Alpha Tristan ✓

Eikosi [ 20 ]

author's note: double update! enjoy!

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I realised I was being followed.

Whoever Tristan had assigned to protect me, because he did have the distinct scent of his pack, was doing a pretty bad job at keeping out of sight. But, I was grateful that he was looking out for me. Even if I didn't think about it much, I knew that he was a very powerful alpha and with that power came danger.

I more than likely would have attention on me for the sole fact that we were mates. And that attention had the potential to turn lethal.

Pulling my phone from my pocket, I waited until I was further out of the airport when I dialled his number. He picked up on the first ring. "Thank you, Tristan." The smile pulled at my face and I was comforted by the sound of his soft breathing.

"I'm guessing you picked up on Markus. Thank God you're aware of your surroundings." As he spoke, my mark tingled and I felt a stronger pull towards him even through the phone.

I knew I had to get back as soon as possible or I wouldn't be able to bear it. As I made my way out, I could see Raisa, a woman from my old pack holding a sign with my name on it. I instantly picked up on the fact that Ramiel hadn't sent a man, and I was thankful for that. When I got closer, she picked up on my scent and I watched as a series of emotions flashed across her face.

First recognition then shock and then fear.

"He's there for your protection. I needed to be sure that you'll be safe." Tristan continued, and it was as if I could see the small smile on his face. "How was your flight?"

I reached Raisa before I could respond and she mustered up a stiff smile. It shocked me to recognise the look in her eye because it had been the look in mine when I had first found out that Tristan was visiting the pack. Something compelled me to set the story straight and tell her directly that the rumours she believed, the ones she spread herself, were all false.

"This flight definitely felt longer than the last one. Tristan, I have to go." I felt her gaze burning on the side of my head as I tilted away from her. "Call me later?"

"Of course. Be safe, αγάπη."

I quickly hung up and turned back to Raisa, forcing a smile on my face. She was the first one to speak and a curious expression plastered over her face. "I can't believe it's actually true..." Her head cocked to the side slightly and I felt her gaze drop to the mark on my neck. "He really is your mate."

I was suddenly very uncomfortable. She stared at my mark like she was inspecting it. For what, I didn't know but if I had to guess, it would be for any sign of forced marking. Forced marks appeared jagged with the bite mark being rough but mine was smooth and seamless. It had been entirely my choice. "He is. I believed he would be a cruel and heartless mate but he's not. I asked him to mark me if that's what you're trying to figure out, Raisa."

Her eyes shot up to mine and she looked sheepish. "Sorry. It's just we were all convinced you'd come back for good. You're a Luna now, I guess we were wrong." She bowed her head briefly. "We should get going. Your mother is waiting for you."

At the reminder of my mother, the sense of urgency within me resurfaced and I nodded profusely. She folded the paper with my name written on it and I followed her towards the exit, tugging my suitcase along with me. I had completely forgotten about Markus until I picked up on his scent again. Glancing at him over my shoulder, I waved him over and saw his cheeks redden before he sped up.

He was tall, just a couple of inches shorter than Tristan, and had short auburn hair cut close to his scalp. And when he fell into step with me, he bowed his head and offered me a small smile. "I hope you don't mind that I'm accompanying you on your trip, Luna. I'm honoured to be chosen to protect you."

I returned the smile but with a noticeable wince. "I don't mind only if you don't call me Luna. Kara is good for now."

He acknowledged my response and gave me a brief nod. "It'll be like I'm not here, Lu-Kara."

When we reached the car, Raisa unlocked the doors and slid into the driver's seat as Markus reached for my suitcase, offering to put it in the boot. I directed a smile his way and climbed into the passenger seat on Raisa's left. She glanced at me momentarily and seemed like she wanted to say something while Markus wasn't in the car. It was useless though since as a species, all our senses were enhanced, especially hearing.

"Is...is the Underworld as scary as the stories say?" she was hesitant and watched my facial expression closely as if she was waiting for me to snap at her.

I sighed, shaking my head. "Greenland is a beautiful territory. It's covered in snow and really cold, but it's a magical place. The stories are all wrong." I tilted my head to look at her and pressed my fingers against my mark, feeling my heart ache at the reminder that Tristan was so far away. "I wouldn't bear his mark if the stories were true."

She was silent for a few moments and blew out a low breath. "I guess I have to take your word for it. If the rumour about his appearance is wrong, then the rest can be too." She muttered after, almost as an afterthought, and I had to force down the sense of irritation and jealousy that seized me by the throat.

I was there when Tristan had stepped out of that car all those weeks ago, and I distinctly remember the look of surprise on everyone's faces when we saw him. Of course, it was a brief glance because I had been so captivated by him but seeing that he had almost the same effect on everyone comforted me at the time. It meant that I wasn't crazy or destined to be his mate.

I was wrong in thinking the latter but I had come to accept and even want him as my mate.

Markus slid into the backseat, effectively ending our conversation as Raisa pulled out of the parking lot and headed towards the exit. Being on the motorway in London was a very different visual experience from Greenland's snowy terrain, and I found myself missing it already.