An Enemy Called Mate

ZIVA

I ate to my heart’s content and Alexei kept me company, making my stay at the hospital enjoyable.

Even Mum visited a few times and she discussed some important things. She narrated what happened while I was unconscious, revealing that my wolf would be unlocked because I was involved with the Crystal Moon.

Also, everyone, including Alpha Xander was aware of my pregnancy after I was admitted to the hospital.

Alpha Xander even claimed to be the father of my pups, and that was the reason behind Mum’s odd attitude. She was annoyed to realize that I activated the Crystal Moon for his pack, and he did nothing to stop me.

I told her calmly, reassuring her that he was not aware of the pregnancy or my plan to activate the Crystal Moon. Even if he had been aware, he would have definitely stopped me.

However, she was adamant. She continued to pester me with how annoyed she would have been if I had not woken up.

Afterward, she left, and as nighttime hit me like a storm, I tried to settle in for some sleep. I tossed and turned on the bed, closing my eyes in an attempt to get some sleep. It didn’t work. Eventually, I gave up and simply lay on the bed, resting.

Just as I started to relax, I noticed that the door was opening slightly as a familiar scent filled my nostrils.

My heart raced, it was Alpha Xander! Strangely, I’ve been able to detect the scents of Mum, Alexei, and Alpha Xander after meeting them earlier.

My attention diverted back to the door. His scent was still present but it seemed like the door was closed. I shut my eyes, pretending to be asleep.

Then, I felt his warm hand press against my forehead as he spoke, “Thank Goddess you are fine now. Now, get some sleep and stop flickering your eyes.”

I voiced out, “Perhaps I don’t feel the need to sleep because I’ve been unconscious for a long time.”

He looked away and turned on the night lamp which brightened the ward quickly.

Sitting up, I asked him, concern evident in my voice. “How are you doing? I remember that you were stabbed-”

“The wound healed up quickly. So, you have nothing to worry about,” Alpha Xander replied, and he walked towards the door.

When he tried to open the door, I cleared my throat and said, “Well, I think we have a lot to discuss… Like our pups.”

He paused for a moment and turned around, “I thought you intended to keep it to yourself and abscond.”

“Well, that was in the past, and you caused it anyway. I only thought about keeping it a secret when you acted like you didn’t want me or them.”

“Did I ever mention that I didn’t want you or my pups?”

“Yes, you did. You told me indirectly and Rose was your mate. I was just the other woman.”

“You were not the other woman,” He spoke, as he massaged his temple. “And yes, I was the asshole who mistreated you to gain vengeance, but keeping my pups from me is cruel. Yes, you don’t deserve me. I know that’s what you are going to say. I will hand over the divorce paper to you tomorrow. You can reject me and get married to Alexei if you wish to.”

I furrowed my brows, confused and taken aback by what he said. “Alexei? Why is Alexei involved in this?”

“You do not need to inform me. I am aware of your romantic feelings towards Alexei. I will accept your union with him and your rejection, but that will be after you deliver the pups for your safety.”

“Oh Xander, please stop saying nonsense. I like Alexei and I only regard him as my brother-in-law. This mate bond is just messing with our lives.

Also, if you have any feelings for me and you don’t see me as just a woman who is pregnant with your pups, these aren’t the ways to show or prove it. Rather, you are just making things go around in circles over and over again. It confuses me whenever I try to make a decision and it’s exhausting.”

Just then, Alexei barged in with two small bowls. He didn’t look up, as he seemed to be preoccupied with his thoughts. He spoke quickly, “I knew that you would be awake. We should have ice cream together-”

As soon as he raised his head and saw Alpha Xander, he raised his eyebrows.

“Did I interrupt?” He asked, darting his gaze from Alpha Xander to me.

“No, you didn’t. You came at the right time,” I responded. Hastily, I moved away from the bed and approached him. “I needed to step out and have some fresh air since this ward is stuffy.”

“Tsk, you should move to another ward then.”

“No worries. I will be discharged soon anyway,” I spoke as we walked out of the ward. Then, my gaze fell on that bowl, “Is that an ice cream bowl?”

“Yes. The doctor said you might find it difficult to fall asleep on your first night. So, I brought these.”

I took the bowl and smiled, “You are my savior. I was actually craving for this.”

As soon as we reached outside the hospital, the smell of wet soil wafted into my nostrils. I glanced at my surroundings and noticed the trees that were around. It would be nice to go for a run with one’s wolf.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

“The best place a hospital can be developed is at the center of the woods. The sight of the trees and their smell can make any patient recover. You know, we can race, just you and I once you can transform into your wolf.”

“That’s a good idea. She will be so excited for that. Sadly, I’ve been unable to reach out to her.” I let out a sigh, “I don’t think what happened with the Crystal Moon unlocked her like Mum said earlier.”

“Give her some time. She’s probably frightened and cautious so she won’t hurt the pups.”

I nodded, “Probably.”

I opened the ice cream bowl and shoved the spoon into it. When I attempted to lick it, I heard Alexei say;

“Xander can be annoying sometimes but do not take it to heart. He is just a bit traumatized and obsessed.”

I paused, “…”

“I eavesdropped a bit.”

“Rude.”

“Sorry about that. I was just concerned, but the truth is that he really loves you. He might not be able to open up now or express it, but he will. Give him some time.”

“What about you? We are attached by a mate bond, remember?”

“Regardless of the bond, you are in love with him, not me. It’s fine anyway, I can always be the good-looking uncle.”

I almost laughed at his joke. The smile on my face was quickly replaced with a neutral expression. He was only trying to make me laugh it off, but I was concerned about him. “You were very excited to share this mate bond, and I’m sorry if this makes your heart ache.”

“Don’t be. There are still a few months left before you deliver the pups, and we still need to share this mate bond for your safety. Then, if Xander misbehaves or tries to hurt you, I will kick him in the a$$ and then marry you.”

We burst into brief laughter and I uttered amidst it, “It is a reasonable plan.”