Chapter 2. Clash of interests

Anna's pov

"Miss Anna?" I heard a reprimanding voice interrupt my conversation with the squad member that was also a close friend of my parents.

"Beta," he responded with quivering lips and a bowed neck.

"Is this what you're supposed to be doing, Piercy?"

"N-no, Beta I—"

"—You're dismissed, get going." He hissed in a powerful tone causing Piercy to turn away from me without a final glance.

I sighed, wondering why the Beta was harsh for no reason. I'd always gotten bad vibes from him but as long as we kept a cordial distance from each other like we usually do, I would not mind it. But still, he was my mate's best subordinate, I had to get on with him.

"Beta," I said, and was about to leave when he said, "Stop,"

I sighed and did as he asked.

He then walked over in front of me, as though judging me, but I was totally unhinged by this and simply blinked. "What are you doing?"

"The Alpha has asked you to make preparations to move into the pack house."

My eyes instantly brightened, "So what, I'm gonna be a Luna now?"

After I asked that, I swore that his eyes flashed a deep shade of golden orange. I instantly got a sense that my question was not very welcoming.

Luke's pov

The moment she asked if she was going to be a Luna, my anger slipped and I may have lost control of my wolf for a second. Only a second.

"No, Anna. You're not going to be a Luna yet. Obey your Alpha's command and go to the pack house immediately!"

"It's okay if I don't become a Luna right now, I'll be bound to be anyway." She said to herself thoughtfully before looking up to face me, and as our eyes met, I felt a sense of threat?

Her comically large brown eyes were innocent, the type to tug on your heartstrings and not know it at all. No— It was all a facade. This woman was a god-damned seducer and she was dangerous. Too dangerous if she lingered with the Alpha for long. She had the potential to be the Alpha's most trusted person, and I couldn't let that happen. Not when I was finally having control of the Alpha's palms right in my hands. I needed to do something before she did. Something that would bring her down and let her stay down for a long time.

Anna's pov

With my hands worn out from carrying my things, I dropped my bag In front of my new room and sighed.

"I wish my wolf was so much stronger so I can carry heavier things."

Suddenly, I smelt my mate's delicious scent which instantly lifted my mood.

The moment he appeared in the corner of the room, I ran forward and jumped into his arms.

"Haiden," I whispered, nuzzling my nose into his chest.

We stayed that way for a while before he grabbed my face and pulled me away from his body. "I heard you said you wish you were stronger so you wouldn't need to struggle when lifting things."

"Well… yes."

He walked away from me and grabbed my bag from the floor without a single gasp.

"You shouldn't worry about that. I'll do all the heavy lifting." He gave me a look and I smiled.

He pushed the door open and I skitted over and entered the room that was decorated with a lovely purple color. It was a big room. About the same size as my room back home.

As Haiden looked around the room, I heard him murmur, "Hmm, this room is too small."

I moved over and clung to him, "You think so too right? Ideally, I don't care about the size of the room but I wanna sleep close to you. What if I stay in your room with you?"

Haiden loosened my hands from his arm and sighed, "Don't even dream about it. You're staying here."

I squeezed my lips and folded my arms as I looked at him. Haiden gave me a 'what' glance and I slowly stepped forward and grabbed his hands.

"Haiden," I stared into his eyes intently and I could almost swear that his heart pace increased.

"What-" his tone seemed unarranged and forced, as though he were having a hard time focusing.

"Your Beta… seems really close to you. If one day, you were asked to choose between me and him, who would you choose?" I asked as I felt Luke's presence behind the room. I knew that he was listening.

"You, of course."

I smiled and caressed his arms, "But… why?"

The Beta's presence was gone now, which made me give a victorious smirk.

"Apart from being weak, is there any other reason?"

The moment I heard that, my smirk dropped and I pushed him away with annoyance.

"What? Did I say something wrong?"

I went to sit on my bed and folded my arms while ignoring his glance. "Don't talk to me, Alpha. From now on, I don't know you. We don't know each other."

"Are you mad, Anna?"

"Of course I am!" I blurted as I met his gaze. The moment our eyes met, I knew I was not going to win this battle. I looked away, remembering his softening gaze as he looked at me.

Haiden walked over and crouched in front of me as he grabbed my hands. "I'm sorry about what I said earlier, I should've been more thoughtful."

I swallowed, feeling myself crack. "Do you really mean it?"

"Yes, my love." He cupped my cheek with his large palms and I found myself anticipating his next words. "You're as strong as a puppy."

"You!" I felt my face reddening due to anger and embarrassment.

Haiden on the other hand laughed as he straightened up and started to head for the door.

"I have to work, Anna. I'll come to see you this evening." With that, he walked out the door. I huffed and watched the door close.

My shoulders fell back as I laid on my back on the bed.

"I'll wait for you, Haiden," I said and smiled.