Chapter 9: Hanging Out!

E M B E R

"What a day! We got good deals and free cake." Ivory exclaims after we grab our orders and settle down in our seats.

I nod.

"Tiring."

It's four thirty in the evening, and we have been in the local mall since lunch after roughly spending 10-15 minutes making me change into her clothes: a hoodie and jeans since my only piece of attire has turned into nightwear. I glance at the bags and sigh. We really shopped a lot. Mostly, she did.

Ivory grabs my attention as she scoffs, "Oh, please!" she leans back and grins, "I can shop all day long. I had so much fun shopping with a friend, though." I can't help but cringe a little before I let a small smile appear on my face as she tears the wrapper of her madeleine cake, and I grab my cup of hot mocha in silence until she then blurts out, "So, tell me about you."

I raise my gaze and then tilt my head in slight confusion.

Ivory bites into the cake and shrugs at me. "What? I know nothing about you, and for us to be best friends, I need to know everything that was your life before you came here." she then leans in and eagerly stares at me, making me anxious as I purse my lips and look down at the cup tightly gripped between my hands, contemplating what to tell her about my life.

Should I tell her the truth? Should I tell her I'm a werewolf Alpha, not a human? Or should I continue with my lie? It's not like anyone here would ever meet me once I go back. I can't yet feel my powers fully back. I wonder what's taking them so long to restore. What if I never turn into my wolf form?

Ugh, can't you think a little positively, Ember? At least believe in me if you still have to be a pessimist.

I sigh when she snaps her fingers in front of my eyes, "Hey, where'd you go?"

I blink to look back at her. "Huh?"

Ivory smiles. "C'mon, let me know you. I will do the same."

For what feels like an eternity, I take a deep breath and shrug, "Well, I'm — just me." her smile falters and then she scoffs, "What?" I tilt my head and smile slightly. She continues, "What kind of an introduction is that? I know you're you, but there must be more, don't you think?" It's not usual for people to ask me what I am, who I am, or how my life is going, but what's really anxious about those questions is that I don't seem to have an answer. At all.

Ever since that night, I never really thought of myself as an individual. I never thought of my dreams and my desires. I was swamped with work, and then there was revenge against those who tried to maim my pack. So, now that someone else is asking me about myself, I don't really have an answer, nor do I want to.

But I know I have to say something.

How about "I'm the bitch who makes things worse for people who mess with my family and me"?

Uh, something lighter, perhaps.

I shake my head and force myself to smile again as I cough up, "I really have never thought about it."

Way to go, Ember!

I roll my eyes at my wolf's sarcasm.

Ivory frowns and then raises her eyebrow, blurting out, "About what? About yourself?" I purse my lips and shrug as I nod.

"Why not?"

I raise my gaze and begin actually to wonder. How could I think of myself when my family and pack went through so much? I couldn't just ignore them and focus on what I wanted back then, right? I sigh. "I don't know. I was always busy with one thing or other. Never really had time to deeply think about what I want."

"What do you want now?" she asks, but I only respond with a shrug and a pout.

Ivory nods understandingly and then straightens up, "I might not know about you, but it would be awesome if you find what you want while you are here."

Alpha.

We want the Alpha.

He is our mate.

I glower at Rayne's answer and her naughty gaze at me.

Curious, I look up and clear my throat to ask, "I don't understand one thing." "What is?" she looks back at me, and I blurt out, "I have seen many people around you. Don't you consider them your friends? So why m—"

Ivory raises her eyebrow, interrupting me, "Why you?"

I close my mouth and nod. She takes her time as she sips her iced tea and then states, "Because there is a difference between followers and friends." uh, what? She shrugs and sighs, "I have always been popular, no doubt about that, but over time, I realized that I never had a real true friend. Those people only wanted me either because of my family status or because of my cousin, and now I have learned to draw a line between them and me."

Oh. I suddenly feel my bones tense, or is the air at our table that even her bright smile feels sad to me?

Ivory looks up at me and smiles before blurting out, "Considerate and kind." Taken aback, I raise my gaze and frown when she explains, "That was the vibe I got from you the first time we met."

"Really?" I blurt out without thinking, and she notices it only to laugh it up. "Yeah." she nods and continues, "There is a fire in your eyes, yet they are filled with empathy." I stare at her as if she has lost her marbles or something. She notices me. "What? What are you looking at me for?"

I blink back to reality and scoff, "Are you a poet? Or a writer? fire in your eyes, filled with empathy? What the heck is that?"

