Alpha's Nala

Chapter 3. Do Not... Be Afraid

Legaxy

“Remember what?” I inquired innocently, which earned me a glare from him.

“Seriously Legaxy? The Red Moon Ball is scheduled to happen next week.” He stated, crossing his arms in front of his chest, “Don't tell me you forgot all about it already.” He added, sounding upset.

I made an 'Oh' face, and he did get it that I forgot the once-in-a-lifetime party of the Vampire — Witch race, where every single Vampire and Witch finds their RED — for werewolves, it's equal to 'mate'.

Seth only grunts a response at me.

Of course, he will be angry and disappointed by my oblivious state — which I may say is temporary — since he always mentioned this to me every year he joins the ball.

Regardless, like every year, Seth never found his Red. I don't know why or how the process works for them, but sadly, he never gets a match.

Not even once, if I may add...

He's already 28, and I don't know if he is still willing to look for his Red since he did end up choosing the security forces, where he guards and protects, over waiting for someone who never came.

Embarrassed, I bit my lip.

“Sorry, I didn't mean to forget about it. I've been a bit... unfocused lately. Hotel stuff, don't ask.” I apologized, chewing the inside of my lip as I abruptly recalled the heated morning meeting session we have with Mr. Black.

All the arguments that took place, the screams that left the lips, the unfiltered and foul language bouncing around the room, and the fist pounding on the porcelain table causing it to crack.

Yeah, that kind of stuff, which left me a bit 'distracted' at the moment.

I guess I'm not over it as I believed it to be...

Seth sighed and seeing how 'inattentive' I really was at that minute, he became quiet for a while.

All of a sudden, he pinched my left cheek to look at him.

“Hey, it's alright cheeky boo. I'm the one who's sorry here. Stress got the best of me.” He sighed again. “It's just... hard, and knowing it's a big day, everyone doesn't just expect it to be perfect. Rather, they WANT it to be perfect.” He explained, flashing a sad smile at me.

I only blinked a few times, getting off of the recollection I was having, before registering into Seth's apologetic eyes.

“That's why Dad didn't pick you up. Overtime — again, but he said he was sorry.” He added softly while rubbing my cheek with his thumb.

I nodded at him in understanding and finally, went inside the car. As he entered the driver's seat and laid my backpack beside him, I caught him sniffing the air.

I scowled.

“Do you ever stop that, Kuya?” I asked.

He looked confused as he glanced my way.

“What do you mean? I always do this.” He stated.

“But you're off duty. It's not like somebody's going to jump out of the bushes and hurt us.” I protested, scrunching my nose in the process.

He chuckled.

“It's better to be safe than never Legaxy. Besides, it's just a security check — not the hunting stance.” He said, backing up the car. “You know pretty well that I will feel hell if I didn't do this perimeter check, knowing we are at a place where EVERYONE IS WELCOME.” He pointed out.

I clasped my mouth shut after hearing that, and didn't argue further.

His right.

Mallow Hotel may be a sacred ground for everybody, and no one is allowed to fight here — unless granted by the head owner, but you never know what each dark mind can do. Especially, a dark beast's mind who's being unintentionally provoked by their enemies.

“Oh,” was all that I could chirp off; the sudden thought of fear lingering in the back of my mind.

“Not to mention,” he paused and a dangerous grin appeared on his face as he peeks at me through the driver's mirror, “I do love smelling your scent.”

At first, I didn't think much about it and believing that it was just his normal teasing, I rolled my eyes at him, “Shut up. You said no 'hunting stance'.”

He laughed hard as we drove off. Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

However, he was not done joking, and from there, I saw a hint of hunger in his eyes — from green to red — while peeking again at me in the mirror.

Oh, no...

“Seriously though, your scent could drive a Vampire crazy... That savory, sweet-sweet scent...” He licked his lips and swallowed hard, “I know I would boo...” His voice was playful at the end, but too low and husky — making me confirm he was hungry for blood.

Freaking hell no!

I stiffened hearing that and like a switch, the memories of him almost killing me flashback in my head — replacing the fear I felt with tremendous alarm.

“I wished you haven't said that Seth. Particularly, when you're starving...” I muttered, nervously.

He heard me and the fright in my voice was his realization; His once hungry features immediately drop and turned into pure shock, then distress.

“Shit! I'm so sorry cheeky boo, I didn't realize I was — ”

“Don't... It's okay, really.” I managed to as I flash my smile at him through the rearview mirror — trying to hide the horror I was feeling, “Do you need to feed? We could stop, and I will let you go hunt — ”

“No, no, I can wait.” He cut me off, breathing ragged. “Mom, she — she will be disappointed if we don't eat dinner.” He added, slowly calming down now — and his eyes, still shifting from red to green which means he was fighting for control.

I just nodded and we both became silent for a while; waiting for him to thoroughly calm down.

