Where Were You

The landline on the nightstand snaps me out of my sleep.

Drowsy, I pick up the phone and recognize Clyde's voice on the other end of the line.

"Baby, did I wake you? I stayed at the mansion with my brothers. The meeting took longer than we thought and later we were all pretty beat up from the long talk. We just decided to sleep our heads off on the couch," he apologized.

"Hey, it's no big deal, right? We're leaving today and don't know when we'll see them again. What's important is that you had quality time with them," I soothed him. "Are you coming home now? Should I send the driver?"

"No, we are going to Alessandro's house to pick up some more documents. I'm afraid I won't be able to have lunch with you at home," he sounds regretful again. "The guards will load the remaining suitcases and then take you to the airport. I'll meet you on the jet."

"No problem. I still have at least four hours, so I'll get some more sleep. And then I'll see you later, babe". After lying down, I stretch out my limbs. Now I feel totally relaxed, my body feels satisfied and free. Yes, last night's sex was as good as it was sinful. I decided to draw a line under this part of my life. Clyde is all I want and I will not destroy our happiness with an unfortunate affair. I'm sure the Alpha has forgotten about me by now.

But for a moment I am reminded of his strange name. Alpha Abel.

Is that his first name or his call sign? And he called me his mate, his soul mate, and this pack of werewolves. All bullshit, of course, it was vulgar lust we shared. I got carried away and he eagerly took advantage of it, also considering the way he had sex with me. At first, he was sweet and caring, but soon that turned into gluttony and possessiveness.

No, not my cup of tea.

I dive back under the covers, just as I told Clyde.

Fortunately, sleep comes quickly, only to be awakened a few hours later by a knock at the door. The butler. "My Queen, the car will be here in an hour. Clyde told you to be ready. The trunks are already on board and Madam Mariam has sent your handbag".

"Yes, yes," I grunt and pull back the covers.

In the bathroom, I do my business and take a quick shower. When I step into the walk-in closet, I see a jumpsuit hanging there. I put it on and wrap up last night's dress to throw in the dumpster outside the house.

When I walk downstairs, the driver is already sitting at the table with a glass of juice and a croissant.

"Clyde says you're having a late lunch. So I've already had everything delivered to the Jet. Your favorite fruit smoothie is there too". The butler smiles at me, but I don't miss the wistfulness in his eyes.

I walk up to him and open my arms. He immediately pulls me to his chest.

"I will miss you so much, my Queen. Remember to come here on vacation. I'll keep everything in good order until you return". His voice sounds choked, this is an emotional farewell for me as well.

Clark, the butler, welcomed me so warmly when Clyde brought me here.

He told the older man that I am the Queen and that name has stuck with me, everyone keeps it as my nickname.

"I sure will. And maybe you can come and see us? Then I'll take you and your wife around to see the sights," I offer. He looks at me skeptically but nods. After another kiss on the cheek, I leave with the driver.

It's a half-hour drive to the airport. As I step out of the Maserati and into the lobby, I see Clyde waiting. His eyes are fixed on the door and when he sees me, his face lights up.

He walks toward me with wide strides.

"Baby, I'm sorry I wasn't home. But I'll make it up to you, I promise. Spending the night with you is more satisfying than staying with two stupid drunk brothers who are also dealing with hangovers," he sighs dramatically as he takes me in his arms.

As usual, he buries his face in my neck and takes a few hearty breaths.

"Hmmm, just what I need to sober up completely. I missed you, my Queen. I will never sleep on a couch again. My arms felt so empty." I hold him close for a few seconds. Yes, this is where I belong. Clyde is everything to me, our feelings are beyond love, we are connected at the soul level.

"A new perfume? Or did you mix them?"

I shake off my shock, grab my fiancé's hand and we walk to the check-in counter.

"Yeah, bath salts, body lotion and perfume. This could be a fun mix," I laugh. Fortunately, he doesn't stay on the subject and we walk hand in hand to the Jet.

As I take my seat, he pulls me up, sits down next to me and pulls me close. A moment later, the aircraft's engines start and we are in the air.

"Are you hungry? I haven't eaten since last night, except for a burger. Clark had food brought on board." He unbuckles the seatbelts and we walk to a small table. He pulls bowls and plates out of a warming cabinet. Yes, my pork crabs in oyster sauce and mushrooms, Broccoli and carrots, bulgur and ripe bananas. And then raw cucumber, eggplant sautéed in butter, and chicken breast.

"This Clark keeps spoiling you. Ever since I brought you home, he's forgotten what my favorite foods are," he complains teasingly. We both laugh; he's absolutely right.

Clyde scoops up a generous portion for both of us and as we're about to eat, he once again makes sure that I almost die of cardiac arrest.

"How was your evening? Clark said you came home this morning without your purse. My mom sent it for you later," he asks almost nonchalantly.

I decided not to involve anyone in my scandalous adventure. Lying about being with one of my girlfriends would land me in a maze of lies. No, I have to take care of this myself.

"Well, I met some guests who hadn't been to our parties before. And to make them feel welcome, I hung out with them. I completely forgot the time and my purse. I didn't want to go far," I explain apologetically.

"But where did you go?" he insists…