My Jolly Alpha - Burgov Series V

13. Orson

How did it come to this? With me standing in the middle of the white tent with more colorful, blinking lights and garlands of pine twigs with red and green ribbons tied through them for a more festive look and the amazing smell of the Christmas tree, and absolutely none of this festive mood within me. It all looked amazing, exactly how I pictured it, even though I would never achieve it without Cilia. My perfect party would consist mostly of food and drinks, but my cousin had a better way with events, making the whole experience more complete.

Then why, in such wonderful circumstances, all I'm able to do is sulking by the bar with a drink in my hand?

Well, I know the answer to that, I'm not that stupid. But everything else proved I wasn't very bright either.

The matter mother brought left me not only in a foul mood but with an acid taste on my tongue. I still desperately wanted to hope she was wrong, but let's be fair here, she rarely was. And I could delude myself that this wasn't Kimmy's end game, but everything seems to make so much more sense now. This could be why she was always interested in everything that concerned the pack. This could be why she always made sure to be well known and respected among my people. This could be why she cared about her image in front of them more than in front of me. And finally, why she visited my bedroom so rarely.

Now I see the pattern. Now I understand why she only ever got intimate with me on a three or four week schedule. That's because she assumed those were her most fertile days. And I was too stupid to notice it.

But the good news is that she most likely hasn't been successful in the last three months. But what about our last time? The one we had only two days before Markella came into my life like a storm?

I shudder thinking about this night and every single one that came before it. It never really crossed my mind to think about protection, but who does with a she-wolf bearing your mark? And my stupidity combined with lust put me in this place.

She might be pregnant right now, with my pup growing in her, the one woman I can honestly admit I hate.

Fuck! That's even too hard to think about.

Not to mention where that leaves me and Markella.

She was so devastated back in my office and I felt like crying for the first time since I was just a boy when Cilia hauled her out of the room and away from me. I hurt her. Not intentional, not maliciously, but I still did. And even though it's still just a theoretical problem, I know it could create a riff between us, and move us back a few steps.

Goddess, if you're listening, this wouldn't be the best moment to make some divine intervention.

I downed my drink and placed a glass on the counter, nodding at the bartender to fill it up again. My main activity at the party that was supposed to make me feel close to my men again.

With a freshly refilled glass in my hand, I turned back to glance at the room, but it was just a distraction before my eyes landed on Cilia and Markie standing across the room.

So close, yet so far away, and even those few yards were killing me.

I haven't had the chance to talk with her since she left the office. Even right now, being surrounded by all my wolves, she hadn't made her way towards me, and when I tried it, she fled the other way. I had to make it right. I don't know how, but I have to. Otherwise I will end up killing that treacherous woman who came into my life just to ruin it, despite her being pregnant or not. But one thing is certain, she's not getting anything else from my family. I'm ready to suffer the consequences for my actions, but Midnight Banes stays within the family's hands. And if Kimmy was successful at spoiling my chances for a happy life with my one true mate, I wouldn't even hold back.

"Could you f*****g smile at the very least. You look like a serial killer on a hunt." - Dave chimed in, appearing out of nowhere. I regarded him with an uninterested glance, before turning back towards the room.

"If you haven't noticed, I don't have many things to smile about right now." - I muttered while taking another sip from my glass.

"Actually, you do." - I huffed with exasperation, already dreading this conversation and I took another gulp. - "Markie gave us time to act, that's more than we could have hoped for."

"Yeah, I know, it's all peachy." - I said sarcastically - "But you're forgetting a small detail that she can't even look at me now."

"That's not it, Cuz. She's just terrified."

I gave him one long look, trying to decide whether he was just saying that to lift my downright miserable mood, or was he telling the truth. You could never be too sure when David was included.

"She's on the verge of crying whenever she's looking at you. And Cilia told me she's afraid to waste your disguise if she comes too close." - he said, making me feel slightly less shitty. Slightly. - "She wants to be there for you, but she can't wide in the open, and it's good that she's smart about it, because you look like you're ready to cause havoc right here, right now."

"Isn't that your field of expertise?" - I asked gruffly.

"Don't be an ass." - he rolled his eyes - "Sure, I enjoy it when things aren't boring, but I would never wish for this situation and you know it. We're family, Ors, we live or die together."

"Aren't those your sister's words?" - I pointed out.

"Ellie is sometimes more than just a sharp tongue and a great right hook."

I nodded, again downing my drink and motioning for another refill.

"Anyway, I wanted to ask if you wanted me to stay. I wouldn't mind passing on Stonewall Christmas if you need me." - he asked and I internally cussed, because that completely slipped my mind with everything that was happening.

"No, go. I don't think a lot will change in two days." - I told him.

Dave nodded and glanced at the room, just like me.

"Just so you know, Dad is also coming, but he's leaving his best guy to trail after Kimmy."

