The Curse of The Alpha

Chapter 12- A Surprise Visit

Richard raised his hands in a defensive gesture but moved closer to Chloe, offering comfort. "It's okay, Chloe. Did you even need a mate? Not to be rude, but you managed quite well on your own without someone by your side," Richard whispered the last part. He continued, "There was never a distraction; that's why you're the way you are." He gently massaged Chloe's tense shoulders to ease her muscles.

"I don't want to dwell on my past; it's called the past for a reason," Chloe replied firmly. "I need to inform my people that I'll be staying an extra week with Ava. I came here for her, and I won't leave until she's ready to come home." Chloe's words were delivered through gritted teeth. She turned to Richard and issued a command, "Bring Ava to me privately."

A few minutes passed before Ava entered the room. She wore a mix of anger and nervousness on her face as she gathered her courage and asked, "Did I do something wrong that made you storm out of the room like that?" She searched her aunt's face for answers when there was no immediate response.

Chloe hesitated for a moment, her head turning toward the sound of Ava's voice. She straightened her shoulders and carefully considered her response before finally speaking, "Hearing you mention your mate stirred up my past and brought back painful memories," Chloe stated honestly, her eyes filled with a mix of vulnerability and nostalgia. She motioned towards an empty chair, inviting Ava to sit.

Ava pondered the incident that had just occurred, recalling how her aunt always seemed to react strongly whenever the topic of finding a mate was brought up.

She had never fully comprehended the delicacy of this conversation, which her aunt had managed to conceal until now. Concerned and curious, Ava gently inquired, "Aunt Chloe, did something happen to your mate? Is that why you always avoid this topic? I've tried to ask before, but you always change the subject."

A heavy silence filled the room as Chloe's expression darkened at the mere mention of her mate.

She struggled to understand why this subject remained so difficult for her to address and why her heart continued to long for a mate she had lost.

With a sigh, she allowed her curls to fall forward, partially obscuring her face. Tears welled up in her blue eyes, but she managed to control her emotions.

Chloe's mind was in turmoil, and she failed to notice Ava drawing closer to her. Suddenly, Ava enveloped her aunt in a warm, tight hug, gently smoothing her back. "Aunt Chloe," Ava whispered softly, "you're one of the strongest women I've ever known. It's okay. Look at me. Your mate is still out there, waiting for you. It's been years, but every female wolf has a significant other."

Ava continued to comfort Chloe with sincere words, her voice filled with empathy. "It's been a long wait, but look at you. Every pack respects you as their Alpha. We don't just sit and hope; we get up and give our best. That's what you've taught me, and it's high time you start believing it yourself." With those words of encouragement, Ava kissed Chloe's cheek and released the embrace.

Chloe sniffled and wiped her teary eyes with the back of her hand before managing a smile. "Ava, you always know how to make me feel better," she said, smoothing her rumpled dress. "Ava, I'll go halfway home from here to communicate with the pack and let them know we'll be spending another week here," Chloe explained. "It's the best I can do. No longer than one week, though. I need to get back to complete new assignments, and I'll have to work here in the meantime to get back up to speed." Chloe stood and rested her hands on her hips, her resolve firm.

Ava sighed but nodded in understanding. "Well, I better get going. I don't have much time," she grumbled in annoyance before she exited the room, leaving Chloe alone with her thoughts.

As Chloe stood there, lost in contemplation, she suddenly became aware of a subtle movement beneath her. The air in the room grew thick, but it didn't hinder Chloe's ability to breathe; instead, it heightened her wolf senses, leaving her alert and on edge.

Chloe's wolf senses tingled, and she took a cautious step forward, her eyes scanning the room for any signs of what might have caused this disturbance. The sensation was unmistakable- a presence, familiar and welcome, had entered her vicinity. Her instincts as an Alpha still kicked in, but this time, she recognized the energy signature.

As she rounded a corner, her eyes widened in recognition. There, standing in the shadows, was Asher, one of the most trusted and skilled members of her pack from Lunar Crest.

His muscular frame and silver-gray fur marked him as a formidable Beta, and his loyalty to Chloe was unwavering.

Their eyes locked in a moment of silent understanding. Asher had come to check on his Alpha, ensuring her safety and well-being. Chloe's heart softened at the sight of her loyal Beta, and she knew that she could trust him with her life.

Breaking the silence, Chloe offered a small smile, a gesture of reassurance and gratitude. Asher responded with a nod of his own, acknowledging her presence and her unspoken message.

Without the need for words, Asher began to convey his message using a series of subtle gestures and signals. Chloe understood instantly.

He was checking if she was safe and confirming her status. In response, Chloe nodded to indicate her well-being and held up her hand with fingers extended to signal that she would be staying an additional week.

Asher's eyes reflected understanding, and he lowered his head in a respectful gesture. He was her right-hand wolf, and he knew that her decision was for the good of the pack. They had work to do, and this extra time would be crucial in achieving their goals.

With the unspoken communication complete, Asher slowly retreated into the shadows, disappearing as quietly as he had arrived. Chloe watched him go, grateful for his vigilance and support.

As the room returned to its usual calm, Chloe couldn't help but feel reassured. Her pack was strong, and with loyal wolves like Asher by her side, she knew they could overcome any challenge. The path ahead was uncertain, but she was determined to lead her pack to victory, one step at a time.

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