The One

Arlo

 The following day, the Randale family and Jason gathered around the breakfast table, the smells of warmth enfolding them as they prepared to part ways.

Karol's gaze lit upon Jason as he approached, prompting her to ask urgently, "What time is your flight again?"

"It's at 8.30 am, and I'm already late, so goodbye, everyone!" he replied before he dashed out the door, leaving her to turn her attention back to her son and parents.

"So, what adventures do you three have planned after breakfast?" she asked, her heart swelling with affection.

"Luka wanted us to show him around the city since it's his first time here," her father replied with a smile.

"That sounds wonderful, and thank you, Mummy and Daddy, for always being there for me," she said gratefully, basking in the warmth of her parents' supportive smiles as she added, "You three have fun, but remember to call me if you need anything. And Luka, sweetheart, Mum wants you to listen to your grandpa and grandma, aright? No being naughty, because they're getting old."

"Yes, Mummy," Luka replied, a grin spreading across his face as he pinky swore with her. She couldn't help but plant a soft kiss on his forehead.

"That's my baby boy."

Once the trio departed for their little excursion, she set her course towards the mansion, her heart lightened by the knowledge that her mate was awake and out of harm's way. But as she reached the infirmary, an inexplicable unease gripped her.

'That's odd; shouldn't there be two pack warriors guarding the door?'

'Huh?! What on earth? Where is that doofus?'

She murmured to herself, stepping into the room only to be met with an eerily empty, well-organised bed. Frowning, she turned and closed the infirmary door behind her, striding purposefully to Doctor Natalie's office, which was adjacent to the infirmary room.

"Doc? Are you in?"

"Yes. Please, come in, Luna," Doc Natalie responded, her tone serious.

"Why is the infirmary room empty? Where is Christian?" she demanded, her heart racing with anxiety.

"That's because Alpha couldn't bear to stay in that room doing nothing," Doc Natalie replied earnestly, watching as Luna shook her head in disapproval, lowly muttering, 'Seriously,' rolling her eyes at the absurdity.

Doc Natalie continued with an explanation that sent her frustration flaring within.

"Yes, Luna, Alpha said he feels suffocated in there and bored as hell, just lying down like a corpse."

"Okay then, so where is he?" she returned, her voice clipped.

"Just a moment, Luna; I'll try to mind-link the other pack members."

"Ash says Alpha is in his office room, Luna."

"Aright, thank you, Doc," she said, irritation threading through her tone, causing Doc Natalie to flinch slightly before she turned to leave.

She marched towards the office room, her mind a tumult of thoughts, berating him as she scolded under her breath, 'What is he thinking? What a foolish man—unable to obey simple orders!'

As soon as she arrived, she twisted the doorknob and pushed the door open without knocking, catching Christian utterly off-guard. Her eyes burned with fury as she met his shocked gaze.

"Seriously?! Seriously, Christian?" she spat, her flat tone laced with anger.

"No, this is not what it seems like. I swear," he stammered, trying to defend himself.