"Good." - I nodded - "Thank him from me."

"You know there's no need." - he sent me a side look with his famous smirk - "Besides, Mickey mentioned some thirty-year-old bottle with your name for taking Dad off his hair."

I chuckled, taking a sip of my whiskey.

"Tell him I'm glad my f**k up helped at least him."

Dave's head whipped my way with a scowl.

"That's not your f**k up, Ors. Anyone of us would most likely fall for this stunt." - he said sternly.

"Really? Even the famous Burgov Gammas?" - I arched one brow with fake amusement, because in all honesty there was nothing funny about this situation.

"Especially the famous Burgov Gammas. But we're no Alphas, so no one would go after us." - he answered.

"Wow, that makes me feel so special." - I deadpanned.

"Stop whining, it doesn't look good on you." - he chimed in - "And besides, it may not be the most conventional way, but at least you're the Alpha who actually met his mate, unlike Sean and Dean."

"Yeah, but I will bet you a hundred, that when they do, they will be able to actually touch their women." - I answered.

"Okay, I'm done here. If you prefer to be a little whining b***h, fine by me, but you'd better change the attitude before talking with Markie. And maybe you should invite Kimmy to dance. That's kinda expected of you."

"f**k what's expected of me!" - I snapped - "The next time I put my hands on her will be to break her neck." - I said in a low growling tone.

"Then maybe call it a night." - Dave said suggestively and then clapped my back. - "I'm off to the airport, buddy. If anything, just call me."

My only response was a curt nod before he marched away.

I stayed for another hour, stiffly standing behind Cilia when she was handing gifts to each family, pretending to be as joyful as the rest, even though it couldn't be further from the truth. However, it brought me some sense of pleasure when I noticed Kimmy scowling at Cilia being applauded. That's right, you aren't the only woman who can charm the crowd.

At night I lay awake in my bed waiting for all the noises to die down, hinting that other residents of the Pack House had finally gone to sleep, and only then I tiptoed to the other part of the hall, where Markie's bedroom was. I hated that she was so far away from me, especially now, when I needed her close, but I will change soon. At least I hope it will.

Oddly so, I found her door locked tonight, and I knew she wished to be left alone. But I wasn't going to. Maybe it was extremely selfish of me, but I just needed to see her, if even for a second. So I stood there. Knocking on her door, trying to make the sound as quiet as humanly possible, but my temper was getting the better of me and the sound became louder and louder, until I heard her moving away the bolt, and practically pulling me inside.

"Are you crazy?!" - she asked in a whispery-hissing voice.

"Yes! Over you, I am!" - I answered with the same manner that visibly took her aback. Markella took a step back and she crossed her arms over her chest, allowing me to look at the room behind her back, and especially an open suitcase she seemed to be filling up. - "What's all this?"

"A suitcase." - she answered flatly.

I sent her a scolding look.

"Don't take that sass on me." - I told her. - "I can f*****g see what it is, I'm asking why are you packing it?"

She didn't meet my eyes and that was the first thing that made my anger spike.

"Are you leaving me?" - I asked coldly and the change of my tone made her look at me.

"Can you blame me? You obviously aren't thinking clearly with me around, and I…" - her voice trailed off cracking at the end.

"Markie, I don't want this to be the end." - I said pleadingly - "I know the situation isn't ideal, but I will fix it. I swear, I will. Even if I have to hire an assassin to take her down, I will." - I assured her.

She looked at me in disbelief and shook her head.

"You really think that's what I want? For you to kill your potential unborn child? I can't even believe that's something you would even consider." - she said accusingly and she was right, I haven't thought those words through before they left my mouth, but they did make me sound like a f*****g deadbeat.

"I'm sorry, of course not, but the thought of you leaving me makes me ready for the most crazy things." - I told her, shaking my head like a madman.

"No one's saying anything about leaving." - Markella said softly, making me look up at her. - "Well, I am, but not definitely, just for the sake of this situation."

"How can you even say that? I wouldn't be able to concentrate with you gone."

"Actually, I think it's the other way around."

"Bullshit!" - I snapped.

"Oh yeah, wasn't it you who was banging on my door, forgetting about the threat sleeping down the hall? Have you even made one smart move since our meeting this morning?" - she asked, crossing her arms, and I had to agree she had a point there. - "Besides, I can't focus around you either." - she admitted - "All I want is to hold you close and tell you everything will be better, and that's not helpful. We need some space to focus on our tasks. Me, going through my book and finding the one potion she's using and you to control yourself, you can't be the scowling mess you were at the party."

"You're right." - I agreed, hanging my head - "But you will be back, right?"

"You want that in writing?" - Markie arched her brow and her sass made me smile.

"Yes, I would very much like that." - I said teasingly, making her roll her eyes.

"You're insufferable, Orson." - she said, but the insult wasn't that bad with her lips curling up.

