Chapter 20

I know it’s late but could you two come to my office, please? He asked them in a polite tone, leaning back in his desk chair as he raised a hand to run his fingers through his hair, willing himself to calm down in preparation for the conversation that would very soon ensue. There’s absolutely nothing to worry about. I just want to talk to you both about something quickly.

Yes, Alpha! Again, in sync.

Marcellus barely had time to stretch his arms over his head before two knocks sounded on his office door.

“Come in.” He called out quietly, able to scent out the familiar wolves.

“You wanted to speak to us, Alpha?” Justas asked quietly with a serious look on his face as he stepped into the room with Raphael following closely, standing just a little behind of his mate.

“Yes.” His lips pulled up into a small smile in hopes that he would come out friendly, not wanting to further aggravate the situation further by being rude to his mate’s friends, even if they were technically his pack members and he was their Alpha. “Why don’t you two take a seat?”

The mated couple nodded and did just that, occupying the two

“I want to start off by apologising for my earlier behaviour today.” He paused to take in a deep breath so he could continue, sending a pointed look at both wolves who were watching him with wide eyes, Justas appearing as if he was having a hard time swallowing the apology the Alpha had just given them.

“I am aware that I overreacted earlier and that it was completely out of character. However, that doesn’t excuse my behaviour and for that, I am sorry. I’m not going to go bother giving an explanation as to why I behaved that way as there’s really no point or justification, but I hope we can move forward from this.”

“Yes, of course, Alpha!” Both Justas and Raphael replied in sync for the third time now which

Marcellus couldn’t help but chuckle. “Do you guys always talk at the same time?”

The mated couple shared a look as they chuckled softly, a tender look in their eyes which Marcellus had noticed other mates look at each other with. Too bad he didn’t have a mate to look at the same way.

Technically, we do have a mate but you’re choosing to ignore her so you have no one to blame but yourself. If you weren’t so full of her, maybe she’d look like that at us as well.

Let’s not start with this again. Marcellus groaned internally. But speaking of our mate, I need to fix things with her.

That you do.

“A lot of the time, yes.” Raphael laughed softly, a large grin on his face. “We apologise if it’s annoying.”

Marcellus chuckled and shook his head, dismissing the apology as it wasn’t their fault that they were happy with their mate while he couldn’t even tell his mate that they were mates.

Speaking of mates, he needed to make things right with her before things got even more out of hand.

“By the way, can you let Anastasia know that she’s welcome to come back time to the pack any time she wants?” He asked hopefully.

“Really?” Raphael asked in a small, quiet voice, the words laced with disbelief the same time that Justas nodded his head frantically, a relieved look on his face.

“Yes.” Marcellus confirmed with a nod and a serious look on his face. “Next time she’s here, I’ll personally apologise but for now, if you could pass the message on to her on my behalf, I would really appreciate that.”

Both Justas and Raphael shook their heads, a mixture of disbelief and surprise on their faces but the feeling that resided the strongest was glee but neither of them were as gleeful as him, not that he was ready or willing to admit it.

“Thank you, Alpha.” Justas thanked him graciously with a wide grin on his face, reaching over to squeeze his mate’s hand. “We’ll be sure to relay the message in the morning.”

“Thank you.” He murmured quietly, his voice barely audible yet with their enhanced werewolf hearing, they were able to hear him perfectly.

“If that’s all, we’ll be heading up for the night.”

Marcellus nodded even though his face scrunched together in momentary confusion. When the two wolves noticed this, they shared a knowing look before turning back to face him.

“Is there anything else, Alpha?” Justas asked in a quiet voice, almost as if he was holding his breath in fear as to what he had to say.

If Marcellus didn’t currently have a lot on his mind, he probably would have laughed with how opposite and different these two mates were. Raphael was much more carefree and relaxed while Justas was more high-strung and serious; perfectly balancing each other out.

You might as well ask them. His wolf urged him quietly. Other than Anastasia, and since she’s probably not wanting to talk to us after tonight, they’re your best bet.

“I don’t mean to pry, but what is Anastasia doing around the pack house all of a sudden?” He asked, feigning simple curiosity even though he was far more than simply curious about his mate. “I mean, I’ve never seen her around her before but I’ve noticed that she’s been hanging around here the past couple of weeks. Is there a particular reason for this?”

Raphael frowned slightly in confusion but it was Justas that opened his mouth to answer. Unfortunately, his explanation didn’t pass his lips and Marcellus didn’t receive the answer he was hoping for as a knock sounded on the door.

Before Marcellus could tell him to go away, Dalton let himself into the room and sighed deeply, signifying that this next conversation was going to be pleasant.

After watching the silent exchange between the Alpha and Beta, Justas and Raphael didn’t need to be told that it was time they leave and unfortunately for Marcellus, they took all the answers with them.