A bite from an Alpha King

Book 2 Chapter 5: Little Diva

-Lily-

I felt so tired that I couldn’t even describe what I was feeling as I walked inside. My body ached and complained, and I was drenched in sweat. I made my way straight to the sink, chugging down three glasses of water before heading to the fridge—only to be reminded that I still needed to buy groceries.

“Meow!”

I looked down to see Little Diva meowing insistently, demanding her dinner. I sighed and bent down to pet her.

“I know you want your wet food, but I forgot to buy groceries. I promise that tomorrow, after I’ve brought us some food, you’ll get double!” I exclaimed, but she wasn’t satisfied. She walked over to her dry food at the other end of the kitchen and meowed with the drama only a diva could muster, clearly unimpressed with my excuses.

I shook my head at her, but she continued to meow. “I know, I’m a terrible owner. But you know what? I’ve had the most awful day, and your complaining doesn’t help!” I groaned, throwing my arms up in frustration before slowly sinking to the floor, tears finally breaking free.

Little Diva stopped meowing and came over to me. She purred as she rubbed against my leg. I sobbed while stroking her soft, orange fur. She was all I had in this difficult time. What would become of her once I was gone?

“I-I’m really sorry,” I sobbed as she settled beside me, her butt on the floor as I stroked her head. “I promise I’ll give you a triple portion of wet food tomorrow.”

She purred happily under my hand, finally satisfied with my promise.

“You greedy little thing,” I laughed through my tears.

I sighed deeply, trying to regain my composure, and leaned my head back against the kitchen counter. How did my life come to this?

“Meow!” I looked down at Little Diva.

“You’re right. We should get some sleep. It’s no use crying in the kitchen because I forgot to buy us food,” I said, attempting a small smile.

I stood up with the help of the counter. Little Diva darted between my legs as I headed towards the small staircase that led up to the first floor, where my room was. I sighed again as I looked up at the stairs. Little Diva was already bounding up them with ease, while for me, it felt like climbing a mountain.

“Meow!”

“Yes, yes, I’m coming!” I said.

Little Diva shared the large king-sized bed with me. I felt it was a waste to have such a big bed and no one else to share it with, so I let her sleep with me, and she loved it. It was just big enough for her highness, though she didn’t always appreciate that I had to sleep there too. I shook my head at her impatient yellow eyes and finally began the climb up the stairs.

-Garrett-

I knew Evan was skilled, but he still managed to impress me. In less than thirty minutes, he had unearthed everything there was to know about Lily: her address, age, schools attended, parents, birth certificate, even old high school photos. I had everything on her, but not all the information was reassuring. She had a history of liver cancer.

The spicy smell in her scent now made sense—it must have returned. My heart sank as I studied her medical report. I didn’t know how Evan had obtained her confidential file, but I didn’t need to. I scanned the file twice, feeling a deep ache spread through my chest and body.

Overcome by a sudden urge, I took another look at her address, ran out of my room, and jumped into my car. I drove for about twenty minutes until I found myself in front of a small house just outside a major city.

The house was old and could definitely use some love and a fresh coat of paint, but it had a cozy vibe. No lights were on in the rooms facing me. Instead of thinking she might not be home or had gone to bed, my feet moved on their own.

I walked slowly around the house, my heart racing as I saw a room with the lights on. I stepped a little away from the house, positioning myself at the edge of the dark forest that concealed the house from the road, just a minute away. I waited, hoping to catch a glimpse of my beautiful mate, but was met by an unwelcome sight: an orange cat in the window, glaring down at me.

I could almost hear it meowing. I shook my head. She had a cat! Why wasn’t this in her files? Cats were hardly wolves’ favorite creatures, and to be honest, I didn’t understand why the Goddess thought they were a good addition to the world.

They had those strange eyes that always seemed to judge you, as if you were beneath them. They strutted around as if they owned everything. This one was no exception, practically mocking me through the window.

It seemed to be flaunting its privilege of being inside the warm house with my beautiful mate, while I was left outside in the cold snow. The cat swished its tail with a smug air, staring at me with undeniable attitude.

“You just wait,” I said into the night, and it was almost as if the cat smirked at me in response.

I clenched my fists, suddenly feeling how absurd I was—having a staring contest with a damn cat while hoping for a glimpse of my mate through what I believed was her bedroom window.

I ran a hand through my hair, wondering if this was how hopeless Valerio had felt. My mate might not have tried to kill me, but the pull was incredibly strong. Even after such a short separation, I was already aching for her.

“I just need to see her,” I whispered, staring up at the window where the orange cat still sat, tail swishing. “Enjoy it while you can. Once I get inside, you’ll be the one out in the cold.”

But the cat maintained its superior gaze, and it didn’t help when Lily finally appeared. Her auburn hair, now free from its bun, fell just below her shoulders. She wore a pink top that clung to her small frame and tight shorts that accentuated her curves.

As much as I wanted to be the one touching her instead of those clothes, I had to remain outside, watching her pick up the orange cat and give it a kiss. The cat continued to gaze at me triumphantly, as if it had won some contest, while Lily carried the feline further into the room.

It took every ounce of self-control I had to tear myself away and head back to my car.