The Alpha Can’t Sense His Mate

ITHRA

“Ithra! Please, help us!” My mother screamed as she burned alongside my sisters.

My eyes were red with tears as I helplessly watched the fire devour them while they screamed for help. I couldn’t come close to them. I got held by Athaliah and Azriel – who refused to leave me as the others burned every hut in the Celtz clan.

“Please. Stop it, I already pledged my life to him, I already agreed to help him! Please, just spare their lives. I beg of you.” I cried,

“It was stupid of you to think I will let these scoundrels live. You are lucky you are still alive. Had it not been for our Alpha’s generosity, you should be burning with them!” Athaliah said, eyeing me with disgust.

“Kill me!” I screamed, unable to hold myself. “Kill me right now because death is worse than this! I can’t live with this memory. End my life this instant.” I yelled, getting tired of the torture.

“Gladly,” Azriel said, tightening his hold around me. “I would love to rid this earth of trash like you, but unfortunately, your life does not belong to you. It belongs to the Alpha, and unless he permits your death, you can’t die.”

Tears streamed down my eyes as I watched the home I grew up to know perish in the fire – leaving behind the dust of what used to be my home. At some point, I was let go and left to mourn the destruction of my clan.

Pain tore at my heart as I vowed to do worse to him. To make Zadok pay for his wickedness and destruction of my clan.

I jolted awake, feeling the pain pricking my heart. I looked around in haste and settled down when I realised we were in the cave. Zadok lay behind me, soundlessly asleep.

I couldn’t help the hate that filled my heart. I couldn’t believe I’d been distracted by Zadok. I needed to get my head straight and return to the original plan. If there was one thing I picked from this dream – I couldn’t trust Zadok with my clan.

No matter how terrible they were, no one deserved to die for a sin they knew nothing about. I needed to get the orchids and protect them myself. The thought of losing my clan brought a searing pain in my heart, and at that moment, I realised just how much I cared for them.

Despite their wickedness towards me, I couldn’t watch them perish. I just couldn’t let them die. For a while, I had forgotten what was at stake and even entertained the thought of helping Zadok achieve his goal to my detriment.

Everything was over now. It was a needed wake-up call, and I wouldn’t let it go to waste. There was no time to waste. I got up and headed to the mouth of the cave. We have been here for three days – we were behind schedule.

From our activities the previous day, I was sure he was well-rested enough to carry on with his duties as my partner and undeniable protector. Nothing more, nothing less.

I contemplated our next point of action, and deep in thought, an arm wrapped around my waist, and a gruff voice I knew too well spoke into my ears.

“Up so early?” He asked, his tone was sweet and soft.

I fought the urge to lean into his embrace. I couldn’t let myself and my clan down.

I stepped out of his embrace and cleared my throat. His eyes narrowed at mine, undoubtedly surprised at my actions, but I remained silent.

“I see you are strong enough. It’s time we get back on the road. We already wasted three days.” I said, letting bitterness seep into my tone.

Zadok arched his brows, “Wasted three days?” He said, willing me to retrace my words, but I didn’t.

“Are you ready to go, or do I need to go off myself?” I asked with a pointed look, “We are running behind schedule. I don’t want to remain here any second more, and if you are not alright with that, maybe we need to part ways here.”

Zadok cleared his throat, and his face hardened. “I’ll just get our supplies.” He said and returned to the cave.

He came back dressed and holding a small bag made out of leaves. My eyes narrowed at his bag, wondering what was inside and when he had the time to do it, but I refused to verbalise my concerns.

“Let’s go,” Zadok said, and without waiting for an answer, led the way into the forest with his book in hand. “If lucky, we would get to the cold valley before midnight. We keep heading south.”

I couldn’t help but miss the friendliness in his tone. All of that was lost. His tone was indifferent. Like he was talking to a stranger and not who he spent the better parts of the previous day edging her till she neared her climax.

There was a sudden uneasiness hanging between us. One that I caused. I followed behind while Zadok cleared the way for us as we travelled without rest.

As time progressed, I missed the base in his tone. The gruff of his voice when he spoke into my ears, and ultimately, that stupid lopsided grin.

Zadok was a shadow of himself. Or rather, he had returned to being the dark hole I thought he was. I thought cutting him off and bringing up the walls between us would make my journey better and aid me in doing what I needed to do, but it only made me miserable – miserable and needy of his attention.

My state only made me more snappy and angry. Zadok took a detour, and my eyes narrowed at him. “Where are you going?” I snapped, my voice coming out harsher than intended.

For the first time since morning, I saw his handsome face. A rush of joy filled me, but I didn’t let him see my happiness.

“It’s getting late. I hear a lake around. Let’s rest for a bit and freshen up.”

I cut him off, “We don’t have time for that, Zadok! We are already behind schedule as it is. We need to get to the Cold Valley before midnight. I can’t spend another night in this forest.” I snapped, breathing heavily.

He looked at me, not saying a word. I missed his voice. I’d do anything to hear it again.

“Do you need to rest? Is the big bad alpha tired of walking already?” I mocked, pushing him to talk.

Zadok looked at me and turned right back where we came. He continued the journey, leaving me in a terrible mood.

And no, he didn’t spare me a word.