His mate's secrets

Chapter 5 - Rules of the game

The morning was Flic’s favourite time of day. It was quiet, there was no one around and she could get on with her work like she was in her own little world. When she first moved to the Red Valley pack and her dad opened the bakery, she had been resistant to help him at all. The early mornings, the long hours, the same routine every day, it was boring to a teenager, especially one who had other things to focus on. Now her dad was getting older, she had almost taken over the running of the small shop and she loved it.

Flic was making a fresh batch of croissants and used the back of her hand to push back a flyaway hair that escaped her braid. It was a lot of work to prepare everything for the day alone, but every move was ingrained into her hands now and it allowed her to switch off. Well, that was usually the case, but today she had a lot on her mind.

After she left the packhouse yesterday, she went straight home and handed the agreement to her dad. She was always open with him and trusted his opinion above everyone else's, which was why she was surprised that he was positive about the proposal. It hadn’t been what she expected and left her baffled when he congratulated her. He had the same thinking as Alpha Neil, that being at Damon’s side would be safer for her, and that’s all her dad wanted for her. He didn’t seem to care about the fake relationship, or the thinly veiled threat Neil had posed, though he had more trust in the previous Alpha that she did.

Ultimately, he left the final decision to her but one thing he said made up her mind; Remember what we are hiding from. Flic shivered as she thought about it again. Not only was it enough of a reason to keep in favour with the Red Valley pack, but it also emphasised that her choice would affect her father. He had abandoned his whole life to keep her safe. To put up a small ruse as the pack’s Luna and Damon’s mate was a small ask in return. That was the reason she signed the agreement that morning.

The sun was starting to appear, a late riser compared to her, but its light was a reminder that she was running behind schedule. The front window of the shop faced the southern training fields and the open plain was coated in sunlight all day, acting as her personal clock. With the orange light pooling from the east, casting the grass on fire, Flic knew it was almost time to open and she still had a lot to do. She took a beat to gaze out at the beautiful colours of her morning before starting to decorate her creations. Cakes, biscuits, tarts and pastries, she added her individual touch to each one letting her creative side flow free. It was her favourite part of the process and made her smile each day, a feeling she passed on to her customers in every treat. It wouldn’t be long before the first Red Valley wolf would walk through her doors. There was always a couple of warriors that sneaked in before training started.

Flic wouldn’t have enough time to put her usual care into crafting the treats. She had started her work late that morning due to a small errand she was determined to get done before she started. Apart from the night shift border warriors, she was awake before any other wolf in the pack and used the opportunity to sneak into Alpha Neil’s office. She did it to leave the signed agreement on his desk, like he had instructed, without having to see his face. She was certain it would hold a smugness that she couldn’t deal with that day.

She had her own copy of the document, but after reading every word multiple times the night before, she could recite it perfectly now. Apart from legal jargon and a threat to keep everything confidential, the agreement was basically a set of rules for her and Damon to follow. They were to appear in public at least twice a week as a couple. It was suggested for these occasions to be dates but this seemed to be left to their discretion. She also had to move into the packhouse, to his residential floor, but they didn’t have to share a bedroom. The agreement also stated they couldn’t openly be with other partners and would need to appear faithful.

Knowing she would be taking the Luna title, she had expected that much, however, the wording of the whole document allowed flexibility in the rules. Flic liked that. She hoped she could use it for her own benefit whenever the need arose. It made the arrangement feel less restrictive and more like a mutual agreement she could get onboard with. It also had the potential to be a lasting deal that she could utilise to keep herself safe for a long time.

The front door chimed, and Flic turned to welcome her first customers of the day. She wipes her hands on her apron and gave her three visitors a smile to welcome them in. It was Jake, who had been a regular in the bakery ever since he joined the warriors, and two of his warrior friends. They all grunted a chorus of good mornings, the sleep still heavy in their faces, and she started making them some coffee. They were sweet and made a good show of looking over all the fresh treats she had placed out, but Flic already had their usual order boxed up behind the counter.

“The usual, ple...” Jake started but he stopped when she pulled out the box and handed it to him. “You’re the best Flic.”

He grinned, passing it to his friends who were quick to take their breakfast and coffee to a table and dive right in. Jake stayed at the counter, sipping at his drink, chatting away while he woke up and she finished up a few last bits. Flic then grabbed a croissant, still warm from the oven, and joined him. He wasn’t her closest friend at Red Valley, but he was a daily staple that made her smile, and she enjoyed his company.

The door bell chimed again and Flic felt a warm pressure against her skin. She knew exactly who had just walked into her bakery, but she still took a sharp intake of breath as she looked up and was caught in his crimson gaze. Damon hesitated in the doorway and the room fell still for a moment as the Alpha’s presence was felt by the three warriors there. She also offered him a smile in welcome, though it may have been a little more than polite.

Given the topic of their last conversation she thought he would say something, but the Alpha's gaze only ghosted over her. Flic's expectations fell, along with her smile, into a pit of disappointment sitting heavy in her stomach. She watched him as he prowled to the counter, waiting for him to acknowledge her, but all he did was stand at the far end and inspect the treats there. He offered her no word of greeting or kindness, so she turned from him and focused on Jake again. If Damon could be indifferent about their situation, so could she.

