Alpha of the cursed pack

Ch 8

Astrid’s POV

“We both were obviously drunk. Whatever happened, it was a mistake”

I expected this from him. We hardly know each other. So, it was obvious that he would clear it. Even though I had one of the best feelings, it was a onetime thing. Then why was I feeling so sad?

Alastair looked uncomfortable as he gauges my reaction. I tried to smile or at least tilt them a little. At the end, all I did was gave him a nod of understanding.

It is obvious that we won’t be meeting ever. A heaviness settled inside me. There was an awkward silence between us. Neither of us knowing what to say

“So, all the breakfast you prepared for me, was to make sure that I won’t trap you in a marriage or responsibility” I said to him with a tight-lipped smile.

“We are both adults. We were both intoxicated. I hope you will forget that it ever happened.”

“Is it a request or a demand?” I raised my eyebrow at him as I leaned back on the chair.

“Why are you making it so difficult?” he asked politely. His hands were tightened into fist, his body was rigid. He was trying not to lose his calm. As I thought about it, I realized that I am the one who was delaying everything. It is better to leave then to create problems for him. He has done nothing but be good to me.

Letting out a sigh, I rubbed my forehead “I am sorry for causing you inconvenience” I started.

He opened his mouth to say something but I stayed him with my hand. “You have said you piece, let me finish mine” that made him sit quiet and hear me.

“Thank you for everything that you did for me. I am grateful. Thank you for taking care of me and also for the delicious breakfast.”

Getting up, passing him a smile, “I shall take my leave now” I turned around to leave when he said “wait”.

I frowned at that. I was in a bad mood right now. I have no freaking idea why though.?

“Yeah, anything else?” I inquired with an inquisitive look. He scratched the back of his neck before passing me an awkward smile.

“We are at the hill station. You won’t find any ride back until you go down the hill. I will drop you off” he was being nice again. I cannot understand him.

“It’s okay. I will manage” I assured him.

“But, it’s too far. It will take at least two hours for you to get down” he looked concerned.

Letting out a sigh, I stared at him “you have already done enough for me. Anyway, I have whole lot of time so, you don’t need to worry about me” with that said, I did not wait for his reply and took myself out from his villa. It was good while it lasted.

As I walked down the pathway with trees on either side, I saw a pool and garden. The villa was not only beautiful but also had all the facilities to spend weekends here. Sadly, it was not mine to enjoy the peace and serenity over here.

The gate was locked. As I am outside the pack lands, I can use my magical powers. He might be suspicious as to how I let myself out, but who cares. It’s not as if we are going to meet again. Once I am well and healthy, Jasper won’t give me this freedom again. So, I have to make most of it and enjoy. Going to club is big no for me. I will think of something once I reach the city.

I was about to teleport myself when I jumped in fright, “I came to unlock the gate” I heard him. It is better to not use his name. A name which I need to erase out of my memory.

Turning around, I glared at him “why do you always sneak upon me like that?” my voice sounded snappy.

“I apologize. It was not my intention to startle you. I thought perhaps you won’t be able to open the gate that’s why I came down here” he explained himself.

“I am grateful” my tone come out sarcastic.

He typed the code and the gate was unlocked. Turning around, I find him already staring at me.

“Goodbye Alastair” I murmured softly.

“Goodbye Astrid” he said with a nod.

As I walked out of the gate, it was hard for me to restraint myself so that I don’t turn around. There is no point catching a glimpse of him. Somethings are only good when they become a memory. In this case, it will be nothing but a distance memory of mine.

I did not want to use teleportation to take myself to the city. Walking the long distance will give me clarity and take my mind off things.

As I don’t have a place to stay, I decided to ask Elinor to get my identity.

“Elinor” I mind linked her. She was sleeping. Being a cat, it is such a relaxing job, nothing to worry about.

“Eli” I sang in my mind.

“Ughh. Why can’t you just let me sleep” she groaned in my mind.

“Get up your lazy bug. You need to come to the city with my identity card. I need it to book a room” I said to her.

“Alright. I will be there at the central mall.”

“Be there at two in the afternoon” I instructed her.

“You could have called me then, why wake me from my peaceful sleep?” she whined.

I smiled “looks like you are adapting well at being a cat” I teased her. She did not bother replying and closed her link. Elinor still had the mind link power. It was a good, this way we would be able to contact each other when I am in the city.

Half an hour passed by and I did not encounter a single person. As I looked back, all I could see was a deserted road with long trees. Alastair was right. I won’t be able to hitch a ride here. I don’t really need it anyway. By the time one more hour passed, I was dead tired. I am almost down of the hill when I saw two drunkards.

They had not seen me yet as they were busy drinking. It is better this way. I don’t want to face any unnecessary drama. My mind is in utter chaos as it is. I had almost crossed them when suddenly. I heard one of them “what have we got here?”.

