Chapter 39

SIDONNIE’S POV Exhaustion clung to every inch of my being as I stumbled through the doorway, the first rays of dawn kissing the horizon. The night had been an unrelenting venture into the unknown, a mission that demanded more than just physical strength. Athena, my godmother, greeted me with a knowing look as she worked diligently outside, grinding herbs in a weathered mortar.

The air carried a subtle aroma of medicinal plants, a familiar scent that spoke of Athena’s expertise in the arcane arts of healing. I paused for a moment, my eyes tracing the lines etched on her face–years of wisdom and magic woven into her expression.

every “My dear, how was the trip down there? Why are you back so late?” She questioned, awaiting an answer as she continued her rhythmic motion. The morter clinked softly, producing a lullaby of ancient remedies that seemed to fill the air with a comforting reassurance that I arrived home safely as the familiar aroma of herb wafted through the air.

I sank into a nearby chair, weariness settling in my bones. Athena approached, her eyes scrutinizing my fatigued state. Without uttering a word, she handed me a steaming cup of herbal infusion–a concoction crafted to soothe the wearied soul.

As I sipped the warm herb, Athena’s presence became a balm for the turmoil within my chest.

“So, why did you return late?” Athena asked as I heaved a sigh of relief.

“It’s a long story, Athena.” I stood up to take off the basket I sing across my shoulder, but a sharp pain hit me that I winced on reflex.

“You’re hurt.” She stopped what she was doing and rushed over to my side to inspect my wound.

“This is what you sent me.” I handed the small basket to her which she collected from me, all smiles.

“Oh my! Such beautiful Dasiers,” she commented. “How did you get hurt?” She asked.

“We had an encounter along the trip.”

“We?” she questioned.

“Yes, I and Alpha Carlyle.”

“Oh no! Such a scary combination.” Her expression shifted, concern etching lines on her forehead. The revelation of the encounter triggered a chain of worry, and I braced myself for the impending questions that would unravel the intricacies of the mission.

“Anyway, fill me in quick. I need to know what happened between you two and I’m very sure it’s going to be something so…” She trailed off, smiling and giving me taunting at look.

“Oh! Nothing of such happened,” I said, waving my hand in the air.

“You don’t need to hide it from me, Donnic. You smell like sex already.” She winked at me, making my nerves a mess. I smelled my body to see if she was right that I really smell like sex. A part of me felt embarrassed.

“So, tell me. I’m eager to know what happened?”

“Would you take a guess by staring at me?” I chipped in out of the blue, making her stiffen. From her reaction, I guess Alpha Carlyle was right.

“What are you saying, Donnie?”

“That’s what you do.”

“Oh! You must be kidding. I told you it’s the wisdom of an adult.” She brushed off the topic.

“Oh!” I mumbled, staring into space.

“So tell me what happened. Let me go wash up first.” I stood up, heading inside.

“Please do. Hurry up and come inform me about some nice shit that transpired over there.” She said after me, getting back to work.

In the shower, I couldn’t help but recall the moments with Alpha Carlyle. Resisting him was not easy and I found myself succumbing to temptation of the mating bond when were up close to each other.

We The way he touched me, the feeling, so damn good. Thinking of it, I had no idea I was wet down there as my imagination want wild with erotic thoughts.

Mason’s sharp cry pierced through my ears, making me jolt from my reverie of erotic thoughts.

“Sidonnic! What’s wrong with you? Snap out of it. I chastised myself.

Hastening up my business in the bathroom, I made sure to dress up quickly as I was very late for work.

“Are you done?” Athena asked. She was already attending to Mason by the time I came out of my room.

“Sure, I am.” I replied her, sitting at the table to dig into the food she prepared for me. I ate a little and while I ate, I briefed her about what transpired on my trip.

“What did…” She was about to ask when I stood up on my feet, picked up my bag, and running outside.

“When I get back. I’m late already.“I said from outside as I dashed across the door.

Getting to work, everyone of my colleagues stared at me with weird faces. It was like something happened.

“Good morning.” I had greeted them all together but the reply I got from them was sickening. With the way they looked, stood and acted, I knew something was wrong but I couldn’t lay my hands on it.

“Emma, is something wrong?” I asked, but she only hummed the reply, shook her head. that nothing was wrong while focusing on her work. Definitely, something was wrong because Emma of all people was was somebody who loves gist so much. She could even sell her inheritance for it.

As I tried to unravel the mystery of their strange behavior, my boss’s booming voice. echoed through the office.

“Sidonnie! In my office, now!” My heart pounded, anxiety knotting in my stomach as I hurriedly approached his office, unsure of what awaited me inside.

Entering, the door closed with an ominous thud. My boss, usually composed, was on. the edge of his seat, anger etched across his face. He didn’t waste a moment, immediately launching into accusations and rebukes.

“Sidonnie, you’re late again! Do you have any idea how crucial punctuality is in this workplace?”

“I’m really sorry, Mr. Kaiser, There was unexpected incident and-”

“Excuses won’t cut it! Your constant tardiness is affecting the entire team. I can’t tolerate this behavior any longer.”

18:52 Fri, 1 Mar •

“We both know I’m not a habitual late comer, Mr. Kaiser. But I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again. It was genuinely beyond my control today.” I apologized but he was bent on his words.

“Beyond your control? That’s the same excuse I’ve been hearing every time you’re late!” Your lack of commitment is unacceptable.”

“I’m committed, Mr. Kaiser. I’ve been putting in extra hours to catch up on deadlines.”

“Extra hours won’t make up for the disruption you cause. This is a workplace, not a charity. I’ve had enough.”

“Please, let me explain. I’m doing my best to manage everything, and I-

“I don’t want to hear any more excuses! Your performance is slipping, and your excuses won’t save you. This time, it’s beyond my control too. You have to face the panel.”

The conversation spiraled into an unrelenting barrage of criticism, leaving me feeling. trapped and unheard. The once–supportive workplace now echoed with the harsh reality of my boss’s dissatisfaction.

Every attempt I made to explain or defend myself was met with an even louder tirade, drowning out my words.

The atmosphere was tense, and my frustration grew as I struggled to make sense of the situation. The air seemed to thicken with every reprimand, leaving me trapped in a stifling silence.

“What do you want from me?” I queried with respect, though I was completely frustrated.

“You won’t be asking me that. Ask your colleagues to know who is currently in charge.”

Heading out with a sad expression on my face, I headed over to the counter to ask Emma what the boss meant by someone in charge.

“What was the boss talking about?”

“The administrative of this restaurant changed. Someone else has it and controls it.”

“Just yesterday?” I was full of surprise. I could remember that the previous day, the restaurant was still the way it was with nothing changing in it.

“Yes, just yesterday.”

“So, who is the new moderator?”

“Alpha Raina. Alpha Rex’s sister,” Emma said dejectedly.