Red: Wavering Flame

It's been days since I last set foot in my own home and the I immediately felt a sense of alienation with how accommodating Aries' pack members are. The people that I passed by just gave a slight nod and went out their own way.

I trudged towards the giant structure of a building and swung the doors open. Most of the pack members might have noticed that I might be carrying a different scent these past few days. And the lack of concern with my old man being out of sight made me doubt the pack or be proud at how Frederick held the pack together being out of the pack for years.

I saw Frederick talking to one of the pack warriors and walked towards them.

Frederick saw me closing by and nodded at me and the person he was talking to looked at me and smiled weakly by nodding politely at me.

"Good day, Alpha." The warrior greeted me. Frederick smiled and patted the man.

"That's all for now, Greg. Thanks for the insight."

"No problem, Beta Frederick." He replied.

"Continue the guard over the southwest corner of the grounds. I'll join one the warriors on one of these nights for a scout." Frederick smiled and Greg smiled back.

"Thanks, sir. I'll be going now, Beta Fred, Alpha Blake." He nods at us before jogging towards the door but stopped midway when he stopped to help another male in crutches.

I look at them as Greg looked at the man with concern as they walked outside.

"That's Russell." Frederick stated as we watched them walked out the building. "Was hurt at one of the rogue attacks..."

"Are they...?"

"Yes..." Fred replied and I nodded.

"How did you know, young Alpha?" Frederick eyed me with a playfully grin as we walked towards the stairs.

"The way they look..." I mused as I review on how they look at each other. It's like how Aries looks at me. As well, as how our old men look at each with the few days I've seen them together. "I've seen that look before."

Frederick didn't replied but nodded.

"So, how's my Alphas doing?" Frederick asked as the reached the second floor.

"They're doing fine as far as I know. Well, my old man sure is happy." I answered back as we walked towards his office. "He sure is a changed man."

"It's seems you're as well." Frederick pats my shoulder.

"Yeah." I grinned as we stopped at the door of his office.

"Good to hear, Alpha Blake." Frederick smiled at me. " We'll I guess we part here. I have to finish the reports."

"No problem, Fred."

"Frank's in his room right now. If you want to look for him." Frederick pointed out.

"Thanks. I have things to discuss things with him anyways." I stated and shook his hand before walking to wards the halls leading to Frank's room.

Everything seems to be going well with my life so far. Aries and I are both in good terms and it seems our fathers are in very, very good terms with each other. Mom hasn't known that we already found Aries' dad Stephen yet but my old man wanted to tell her himself. I don't know what the outcome would from that side and really hoped for a good result from both ends from that discussion.

They are my parents after all. I wanted Mom to be happy as well when things are revealed and Dad introduces Stephen to the pack.

Should I start calling him Dad as well? That seems weird. He's Aries' dad so I should show respect as well. Alpha Stephen would still be respectful enough for now.

My thoughts were shoved back when I saw someone familiar turn around the corner. I quickly jogged towards her direction and the same thoughts kept flooding his mind. My mind wanted this, It would be disrespectful towards Aries, my mate, if I don't stop this right now.

"Hey! Jessica..." I called out and she stops and turns to look at with a surprised expression.

"Blake. I didn't know you're back? When did you arrived, baby?" Jessica approached me with a concerned look.

I instinctively walked back as she approached with a hug. I didn't know why I did that but she smiled nevertheless as she rubbed her left arm.

"I'm fine, Jessica. But I have to -" I started as she looked at me.

Jessica looked at me expectantly with her bright blue eyes. Her beautiful locks fell fluidly as she moved her head to the side.

"I was worried, baby..." Her voice was cracked as she approached me. "I just returned myself from my pack and I was so worried that I didn't saw you."

"Yeah." I drawled as placed her hand over my chest. "I was kinda busy these few days..."

"Oh... Are you sick babe?" She asked she immediately clasped my hand and I felt a weird sensation instantly. "You know you losing consciousness last time had me afraid. Please, be honest with me. I'm your mate after all..."

"Er..." I felt that I was cheating on her at this time as well as a strange pull tugging my heart. "I-it's not that I..." I managed to jerk my hand off hers and I immediately felt that weird feeling leaving me. "... I mean... Jessica. I'm breaking up you... This isn't working with me anymore..."

I saw her eyes widen before burying them in her hands and started to sob and cry.

"Di-did I do something you don't like? I ca-can change if you want..." She croaked and quickly reach out again to hold me but this time I stopped her by raising my hand between us.

"I found someone alright, Jessica. Sorry for this but I didn't chose this." I motion the space between us. "I already spoke with my father and he agreed that I'm better of with my mate..."

"Mate? You found her already?" She asked between sobs and looked at me.

"Actually, I did awhile back before we became a thing..." I groaned as I explained to her. Doesn't get the hint that we're already through? Get lost already.