“Look a sexy lady,” said the man. I ignored them and kept walking.

The men kept following me on their unsteady legs. My speed increased. I suddenly realized something and stopped.

Why am I running? it’s not as if they can harm me.

“Ah, she stopped” said one of the men.

Turning around, I faced them. “I am giving you guys five minutes to get out of here or else” I left the sentence open.

The other man laughed as he stared at me from top to bottom. I rolled my eyes at that. Men will be men.

The man however did not seem to take the hint and tried to touch me. With my one look, he went flying backwards and hit a tree. He was groaning in pain. Smirking, I turned to the other guy, “do you want to try?”

“You b***h” the other shouts as he attacked me being foolish that he is.

Letting out a deep sigh, I was quick to move out of his way which had him stumbling on the road and falling down face flat.

When they were still recovering, I walked ahead. Those men will take some time to get up. Even if they try something, they won’t succeed. I was walking carefree when there was continuous honk of the car.

“Who the hell is this?” I turned around only for my eyes to widened when I saw the man attacking me with a stick. I could not use my teleportation powers because I saw Alastair getting out of the car. In all this, it led to me being hit by the man.

I gasped in pain as he hit me hard. Alastair came running towards me. Blood oozed out from my forehead. Those men escaped as Alastair ran after them. After that he came back towards me and held me.

“Are you alright?” he gave me a concerned look as he pressed my wound with his hand kerchief.

“I am fine” I muttered and took the hand kerchief from him.

“What are you doing here?” I inquired.

“Well, I was going to the city. I saw that those men were about to attack you from behind” he explained.

“Before I could save you, they already attacked you” he said to me.

“It’s okay. I am fine anyway” I assured him.

“Why don’t you come with me, I will drop you off” he offered me.

“No, that’s alright. My friend will be here” I refused to take any more of his help. He has anyways made himself very clear. He does want to have any contact with me. It is better I keep my distance from him.

“Oh, okay then I will wait with you till your friend arrives” he says to me.

“Doesn’t he take the hint?” I thought to myself.

“There is really no need. You can leave” I said to him

“But” he started.

“Listen Alastair, I really don’t need your help. I can manage on my own. It would be great if you go your way and I go mine.”

I had to draw a line somewhere. Why is fate making us cross paths again and again? He did not bother replying neither did he leave. Instead, he leaned back on his car and waited. I grit my teeth. This is not going to work out. He is showing very concerned now. Where was he for the past two hours anyway.

I mind linked Elinor to come to the knight lands. Five minutes later a car came our way. Even though the one who got out was not Elinor but Brandon. She has just used his look for now.

“Hey what happened to you?” she acted as how Brandon would react if he found me hurt.

“I am fine” I assured him.

I turned to Alastair “My friend is here, so I will be leaving now.”

He gave me a nod. After that I got in the car and Brandon drove it away. Half way through, Elinor was back in her usual self.

“Why did you use Brandon’s personality today?” I asked. She shrugged her shoulder but I could see the mischievous look on her face. “I just felt like it” she added after few seconds.

I did not bother replying. I decide to teleport us in city central mall.

“That was fast” Elinor muttered. All I did was pass smirk to her.

“Who was that guy?” she inquired curiously.

“Someone you don’t need to worry about” I replied while getting out of the car and taking my things from her.

“Where are you going?” she called out as I started to walk “I am on a break. Don’t disturb me”

“Same goes to you” She called out as I walked away. Elinor is someone who under stands when to give space if need be. I am glad to have her beside me. She made such a big sacrifice to be with me and has always helped me out. I am glad to have her as my friend.

Alastair’s POV

My eyes widened when both of them disappeared. The car as well. I had been following them with the help of Sera.

“What the hell just happened?” I was surprised.

Sera smiled at me “they teleported themselves. Looks like we not only have one but two witches”

“Do you think they both will help us” I murmured.

“Astrid will definitely help. She was the one whom we have been searching for. As for the other witch, we can’t say. We have to wait and see.”

“Alright. Find everything about Astrid” I instructed her.

“She is from the Dark Wood Pack. Also, she belongs to Jasper” I froze when I heard that. Jasper is known to be cruel and has been hurting his partners. If it true, then Astrid is suffering.

“That is why she was at the club. Maybe she found out that Jasper is searching for another female partner. I am sure he has broken ties with Astrid” my fist tightened on their own accord. I never really like Jasper because he treated everyone beneath him. I cannot even fathom how he must have treated Astrid.

“Does he know that Astrid and her friend is witch?” I asked. Sera shook her head at me.

“It is obvious, Alastair. If jasper knew then he would have made sure to make use of Astrid’s powers. He does not know.”

“Hmmm” I schemed a I thought of possibilities for Astrid to keep her identity hidden.

“We would have never found out if we did not go to the club yesterday” I mumbled with a long sigh.

“You seemed to be unhappy about something” Sera pointed out.

