Hunger

Chapter two

The air had grown awkward quickly, with no exhaustion or frostbite to soften it. Oscar coughed, unused to long pauses.

"Why aren't you with a coven, then?" He blurted, rather bluntly.

The vampire looked taken aback before narrowing his eyes.

"That's... not really your business, wolf." He sounded petulant.

"It is if I'm letting you stay here," He replied gruffly

"Conflict of interest, alright?"

"That's all?"

"Yes,"

The stillness was back with a fury. What were you supposed to say to your doomed, fated-to-be? The one you were forced to hold prisoner to keep both your lives in control and avoid being destined to continual brain and heartache.

"I'm going to talk to my wife." The wolf coughed again and walked out of the room with fast strides.

...

"I need to talk to you about something, Clarissa."

He eventually found her watering tomatoes in the food plots. Her summer hat was pulled low over her face.

"Moon, it sounds like I'm in trouble. You only ever call me that when I've left the oven on,"

Clary laughed quietly to herself. She kept watering the plants carefully, not glancing at Oscar.

"Clary, this is important. I just want to let you know this wasn't anyone's fault and- I've met my mate," He blurted out in one big burst. Moon, he had to learn to talk more diplomatically about his emotions.

"Your- oh moon. " Clary turned in shock and her face paled instantly. "your mate Oscar? I- Oh moon"

Edwards took this time to walk in, placing himself firmly by the alpha's side

"I know, love. I know. I need to tell you though," He took a deep breath before continuing," It's the vampire"

A beat.

"You're joking. This is a joke, right? It's not funny, Oscar." She giggled uneasily and took a step back from the man.

"I'm not Clary. I'm telling you the truth."

Oscar watched in downright terror as he watched his wife's face morph from shock to disbelief to fear to pure rage.

"The Vampire? If you wanted to end this, you could just tell me instead of... lying about some fucking vampire!" She growled deep in her throat.

Edwards cleared his throat

"Not quite ma'am. He's telling the truth."

She threw down the watering can, soaking the floor and her dress, and marched up to Oscar.

"You smell like him. What did you do?" she jabbed her finger at him as she spoke, and Oscar had to fight back a whine at the pain of her sharp claws in his chest.

"Nothing I swear!"

"You cheat on me. Me. The one you are married to, with a lowly vampire? We have a child on the way, Oscar! How could you do this to us?"

"You and the baby come first, Clary! I haven't cheated and I won't. Do you think I wanted him as a mate?" The alpha could hear the desperation in his voice.

"I'm leaving now, Oscar. I need to think" And once more the wolf stormed away from her husband.

Edward gently placed a hand on his back." Come on, Oscar. Let's go get you a drink. "