His Disguised Mate - Burgov Series II

8. Autumn

It's one of those moments in life, when you feel like a thief caught red-handed with pockets full of stolen objects, while in fact you did nothing wrong.

I'll admit, I was too focused on the furry in his eyes and the amazing feeling of his hand on my shoulder, although I would prefer this touch to be slightly gentler, to notice when Alpha aka my Mate's brother entered the room.

Very unfortunate turn of events.

I wasn't completely sure of how much he heard, but when I glanced at him, he was definitely not happy. So he was either pissed at his brother for manhandling me, or he heard the whole damn thing.

I didn't want him to know, because that would most likely make him ask more questions. I don't suppose any Alpha would be okay with his Gamma's Mate having secrets and it was way too soon to reveal where I came from. Not to mention I'm not the kind of girl who would chase a guy, when he's obviously not interested. So as I said, very unfortunate.

"NOW, brother!" - Alpha repeated and Ilia dropped his hand from my arm and sighed before he turned towards his brother and stepped out of my room with him.

I got nervous and tried to occupy myself with anything. I started reorganizing a few pieces of clothing, I was brought by one of the nurses when I was allowed to get out of the bed, just to keep my trembling hands busy. But it did nothing to dull the sounds coming from just outside my door. They weren't screaming per se, but they were definitely talking in raised voices, which I was sure would backfire at me.

And when I heard a loud thud that could only mean one of them hit a wall or my door, my heart almost jumped out of my chest.

The fact they were arguing and most importantly about me, was definitely not something I planned on. Besides, what are the chances that when I escape the first Pack I would stumble upon would be the one where my destined Mate is a Gamma? That's quite the luck. Maybe I should play the lottery or go to the casino.

I sat on the bed and turned on the TV, even though it was impossible to focus on the show, but at least it was a good distraction.

I have no idea how long it took before my door opened again, because when you know something difficult, like unwanted conversation, awaits you, time seems to be dragging with no end. But when the Alpha came back inside, surprisingly alone and with a troubled expression, I knew my time was up, and I started preparing myself for whatever may come.

He rubbed his face, and came closer to the guest chair, and sat on it, just in front of me. But I, I waited, with my guard up, and ready to run from this place.

"Did he hurt you?" - Alpha asked, surprisingly gently and with care I wasn't expecting.

"No." - I said quietly.

"Aubrey, you don't have to lie for him, I saw how he was holding you. Trust me, you have nothing to be worried about, I can promise you, my brother will not lay a hand on you."

I frown seeing how Alpha doesn't have the best opinion about his brother, and that took me aback. Not because of the way Ilia grabbed me, but I knew all too well what it's like to be the black sheep in the family, the one everyone just shook their heads at. Ilia may act like he doesn't care, just like I did, but the truth is, it sucks.

"I'm not made from porcelain and I'm telling you he didn't do anything." - I said sternly and my tone seemed to be enough for Ivan to finally let go. However, he was watching me, as if debating with himself how to approach me.

"So you're his Mate?" - he finally got to the point, but I didn't sense anger in his tone, it was a mere statement.

"Depends on how much you've heard."

He chuckled and crossed his arms watching me with amusement.

"Strong willed and defiant, I should have seen it from the start." - he said mostly to himself, shaking his head. - "So that's why he brought you here?"

"I don't know, but that's my best guess." - I shrugged, because despite the unsuccessful rejection and his rather rude attitude, Ilia was still a man who saved my life.

"And let me guess, he was trying to sever your bond?"

I narrowed my eyes, because now he was trying to play games with me.

"If you heard our conversation then you should know."

He nodded and turned to look out the window, thinking.

"You know it doesn't surprise me. You want to know why?" - he asked, glancing at me, and even though it felt like I was invading his privacy, I was curious what was so terrible about having me as a Mate. So I nodded.

"It's because of our parents. They were an amazing couple. When you were close to them you could almost feel the love they shared. They orbit around one another, never being too far from the other." - he started and it sounded amazing, like the fairytale you only ever read about.

" But things changed when our Mother was killed. Father, who at the time was Pack's Gamma, lost it and started drinking, finding at the bottom of the bottle his only way to cope with life. Ilia was thirteen at the time, and he took it the worst. Not only was he the baby, Mama always spoiled and he missed her dearly, but our Father, he always wanted to be like, was no more. In just one day he lost both of his parents and me and our sister took up raising him on our shoulders. With not the best outcome as you may see." - he said sadly, and my heart started breaking from the tragedy the three of them experienced.

"Because of what happened with them Ilia doesn't want to settle down." - Ivan added with a sigh, and to be honest it made sense, he was just protecting himself from what happened to his parents. He's just afraid to become a shell of a man if things would go wrong, like their Father did. He's simply running away, just like I did.

"Why are you telling me all this?" - I asked, because I knew he had a reason to invite me into their most private memories. I'm not stupid to enough to think he did it only to make me get to know my Mate's reasons to not want me.

