The Alpha Can’t Sense His Mate

CALLA’S POV

I was dressed in a black studded gown and paraded into the dinner hall by Cole.

Contrary to my belief, the room wasn’t packed with pack members. Instead, there was a giant table – big enough to feed thirty people in the centre of the room.

As we approached the dinner, I realised we were not alone. Athaliah and Scarlett stood on their feet, waiting for us.

As soon as we got to the table, Cole dragged a seat by his right and the ladies bowed their heads in greeting. “Have your seats.” He ordered and we all sat down to eat.

I could feel the hard gaze of Athaliah on my form and wondered if this was some sort of set-up. I suddenly didn’t feel like eating. “Welcome Luna.” She said and I raised my eyes to meet hers. “I’m sorry I was unable to train with you today.” Her eyes swapped to Cole who’s eyes were already on hers. “I was a bit busy.”

Scar cleared her throat and the atmosphere was riddled with tension. I felt like there was an inside joke I wasn’t privy to happening at this table. “It’s alright. I trained with Scarlett today.” I said and dug back into my food.

“I presume today’s training was successful?” That was Cole.

Scarlett nodded. “The Luna did amazing as usual.” She remarked and a blush stained my cheeks.

“Good, Is there anything else you’d like to say? Any hindrance or setback?” Cole asked and my eyes found him in confusion.

It felt like he was waiting for something. Did he expect me to fail? What was this about?

“No, Alpha.” Scarlett affirmed, “Everything went beautifully.”

Cole maintained silence for a while, before he nodded, speaking no more on the matter. We ate in silence until Athaliah spoke.

“From my training with the Luna, it seemed like she had prior training.” She said, and I was shocked.

“Is that so?” Cole asked, his eyes darted to me.

“Such strength in her hands.” Athaliah tutted, “For a beginner, that is impressive.”

I didn’t know if she was complimenting or accusing me of something.

“Maybe she had learned something of the sort and forgot about it when she lost her memories.” My breath seized at her words. As well as everyone on the table.

Athaliah however seemed non-challant. She smiled like she was speaking about the weather and not my predicament, which I was stunned she knew.

“Athaliah,” Cole growled and the table shook at the power. “What exactly are you talking about?”

“I am so sorry.” She held her mouth. “I was just thinking out loud, I didn’t realise it was a taboo topic.” Her eyes found mine and I could see amusement dancing in her eyes. “My sincerest apologies, Luna.”

Something was up. It was clear as day. What was she trying to get from me?

“It’s alright,” I said, hoping it sounded as genuine as I intended. “It’s not news that I lost my memories three years ago. Now that you speak of it, I wonder if I had engaged in such before losing my memories.”

“Calla. You don’t need to bother yourself with useless thoughts.” Cole said almost immediately. “Rest assured that anything you have learned can be relearned. Don’t stress trying to remember.”

“I agree.” Athaliah seconded and I almost rolled my eyes at their words.

“Of course,” Scarlett said snidely – taking a big gulp of water.

I nodded my head. Can this dinner be over already?

“I must say that I am a bit jealous of you,” Athaliah said with her eyes laced on Scarlett. “I’ve heard the job you do, helping people to control their witch side.”

My eyes perked at her words.

“It’s just a job.” Scarlett tone was dry and bored.

Athaliah gazed adoringly at Cole. “It’s a beauty to see how receptive you are to everyone. In my former pack, they will kill anyone that is not a werewolf.” She scoffed, “Even the ones that dedicated their lives to their service, Zadok killed without mercy.”

“It’s not everyone that has such foresight,” Cole said, and I could tell he felt flattered.

How easy it was to brush his feathers. “You are right, Alpha. There was a lady who served as the only non-werewolf in the pack,” Athaliah squinted her brows. “What was her name again? Shilhi?”

The entire room was quiet. You could hear a pin drop. My hands froze mid-way and I dropped my fork, finding Athaliah with a look of confusion.

“Did you just say… Shilhi?” I muttered, my heartbeat increasing with her delayed response.

“What are you trying to do?” Came the tense voice of Cole.

Athaliah shrugged. “Just forget it. She is not important.”

“No!” I suddenly raised my voice. “Shilhi. Tell me about her. Where is she?” At this point, I was desperate.

Finally – someone who knew about the strange woman in my dreams.

Athaliah seemed stuck. Her gaze flickered between mine and Cole’s. “I’m sorry, I can’t-”

“Don’t be sorry. Pray tell, who is Shilhi?” Cole said to my surprise and I was glad he did. “I’m quite interested in her story.”

I didn’t need to say anything else. Athaliah sat up and began her story. “Shilhi used to be a member of the BloodHound Pack, and placed in high esteem by Zadok. She was an herbalist who got possessed by a dark spirit and eventually died in the dark forest.” She said and my eyes nearly fell off their sockets.

“The d-dark forest?” I asked, and my dream flashed before my eyes.

“Yes, Luna.” Athaliah settled on her chair. “The dark forest. Everyone has a lot of theories on how she died but I believe she exploded to a million pieces.”

Horror took over me. She was dead. Shilhi was dead. I was seeing a dead woman.

“Is something the matter?” Athaliah said, catching my attention. “You look pale, Luna.”

I swallowed hard. “I am fine. Thank you.” I answered, and our eyes connected, her eyes were smiling. Like she knew my inner turmoil.Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

Was I seeing things?

“That’s all about Shilhi!” She said, clasping her hands. “I feel famished.

I shook in my seat and images poured into my head. A woman explodes in the night – A scream, and lastly, a picture of Athaliah – Torturing me.

Overcome with fear, I pushed back and fell off my seat. A headache hit me and I winced, closing my eyes in pain.

“Calla!” Cole rushed to me, helping me up. “Are you alright?” He asked but I couldn’t speak. I was too shocked to speak. “What did you see?” He asked and I shook my head.

“Just a headache…” I muttered, placing my guard up. “I’ll be fine.”

“That won’t do.” He said and turned around. “Scar! Take the Luna to her quarters and summon the doctor.”

“Yes, Alpha.” Scar took me from his hand, and led us out of the dinner.