"But…" - I hummed, taking a step closer to her.

"But, what?"

"But it works on ya." - I ended the sentence, placing my hands on her hips.

Markie shook her head with a teasing, lopsided smile.

"There must be something wrong with me too." - she said.

"There's everything just right with you." - I told her, before kissing my two fingers and placing them against her lips, watching her closing her eyes and taking a deep inhale. Yeah, I know the feeling, I can't wait to find out what kissing her really feels like too.

"About you leaving, is Cilia going with you?" - I asked.

"It's kind of obvious, don't you think?"

I smirked because it indeed was. Those two were more like twins, even though having two completely different sets of parents and being born and raised on a different continent, than Cilia and Igor ever were.

"Have you decided when and where you are going?" - I asked the next of many questions I had.

"Cilia suggested Harvest Moon, and I'm more than fine with it." - I nodded, agreeing with her too - "And we were thinking tomorrow might be a good day."

A lump formed in my throat at the mere thought of not seeing her constantly so soon, but I swallowed it down and nodded.

"In that case, am I welcome to stay with you that last night or are you busy?"

Markella smiled weakly, and she cupped my cheek.

"You're always welcome." - she said with her hazel eyes sparkling.

"Are you sure? Because the locked door told me a completely different story." - I snickered, which earned me a swat on my chest and a semi-angry glare.

"You don't know when to shut up, do you?"

"Hey, people used to love my easy-going nature." - I said in a whiny voice.

"Yes, and I'm sure they were laughing with you, not at you." - she said mockingly, before turning towards her bed and tossing the suitcase unceremoniously on the floor. - "What are you waiting for? I need some serious spooning before leaving." - she announced in a non-compromising tone.

"Yes, Ma'am!"

The morning came too quickly. Actually, everything that I did with Markie ended too soon in my opinion, and I really couldn't wait for her to stay for good, for us to be able to kiss and touch and not care about who might see or feel a damn thing.

I prolonged leaving the guest room for as long as I could, but I had to keep appearances, and I finally left her to pack the rest of her belongings, she didn't have the chance to touch yesterday, and I snuck into my bedroom.

I still smelled like her and even though I would like to wear her scent on me proudly all day, I had to make myself presentable. But the caramel aroma and the images of her long toned legs wouldn't let me go without relieving myself first.

I went downstairs where Mom was already preparing a very festive breakfast and I smiled at everyone sitting by the counter, waiting for it to be ready. My Mother and her cooking were like a witch and her spell book, she could charm everyone to do as she pleased, just by promising some of her goods.

Mom smiled at me, when I was pouring myself some coffee, before joining the rest in waiting.

'You heard about the girls?' - she asked via mind-link, with her back turned to everyone to hide our mental connection.

'Yup.'

'And how do you feel about it, baby?'

'Not great.' - I answered shortly.

'I know it must be hard, but it's for the best. Cilia told me some of Markella's reasons and it's hard to disagree with her.'

'Just like with every other woman in my life.' - I answered with a sigh, making my mother giggle in my head.

'Have they decided where to go?' - Mom asked.

'I think Harvest Moon.'

'Oh, honey.' - she looked at me and barely visibly shook her head. - 'If what you think is true, and someone is helping Kimmy, it may as well mean that it's someone from this pack, and you remember one of the last laws your father and Vanya implemented?'

'Shit.'

'Language, boy! I'm still your mother!' - she scolded me.

'I'm sorry, Mom, but I totally forgot.'

Freedom of moving between our two packs by every wolf who was a member of either Midnight Banes or Harvest Moon posed some complications. Not only could anyone find them and with that, make her my biggest weakness, but also, if we locked the borders, people would start asking questions.

'I'll ask them to pick someplace else. I'm sure Nicky or Sean would take them with open arms.' - I told my Mother.

'No, not Sean.' - she said shortly.

'Why the hell not?'

Mother stopped what she was doing and she looked at me in disbelief.

'All men are equally blind.' - she chimed in with a sigh - 'You had better ask your Cousin for her opinion.'

I nodded and looked at the counter where Cilia, Markie and Teddy were chatting like three besties and Kimmy, who was simply sitting nearby not even engaging herself in any conversation. She even looked like she didn't want to be here at all, but since it was a Christmas breakfast, she didn't have much of a choice.

"Cilia, I have something for you in my office before you leave…"

"You're leaving?" - Kimmy asked, visibly appeased by that news.

"Aww, are you going to miss me?" - Cilia asked sarcastically, and Kimmy barely managed to hide her scowl. - "What do you have for me, Ors?" - she asked, turning back to me.

"I thought hard and long about what my dear Cousin would like for Christmas and I settled for financial stability after what Igor did." - I said and her icy-blue eyes lit up like from turning on the switch, and she jumped from her stool, joining my side immediately.