"Because you coming into our lives is a game changer for my brother and I would want to ask for your help." - he said with his gentle and inviting smile.

"I think you're forgetting about the small fact that he almost rejected me a few moments ago. He doesn't want me, so I'm not sure what on earth I could help you with?" - I said, crossing my arms defensively.

"Just stay here and get on his nerves." - he said with a smirk, like the idea of me annoying his brother was the best joke he heard in a while. I however, arched my brows at him, because even though getting under someone's skin is like a second nature to me, I find it less appealing when it's my Mate on the receiving line.

"Nooo, I think I'll pass. Besides, just a few days ago you didn't want me here."

"A few days ago I didn't know you're basically a family." - he replied back straightening in his seat and looking me straight in the eyes like he wanted to make the statement that much believable. - "Let me make this offer more appealing then. You'll stay here as my guest, with all the privileges of the ranked wolf, status, protection from whatever you're running from, living on the top floor of the Pack House, going wherever you'd like, and doing whatever you'd like. And if my brother won't come around and you'd decide to leave I would set you up somewhere you'll be safe and financially secured." - he said.

"That's it? And what about my past? Are you suddenly okay with keeping here someone you don't know everything about?" - I asked suspiciously.

"For my family I'm willing to give the benefit of doubt." - he said with a smile. That annoyingly nice smile, that makes me want to believe him, but truth be told he's just another perfect stranger. However, a perfect stranger who's offering me a comfortable life or a way out if things won't go well with his brother. So it's not the worst offer I could have got.

"But just to be clear, you know I won't go chasing your brother, so you'll be probably housing me for nothing." - I pointed out.

"I think your mere presence will drive him absolutely insane and he'll be the one seeking you out." - Ivan smirked again, like he couldn't wait to start torturing his brother with his scorned Mate.

"Well Alpha you sound like quite the dreamer, but let me tell you that after what he said to me I know his mind is set. And I'm sorry to rip the bandaid off, but I don't see the way to change it, and I'm not exactly going to do anything about it."

He leaned his head on two fingers and watched me with unhidden amusement.

" Call me Vanya, all my close ones do, and to be honest I prefer it over Alpha." - he said first and I nodded. - "Can I tell another thing about my brother?" - I nodded again, because well… Why the hell not. I already knew that there is more to him than just his arrogant exterior he wears like armor, and deep down inside I was curious.

"Ilia has always been an annoying brat. Never listening, using every opportunity to mess with someone or plot a practical joke. Over the years our sister and I swore to one day get back at him for all the stunts he pulled. So you may think about my invitation as my way of revenge, but with a secret hope that something good comes out of it."

That sounded like he was still locked in a Wonderland. How on earth can he expect that we'll end up on good terms, if I'm about to get on Ilia's nerves. That's a bit too much of reversed psychology.

"How can you be sure I would be good for him and not just break his heart?" - I asked the obvious question. He was putting on my shoulders somehow a heavy burden and I can see in his gray eyes that he hopes we can work out. But what if my past catches on to me, and I would have to suddenly leave? That's something I won't voice out loud, but planting roots anywhere, makes it so much easier for Rod to find me. And I'm not going back home.

"For that to happen you would have to find a way to his heart, and he's guarding it closely. And even if you two won't work out, but he'll still see how much he is missing out in life, I'll call it a success. So you can't go wrong here, Aubrey."

Interesting. He's so concerned about his younger brother that he's willing to risk living under the same roof with a stranger and put all those hopes in her, well me. That's a brotherly bond I know nothing about. It's a shame Rod couldn't be the type of brother who would steer me into the right direction rather than force me into something I had absolutely no desire of doing. Maybe the obvious difference between two men who hold the same title makes me want to help Vanya. Besides, if the rest of the Pack is as nice as the hospital, I could have ended up much worse.

"Fine. I'll stay. But don't get your hopes up, okay?" - I announced and his face broke into the widest grin, showing I just made his day.

"I won't and thank you. I don't know where you lived before but I hope you'll like Harvest Moon."

"If it's in any way different from my previous home, I'm sure I will. But on that note, if my past catches on to me here, I will have to leave." - I warned him, but he didn't look thrown off or worried, or perhaps he just masked it well.

"Or maybe when you're more comfortable around us you could tell us about it and we could help. Our family does the weirdest s**t for one another, you should ask Sasha." - he said with a smile.

"Who's Sasha?"

"Oh, that's our sister. We helped to get her Mate out of the prison." - my eyes widened in shock, but Vanya just waved his hand like it was no big deal. - "But that's the story for another time." - he clapped his hands and stood up. - "I'll leave you for now and go make some arrangements for your stay. My Beta will fetch you tomorrow at noon, is that okay?"

"Sure." - I nodded.

"Thank you, Aubrey, I have good feelings about it." - he said walking to the door and closing it behind him.

Well, I wish I could say the same. But who knows, there may not be children out of it, but I still can have some fun.