Chapter 2

~ Alister's POV ~

Alister left Ophelia's house feeling uneasy. The brief conversation he had with Luciana had left him with more questions than answers. He couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. 

He had wanted to talk to Ophelia about one of their pack members but Luciana's body language, especially when she tried to block his path and stop him from entering the house, Indicated that something was going on in that house and he was not to come in. He had respected her wishes, knowing that she wouldn't do that if Ophelia was not in support.

Her scent still lingered where they had touched and it was doing something to him. He grunted, shifting in his car seat as he started the car.

He drove straight to his office and was not surprised when he entered his office and saw Elijah, his Beta and best friend sitting on his desk with his eyes fixed on the computer in front of him.

" There's a reason why the door is there Alister" Elijah said dryly.

" …Yes, to prevent people like you from coming into my private space. But no, you wouldn't take the hint" he retorted.

" The reason is so you'll knock before entering Alpha and not startle people…" Elijah said ignoring his earlier statement, rolling his eyes.

" I would be an idiot to knock before entering my own office Eli, if anyone is doing the knocking, it's you…" he replied.

Elijah scoffed, looking up at him with an arched brow, " what's got you tight in your pants" he teased.

He hated it when Elijah could read him like a book. They've known each other all their lives so it was literally impossible to hide anything  from the guy. 

Alister sighed as he sat down in the chair across from Elijah and leaned forward.

" …that obvious?"

" Yes Alister, so spill…"

"I think your mother is up to something," Alister said, getting straight to the point.

Elijah raised an eyebrow. "What makes you say that?"

"I just had a conversation with Luciana. She didn't say much, but the way she acted made me think that Ophelia is hiding something, she even stopped me from entering the house." Alister muttered.

Elijah whistled as he leaned back in the chair and sighed. "You know my mother. She always has a few tricks up her sleeve."

"That's what worries me," Alister said. "We need to figure out what she's up to before it's too late."

Elijah nodded in agreement. "I'll see what I can find out. But be careful, Alister. My mother is not to be underestimated."

Alister knew that Elijah was right. Ophelia was a force to be reckoned with, and she had a way of getting what she wanted. But he also knew that he had to be just as cunning if he wanted to outsmart her.

"Thanks, Elijah," Alister said, "Let me know what you find out."

 " Hold on a minute" Elijah paused, picking up his phone to check the screen. " Fuck! it's your birthday today… the big twenty one" he gasped.

Alister rolled his eyes, that wasn't exactly new news, he mused. His Beta  could be dramatic at times, acting like his mother.

" So…?"

" So?, You'll find your mate today…are you nervous?" Eli asked.

He wasn't about to tell Elijah that he was nervous. He couldn't imagine getting a mate when his heart was falling for Luciana. He knew the pack needed a Luna, but if he could delay finding his mate for another year, then he would. 

" Nope, waited for this moment all my life…" he said dryly.

" At least be excited" Elijah said.

" I'm excited, just not overdoing it" he said, " what's the status on the border issue?" He asked, changing the topic.

If Elijah noticed the change, he didn't point it out, instead, he taped some keys on the laptop and sighed, " we have extra warriors patrolling the East border. The rogues or whoever was sighted haven't made a move yet. It probably is just some human, sight seeing or looking for adventure…" he explained.

Alister rubbed his temple, he hoped so, because he could not tackle any threat showing now. Mentally, he wasn't ready.

" We still need to be careful, increase security and inform me of any slight development" he told Elijah who nodded as he stood up.

" I will, I'll see you later" the guy said, walking towards the door. He paused, holding the door knob before turning around sharply.

" Shit!, I think they're planning a surprise birthday party for you" Elijah said with an amused look.

Oh hell!, Not another party, he groaned, remembering the last party. He could still hear Elijah laughing at him down the hall.

The fucker.