Ivory rolls her eyes and laughs. "Oops, I tend to be slightly dramatic with my words."

"You don't seem like it." I joke.

"Well, now that you are laughing, you don't seem like the kind, shy girl either." Ivory jokes back.

"Maybe I am not, but then not everything is what it seems, right?" I wink at her and grab another one of her cakes.

"Yeah!" Ivory nods and giggles, sipping from her glass.

After the giggles cease to exist, I straighten up and clear my throat, "Well, if you really want to know about me," "I do." she interrupts me and eagerly leans in with elbows on the table and chin resting on her clasped hands. I roll my eyes and chuckle. Ivory grins and drinks her tea when I say, "I consider myself pretty, I love chicken, and I have a strong compassion for werewolves."

"What?" Ivory spits the drink back into the glass and gapes at me.

"What?" I try to look as innocent as possible, though that would be impossible but still. I shrug. "You believe in werewolves and other supernatural species?" she asks with her face bustling with curiosity and hope, yet she looks nervous.

"Of course I do."

"You really do?" Ivory breathes heavily.

"Well, for starters, I'm in werewolf territory." I smile.

"Anyway, my favourite character is Jacob Black. Classic, I know." I try to act up bratty with a shrill voice only to make myself cringe.

Silence settles between us for a while, and I wonder what she is thinking right now when I clear my throat and wave a hand, "See?" she looks up. I continue, "I have been told that I can be very weird. I would say shit that would make others question why someone like me exists—" but then she startles me by moving to my side and linking my arms, "I knew I have to get you in my favour."

Excuse me, what?

I snap my gaze and frown as she beams, "Though I am more into hybrids like Klaus Mikaelson, I love Jacob Black too. I knew you would be an excellent best friend."

Huh?

Ugh, what are you even up to, Ember? Wouldn't having a friend in the enemy's lair be better than being all alone? At least you would have someone to rant on.

Ivory grabs my attention back and squeezes my arm. " To be honest, I didn't know you knew of our existence, but I am happy that you know. I don't have to walk on eggshells with you then."

She laughs, and then she isn't as she speaks to me, "I hope you live with us for a long time because I really don't part with someone as weird as I am."

I almost fake a smile, but looking at her, I can't help smiling for reals.

***

Ivory pulls over in the driveway by six. I turn my head to look outside. Earlier, I did not see it with the same focus that I see now. The view is great, with the setting sun hiding behind the clouds, the evening orangish red sky, and this entire pack area filled with houses of almost the same size.

And then there's the mansion I work in.

Alpha's home.

My mate.

Our mate.

The thought of him and this house makes me feel fluttery against my will. I tighten my jaw.

The click of the belt brings me back inside the car as Ivory turns to me and smiles. "Help me out." it isn't a question or a request, just a statement. I smile and nod before I leave the car to help her with the bags.

"I had fun today, for real," she exclaims as we walk on the trail and up to the wooden steps heading to the huge double door.

"Me too," I mumble.

We reach the porch, but before Ivory can push the door open, someone opens it from inside, and Fiona stands to her glory with her usual countenance. I wonder when was the last time she ever smiled.

"Oh, hi!" I smile and give a shy wave.

Fiona ignores me and turns to Ivory. "Miss, did you go shopping again?"

Ivory fakes a smile and enters the house.

"Oops, not sorry, Fifi, but you know how much I love to shop. The shiny bags, the smell and everything in the stores are so good. I can't resist at all." she shoves the bags to Fiona, kicks her heels off, and plops down the leather couch in the living room. She throws her feet off the ground while I stand awkwardly next to the head of housekeeping when I feel she gives me an eye and sighs, "And you took one of the staff members with you?"

Ivory looks over and clicks her tongue, "Oh, Fifi, Emmy is a friend."

Fiona gives me another look and steps forward as she sternly speaks, "She works here, Ms Ivory."

Ivory rolls her eyes and snorts, "Well, I don't care. She is my friend, and please treat her well."

Without much argument, Fiona retreats immediately. Ivory then looks and speaks to me. "Hey, if you are not tired, come and hang with me here." she pats the space beside her and beams, "Fifi can get us some hot cocoa. We can watch Twilight —" but that's when she is interrupted by someone who clears their throat, "What's going on here?"

Ah, there is that voice!

Ivory throws her head back and groans, "Ugh! Why are you here?"

