The Alpha's Cursed Mate

Chapter 15

On the day of Alexei's departure, we hold one last meeting in our designated room. Karim stands at the head of the table with shelves stocked full of books I've never read behind him. He lectures on our future temple—one that has yet to have official approval from the Goddess's priests—and speaks rapidly of tasks I have no experience with.

This time Alexei and I sit next to one another. At first I thought it a thoughtless coincidence; Alexei wasn't paying attention when he sat down, but no matter the reason for our proximity, I struggle to pay attention to Karim because of it. Alexei's arm lays across the table between us as his other hand rests along the top of another chair. He watches Karim and I watch him.

My eyes trail a vein winding through his inkings and down his forearm then study the large, attractive nature of his hand. My ogling is rebuked when Alexei glances at me, so I catch the end of Karim's sentence: "...however, we cannot commence construction until winter's end because of the frost."

I effectively question, "Because of the frost?"

"Frost prevents the mortar from binding," Alexei tells me.

"Oh?"

"Karim, you've managed plenty of planning in very little time," Alexei says, facing back to him, "but, before we leave, I'd like to finish the contract."

Karim clasps his hands together. "Oh, yes, of course. I have the most recent draft implementing alterations made yesterday." He shuffles through his parchments and draws out a small stack. "If this version requires little tweaking, then official copies can be written and signed when we return."

"Then let's do just that, shall we?" I mutter and take my copy when Alexei passes it to me.

Even as they discuss our agreement, my mind fixates on the fact that Alexei is leaving today—probably after this very meeting. I hoped such a drastic separation wouldn't faze me, but as the hours drain, I heed a sense of panic spreading within. I reach for a cup and pour water into it from the jug sitting off to the side. My hand quivers as I drink, and Alexei glances again.

The meeting concludes once our draft has no more flaws to extract. Karim and Alexei's two other men gather the documents and leave to ready for departure. I remain seated, and Alexei does as well, but I speak before he can present a reason for doing so. His want for a private conversation can prove to be my execution or resurrection—I cannot entertain the risk.

"Well," I stall, "I suppose I will see you when you return."

Now adjusted to face me, Alexei answers without haste. "This is goodbye?"

"Yes. I won't be coming to the gate."

"How come?"

I roll my lips together. "It will hurt."

The second I say such words, I am enveloped in regret. My surprise in my own confidence shows through my wide eyes and parted mouth, and I push my seat back. "Anyway, you should prepare and set off before the day is lost, so, goodbye, Alexei."

I stand but pause because he says, "I don't want you to be in discomfort, you know that, don't you?"

My fingers clamp the backrest of the chair hard enough to make them stiff. My chest rises and falls—the only movement for some moments—as I contemplate the most reckless things. Alexei doesn't waver and waits for me to do or say anything, but I can't—not the things I yearn to do most of all. "In a sense I do, but pain is a part of our job."

"I doesn't have to be, not for you."

"So you're going to take my pain away?"

Alexei rises. "You keep too much from me."