DerekIt was eating me up inside.How could I have known? How had I not been present of mind to see the signs? Was it my anger or the pain of being thrust into a mate bond out of my control? Regardless of what it was, I had to get her back by all means.“I don’t know what to do,” i sighed, full of frustration. Benjamin sat beside me, having listened to my story in silence. “I really fucked up this time, Benny.”“That you did,” he nodded, sipping a little of the whiskey from the crystal tumbler he was holding. We were in my study, and the sun was high up in the sky. “But this was really a surprise. You’re going to be a father, Derek.” He let out a breath, shaking his head. “I’m not sure if there’s a way to undo what’s already been done.”I shook my head. I wasn’t willing to accept that. That Alisha was not going to come back to me… now I had full realization of what I had done, the thought was torture.“There has to be a way,” i growled out, clenching the crystal tumbler I held tightly

DerekI was impatient and frustrated.It was time for the meeting in the dining hall.The place was empty save for myself and a staff of my household. I briefly looked at the man who stood there dusting the mantle.Who was he? I didn’t recognize him.I was about to call him over when my mother walked in, dressed in a green embellished gown.“You look nervous,” my mother commented, as if she was stating the weather. “I do hope you’re ready to express remorse for your actions.”“I am,” I insisted, noticing how the man had not moved from the spot. I turned to my mother. “I’ll convince her.”She smiled sadly at me before replying, “We shall see. After all, she may be soft hearted but everything and everyone has limits.”My eyes looked over the empty dining hall as she said that. Those words were painful but I had to admit that. I ruminated over my mother’s words as she sat by my side.It was true. But I had a chance to convince Alisha to not let go of our mate bond so easily. I would make

AlishaI… really couldn’t understand Derek, after all.I squinted at the bouquet that graced the small table Simon and I used to have our meals every day. It was a beautiful mix of roses and forget-me-nots tied up to whether and place in a crystal looking vase.Absolutely ridiculous.It practically filled the table and made it difficult to do more than sit down.“The longer you stare at it, the worse it becomes,” Simon quipped wittily and I turned my gaze away from the large monstrosity to him.“Why did he send this over again?” I asked, clasping my hand together and pursing my lips. “I have no need for flowers.““I have no need for them either,” Simon sighed, twirling his favorite fountain pen in his hand. “But dear, just to let you know, it’s not about the practicality of it. It’s all sentiment.”Ah.Sentiment.“I don’t think I can return this sentiment of his,” I replied slowly, looking back at the large bouquet. How had he sent it over here without causing a ruckus? “I don’t have

Derek:“Do you think she would’ve liked it?”That question left my lips, as I played my turn on the chess board.Benjamin was, I hated to admit it, kicking my ass.And looking pretty bored while doing it too.Damn it.“Hmm? Oh you mean those flowers?” He hummed. “Yeah, girls like flowers, don’t they? At least most girls do.”My eyes twitched.He had been the one to recommend sending a bouquet to Alisha and now, he was being so indifferent about it!Why had I depended on him again?I put another pawn forward, only to see it demolished by Benjamin’s knight. Damn.“I should have known,” I told my best friend who smirked at me tauntingly, knowing he was going to win this match. “How would you know when you’ve never courted a girl ever?”“Oof, what a cheap shot, Derek. You haven’t courted one either, have you, Derek? All you know how to do is use your d-““Boy, boys,” the voice of my mother standing at the entrance of the courtyard, made us both shut our mouths and look at her with varying

Alisha:It was already afternoon and I couldn’t help but let out a yawn. Immediately afterwards I reached for the pitcher of water - that Simon had kept on my desk for when I was thirsty. I was really getting spoiled by him. Maybe this had to do with the fact that he didn’t have a child of his own, but it was from him I felt the support and love of a father.“Hey Alisha,” I looked up as I saw Eric, one of the warriors who had become a regular in the pack clinic by now, walk in. A smile came to my face unwittingly. He was limping, again.“What have you done this time?“ I asked him while immediately turning on the swivel chair to search for his files through the cabinets. Eric had definitely not been taking it easy for someone who was meant to be recuperating. It had only been a few weeks since he landed in the pack clinic among the other warriors who had been attacked by the Silver Claw Pack.Immediately I spoke, he hung his head, looking abashed.“I’m sorry…” he trailed off, before a