Our Other mate

Chapter 4

Ella's Pov

I felt the car come to a stop and the gentle brush of a hand on my thigh. When I opened my eyes, I saw Merrick smiling back at me. "We've arrived. Let's get inside before it rains," he said, extending his hand to help me up. As our hands touched, I felt a spark of electricity, a faint echo of the mate bond. It surprised me how easily these sparks formed, but guilt quickly overshadowed my surprise. I hated feeling this connection with anyone other than Paul.

Phillip showed us to our suite and began to secure the room. "I just want to check everything before I leave you two," he said, meticulously inspecting the room. The rain began to pelt the windows, and the small claps of thunder made me jump. My heart started to race. My lycan and I had never liked storms, and even the slightest rumble of thunder made my lycan tremble.

Seeing my discomfort, Merrick came over to offer comfort. I laid my head on his chest and relaxed in his arms. "I hate bad weather," I whispered softly.

He smiled down at me and kissed my forehead. "Me too."

Phillip returned after his inspection, smiling at us. Just then, a loud crash of thunder shook our suite. In an instant, Phillip's strong arms enveloped both of us. I could feel Merrick shaking under the weight of Phillip's protective embrace.

"It's okay, Rick. I'm here. It's just thunder," Phillip said, trying to calm the already panicked Duke. My head and hand rested on Merrick's chest, and I could feel his breath starting to even out, the panic in his eyes slowly dissipating. Phillip poured Merrick a glass of wine from the bar. Still slightly shaken, Merrick accepted the glass and took a seat on the sofa in the middle of the room. I sat beside him, placing a comforting hand on his back. I wanted to ask if he was okay, but it was clear he wasn't.

Phillip, trying to lighten the mood, smiled at me. "Would you like a drink, Ella?" he asked, walking over to the mini bar.

I wasn't much of a drinker, but I figured one glass of wine might calm my nerves. After handing me a glass, Phillip made himself a drink and joined us near the couch. Merrick seemed to relax a bit with Phillip's presence, almost as if he were an emotional support.

"I'm sorry you had to see that, Ella," Merrick said, staring into his glass of red wine. "The day Alliyah died, it was storming like this and..." he trailed off.

Phillip placed a comforting hand on Merrick's knee. "You really don't have to explain," I told him, placing my hand on his other knee. We sat in silence, listening to the rain, slowly drinking bottle after bottle of wine to drown our sorrows.

Four bottles in, I felt properly drunk and looked over at Merrick, who had passed out. My head was spinning, and my stomach churned. I knew this morning's breakfast mixed with four bottles of wine was a bad idea. I tried to stand and make my way to the bathroom, knowing my stomach was about to purge itself. I grabbed the arm of the couch, but my arms felt like wet noodles.

"Here, let me help you," I heard Phillip's voice as he extended his hand towards me. My body felt heavy, and my mouth started to water. I felt the wine mixed with bile churning in my stomach as I collapsed to the floor.

"Ella!" Phillip's arms lifted me up as he grabbed me under my arms. Goosebumps spread across my skin, knowing I was about to vomit all over the beautiful suite. Phillip got me to the toilet just in time, holding my hair back as I retched. I felt more and more embarrassed with each heave. I couldn't believe this was happening. When I finally stopped, I realized Phillip was still there, holding my hair. I leaned back against the wall, and Phillip handed me some napkins and mouthwash.

"I'm so sorry. I normally don't drink, and this has never happened to me before," I slurred, my head spinning.

Phillip helped me stand, but my legs felt like jello. After a few pathetic attempts, he picked me up bridal style and carried me to my room. "I never want to be drunk again," I mumbled, resting my head on his shoulder. He let out a small laugh but said nothing, his worried look speaking volumes.