."

 

Damien hesitated as his gaze met mine. "It's about Nora. I think she's ill, and she needs your attention."

 

Nora. My mate. The very mention of her name did little to stir any emotion within me. She was merely a means to an end, a way to solidify my position as Alpha and ensure the continuation of my bloodline. Her wellbeing was of little consequence to me.

 

My expression remained impassive, a stark contrast to Damien's obvious concern. While Damien and I may have shared the same striking features - the chiseled jawline, the piercing gaze, a well toned muscular physique- the similarities between us ended there. Where I was cold and calculating, Damien was warm and empathetic. His heart was opened to the world in a way that I could never quite comprehend.

 

"I see," I said with my voice devoid of any emotion. "Dismissed, everyone. We'll continue this discussion another time."

 

As my pack members filed out, I turned my attention to Damien with a fixed gaze. "Explain."

 

Damien shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his brow crinkledwith worry. "When I went to check on Nora earlier, she seemed unwell. She had bruises and was running a fever. As her mate, I believe she deserves to be treated with care and compassion."

 

I felt a twitch of disdain at his words. "Nora is my mate, not yours. I'll handle her care as I see fit."

 

"She might be a lowly omega but she's sick. Have a heart and feel compassion for your mate" Damien demanded.

 

"I am your alpha! So shut the fuck up and let me handle Nora the way I see fit...understood?" I asked with authority. I wasn't even expecting a reply. Damien didn't like it whenever I exercised my authority over him. I could see the disappointment in his eyes, and a part of me almost felt remorse. But that emotion was quickly buried, replaced by the cold calculation that had become my constant companion.

 

Without a word, I reached for my phone, summoning a maid with a curt gesture. The young woman appeared within moments.

 

"See to it that Nora is well-fed and cared for. Anything she asks for give it to her" I instructed with my tone clipped and lacking of any warmth. "Ensure she receives proper nourishment and attends to her needs."

 

The maid nodded. Her eyes flickered briefly towards Damien before she responded. "Of course, Alpha. It will be done...but...what if she asks to see you?" The maid stuttered.

 

"I will not be available" I replied then excused her. Turning my attention to my twin brother, I levelled him with a cold stare. "Damien, you will oversee Nora's treatment. See to it that she recovers from her... ailments."

 

The concern on Damien's face did not go unnoticed, but I paid it no mind. I had no desire to dwell on Nora's condition or to be in her presence.

 

"I will be... otherwise occupied in the coming days," I continued with the barest hint of a lie in my words. "Ensure that she is tended to properly."

 

Damien opened his mouth, no doubt to protest, but I cut him off with a sharp gesture.

 

"That will be all," I said, my voice brooking no argument. Without a backward glance, I turned and left the room with my mind already focused on the next item on my agenda. Love and emotion were weaknesses, and I had long since vowed to never let myself be vulnerable again.

 

As I walked through the grand halls of my mansion, my jaw tightened. Nora was my mate, yes, but she was nothing more than a means to an end. Her well-being was of little concern to me, as long as she fulfilled her duties to me.

 

My past relationships had all been driven by lust and a desire for power, with the women in my life ultimately betraying me. They would succumb to temptation, seeking out the attentions of others and their loyalty to me nothing more than a facade. I would always catch them in the end as their indiscretions laid bare before me. And in that moment, I would feel nothing – no anger, no hurt, no sense of betrayal, because I wasn't new to this. I had built up walls, fortifying myself against the pain of heartbreak, and Nora was merely the latest in a long line of mates and lovers. Her wellbeing, her happiness – these were of no concern to me. I would fulfil my duties as her mate, but I would never allow myself to be drawn in, to open my heart to the possibility of love.

 

With a deep breath, I pushed aside any lingering thoughts of Nora and focused on the tasks of the pack . I had a pack to lead, a territory to defend, and I would do so with the same fixed determination that had always defined me – a cold, cruel alpha , unbothered by the burdens of emotion.

On the other hand, she's an unripe fruit. I don't do virgins. On the previous night we were supposed to have a one night stand but I just couldn't see myself having sex with a virgin! How do I enjoy it? Seeing how she would wince in pain while I penetrate inside her. I realised she was my mate! That moment, I could remember the prophecy that said I would meet my mate as a virgin and that the moon goddess didn't grant me a second chance mate. In my years of living, I have lived as a mateless alpha, though I didn't see it as a necessity.