The One

Pleading

 Each day unfurled before Christian like an insurmountable mountain, a relentless struggle steeped in frustration, as he futilely sought his mate, who danced just beyond his reach like a mirage teasing a parched traveller. Every time he closed the gap, she seemed to glide like a wisp of smoke, a tantalising spectre that led him on a merry chase, vanishing into the ether and leaving him in the dust of his own desperation.

Peering out from his kitchen window, he bore witness to the pack members frolicking joyously in the backyard, their laughter a sharp contrast to his solitude. He tapped into the mind-link with his wolf, Arlo, desperation lacing his thoughts. 'Are we ever going to find our mate?'

Arlo, finally shedding the façade of humanity, replied curtly, his words laced with the sharpness of his frustration. 'I don't know.'

He felt the heaviness of defeat pressing on his chest. 'I understand you're weary, but spare a thought for me too. I need you now more than ever.'

Drawing in a deep breath, he exhaled slowly, rubbing the weariness from his face with a tremor of annoyance. Yet his wolf response was cold and unyielding, a vicious growl reverberating through their connection. 'You should have heeded my warnings. This mess is a result of your reckless decisions! If we hadn't gone to that blasted party, and if you hadn't ignored my countless pleas to stay away from that wretched woman, we wouldn't be in this position. So crumble in your regret because you've made your bed, and now you must lie in it.'

"I'm sorry," Christian murmured, his eyes drifting vacantly to the untouched meal before him, burdened by the emptiness that mirrored the desolate kitchen around him. His apology hung in the air, unheeded, as Arlo's growl echoed loudly, forcing the other pack members to flinch in submission. 'Wail that to my mate! I want to hear you plead like the dog you are, begging for her forgiveness. Until she forgives you, you'll find no solace from me!'

Just then, Ulfred burst into the kitchen, the sound of Arlo's growl propelling him forward, concern etched across his features. "Christian? Is everything alright?"

"Don't fret. Everything fine," Christian replied, his tone a mask for the turmoil within.

He struggled to rise from his chair but staggered back, suddenly doubled over by an agonising pain lancing through his abdomen, causing him to collapse to the floor, the world around him descending into darkness.

An hour later, he resurfaced from the void, disorientated and gripped by a dull ache in his midsection and a throbbing head. "Why am I here?" he croaked, bewildered.

"You're not leaving just yet, not now," came the firm reply of the doctor.

"You can't move yet, Alpha, not until you regain your strength," she asserted, concern etched across her brow.

"I'm fine; there's really no need for all this fuss," he insisted, attempting to get to his feet again, but was immediately halted by both his mother and the doctor.

"No, you're not, Alpha! You've barely eaten or drunk anything for weeks, all while neglecting both your duties and your health in pursuit of your mate, who might very well be out there leading a perfectly happy life without you!"

Unpleasantly perturbed by the doctor's words concerning his mate, Arlo unleashed a threatening growl, the sound primal and forceful, causing the doctor to flinch and bow her head in submission. "You dare speak ill of my mate?"

"N-no, Alpha! I simply want you to be in good health before you—before you find her again," she stammered, her earlier confidence crumbling under Arlo's smouldering rage.

With a low, menacing growl that resonated through the room, Arlo made his intent clear. "If I hear one more unkind word about my mate from your lips, I will ensure you meet a fate far worse than anything you can imagine."