His Disguised Mate - Burgov Series II

10. Ilia

This day couldn't be any worse. I was tired like a dog after the last order from my brother. He thought an appropriate way to somehow punish me for trying to reject Aubrey, whose name I know thanks to him, was to send me to scout all the woods under our jurisdiction. Sure, it was one hell of a task, because one could search our lands for an entire day, and still have someplace to check. But in those particular circumstances being away was my saving grace, otherwise I might do something drastic.

Aubrey pissed me like no one ever before her, and the best way to cope with her strange behavior was to be as far from her as possible until she's gone. I'm not too happy that we still share the bond, but knowing she'll be in Midnight Banes might actually help me. After all, I'm there a few times every year, so sooner or later I will find out what her full name is, and I'm gonna finish what we started. It's not ideal, but it still could have been worse.

I got back from my extra job at nine this morning. I was so tired that I literally fell on my sheets and passed out until my alarm at 1pm woke me up. My classes for aspiring trackers are the one thing I'm most proud of, and not even Vanya's petty tricks could make me disappoint my men.

I dragged myself off the bed, took a quick shower and rushed to the training center at my 1:30 appointment.

I may not have the largest group, because those led by Grisha and Vanya tend to be more popular, but then again not everyone has the required skills. It's actually a great success that I managed to form a squad of fifteen guys, who can hold themselves through the numbers or routines I created.

It's not entirely my achievement though. The notes Father left me in his last words were the keys to all this. I spent years hating him for not caring about us, and leaving us, and especially me to fend for ourselves, while all I wanted was some guidance with powers I didn't fully understand on my own. But the old bastard remembered his last lucid promise of teaching me everything, and he turned finding that b***h, Claudia, into a great case study for me.

I read his notes probably a thousand times and from there I found my own way. He was right about one thing though, tracking is a craft that needs to be mastered every day, not something you are born with. Sure, my Gamma genes help a lot, finding leads comes to me naturally thanks to my, even among the werewolves, heightened senses, but the rest is pure knowledge and experience.

As I was getting closer to the Center I started feeling uneasy, but I blamed it on my tired mind. But when I finally entered the building and that damn scent of oranges and cloves hit me, I knew my lack of sleep wasn't an issue here.

I spotted her with that f*****g traitor, Grisha, right away. How could I not, when he was parading her in a bloody center of the gym. I threw my gym bag on the floor and stomped towards them.

"What the f**k is this?!" - I asked probably a bit too loud to not make a spectacle out of us.

But when Grisha smirked, I knew it was all planned out.

"Oh Ilia, have you met our newest member?" - he said innocently and all I wanted was to punch his face for playing dirty games with me.

"Cut the crap, Razin, what is she doing here?" - I asked him in Russian and his s**t eating grin only widened, as if he was enjoying my aggravation.

"Vanya invited her to stay." - he answered in our mother tongue and I could see how Aubrey was glancing between the two of us, clueless of what we're talking about.

"For how long?"

"How long she pleases." - he said, crossing his arms.

I cussed under my breath and glared at the girl.

"If you're thinking this stunt would get you any closer to your fairytale, then you are greatly mistaken."

She looked me up and down, not even a little intimidated and smirked.

"If that would make you my Prince Charming, I'll pass. Believe it or not, but not everything revolves around you." - she said defiantly, making Grisha laugh.

"See? A valuable asset." - he said over his shoulder, chuckling.

"At least don't get in my way!" - I said threateningly, but she stepped closer to me, so close that our chests were basically touching and she narrowed her eyes on me.

"Likewise, Gamma!" - she hissed and turned to Grisha. - "I'll see you back home, suddenly this place lost its charm." - she said to him and went for the door leaving me flabbergasted to say the least.

I looked at Grisha, who until a few minutes ago I considered one of my closest friends.

"What did she mean by that?"

"Aubrey moved in with me." - he said with a shrug, and just when I was opening my mouth he held up his hand. - "If you want to throw a tantrum, please do it in your brother's office. It was his idea."

Of course it was. I should have known he was up to something the minute he sent me to scout the perimeter. But if he's thinking that would change anything for me he's sadly mistaken.

I left Grisha without another word and took out all of my frustration on the practice, doing one of the routines I came up with. I blindfolded my men and had them seek for hidden objects using just their other senses. It wasn't a complete disaster, but they weren't ready. It's not easy to just shut down one of your senses, and I know it like no one else, after all I've been practicing this for years.

