Chapter 3: Tea and Tactics

Maeve

Good thing my father is the alpha’s beta. I’m well familiar with what the alpha’s schedule looks like, and today is the best day for my plan.

I adjusted my red dress as I stared satisfactorily at my reflection in the mirror. I chose this dress for a reason, not just because it hugged me in the right place but, because it was my best color and I feel very powerful and sexy wearing it.

It also because of the hair pin, they complimented each other.

All I just have to do now is meet with the alpha, I know it’s not going to be easy, with guards around and on his door step, but I have different plans up my sleeve.

If I can successfully enter the mansion then meeting him would be easier.

A knock sounded on my door. “May I come in my lady?” The voice of my personal maid, Mira asked.

“Please come in,” I answered.

Her eyes went wide in surprise, trailing over me.

“You got up early today, my lady.” She whispered and smiled. “And you’re dressed.”

I snorted, unable to hide my smile any longer and we burst out laughing together.

“ I have somewhere to be this morning.” I said after we quieted down.

“What about my father,” I asked flatly, blinking my eyes innocently.

“My lord has gone out, but he said he will be back early.”

I smiled and nodded.

I’m well familiar with my father’s work and that’s why I have to take my chance this morning.

“Would you like to help me with my makeup, Mira? I want something simple but captivating at the same time.”

“Definitely,” she nodded her head. “I would love to.”

I let Mira work her magic on me as I stare into the mirror, my lips curled up in satisfaction.

“I must leave now, but I’ll be back soon.” I said leaving the house.

Thankfully, the walk from the house to the alpha’s mansion is not a long one. The mansion was built in the center of the town, enclosed with its own gate.

The beta’s house was just a few buildings on the left side wing.

I sighed and swallowed, watching the disposed guards around the wide open compound. I just have to blend in, walk up the stairs like someone who was visiting one of the buildings in the mansion and not the alpha himself.

My feet carried me up the long stairs, bringing me to the narrow hallway and continued with another stairs up the building.

My mind was racing with lots of questions.

What if I get stopped by one of the guards?

What if they stopped me from going up and demanded my reason?

The pack’s doctor.

Yes, my mind finally caught up.

I would tell them I’m visiting the pack doctor’s home for a prescription.

My wolf danced with excitement at the thought of meeting with her mate.

I clenched my fist, my legs trembling as I walked towards the alpha’s study room.

It’s a great opportunity for me that his study was not on the same buildings as his private building which was on the last floor of the two story mansion.

How would I have explained myself?

Two imposing guards stood on each side of the door, a hand resting on their sword which hung on their waist.

Their cold eyes held no emotions, their body standing alert.

I made an attempt to clear my throat but still they ignored me.

“Please help me inform the alpha that I have a message from the beta.” I said managing to steady my breathing, with my head held upright, but my inside trembled with so much fear.

Without a word, one of the guards turned around and entered the door to inform the alpha.

I sighed with relief, all I have to do now is wait.

The door opened shortly after, and the guard returned. “The alpha is waiting for you.”

I nodded my head, clenching my teeth to stop the smile that threatens to take over my face.

I shut the door behind me, my eyes taking in the powerful man behind the large desk, a frown sat on his face, going through some papers on the desk.

He looked terrifyingly handsome.

His white robe was wrapped with a golden cloak today. An outfit he uses for court and official appearances.

My wolf whined softly, wanting to reach out to him.

No Layla, please let me handle this.

As if sensing more than just a presence, his frown deepened as he raised up his head, piercing me with those sharp brown eyes.

“What are you doing here?” He growled sharply, standing up from the wooden chair, nearly knocking it to the ground.

I gripped my dress a little tighter, plastering a sweet smile as I bowed to him.

“It’s good to see you again alpha,” I whispered. “I’m sorry for coming like this, I just wanted to thank you for the gift.”

I intentionally avoided mentioning the word “last night”. It won’t do me any good if he acts on his emotions and runs away again or better still send me out in this case.

It will ruin my plans.

His eyes narrowed at me, but I remained smiling.

“I’ve always been curious about what you look like up close, there are lots of rumors but I must say that seeing you didn’t measure up to the rumors I’ve heard.”

He snorted. “Really, and what are those rumors if I may ask?”

My smile widened as I stepped forward.

His eyes shifted to my hair, where the hair pin was. “It soothes you,” he whispered.

My face heated up, I blinked my eyes repeatedly tilting my head to the side.

I don’t know how we moved from merely talking to him calling over a maid to serve us tea.

We talked a lot about nothing and I caught him smirking a time or two. It wasn’t a smile but it was close.

I also helped with the account he was checking on. I’m very good with numbers and it was a minor thing but he was surprised and impressed.

“I didn’t know my beta had such a beautiful and impressive daughter.” He commented as he walked me downstairs the stairs, his steps falling along with mine as we walk side by side.

Even at few inches apart, the heat that radiates from his body engulfed me like a cloak. It made my inside warm, my palm sweats from the tightness of my fist.

It’s a good thing Layla agreed to stay quiet and out of this, else, I would have said or done something without thinking. Something like, throw myself at him and beg him to take me.

Stop, stop, stop now. Don’t go there.

I cleared my throat, and smiled. “You flatter me alpha.”

“I don’t Maeve,” he whispered, stopping in his tracks just at the bottom of the stairs.

“You made my day, you made my work easy and more entertaining.”

I swallowed, blinking, trying to hide my emotions.

“Thanks alpha.”

The afternoon breeze blew softly as we got out of the building.

“I look forward to another time with you, Maeve.” He said, pinning me with his eyes.

My heart fluttered, hands trembled, and my breathing became labored.

I nodded and walked down the stairway.

Another time with me.