4. Child

Ford’s pov

After dealing with their insults Nivia and I walked to my car. I took the back seat, my beta would be driving us back.

Nivia took the seat next to me.

Before buckling, Nivia reached over to tap Samuel on the shoulder, “hi, we’ve never met in person, but you’re beta Samuel, right?”

I held back a growl, hating how informally she spoke to my beta.

He turned his body halfway to face her, “good to meet you in person, Miss Omari. Or should I call you Luna Omari?”

“Call me Nivia, please beta Samuel.” She replied with a smile, before shaking his hand.

“Then feel free to call me, Sam.”

I had never endured this feeling before. This sense of not being in control. When I saw my mate and my beta shake hands, I felt this sense of possessiveness that was new to me.

I detested the feeling of being out of control.

A growl slipped out, which made Nivia look at me with distain as she rolled her eyes. “Just because you don’t want to use my first name doesn’t mean others can.”

“Sit down, Miss. Omari, and buckle your seatbelt.” I replied, not bothering to address her statement.

She did as told before staring out the window. Her family was different from mine, something I was keenly aware of.

Not only in the way they conversed, but in the way they showed their love for each other. Hugs were uncommon in my household growing up and were not something I practiced often with my children.

They were allowed a hug for special occasions, and they never looked like the hugs Nivia just gave her family members. It seemed too intimate and made me uncomfortable to watch.

Once we left the Iron River pack, we would be on the road for several hours, during which I planned to catch up on some work. Unfortunately, Nivia decided this was the best time to get acquainted with Samuel.

“Last time I talked to you, you told me your mate was pregnant, right?” Nivia asked.

I was not aware they had spoken before.

“I can’t believe you remembered that. Yeah, Sarah is ready to pop. She’s excited to meet you. I’m sure you’ll be great friends.”

“I can’t wait to meet her. But I’m not planning to stay long,” Nivia replied, her words aimed to shame me.

‘Stop talking and mind the road,’ I mindlinked Samuel. 

While I appreciate Alpha Aeryn's attempt to convince her daughter to join me, I detested the idea of my mate having her for a trial period. Two months she would stay at the Night Claw’s pack. I tried to hide my disapproval, but I was gobsmacked they would bring forward such a preposterous proposal.

She is mine.

I don’t assume to know what type of relationship we will have; however, I am certain that Nivia belongs with me as the Moon Goddess has determined it so.

We are destined to be mates; hence, we shall be mated.

Unfortunately, Alpha Aeryn made it clear that Nivia was very reluctant to join us and if I mistreated her daughter in anyway, The Iron River pack would declare war on our pack.

They once again demonstrated their low regard for me.

“That’s a shame,” Samuel replied to Nivia. “Well, I’m going to pay attention to the road now, but I would love to talk more once we’re home.”

It was silent for a bit, until Nivia spoke again. Could she not see I was trying to work?

“So, what’s the Nightclaw pack like?” she said, turning her attention to me.

“You will be able to observe for yourself once we’re there, Miss. Omari.”

She sighed and then began to tut her lips, “okay. So, um, any rules I should be aware of? Am I free to walk around and explore or…?”

“Despite your assumptions about my character, I am not going to imprison you or keep accounts on your every move. However, I do expect you to control your urges to behave improperly or unladylike. You do represent me, and therefor, -“

I had never been interrupted by Miss Omari before until today. She growled, “so I am free to walk around.”

“I shall not tolerate such, -“

She let out another growl, this time infusing it with a hint of her aura. Nivia was more powerful than she looked, similar to her mother. “You are not my parent and will not scold me like I’m a child.”

“Perhaps you should refrain from acting like one then,” I replied.

“I asked a simple question, and you immediately insulted my character without even knowing anything about me!” she shouted at me.

“As did you when you assumed you needed a codeword for your safety.”

"Excuse me for trying to protect myself," she said, rolling her eyes and laughing dryly. Why should I trust you? What reason would I have for believing you’d treat me right when all you have done is insult and belittle me? You’ve treated me like fucking crap every time we had a meeting.”

I tried to remain calm. At this point, expressing any emotion would signal to Nivia that she had won. “I’ve not acted any differently with you than I would have with anyone else.”

It was a lie. I had found Nivia irritating. I deserved to speak with an alpha or at least a beta, yet I was assigned a pup to deal with. One who had no previous experience in the matters we discussed. To her, our meetings were merely practices for when she would become the alpha of her pack.