When the hour was up, I could see on my men's faces they were relieved. I should work on channeling my frustration where it's due, otherwise I believe we have some tough days ahead of us.

After a quick shower and getting dressed I started walking back to the Pack House. I think a word or two with my brother is in order.

I didn't stop to talk with anyone, which was so not like me, because I thrive among our men, being the fun and approachable Burgov, but today I was too busy looking over my shoulder and checking if she's somewhere near.

That's just ridiculous, I can't live like that. And my brother has to take my side, after all blood is thicker than some magical and most importantly unwanted bond.

I passed Sam, who was as usual clicking something on her screen not even sparing anyone a glance, and went straight to the first office on the left. Vanya's office.

I stormed in without knocking, but my brother was on the phone with someone and he just held one digit for me to wait.

"That's great. And how about the sleepless nights? Is VanWoert helping you?"

Aaa, sok he's talking with Sasha. Hmm, I should probably call her too.

Vanya started chuckling, as if she said something funny.

"And what about Orson? Is he warming up nicely to the newest family member?" - Vanya asked, and I decided it could take a while, so I sat down in one of his guest chairs.

"I knew he'll be a wonderful older brother, just like his favorite uncle."

I snorted at this, gaining a glare from Vanya.

"Look, I don't want you to overdo it, I can come to you. It's not a problem." - he said, and I started thinking that they're planning an ambush on me, if Sasha, almost straight from the delivery room, is planning a visit.

"Alright, suit yourself, Harvest Moon is yours and the boys home, you're always welcome here." - Vanya said with a smile.

"Yeah, he's here, and he's not looking happy." - my brother suddenly said, looking at me. Damn straight I'm not happy, and I think you know why, Asshole.

"Sure, see you soon. Bye." - Vanya said and ended the call, putting his cell on the desk in front of him.

He met my eyes and I could see a playful glint in his stare, that only enraged me more.

"What can I do for you, brother?" - he asked nonchalantly, leaning back in his chair.

"I think you know what. Why is she here?" - I demanded.

"She needed a place to stay, so I offered her one." - he said with a shrug.

"Yeah, I get that, but she was supposed to go to the Midnight Banes. So why did she stay?" - I rephrase my question, starting to lose my patience.

"Because I asked her to. She's not their Gamma female, but ours. Harvest Moon is where she's supposed to be." - he said matter-of-factly, probably high-fiving himself for being so clever.

"She's not our Gamma female, she's just a female. Period. And the one we know nothing about, starting with her full name. Don't you think that's odd?" - I asked, trying a different approach.

Vanya clasped his hands in front of him and watched me for a moment.

"Don't you want to know what she is running away from? Who and why was after her that she decided to jump off the steep, nearly killing herself in the process?"

To be honest I haven't thought of that, because I simply don't care. Yes, I took pity on her when I found her, but she was supposed to get well and get lost, not stay here and mess with my life.

"That's even more reason we should get rid of her. For all we know she could be a Troyan horse." - I pointed out.

"Yes, and Pandora box at the same time. Stop with that mythological bullshit, Ilia." - he rolled his eyes. - "There's something strange in her story, you're right about that one, and I intend to get to the bottom of it. But that doesn't change the fact, she's your Mate, and that makes her one of us, and gives her my protection."

That statement made me see red. It's like he's putting her safety above me, and that kind of betrayal doesn't sit well with me.

" So that's it? She's staying whether I like it or not?"

" Yes. And maybe in the meantime, when you get to know her, you might change your mind about having a Mate. She was chosen for you for a reason, you know." - he said with a sly smile. So he is playing a cupid after all, not just wondering about the girl's past.

"You know, playing matchmaker doesn't look good on you. If you want her so badly, take her for yourself, because I'm definitely not interested." - I said standing up from my seat and going for the door, feeling this conversation won't bring any desirable results.

" I might. She's a beautiful girl, and my own Mate is nowhere to be found." - he said smugly when my hand caught on the handle.

For some reason his words made me grip it harder than necessary. I know Vanya would love nothing more than for me to play in his game, but there are reasons why I'm the player of this family, and not him.

I got out of his office, slamming the doors behind me and headed straight to my apartment on the 8th floor.

If they want to mess with me, they should have thought it better, because they might want her here, but what if she decides to leave on her own accord? And what better way to chase an unwarranted girl away, than flaunting myself with other women?

So it's game on.