Chapter 19 – You are infected
Rue’s POV
I knew his face too well. All that loose confidence and practiced scorn was meant to make anyone bend to his will
“You seem to be doing very well after the divorce,” he said, his voice coated with false amusement ” You look good. Better than I had expected.”
The way he said it proved that he was affronted by my success after the divorce. He was faking happiness for me. Deep down, I knew he didn’t enjoy the fact that I was living my life after I left him.
“That makes you unhappy, doesn’t it?” I smirked.
Haven laughed as she moved closer. “Of course she’s fine Aiden, she found a new man to cling to. Just look at her, an orphan omega with a shiny new trinket of a boyfriend. How cute.”
Her words felt like a slap. Not the boyfriend part, but the orphan part of her sentence. My wolf Korra, ever patient, now threatened to tear through my skin and teach Haven some lessons.
Percy held my hand, “Don’t” he said.
His actions didn’t hide the fact that he had practically claimed me in front of the duo.
I squared my shoulders “I’m not an orphan” I said, my voice contained “I am the daughter of alpha Cyrus Hawthorne of Blood Claw Pack.”
The words were like thunder to them. For a moment, Aiden’s face was full-on surprise, sharp and thin. Haven’s face contorted like I had said the most blasphemous thing. She was frozen in disbelief.
“you are lying.” Aiden whispered, because I was sure the truth was a devastating blow to his fantasy. “You are nothing to Alpha Cyrus, let alone fit enough to be his maid.”
As usual, his contempt always blinded him from any truth.
“not even in your worst dreams did you imagine” I said.
Haven laughed, her voice echoing. “Is that your attempt at trying to make him jealous? I have to give it to you, I believed you for a moment there.”
“She’s not trying to make anyone jealous.” Percy said, straightening ” believe whatever you want.”
Aiden opened his mouth to speak but Percy beat him to it.
“And you, you call yourself an alpha. Walking around full of arrogance and pride, yet you can’t see what is right in front of you? Does that make you stupid?”
Aiden’s face went hard ” And what would you say about yourself? A nobody with a failing company, do you think you can match me?”
“Clearly, I’m not the one walking around making other people feel small to make me feel bigger. And right now, you are at a disadvantage because I have someone in my camp who will turn the tides.”
Percy paused then closed the distance between us “I now have Rue. She’s my fate mate. So hands off”
The words surprised even me. A fate mate. A claim old and ancient. Weirdly, a heat rushed across my skin. Not in defiance but almost in …excitement.
1/3
- 25 Honus
“Fate mate?” Aiden snorted” Is that supposed to be some sort of a joke?”
He tried to hide the flicker of discomfort.
Haven chuckled “What an odd pairing. So you are her fate mate and she is the daughter of Alpha Cyrus Hawthorne. Deluded much?”
“Here’s a fact you two can believe. With Rue helping my project, I will crush whatever fantasy you are persistent on building with Blood Claw Pack. Your plans will fall apart because she’s talented and also connected to Alpha Cyrus.” Percy said
Aiden’s face took a stern stance. I could see his posture change, like he was holding something back.
“I cant wait to see your faces when you realize how much of fucking idiots you were.” Percy added
The way he said it, it was clear that he meant it. He just didn’t care whether he annoyed Aiden and Haven or not. He said it like a promise.
“That is if the Blood Claw Pack chooses to partner with you, which it wont.” Aiden replied.
Aiden’s words bore his usual arrogance and confidence, but he was unsure if Percy was serious or trying to intimidate him.
I had a gift, a knack for knowing things I shouldn’t. And right now as I studied Aiden, something didn’t seem right.
The way his pulse quickened, his glistening skin, the faint sweat on his temple, the irregularity of his heartbeats – something wasn’t right with him.
His eyes flickered, but now I was sure it wasn’t because he was angry. Korra crept to the surface as I focused deeper, getting a few images of memories from his mind. It wasn’t long before I had a clear picture of the real issue.
“You are ill” I said “you have the most recent strain of the virus. It is still in its early stages – making your wolf slip once in a while. You’ll go down if you don’t treat it.”
Aiden’s face flushed, “You know nothing about me.’
“Be as it may, you should get treatment as early as now.” I glanced down at my watch then back at him ” by around 10 o’clock, July 27th, you will faint. When that happens, do not call me. I will be busy.”
Aiden’s face relaxed as he smirked “You barely finished school and yet you want to act like you can predict my future?”
“You can label me whatever you want. But when you go toppling and stumbling about, remember, do not call me.” I said.
There was a long pause as Aiden assessed me.
Okay, we have places to be,” Percy nudged me.
“Good luck with…all that” I made a hand gesture towards their figures then walked away with Percy.
2/3
