Taint, Time and Tangents✔️

EXTRA 7. The Untamed and Unmated

∞ ISABELLE, a flake ∞

I didn't even know why I was here—on the dark, noisy and crowded bar in Frostweed Town. I just heard this was the largest and most talked about establishment for years since it was opened. 

I would have flown out of the window if not for Lucas who was hanging around here with his friends. He was my current assignment and he turned out to be a party animal. Every Friday, he would go from town to town to find a nice bar until he stumbled into this one and it has been his favorite since then. 

Whenever he was enjoying himself, I just busied myself from knowing some important people, like the owner of this place named Isaiah. He was one of the Alphas of this town and hasn't found his mate - maybe that's why this bar was named "Untamed and Unmated". 

Werewolves, either rogues or from other pack, also frequented this place making every weekends buzzing with euphoria.

However, this night was different. More humans and werewolves were in sight, filled with excitement. Upon further probing, I heard that "he" was coming - the other Alpha of the town, the Paradise's forbidden fruit and Demi-God. 

It must be rare to see him outside or more so on bars. But I couldn't care less about other details - it was his name that push me to stay.

Keenan Caldwell. The husband of my fellow Flake, Callie. 

So here I am now, watching them from the other side of the room. When Isaiah heard that Caldwell would be coming by, he closed the VIP lounge for their private use. I would have thought that he'd invite more people, but seeing that there were only four of them - this night might just be a close-knit gathering.

They were gathered on a bar with Isaiah as their bartender. His beta, Chester, was on the corner while Caldwell and Tim, the Licorice's beta, was side-to-side with each other, facing Isaiah.

"I set this aside just for you. It's on the house,"Isaiah said, his green eyes twinkling as he placed a circular wine bottle in front of them. He was just wearing a plain white sweatshirt and slacks - obviously very at home on his own bar.

He set an empty glass before Caldwell and poured a moderate amount of wine. Caldwell was sitting on the stool with a button down shirt and dark pants. He has discarded his vest before taking a seat and folded it neatly on the next empty stool. 

They were all good-looking but this man was the most appealing. I have heard their reasons of wanting him, especially girls. It was a long list from his alluring sapphires eyes to his smooth neat hair and sexy built. 

But topping the list was the thing on his right hand. I saw it immediately when he leaned and grabbed his glass. It was his wedding ring. 

Some men may have lost their charm once bound with marriage. But it was the opposite effect to Caldwell. It has brought him the image of a "delicious but forbidden fruit". Everyone knew he has lost his wife but the fact that he was so loyal to her and very aloof with girls made them want him more.

I didn't know what to say to Callie after this. Or maybe I wouldn't tell her at all.

"What brings you here?" Chester asked, grabbing his own drink. He was just on a hoodie with 'I ❤️ books' print. "You never go down here. Ever."

"Is there a girl?" Tim said, frowning as he looked at his Alpha.

Chester almost choked at his drink while Isaiah's eyes widen in disbelief. "You're finally moving on?"

"You're dating? Did you already kiss her?"

"Have you done it?"

Tim's palm slammed against the table rattling the glasses. "Don't fucking answer, Alpha, or I'll cry."

Isaiah chuckled, setting down the wine bottle and reaching for a basket of chips. "Dude, I don't mean it like that. I love Callie-," Caldwell glared at him "-loved," he corrected, shaking his head. "I mean I like her when she's with you. But it's been ten-"

"You don't know true love, Cosher." Tim interrupted, his eye disapproving.

Isaiah snarled. "You don't know the pain of waiting."

Chester raised both his palms to stop the both. "You both don't know how a widowed man feels."

Caldwell sat there, looking at his glass and twirling the ice inside. His golden ring sparkled under the lights and somehow it flashed into scarlet on a certain angle just like Callie's stone. "It's almost her birthday."

"Callie?"

When Caldwell nodded, they all went silent as if this was a natural thing to do for Caldwell whenever Callie's birthday was approaching.

Tim grabbed a handful of chips and started munching. "And? Did you see her?"

"Aren't you already seeing her in your dreams?" Chester asked, his eyebrows furrowing as he adjusted his eyeglasses to take a better look at Caldwell.

"Wet or dry?" Isaiah asked, smirking.

"Both."

They all looked surprised that Caldwell answered but they burst out laughing afterwards.

Isaiah shook his head. "Man, get yourself together. You look like you'll be fucking that glass sooner or later."

Chester nodded. "You seriously need to get laid."

"Ten years, huh? I couldn't even last for two days." Isaiah said and pulled a nearby stool to sit on.

Chester was still chuckling. "Bet your hands hurt."

"Dude," Tim said, but laughter was still on his eyes. "So what's wrong? I mean, if you're seeing her in your dreams then it's good, right?"

Keenan downed the wine before replying, "I miss her... I miss my wife."

"Awww." They said in chorus and Chester even crossed his palms over his chest, sighing dramatically.

"No crying on my bar," Isaiah said, standing up and retrieving something from one of his drawers. "I would have called for hookers-"

"I'm up for it," Chest said, raising his right hand in the air.

Tim gulped nervously. "I'm not... unless you keep this a secret to Angela"

"-I would have called for hookers... if this asshole isn't too faithful with his wife. It would feel like I'm giving the pope a lapdance," Isaiah said, still rummaging his drawer until he finally lifted sticks, lighter and few sachets. "So we're gonna be badboys tonight without eating pussies."

The Betas cheered in excitement.

Isaiah placed them beside their glasses and looked at Caldwell. "Please say 'happy birthday' to Callie for me," he said, "You're going there right?"

"As always," Caldwell said and poured another drink on his glass. I saw Tim smiled at his Alpha before patting him on his back.

I watched them for another half hour until they were all high and laughing. Afterwards, I decided to go back to Lucas, noting to myself to ask Callie if they had any promised place because apparently her husband has been going there every year of her birthday.

And the most important thing I'd tell her was that her husband hasn't moved on even for a bit. It was evident on how he talks, how he always stare at his ring and the fact that I never saw them on him... the thing she loved most about her husband... His dimples.

∞