20

It was hard getting a wink of sleep that night. The more Alexia thought of it, the harder it is to believe. She's not so sure she's ready to face the truth.

She quickly sat up in bed, and without a moment's hesitation, she hurriedly made her way to the bathroom, quickly stripping off her clothes and stepping into the hot shower.

The steam enveloped her as she closed her eyes, letting the water wash away her worries, temporarily. Alexia remained in the shower for what felt like an eternity, trying to clear her head and make sense of what the Alpha's words meant for her and their relationship.

Yet she arrived at no conclusion.

"What are you doing here?" Alexia was stepping out of her room after the shower to meet Alpha Steele by her door. She tried keeping her exposure as she closed the door behind her.

Alpha Steele stood before her, his arms crossed tightly behind his back as he stated down at her. He just couldn't stop himself, in a snap, he's at her door despite that he has close to nothing to say.

"I came by. Nothing else." He reassured as he saw her face creases with slight worry.

Alexia nodded and walked past him, internally cursing at herself when she heard his footsteps as he followed behind her.

Yet, she maintained her composure, feigning oblivion to his presence, as if nothing out of the ordinary had occurred between them.
Reaching the kitchen, Alexia proceeded to make herself a cup of coffee.

She could feel the Alpha's eyes on her, his presence heavy in the kitchen but she refused to acknowledge him.

She turned to leave, but as she rounded the corner of the counter, she froze, her breath catching in her throat as she came face to face with the Alpha, his figure blocking the doorway.

Their eyes met, a charged silence between them, each waiting for the other to make the first move.

Alexia's footsteps echoed as she walked away from the Alpha. She knew that she couldn't avoid him forever, that eventually they would need to confront the emotions between them.

She just wants to take her time and not rush into anything she'd need to rush back out later. Giving him a slight bow as she reached her doorstep, she entered, gently closing the door afterwards.

Once she was in, she sighed.

Alpha Steele stood before her door for a while before returning to his room. He lits up a cigarette and sank on his swivel chair as he took the cigarette in and out of his mouth.

He's slowly forgetting his addiction. Not a day will go by him lighting up a stick. Ever since Alexia stepped into his abode, he's been slowing losing interests in all that's been his addictions.

Now he needs to clear his head and he's here again. Somewhere deep inside, he knew he's swaying. He ought to keep himself in check. At least until they've found a way out for his mate's infertility.

A knock came on his door which opened almost immediately to reveal his mother, the Luna. Taking the last drag from his smoke, he placed it down on the ash tray and watched her come in.

"You're still up?" She asked as she walked in and he curtly nodded.

It's been a while he's had a conversation with his mother. The mere fact that she's against the union of him and his mate just wasn't doing well on his part.

She came to stand before his desk, and pulled out a seat. She dug into the white envelope she brought with her and placed the different pictures on his desk, before his face.

"Check them out." She murmured seeing his hesitation.

He looked down at the pictures just as he was about picking it up and his hand stopped midway. On the pictures are different types of ladies, their social status included... what was in common being they all are 'mate-less.'

"What should I do with this?" Although he knew, he asked.

"I told you before, Steele. It's nothing that haven't happened," She shrugged indifferently. "Just make a pick."

It took her days to come up with this many ladies, she hopes he acts according and does as she wants.

Steele started disbelievingly at his mother and at a point, he let outs his mind. "I'm sorry but no."

"What?" Luna Celeste was stunned. She was expecting him to say that but also held on to the benefit of doubt. It's been hard to believe his son was still going to stick to his decision of accepting Alexia as a mate. Someone who can't give him a child? No, it's utterly impossible.

"I'm picking nothing, mother." He spoke up once again.

Her smile faltered. "They are all good looking. For me, for the pack... make a selection. Is it really that hard?"

He has never been this way. He was never one to go against her words but now... Alexia is making him do this. She feels so angry.

"I don't want to. I have a mate, I'm not about to break her trust. You know mother, you know am not promiscuous? I don't want to have to make a pick. You should take these pictures away." He answered, and looked away from her eyes.

He knows and understand she's having a hard time accepting Alexia but she shouldn't be doing this and going to such a length. No one can be like Alexia and no one who replaces her can fit in like her. Why won't she understand?

"No. I'm not talking these away from you until you call and informed me you've picked one of them. You know what? If the problem is you not liking them, I shall prepare another round of ladies," She pushed her seat back and stood..

"I'm not stopping until you yield to my request." She finalized and walked out of his chamber, the door slamming closed upon her departure.