He scoffs. "Where would I be if I was not home? Anyway, where were you all evening? Don't you know the rules?" "Rules, ha! Why should I follow those stupid rules when people are scared of us? Alpha, there's nothing to fear!" Ivory taunts when I look up at his footsteps, closing in and shuddering as I realize his intense gaze on me.

Why does it feel like he intends it for me?

Or could our mate just be concerned for us? How sweet.

I scoff at my wolf's stupidity when I blink and notice him roll his eyes. "Oh, please! I fear nothing, but I still want the people in my pack to obey when I order them, and yes, even family members."

Like hell!

Ivory shakes her head and mocks him with a yapping hand gesture. "You should really not confuse people, you know that, Alpha!"

There is a moment of silence where I can feel the anguish and irritation in the air. Sebastian groans and snaps, "Did you shop again?"

"What are you? My mother?" Ivory snaps back.

He growls. "No, but I'm the Alpha. You dare to use my card and argue back at me, huh?"

Ivory tilts her head and fakes a smile. "I apologize." she looks back and sighs, staring at the ceiling and playing with the fringe at the end of the cushion. He glares at his cousin briefly and then glances toward me.

I shudder and take a step back. Subconsciously, I believe. I do not fear him too. To prove the point, I stare back at him. However, I feel the nails digging into my hands after clenching too tightly.

That somehow finds him amusing because he instantly smirks, and his eyes brighten.

"Fiona!" he then calls out.

"Yes, Alpha!"

"Confiscate everything Miss Ivory bought today!" he orders.

"What the —" the white-haired girl sits back straight and narrows her eyes. "How dare you! I bought those for me, and you have no right to take my clothes away." she then glances at me and points out, "Also, I made a friend. I wanted to treat her out. I noticed her lack of clothes since she has always been in that stupid maid costume that isn't even required to wear."

She is standing up for me — wait, what? I gaze at Ivory and speak, "What did you say?" Fiona gasps. I feel three pairs of eyes on me before I step up and ask, "There is no uniform system here?" I look at Sebastian for an answer, but Ivory exclaims, "Of course, there isn't." she leans back and crosses her arms, "That maid costume is ridiculously outdated. It was a prank. He wanted to make you look like a fool."

I turn my head and breathe out, maintaining eye contact with — my mate.

Is this true? Does our mate hate us enough to do something like that to us?

It hurts, doesn't it?

Rayne whimperingly nods.

I scoff, defying the discomfort I feel in my chest.

Sebastian stares at me and then looks away as he nods at Fiona. He said something to her through the mind link. I am sure of that. Because after that, he turns around and reenters his study, closing the door behind him. However, not before one last glance at me. I purse my lips and scowl when Ivory butts in and exclaims, "I admit that even though he is my cousin, he is such a devil."

Huh? I look back at her.

Ivory shrugs. "He can too much sometimes, seriously —" "Emmy!" Fiona interrupts her this time, making us look over at her.

With a slight bow, Fiona states, "You must be in the study after dinner."

What?

Ivory scoffs, "Why her? Is Alpha planning on bullying her more? Does he even have the right to do that?" Fiona opens her mouth to speak, but Ivory rolls her eyes and continues, "I know, I know that Sebby is the Alpha and has every right to do whatever the hell he wants, but don't you think this is getting too much? No one from the day shift works at night, so how could he call Emmy?"

"Okay!" I murmur obediently.

Will he apologize? Or accept us as his mate? We could spend time together. You never know. And there Rayne goes, counting the eggs before they hatch.

***

Still wearing Ivory's hoodie, I walk through the hallway. I notice the night sky from the windows and tiredly sigh. My stomach growls. I'm hungry. I yawn. And I'm sleepy. I halt in front of the familiar mahogany door and stare at it for a while. I stifle another yawn and then lift a hand to knock on it.

"Come in."

His voice makes me feel tingly till down to my toes.

I shudder and grab the knob as I push the door open. I take a peek and quickly scan around, only to have my eyes land on a certain figure behind the desk.

"What are you staring at?" his deep voice startles me, but he doesn't even look at me. I frown and sigh before I step in, contemplating whether to close the door fully or leave it ajar.

Close it fully, of course. You don't know when we could start making out, right!?

My heart skips at the suggestion, yet I gag and roll my eyes. Whatever.

I blink and clear my throat, "What do you need me here for?"

Sebastian looks up, and it feels like movie slo-mo where my heart is pounding in my chest under his gaze, and that tiny smirk makes its appearance on his face. It feels all so desirable until it doesn't when he opens his mouth, "Start with that." he points at the shredder and continues, "We do not have the whole night for you to stare at my face. I already know I am gorgeous!"