Jake’s focus flickered between her and the Alpha, his easy conversation halting. It wasn’t against the rules to get some breakfast before training but having their leader hanging around them, stole all their ease, leaving the three warriors tense. Flic rolled her eyes. First, Damon intruded on her space, with no intention of being friendly, and now he was scaring her customers. She couldn’t have that.

“So, err, no crazy designs today?” Jake asked.

She looked over the treats, feeling her disappointment swell further. They were still pretty, but nothing special. She supposed with her Luna duties on the horizon and the longer walk from the packhouse, it may become a regular sight. Flic huffed and pouted her lips, feeling Jake’s attention move to her again. “No. I accidentally slept in, so this is all I have to offer today.”

“It’s looks amazing, as always.” Jake smiled, a gleam in his eyes. His good looks had stayed with him since they were young, dumb eighteen-year-olds, and Flic knew she could count on him to try his charms once more. She wasn’t interested, but it was fun to tease. “How about you make something extra tasty for me tomorrow?” He leaned forward on the counter, a confidence brewing in his expression.

Flic leaned towards him, resting on her elbows, an easy smile on her lips as she chuckled. She gave Jake her full attention and when she felt his focus lock to her, she dropped her gaze to his lips. There wasn’t much space between them, and she lifted her hand and wiped a crumb from his mouth, letting her thumb skirt at the edge of his bottom lip. She saw a blush creep into his cheeks, but she wasn’t done. She could feel another set of eyes on her but she didn't care to give them her attention.

Flick brought her thumb to her lips and ran her tongue over it with a hum. “You’re right, Jake. It does taste amazing.” She let a purr roll into her voice and smiled as his face lit up. She could almost see his tail wagging behind him.

Suddenly, the air around them changed. It thickened with an unpleasant heaviness that pressed down around them, stealing the light hearted moment. Flic felt the heat of a glare burn into her side and straightened away from Jake. The poor boy had paled and he looked behind him, like he knew there was danger but couldn’t place where it was. She knew exactly where it was and turned her back to it, as she wiped down the back counter, ignoring the darkening presence behind her.

“Training starts soon.” A deep voice rumbled. “You should all go warm up.”

Though it sounded like a suggestion, Flic wasn’t surprised when the scraping of chairs and the sound of the door opening followed. In just a few words, the Alpha had rendered them alone, but Flic didn’t feel that same stirring in her stomach as she had the night before. No, the feeling in her gut was hotter than that and urged her to round on him, a growl on her lips. Damon was stood where Jake had been moments before, his face neutral and presence calm once more. She had no desire to make him feel welcome and hardened her features.

“Do you know what you want, or will you be sending your dad in here to tell me?” She met his eyes with an unwavering glare, uncaring that she was provoking an Alpha.

“Did you sign?” He ignored her question in favour of his own.

“Yes.” She growled through gritted teeth. “So don’t you think you should've greeted your future Luna when you entered the room?”

“Don’t you think, you shouldn’t have been touching other men in front of your Alpha?” He countered, a flash of anger in his eyes.

She leaned onto the counter, a challenge in her gaze. “I was only being polite.”

Damon mimicked her, his face drawing close enough that she could count the different shades of red in his eyes. “I was just waiting for privacy.”

The pair held their glares and Flic felt something crackle between them. It raced across her skin, teasing her with an excitement that pushed back her anger, but she pushed back. She was pissed, not horny and she wouldn’t let Damon change that.

Flic was focusing so hard on maintaining her scowl that when the Alpha pulled away and smiled at her, she frowned. “I’ll have the strawberry tart.”

“Excuse me?” Her eyebrows flew up as her hands snapped to her hips.

“To order.” He smirked. “It’s what I want.”

Turning from him to hide the look of frustration that twisted her face, Flic grabbed the worst tart she could find and placed it before him. Damon didn’t even bother to look at it. His eyes were locked on her again, never deviating, but never revealing what was behind that gaze. His attention turned her cheeks pink, but she couldn’t look away, determined to understand the man before her. The man who made her red hot with rage and white hot with need. He seemed completely different to how he was seconds ago and she recognised the playful gleam that slipped past his mask.

Barely holding back a smirk, Damon grabbed the tart and swiped his finger across the sticky glaze that made the strawberries shine. Achingly slow, he brought the digit to his lips and Flic watched, entranced by the drip sliding to his palm. His tongue flicked out to catch it, before following its sweet path back to the tip. He dipped the finger past his lips and sucked off the juices with a wet pop. Her own tongue flicked out, needing a taste, but not of the tart.

“Delicious.” Damon rumbled, the noise closer to a growl.

The noise vibrated through her, sending a shiver to her core that made her thighs clench together. It was all she could do to not climb on the counter and suck the glaze from his tongue before covering herself in more tart juices for him to lap up. A shaky breath parted her lips as she waited for his next move in this cruel game he was playing.

A shout from outside sliced through the tension and Flic jerked back. Her heart pounded against her ribs as she darted her eyes to the window and saw some warriors waiting outside. It was time for training and they were calling for their Alpha. She doubted they could see anything from there, but they were peering in curiously at the pair. Her cheeks burned, but if her and Damon were required to become public, it would only be a matter of time before she'd have to put up with the looks.

Without another word, Damon turned and left her at the counter, panting with need. The thrill of his game was pumping in her veins, a rush that hummed across her body and flooded her mind with desires. It was far greater than the lick of passion she had felt years ago and she was excited to see how far it would climb.