"Oh." She said before asking. "Is she here? I wanted to -"

I stopped there as she started to get me irritated. I didn't know why I tolerated her constant pestering this long.

"Jessica could you stop already. We're through. We already have no more relationship." I growled as I crossed my arms. "The pact with our packs would be dealt with my father but this. Is no more..."

"Bu-..."

"Can't you get a hint, Bitch. I'm through with you! I'm trying to let you go more decently than my hook-ups but this is getting annoying."

Jessica sobs and hugs me as she plants a kiss on my lips that I didn't expect. And the sudden intrusion causing me a nauseous feeling deep in my guts. Its like I wanted to puke for some reason but my body seem to be paralyzed as it sags and moved to hug her back.

This is wrong! This is wrong! I kept saying back in my head. Why am I not pushing her away?!

With all my strength I manage to exert a sudden burst of flames that pushed Jessica away. I immediately dropped to my knees as I held my head. My vision started to spin as well my head. I looked at Jessica and her face was interchanging between Aries' and hers.

"Blake?" She asked cautiously. "Are you alright, baby?"

"What do you think bitch?!" I manage to growl back a weakened reply.

I saw her gasp as her expression seemed to be surprised at my reply. She was about to approach me when I heard footsteps approach us.

"Blake what happened here?" I heard Frank's voice as he knelt down and draped my arm over his shoulder.

"Frank?" I croaked and watched Jessica back off nervously as people started to flood the hallway.

I felt something wet raining down on me as an excessive ringing drowns the entire hall.

"Yeah, it's me, Blake. You triggered the emergency fire system..." Frank said as he started to help me stand. "Are you alright?"

"Feeling nauseous. Heads spinning." I explained.

"Don't worry I'm bringing you to the clinic." Frank spoke and he turns to one of our pack members in the hall. "Get the doctor ready! Blake's need to see him now!"

"Turn off the sprinkler system!" I heard Frederick yell orders as he approached us. "What happened here?"

"I don't know." Frank replied as Frederick picked me up effortlessly and we started to trek towards the clinic. "I just found him like this with Jessica."

"Jessica?" Frederick looked at his son with confusion. "Oh... Is she one of the visiting pact of wolves that Lance invited here?"

"Yeah. She's Blake's the mate that Alpha Lance made with that pack." Frank replied as Frederick remained quite.

We arrived at the clinic at record time and Fred immediately placed me over the bed as the doctor quickly took on checking my vitals.

"I have a bad feeling with that pack, son. They have shady records when I checked their credentials..." Frederick said as Frank looked at me with concern, his phone right in his hand. "I need to talk to Lance as soon as he comes back. This needs to be addressed."

"Is this has any connection with the increase of rogues spotted between the grounds?" Frank puts two in two together.

"Can't tell yet but its too much of a coincidence." Frederick groans. "Damn, I just came back and Lance has got himself mixed with even worst crowd. I thank the Goddess that Stephen returned.... Lance really needed him."

"How's Blake, doc?" Frank asked as the doctor returned to them as he was draping his stethoscope over his neck. Frederick looked expectantly at the news.

"Vitals seems alright. I didn't see any physical damage or head trauma." He started. "I have to conduct further tests before I can give more precise diagnosis. Already took a blood sample to be tested later. I suggest that Alpha Blake take a rest for now."

"Thanks doc." Frederick thanked the man as he followed the man outside the clinic. "Watch him for me, Frank."

"I'm on it dad."

Frank approached the bed and pulled a chair and sat near the head of the bed.

"How are you feeling, Blake?" Frank asked as I groaned a reply.

"Felt shit. Fuck, I feel like my head would explode."

Frank chuckled as I shot him a glare at the misery I'm experiencing right now.

"Sorry. I think you're just exaggerating. Anyway, should I tell Aries about this?" He asked as he shakes his phone in front of my face.

"Fuck no! I don't want to worry him now. He had to deal with a lot in his pack right now." I groaned as Frank offered me a glass of water. I pushed myself up and leaned back at the head of the bed and took the glass. "And don't you fucking dare tell this to your mate as well."

"Don't worry, Zephyr says the feelings mutual." Frank grinned as he tucked his phone back into his pocket. I rolled my eyes at his comments and took a sip of the water and placed it over the counter table.

"I better get up and deal with this issue..." I started to get up and Frank immediately held my shoulder to stop me.

"Oh come on, Blake. You heard the doctor that you need to take a rest." He reasons out as I glared at him.

"And I also heard, Fred's concern about that rogue problem we are having..." I growled and Frank rolled his eyes and still held me firmly .

"We'll deal with that after the doctor's says so you can already..."

"Fuck, Frank. I'm not going to sit here and do nothing..." I shoved his head easily off and Frank just stood in front of me while crossing his arms. "It doesn't mean you grew a set of balls that you can stop me..."