Furthermore, she treated me as an equal, not as her senior.

Nivia scoffed, “seriously? So you treat everyone like shit? Great! Fucking great! I am mated to an asshole!”

I growled and stared at my tablet, “That will suffice, Miss. Omari. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have work to do.”

She shook her head in anger, sucking on her teeth as if she were holding herself back from doing more. Ultimately, she emitted a sound akin to a sigh and a growl, and retreated as far as she could in the direction of the car's door.

Such a petulant child, having a little tantrum because she doesn’t get her way.

‘It can’t be easy for her to leave everyone behind.' Callum tried to argue, but it was futile. I had left my family and everyone I knew behind when I became the alpha of my pack. There was no one to cuddle me or guide me. There were no practice runs. They threw me into the deep end and expected me to swim immediately.

‘Samuel Senior was there.’ Callum replied. Samuel Senior had been the beta when I arrived in America. He had died a few years after I had taken over, and I had assigned his older son to assist me as my beta in his stead.

He had been a stern and honourable man.

Samuel and his father were like chalk and cheese, but thus far Samuel had been adequate at his job. I just prayed Nivia’s influence would not steer him on the wrong path.

None at the Nightclaw pack should tolerate her propensity for hysterical and vulgar behaviour.

We sat in silence until I heard Nivia’s breathing becoming heavier. She moaned softly in her sleep, and I could not refrain from taking a look at my mate.

Her arm was propped up against the window, her head resting on top.

Her eyes looked puffy, her cheeks wet, and I could vaguely smell the scent of salt.

‘She has cried.’

Spurred on by my words?

There was no telling what had led to Nivia’s tears. An emotional woman such as her could have been crying for numerous reasons.

‘It’s you.’ Callum stated.

Was it really that dreadful to be mated to me? Had I not been an agreeable mate to Pearle? I am of proper rank; I take great pride in my appearance. I care and provide for my pack and my family.

Despite our rocky start, I was confident our match would succeed. As long as Nivia does her part and behaves accordingly, of course.

I turned my attention back to my work until we arrived back home.

When the car stopped, the movement woke Nivia, who wiped some saliva from her face before looking outside her window.

“Welcome home, Nivia.” Samuel said, before opening his door and walking to her side.

I swiftly opened my door, hindering Samuel in his efforts, and opened my mate’s door first.

She got out and looked at the house in front of her.

“Mmmm,” is all she said as she looked at it.

“Use your words, Miss. Omari.”

She shrugged, “I expected something different.”

“As did I.” I replied, as I stared at her from head to toe.

Nivia scoffed and muttered under her breath, “you fucking asshole.”

“What’s that, Miss Omari?”

She turned to face me with a look of defiance. “I said, -“

But just as she was about to speak more, Madeline came out of the house with my pups.

“Daddy!” Adelaide yelled.

“Now, young lady, if you want a proper hello, I expect you to behave properly.”

“Hi, daddy.” Adelaide smiled and gave me a quick bow.

“Hello, daddy.” With a quick nod, Percival turned his attention to our beta and my mate. “Beta Samuel.” My son said with a smile.

“I’ve told you to call me Sam, Perci.” Samuel said, rubbing his hand over Percival’s head.

Nivia bent her knees, ducking down so she was at eye level with my son. “Hi, I’m Nivia.”

“Percival Dashwood, it’s wonderful to meet you.” Percival said.

“And you, little princess, what’s your name?” Nivia looked at Adelaide.

“I’m Ada. You are pretty.” My daughter said, smiling at my mate.

I cleared my throat, “Miss Omari is going to be staying here as my, -“

"As a guest of your daddy," Nivia interrupted me. “Maybe you two can help show me around the packhouse later?”

“No, they have studies.” I said sternly. Nivia ought to gain an understanding of our schedule.

“Maybe another time,” Nivia said, focusing solely on my kids.

“Madeline, if you could take the kids back inside?” I asked the nanny. A few omega’s stepped out my house, “Be so kind as to transfer Miss Omari’s luggage to my room.”

They nodded and quickly grabbed Nivia’s things.

"So...now what?” Nivia said, looking at me with distain.

“I need to attend to my work. You’re free to do as you please.” I said, before walking away towards the packhouse, leaving my mate on the steps in front of my house.

She needs to learn her place. My pack takes precedence over anything and anyone.