The Moon Queen

05 - Alpha to Alpha

05 – Alpha to Alpha

Killian’s POV:

Once more, she loses her temper! How is it I am consistently the one who gets bitten by this situation? Looking at me with fiery eyes, ready to battle, causes me to lose my patience. My Alpha gene is being triggered to challenge Hailey’s Alpha nature. To see who is the stronger of the two of us. It’s a natural thing to have this fight with her, even though I don’t want it.

I point my finger at her. “Stop snapping at me!” I reprimand her. I’m no better than her in any way.

“Yeah, f**k you! That approach could have worked with Emma, but I won’t tolerate being bossed around.” Her spatting back at me caught me off guard. Not only because she remembers Emma but also the venom in her words, I’m clueless as to why she believes I would behave that way towards her or Emma, but our reactions have set off a chain reaction.

“DON’T!” I warn her. “I don’t appreciate you talking about my mate and Luna like that. It’s not your business!”

A glint of gold flickers through her green eyes. The passion has faded, and now all I see is pain — pain I caused due to my careless words.

“Get! OUT!” she yells at me, and to give my heart another kick, then snuggles into Aiden’s arms. I’m wondering how to handle the reversed roles after going through the same situation a few weeks ago.

With my head down, I leave the room. This time, I’m making sure to open and close the door quietly. Mindlessly, I exit the hospital, and when I’m far enough, I let Boaz take control and shift into my wolf, who rejoices in his newfound freedom after being trapped in my mind for weeks, watching our second chance mate.

I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact that we’ve been given another chance, but I’m worried that I might have already messed it up.

When the sun sets and the moon rises, I become aware of how much time has passed. Since it’s fall, the sun sets during dinner time. It’s five o’clock maximum when I walk back into the hospital. The first time I bump into someone is when the elevator doors open in Hailey’s ward. It’s my former Beta, Hugh. His white face was devoid of any expression, neither a smile nor any emotions.

It makes me feel restless, and I need to know if there’s something wrong with Hailey. “What is going on?”

“I don’t know. What’s going on?” He replies, irritated.

“How should I know? I’ve been gone all day.” I try to explain to him. He’s in the wrong place with me if he’s upset about not receiving information.

“I’m aware of that.” his answer is cold and empty.

“Is something wrong with Hailey?” I’m immediately concerned.

“I don’t know. Is something wrong with Hailey?” He repeats my question.

“Hugh, stop this! What’s wrong?” I force him to tell me.

“You and your big mouth, that’s what’s wrong!” he snaps at me. “You moved heaven and earth to bring her to the hospital two weeks ago. The top-notch doctors had to be summoned because your precious mate was bitten by a vampire. What happens next? Now you snapping at her? Do you have any idea what all this must be like for her?” My intention is to answer, but Hugh’s sermon is like a train that keeps running, and he keeps rambling on.

“No, you don’t have a clue! Your brief, snappy conversations with her played a role in her memory recovery. Well done!” He adds insult to injury by clapping his hands in mockery.

I’m aware of everything Hugh needs to dispose of, so I collect it. I no longer have the urge to prove my dominance as Alpha now that I’ve run in my wolf form for almost a full day.

“After she recovered from the initial shock, do you know what her question was? How you managed to erase her mark! The shock must have been unimaginable when Aiden revealed that you didn’t mark and mate with each other yet.”

I’m having trouble understanding Hugh’s rapid speech while also noticing his fast breathing.

“She what?”

“The vampire compelled her mind, tricking her into thinking she had to choose between you and Theo’s life, so she rejected you. This may not be the case in real life, but to her, it was the truth until Aiden managed to get her to calm down. She spent half a morning on the verge of fainting every time a thought came up.”

“Why didn’t you link me? I could have come back!” Panic hits me.

“To do what exactly? Did it not cross your mind that she might not want to see you again or be in the same room with you for even a second longer? What did you think when you said she didn’t like you that much and Luna was allowed to speak? Emma is dead, Killian. Despite the previous awful experience, you’re not embracing the new chance that has been given to you.”

“I had no idea she would react this way. So far, all she’s done is snap at me! She used to find peace and comfort with me, but now she only spends time with Aiden. The air was filled with the smell of s*x when I stepped in.” I’m still trying to defend myself, but I know he’s right. That’s why Hugh is here, to call me out.

We’ve known each other for a considerable amount of time. He used to be my father’s Beta. He helped me bring down my father. Our pack was in dire need of rescue from its awful leader. We worked together to enhance the living conditions of the pack, and gradually, he became a father figure to me.

“Killian, it’s time to stop being stubborn and face reality. You’ve been through a lot, but so has she. The amount of heartache one has isn’t a contest, but if you compare, she has the most. Respect her and give her time to heal. If you don’t treat her well, someone else will.”

“I’m all in, Hugh. I was already before I even knew she was my second chance mate. She rocked my world when she paraded through our pack for two months, and the feeling only intensified. I don’t know why I snapped at her like that.” Being honest, I must admit.

“Make it up to her! Even though she’s awake, the doctor says she still has a long way to go before she can take on the world again, despite what she may think. She doesn’t need a mate who will only argue with her, especially considering the amount of news she hasn’t heard yet.” He makes it clear to me again.

“Hugh, you’re absolutely right. I will make things right with her, even if I’m not sure how yet. Thank you for being a great listener and providing comfort when necessary.”

“You don’t have to thank me. Even if we’re not in Mountain Valley, she’s still my Luna, right?”

“Yes, if she still wants me. She’s a new breath of fresh air.”

“I hope you’re not going to use any cliches on me.” His laughter tells me that we are good again.

“My knowledge of the mate bond is limited, but it’s crucial for you to be present for her. Please be understanding and kind to her. She’s had a lot of conflicts with other strong alphas, like yourself, and may not realize if she’s making you upset. Remember to stay in control.” Hugh imparts the ultimate wise lesson.

“Thank you, Hugh!” Placing my hand on his shoulder, I give him a final gesture of gratitude by briefly squeezing his shoulder.

Hugh and I are making our way to Hailey’s room together. I can hear her talking from the hallway because her door is ajar. She’s demanding her chart to read and understand what’s happening. In an effort to make amends with her, I take action without discussing it with the others first. I retrieve her paper-based medical record from the wall container and go into the room. As soon as she sees me, her green eyes become slightly narrow.

“I’m sorry about this morning!” I tell her honestly. Overwhelmed by my apology, she looks at me in surprise. As she stares at me with her mouth open, I walk over to the bed and give her a kiss on the head before placing her chart in her hands.

“Let’s read it out loud first, then we can add on what the doctor said or recommended.”