"I always knew aunt Sasha raised you well, Orson." - Cilia beamed, winking at my mother.

"Why thank you, dear." - my mother smiled at her sweetly.

"Okay, so when you two are done with patting your backs, can we go?" - I asked and Cilia nodded and started walking ahead of me.

However, when I was about to follow her, Kimmy yanked my hand, stopping me.

"Are you really giving her money?" - she whispered, but in a room full of werewolves with just a sizzling pan making a sound, I believe it's safe to assume everyone heard her.

"Yes. She's of my blood, and, in case you haven't noticed, in this family, problems of one are problems of all." - I said, purposely picking my words. I was hoping she would feel the pressure and her guilty conscience would make her end this charade.

But nothing of that sort happened. Kimmy simply let my hand go and focused on her coffee once more. Suit yourself.

I followed Cilia to my office, slamming the door behind me, because it was getting harder and harder to stay calm after every interaction with her.

"You really should start meditating." - Cilia deadpanned, watching my agitated state.

"Says the queen of serenity." - I bit back, and she smirked.

"Why do you think I haven't killed Igor yet?"

That actually made me chuckle. The Orlovs were truly the worst siblings I knew. But they at least provide us with things to laugh about.

"Anyway, I have something to ask of you."

"So there's no money?" - she asked with the face a child does once learning that Santa doesn't exist.

"Oh, there's money. But despite what Kimmy thinks, your money, not mine." - Cilia knitted her brows in confusion. - "I opened an account for you with the cash Igor sent me as p*****t for your visit."

She huffed angrily, just like every time someone reminded her about her brother cutting her off, but then she nodded.

"Thank you, Orson. I really appreciate it, even though it may not seem like that." - she said and I nodded, because I knew her well, and I knew she did a really shitty job at hiding her emotions. - "So what's the big question?"

"My Mom doesn't approve of you two going to Harvest Moon. Dean and I have an open borders policy, so if anyone from this pack is helping Kimmy and would get a whiff of who Markie is to me…"

"Say no more." - she said, raising her hand, stopping me. - "You're right, that's a potential danger, but if anyone would notice we aren't there, even though we said we would, they might start to wonder why we lied. So I have a counter offer for you."

"Meaning?" - I asked, crossing my arms.

"I will go to Uliana, just like we planned. I was supposed to do it either way, and Markie would go someplace else. You guys can even take the jet."

"You want me to send my mate somewhere she doesn't know anyone?" - I asked her in disbelief.

"All I'm saying is that we should double check everything. Right now, I'm the potential target, as your Cousin, who isn't Kimmy's favorite person in the world, and if anyone, it would be me who would be followed or worse, but I can handle myself. And it's not like I want to send Markella to complete strangers, but a family, just the one living a bit further."

"Hmm, that does sound reasonable." - I muttered, scratching my chin. - "And I bet Sean would take care of her properly."

"Oh dear Goddess, pick anyone but him." - she rolled her eyes.

"What's your problem with him? He's family too!"

"Maybe your family, I won't claim even a dead fly in the loo with him." - she said with her usual theatrical mannerism.

"You really will have to get over your imaginary grudges towards him one day. He's my best friend and you're my Luna's, so you will have to be civil on occasion." - I pointed out.

"We'll see about that." - she said, self-confident. - "I haven't seen him in almost seven years and I'm quite fine with that. And FYI, Markie knows about my 'imaginary grudges' and I'm sure she won't go to his s**t hole of a home."

I sighed, because that could be possible.

"So where should we send her? To Nicky's?" - I suggested.

"Naa, he will be too busy with his first born coming any day now. But Ellie would take great care of her. And I know those two would hit it off instantly."

I grimaced at the thought of all the things Markella would most likely hear from Huxley.

"Something wrong?" - Cilia asked.

"Ellie's mate isn't my biggest fan."

"All the more reasons why she should go there, let's give the girl some perspective on what she's getting herself into." - Cilia grinned diabolically.

"Are you sure you're not part werewolf and part demon?" - I asked sarcastically.

"Only those who get under my skin would find that out." - she smiled slyly - "Call Ellie, and I hope you will take her there?"

"Of course, but Ellie's not even home. She's at Stonewall with Dave." - I argued my point further, but it was less productive than trying to talk your way out of interaction with a crocodile.

"Then you'll have a weekend together. I'm sure a clever guy like you could think of some quality time with his girl." - she said suggestively, and that actually started sounding very, very nice - "But with the clothes on, of course!" - she added hastily, reminding herself of our unusual situation, but I was already daydreaming about that road trip.

"Of course, I'm a gentleman."

Cilia snorted and shook her head.

"Yeah, right. You weren't even in the room when they were passing the gentleman's attributes, but okay."

I watched her with a less than pleased expression. Yeah, it's about time Dean took care of that troublemaker. But her idea about my weekend with Markie proved she had her moments.