“So, could I safely conclude that the reason why you are planning on leaving home is... us? We scare you much — far too much, don't we?” He queried in a miserable tone, breaking the silence that long crept between us.

I shook my head in a 'NO' and surprisingly, a giggle left my lips as I thought about his conclusion and question about me leaving home.

“Of course not, silly.” I replied, smiling at him in the mirror since I notice he was relaxed now — his eyes were in their normal shade of green, “It's just the idea of independence Seth. Besides, no one in this family likes the idea of me driving.” I pouted at the thought.

He laughed, fully breaking the tension that we were feeling at the moment, “True. You're too clumsy for driving.”

I raised an eyebrow at him, “Ah, thanks for the vote of confidence?” I stated, sarcastically.

He laughed harder.

I rolled my eyes at him, and this time, out of entertainment, “How's Howard and Axel by the way?” I asked, changing the topic.

He stopped laughing and instantly, a wide smile was plastered on his face.

“The boys are great actually. Howard got promoted to Major of the Vampire Army. Axel, on the other hand, has been recently chosen as the Head of the Witch Coven Ministry.” He stated, proudly.

I smiled at the news myself.

Like Seth, my other two brothers work for the Hue Kingdom and currently living there — leaving me with Mom and Dad (Hooray!).

Well, all my family members work at the Hue Kingdom, except for me because as clear as day — I am a prey there. But it doesn't matter where they are, or what work they had. As long as they are happy with their chosen career paths and the home they are currently living in, then I'm happy as well.

Especially with the guys...

They happen to be troublemakers from the past and now hearing how they got what they want and blossomed from there, kinda made me want to tear up.

I was just so proud of them.

That reminds me though, what about Seth's — especially with the ongoing ball? He used to be on royal guarding duties whenever this ball occurs...

“What about you? How's work for you?” I curiously ask.

Surprisingly, Seth stiffened at my question. He didn't turn, say or answer the simple question I've asked. He just kept on driving, eyes very focus now on the road.

Huh, funny...

“Not that you want to talk about — ” I started nonchalantly.

“No, it's fine.” He interrupted, voice low but too dark with emotion I don't even know existed within him; he sounded 'feral'.

I unintentionally shivered... Nonetheless, I waited for a continuation.

He sighed, once. I waited.

Nothing.

I waited again.

Still, no word.

I almost give up and was about to change the topic, when he shot me a look through the mirror as if telling me to hold on and wait a little longer — which I did.

It took maybe under a minute or so before he sighed another one and this time, it was a bit heavy — like he was carrying a burden so big that he forgot to breathe.

Then, finally, he talked.

“To be honest, I'm not liking the new assignment given to me by the Kingdom.” He stated in a plain voice.

My forehead wrinkled in confusion.

“Why?” I questioned, intrigued.

He hesitated at first. His eyes were checking me on the mirror — as if I was somewhat ready or not, before shaking his head; he's having an internal battle with his mind.

I glare at him to continue, which he, thankfully, compelled.

“First, I was not supposed to tell you anything — not yet, because the whole family should be around. And second, I'm planning to communicate this matter this weekend, for Howard and Axel will be present at dinner. That's all I could tell, no more.” He explained, eyeing me once again through the mirror.

I gave him my best 'beg' face for more information, that he rolled his eyes at me.

“Goddess, you're so pushy!” He muttered, almost growling, “Fine, since you pleaded, I'll tell you one thing and one thing only — and sure enough, you will never going to like it.” He stated.

I became perplexed.

“What do you mean? You know Kuya, you always share everything with me — FIRST.” I pointed out, pouting at him, “Do you hate your job now that you will only give me clues instead of details? And why would I never like it? I mean, I am always fascinated by everything you do. Especially, when it comes to your work.” I whined, disappointment was clear in my eyes.

He shot me a small smile.

“Oh cheeky boo, thank you. And hey, I still love my job — always have been. However, there were some changes that I need to work on and to be followed soon. Rules, to be exact, that is on strict compliance.” He explained, I saw him chewing his inside cheek.

“Changes? What changes?” I asked.

I never knew the Hue Kingdom could do that. As far as I've known, they never change anything before, especially when it comes to their legislation.

That's a first...

Real question is, what made them changed their lawful ways?

Before I could formulate an answer to the question, Seth's heavy exhale caught my attention.

“The concept now is that I'm not guarding any royal people. Well, not until the Red Moon Ball ends.” He stated, his voice was once more dark and husky.

I looked more baffled than before.

“Oh, congratulations... I guess.” I stated, wrinkling my forehead, “But, if you don't mind me asking, who are you guarding now Kuya?”

At the exact time I popped that question out, the car came to a stop at our front lawn. When he turned and stared at me, the cheerful Seth faded, and in its place was a deadly poker face of a soldier.

His eyes were burning glossy red again and since the moon was full and bright tonight, the color red glowed dangerously, making me froze in my seat.

All of a sudden, and in a husky tone, he mumbled, “You.”