EDGE OF CHAOS

1130 Words
CHARLES FOX. After safely dropping Ruby back home, I headed straight for a hot, steaming shower, hoping it would wash away the tension of the day. Most of the day had been enjoyable, but Ruby’s words had dredged up memories I had tried to bury—memories of the woman I loved most—Morana, my sweet, beautiful mate, who had disappeared from my life without a trace. I picked up the bracelet she had left behind, holding it tenderly before setting it back on my study table, where it seemed to mock me with its silent reminder of what I had lost. I had lied to Ruby and told her the woman I spoke of wasn’t my mate. What did it matter? I did not want her probing deeper, asking why my mate would abandon me. I had always imagined my mate would be proud of me, but when I met Morana, I realized she was disappointed—disappointed in something I still couldn’t understand. Hoping to distract myself, I buried myself in work, but before I could lose myself in the tasks ahead, my beta, Seth, knocked at the door. He didn’t wait for a response before stepping inside. “How was your day with Ruby?” Seth asked, his eyes narrowing as he studied me. “Who told you I was with Ruby?” I replied, though I already knew the likely source. “I was at your mother’s, and she mentioned you were spending the day with one of your breeders—alone,” he said, emphasizing the word “alone” with a knowing smirk. “It was fine,” I answered, turning my attention back to my computer, though I could still feel Seth’s gaze burning into me. “What is it?” I asked, finally looking up to meet his persistent stare. “It’s just… I never pegged you as the type to invite a woman into your home, which you have always called your sacred space,” he said. I shrugged. “There’s a first time for everything.” “True,” Seth said, leaning against the doorframe, “but this seems… out of character. I didn’t think you would warm up to your mother’s suggestion so quickly.” I raised an eyebrow, leaning back in my chair. “What are you getting at?” “Well, considering how smitten you were with that mysterious girl at the ball, it’s surprising how quickly you have taken an interest in another woman,” Seth replied. “But I can’t blame you. Ruby is quite pretty.” My frown deepened. “Ruby could never replace Morana,” I snapped. “She’s nothing like her—not even half as beautiful.” Seth shook his head with a thoughtful expression. “Now I’m curious just how stunning this mystery girl must be if you think Ruby pales in comparison.” Why was he talking as if Ruby were gorgeous? She was plain, unremarkable. There wasn’t even a contest. I only invited her over because she seemed easier to handle than the other three women. “So, did you enjoy her company?” Seth pressed. “I did. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I wouldn’t mind having her as a friend. She has a certain… mysterious aura, almost like my mate.” “What if they are the same person?” Seth teased. I laughed, dismissing the idea. “I would know if they were the same.” “Well, I think you two would make a great couple,” Seth teased, a mischievous glint in his eye. I frowned, rolling my eyes. “I would never like her, at least not that way.” Seth smirked, clearly unconvinced. “Never say never, Charles. Sometimes, the people we least expect surprise us the most.” I shook my head, dismissing his words. “You are reading too much into this. Ruby is… different. She’s not like the others, but that doesn’t mean I see her as anything more than a potential friend.” Seth crossed his arms, leaning against the desk. “Different can be good. Maybe she’s exactly what you need right now.” I narrowed my eyes at him. “And what exactly do I need?” “Someone who doesn’t worship the ground you walk on,” Seth replied, his tone turning serious. “Someone who challenges you, makes you think. Ruby might not be Morana, but she’s intriguing in her own right.” “I’m not looking for anything with Ruby,” I finally said, my voice firmer. Seth nodded, his demeanor shifting to something more serious. “Old Rag wants to know when he will see you back in the ring.” I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck. “I’m not sure, Seth. I have been thinking I might need to take a break from the ring and all its troubles.” Seth let out a long breath, his expression hardening. “Old Rag is not going to like that. You are his best fighter, Charles. We stand to lose a lot of money if you decide to back out now.” I met his gaze, my resolve firm. “And what if I did? I don’t need their money, and I certainly don’t care for it.” “Charles, you know the code,” Seth said, his voice low and urgent. “Backing out now would stir up trouble. We would be making enemies we can’t afford, especially not with everything going as smoothly as it has.” I exhaled slowly, the weight of the situation pressing down on me. “You are right. We haven’t had any chaos or major conflicts since I became Alpha. It would be a shame to drag trouble into my peaceful town.” Seth’s eyes searched mine for a moment before he asked, “So when are you going to see Old Rag?” I shook my head slightly, trying to push away the tension creeping into my chest. “Tell Old Rag I will meet him when the time comes.” Seth nodded, though his expression remained tense. “Okay, but make it snappy, Charles. Remember, time is a valuable currency in the underworld.” “I know that better than anyone,” I replied, my voice steady despite the unease gnawing at me. Seth gave me a final nod before turning to leave. As he walked out of the room, I could not help but feel the weight of the decision looming over me. The peace I had fought so hard to maintain was now precariously balanced on the edge of a knife, and I wasn’t sure how long I could keep it from tipping into chaos.
Free reading for new users
Scan code to download app
Facebookexpand_more
  • author-avatar
    Writer
  • chap_listContents
  • likeADD