Chapter 22

*Vivon's POV*

I sat on the furry white couch beside the fireplace that brightened up the dimly lit room, my eyes shone the reflection of the flickering flames as I twirled the glass of white wine in my hand. I had always been drinking, and it was all because of her...Isabelle. I might have been looking at the fire, but my thoughts were elsewhere. I had to admit there were some days I felt like I couldn't wait any longer for her to come back, and on those days I would have a drink with Richie, getting drunk to stupor. And other times we would go for a run in the woods. But despite how much distractions I try to bring to myself, my mind still wanders. My heart clenched beneath my chest when I thought of how she was carrying our child, but I brushed off the feeling. I sat there for what seemed like hours, the wood in the fireplace burning out, the room getting darker.

My head whipped towards the curtains, and I gulped down the last bit of wine, my emotions getting grave.

"Come out." I said, my eyes not leaving the curtain, and just then, a black furred wolf emerged from behind it. It's amber eyes stared at me, unfathomable emotions flickering in it and I stared back at it.

"What have you come here for?" I asked, rolling my eyes as I poured myself more wine.

Taking a sip, my gaze once again turned to it, and I could see the white envelope between it's muzzle.

Putting down my glass on a table that sat not far away from me, I walked towards the wolf, pulling out the letter from between it's muzzle.

Nodding it's head, it leapt out of the window, it's silhouette disappearing into the woods.

Ripping the envelope, I opened the peace of paper, my eyes moving as I read it.

"Looks like the Alpha had not given up on me." I said, a smirk forming on my lips.

After I had canceled my engagement with his daughter, he seemed not to be on good terms with me, but I guess he had understood how pointless it was. He still needed my help, after all.

Folding the paper, I walked steadily towards the fireplace, throwing it in as I watched it burn.

"Next week, is it?" I asked to no one in particular as I stroked my chin, seemingly in thought.

I walked to my room, intending to freshen up, which I did.

Done taking a bath, I sunk onto my bed, my eyes wide open, staring at the white ceiling. It felt like I was being haunted.

...

Morning came, and I tossed and turned on the bed, feeling the pain in my head multiply. I had managed to get some sleep after hours of being awake last night. Massaging the space between my brows, I tried to ease the pain. Feeling frustrated, I got out of the bed, heading to the shower where I freshened up. Getting dressed, I went down for breakfast.

Reaching the dining table which could fit 20 people, I pulled out a chair, settling onto it.

Not long after, my meal had been served by the maids. I had been alone on the table since I had no family and no mate. I should feel sad about it, but the truth is that I didn't mind it. I did not mind being alone at all except for the fact that I miss her.

Picking up my utensils, I cut into the beef that sat on the plate in front of me, putting it into my mouth. I chewed and swallowed, the clink and clank of the utensils reverberating throughout the room as I ate.

"Enjoying your meal without me now, are we, Vivon?" I heard the familiar voice say, and I had not bothered to look at who it was.

Richie walked towards me gracefully, his clad feet thumping the floor.

Reaching the table, he pulled out a chair in which he sat, his eyes finally resting onto me, and my eyes moved to look at him. He might have been expecting that I had went insane for having my mate leave, as I could see the amusement in his eyes.

Pouring a drink for himself, he took a sip, his eyes resting onto me again, seemingly having something to say.

"You can say anything." I said, not bothering to glance at him.

He stared at me, his emotion grave, and I knew it had something to do with me.

I heard him take a deep breath before clearing his throat and speaking.

"The rogues seem to be multiplying by the day." He said, his eyes scanning me to gauge my reaction.

"How exactly does it concern us, Richie?" I asked, chuckling wearily as my eyes met his.

"I know you think that it has nothing to do with Avid mars, but sooner or later, you know it is going to get to us." I heard Richie say again, his gaze getting serious as he stared at me.

"Have you come here to strip me off my post to??" I asked, and by this time I had began to get furious.

"Have they sent you to me?" I asked again, my voice laced with glaciers.

"No, Vivon. That is not why I have come here." he said, and I fought hard to believe his words.

"Then why? You think I am not fit enough to protect the pack because I do not share the same views as all of you?" I asked, shaking my head as I smiled amusingly.

He was quiet.

"Do what you think is best for the pack." I heard him say finally, and there was silence.

Neither of us had spoken, and I had continued to eat, not saying a word.

"How is your wait for Isabella?" I heard him ask and I turned to look at him. He had a smirk on his face. I bet he was enjoying my situation.

Rolling my eyes, I kept mute, and he smiled knowingly.

"Just a little more time, Vivon. She will come back." He said, and somehow it made me feel hopeful