Conceited jerk!

I narrow my eyes and growl, unlike Rayne, who loves to swoon over this guy.

Really, Moon Goddess, this guy, really?

He fakes a wider smile and points until I grab the papers off his desk and move to the machine. I begin to shred.

"Also, just glance in case you get any important papers by mistake."

I look over my shoulder and sarcastically comment, "Oh, I thought you make no mistakes."

He clicks his tongue and sighs, "You're right. I don't. But I do have people who work for me. They are no perfectionists like me."

"How would I know? It's the second time we are in the same room." I mutter.

"Ooo, you upset?" his amused tone annoys me, and I scoff, "Why would I be upset? I'm glad I don't get to see your face all the freaking time."

He pouts. "I wonder what made you so upset with me. As you said, we only met twice now."

I snap my head and gape at him incredulously.

Yeah, whose fault is that?

He innocently shrugs and smiles. I roll my eyes and glance back at the papers when I realize that I have the Midnight Hunters' papers in my hands. As someone who leads the rival pack, if I study these, I could know about the pack not many know about yet fear the most. It seems like I got a golden opportunity to undermine a great pack and be the greatest of — "How do I tell which is important and which is not." I murmur to myself.

"Whatcha doing?" his voice sends me shivers that I immediately freeze on my spot. I look over and gasp when his lip grazes through my earlobe, and I feel his smirk widen. He leans in to whisper into my ear, "You shouldn't look too tempting when you're near me." his breath frankly tickles, yet I feel the tingly fluttery feeling all over my body and to my toes again.

I harshly turn my head and snap, "Excuse me? What do you possibly mean by that?" that's when he chuckles and grabs me by my elbow. Startled, I jump a little. I try to escape and wriggle out of his grip, but man, he is stronger. "What the heck are you doing? Do you not know that this is harassment? Quit manhandling me."

"No can do, sweetheart," he whispers huskily.

I narrow my eyes at him. "Why not?"

He doesn't respond in words, as his hands cup my face and he leans in, like literally leans so close to my face that I can feel his breath on my nose. I hope he doesn't hear my heart, or maybe he does when I close my eyes. Is he going to kiss me? Should I even allow him? Yet, it's weird, this sudden anticipating and waiting. We do not even know each other — and that seems to work enough to break the spell I was in.

I blink and flutter my eyes open as I push him away. "Woah, what the heck! Did you hex me or what?" I snap at him, clearly taking him aback.

Sebastian looks up, hurt for some reason but can mask it with an expression of nonchalance as he straightens up and laughs, "Hex? You got to be joking, right? Why would someone like me need to trap someone like you? Girls readily throw themselves on me. I do not make them."

I frown and snarl at him. "I did not throw myself at you."

"But you did close your eyes." he leans closer and teases, "— which means you expected me to kiss."

"Because you grabbed my face." I counter.

"You looked tempting." he sticks his tongue out and winks.

I glare at my annoying mate in disbelief. "What the heck is wrong with you!?"

He shrugs. "Nothing."

Ugh! I groan and step away from him. "Do you have something else to do? Something where I don't have to look at you or be in the same room?"

Entertained, he stares at me for a while when I raise my eyebrow and blurt out, "Anything?" Instead, he purses his lips and pouts before he shakes his head.

I groan and run a hand through my hair.

I roll my eyes and look back at him. "So, can I go back?"

"Why? Do you not want to spend time with me?" he asks smugly, but I answer him gravely, "No." I don't know the next expression he allowed on his face, whether he faked it or it was genuine, but he looked slightly hurt. I take a deep breath and raise my eyebrow, "Can I go?"

Sebastian blinks and smirks again. "What's the magic word?"

His green eyes twinkle in amusement.

I roll my eyes and mumble, "Please?"

He shakes his head comically. "Hmm-huh!"

I narrow my eyes and growl as we stare silently at each other. I hope he yields first, but it seems not only the Moon Goddess but my body is against me. It interrupts our eye contact by making me yawn.

Ugh, damnnit! I lost.

That's when Sebastian gets up and moves toward the door. I look up at him as he looks over his shoulder and sighs, "Clean it up before you go. I'm going to my room now."

He scoffs at me and turns back around as he walks out, closing the door behind him. I clench my fist and glare at the door, but then I fall to the floor. My knees give out.

Aww, that was so hot! I love our mate.

I tighten my jaw.

Annoying jerk!