“You know me sera. I have never even dated anyone”.

“Now, I have already done everything with Astrid. How do you think that will make me feel?” I was surprised by my own actions.

“There is something about her that is making me lose my mind. I am starting to feel an instant connection towards her. Things just don’t add up” I ran my finger through my hairs. I was frustrated and confused with the way things have been from yesterday.

Sera placed a comforting hand on my shoulder and gave it a squeeze “Stop over stressing yourself. Let fate decide for you. In no way will you stop fates plan. Live everything to moon goddess. You will find your answers at the right time.”

“Yeah. Patience is the key for survival” I mumbled.

“Let’s go” I said to her. Sera teleported us back to the villa. Once seated inside the living room, I turned to sera “what do you think I should do next?”.

“We need a witch in order to break the curse” I added.

“You need to get close to her. I am sure Astrid is vulnerable at the moment given that Jasper is planning to marry someone else” Sera pointed out.

“You are right. We can use it to our advantage and get Astrid to our pack” I murmured.

“But the question is will Astrid agree to leave her pack and come with us?” I frowned at that thought.

“We won’t know until we try” Sera stated.

“Yeah, you are right. I cannot really waste time. We need to follow her movements and know her day schedule.”

Turning to her, I inquired “will you be able to do that?”.

“Did you forget that I am the Fae?” she spread arms wide. I rolled my eyes at her smirking face.

“We need to work quick. There is no way we can let Jasper find out” I said as I stared at her. “I am sure we will be able to persuade her” she assured me.

“I hope so” I mumbled.

Both of us were quiet for some time. I could feel Sera’s eyes on me every now and then. For the first time she was not being vocal about her thoughts with me.

“What is it?” I could not help but inquire as her stares made me feel uneasy.

“I have never seen you this worried over a stranger” she states. I frowned at that.

“What do you mean?” I said I as I walked towards the kitchen island and poured myself a glass of water.

“The moment I informed you that Astrid is being followed by those men, you were alert. You wanted to take me to her as soon as possible.”

“So, what about it?” I tilt my chin in her direction.

“I was just worried as she looked sad when she left the Villa. And on top of that, she is not even using her witch powers” I stated defending my actions towards her. Not that I need to give any explanation to her.

“This is first” she gave me an amused look.

“What is?” I humored her. I understood where she was going with this topic. I won’t let her put ideas into me. There is no way it is going to happen.

“You are defending your actions. Before you never bothered with what anyone thought about you” Sera pointed out.

“All your life you have been around Claire. I believe having Astrid around you will show you a different side of life” she stated. I shook my head at her.

“There is no way we are going to work out” I said.

“Why ever not?” she looked confused.

“The first thing is that she is a witch” she kept listening to me as I continued.

“The second thing is that I am using her to get rid of the curse. Once that is over. there is no way we will be in contact”

“And most importantly, I have been waiting for the curse to break so that I can find my real mate. You know it is also one of the reasons why I never committed to Claire.”

“You have got point” she nods at me.

“But you can never know how fate might play in your life. Be careful with the decision you make regarding Astrid” she said to me.

“What is that supposed to mean?” I asked her.

Sera looked at me as she said “Astrid is hurt by Alpha jasper. There is reason why she has kept her identity a secret. Before bringing her to our pack, make sure to let her know that you are aware about her powers.” I took my time in replying to her as I gathered my thoughts.

“What if she refused to help us?” I raised my eyebrows at her.

“Do you have any solution for that”

“But it is still wrong Sera” stated.

“You yourself suggested that we need to get Astrid as she is vulnerable now” I pointed out.

“I never meant to use her” Sera glared at me.

I shook my head at her. “You are not getting the point Sera. All this time, we have been trying to find the witch who can help us break the curse.”

“You are right. Sor the curse to break without any hurdle, you need Astrid and her powers. I suggest you to not keep her in the dark,” she said to me. I was not convinced.

“What will you do if she never reveals her powers?” she asks me.

“Then we will confront her and ask her to help us” she gave me a disbelieving look.

“You are straight away attacking her” she pointed out.

“Don’t do something stupid like that. Let her reveal her identity on her own” Sera advised me.

“Are you saying that I have to keep my hands locked and do nothing about it?” I raised my eyes at her.

Sera nods at me “That is exactly what I mean” I let out a sigh.

“It’s not going to work; I need to find a different way” I murmured.

Sera stared at me with narrowed eyes “what are you scheming?” she asks me.

“I won’t use her. But I will make sure she will help us either by hook or crook” I smirked.

“I don’t know why, but I am feeling that you will mess things up for yourself in order to break this curse” Sera looked worried as she stared at me.

“Let me do what I want to. You have always supported me, Sera. I hope you will continue to do so” I said to her.

“That is why, consider what I have said” she said to me.

“Now if you will excuse me, I need to leave” With that she disappeared living me alone to ponder on her words.