"I'm not stopping you and I understand what you want..."

"Then why are you..."

"But..." Frank interjected. "... your not fit for it . I also want to know what's happening since dad told me. I don't want to worry Zeph as well. And I know you don't want to worry about you that you went out and got into trouble after the doctor clearly said that you take a rest."

I was about to answer but paused for a moment. Frank's words cut deep and I understood what he meant. With a groan I turned to lie down back on my bed.

"Fucking fine!" I gave up. "But after this, we're going to hunt rogue's down!"

Frank grinned and pulled a chair and sat back.

"Sure thing, Alpha." He cheekily smirked at me smugly.

I gave a defeated growl before closing my eyes. The earlier I get this damn rest, the faster I can get out of this. I could feel the nausea coming back as I closed my eyes as visions between Jessica and Aries interlap.

I soon drift into a deep slumber with my consciousness drawn to Aries' eyes which me smile lopsidedly as his prominent grin turned in response.

I reach out and clasp his cheek and he adoribly leaned over my palm with a smile. The warmth of his skin is scarily warm but I didn't mind as we slowly started to lean in a kiss.

With a few inches where our lips would touch, Aries' face turned into Jessica's. This made me push her back in response.

She looked at me confused as panic sure is painted on my face.

What the fuck's happening here?!

I internally screamed.

As I blinked, I saw Jessica on top of me naked. Her golden locks unruly and draping her shoulders. Her plump breasts bouncing as she moved above me.

Moans erupted from her lips.

I remember that this is the time we had sex. My hands clasping her slim waist as I roughly hump her wet and tight insides.

An intense flood of lust enveloped my body as she ground herself against my each trust. Her howls and moans filled the empty room.

"Harder, Blake!" I heard her moan and I happily obliged as I buried more inches of my cock into her pussy.

I grunted as she pressed he right hand over my chest as she seductively looked into my eyes.

"You're mine, Blake." She leans over to whisper in my ear. "Mine."

She pulls by as her face was inches from mine. Her eyes boring straight to mine.

I started to notice that they're oddly green amidst the dull moonlit room.

I squinted my eyes and then a sudden realization hits me that causes me to push Jessica off me and over the bed.

I immediately sat up and found myself in an empty space. Cold sweat draping my skin as my breath started to hitch.

I raise my hands to look at them in confusion and fear .

What the fuck!

I never felt so disgusted at having sex with a woman. It felt that I was being doing something wrong and yet I knew I did it willingly.

But why am I having this conflicting feelings with Jessica!?

Why now?!

I already loved Aries. My mate!

Aries...

I buried my face over my palms and started to scream on top of my lungs.

I suddenly felt a warmth I had grew accustomed to coming from something in front of me. This made me look up and saw Aries standing there amidst the darkness with both hands reaching out to me.

I was about to smile when shock and fear once more when I saw his face.

Aries was crying amidst his sad smile as his features reminded me of his expression on that day.

Nothing.

My voice seemed to echo in my ear at that moment.

I clearly wouldn't say that to him but I did.

I gritted my teeth and cursed myself as I remembered clearly as I stood there looking at him trying to gather what little pride he had left as I stare at him with Jessica in my arms.

I clasped my arms as I felt the disgust on my skin.

I remembered that day clearly... I was about to break up with Jessica that day and tell my old man.

I was already firm on that. But why?!

Confusion and anger wrapped my very core as silky, smooth arms wrapped my back.

I knew it was Jessica. And I felt weak as she enveloped me in her warmth.

I wondered why I was feeling this unwelcome touch. The same disgust I was feeling when I felt when I saw Aries on that day.

It doesn't compel me to return back the same gesture as I forced myself to pry her arms off me and stood immediately, grabbing Aries' hands in mine.

I then grabbed his cheeks and slammed my lips into his. And it felt right. I chose him as he have chosen me.

This is the person I loved truly.

I pull out from our kiss and I saw him smiling at me. I smiled back at him as we turned to look at Jessica with intertwined hands.

I will not doubt my emotions anymore. For my heart knows who it truly loves.

I watched as Jessica's eyes looked at us with shock as her expression resembled the time I uttered Aries' name on the operating table.

She soon vanishes into nothing after that.

I turned to look at Aries and sighed.

Thanks.

He smiled back in response as everything turns to white.

I woke up feeling a bit refreshed and light as if a burden has been lifted from my shoulders after that vivid dream.

I sat up on the bed slowly and saw Frank leaning over his chair texting on his phone.

"I hope you're not texting that Beta?" I spoke making him jump from his seat.

"The hell, Blake! You scared me." Franked yelled at me as he glares daggers at my direction.

"How long was I out?" I asked as he tucks his phone back in his pocket.

"Almost three hours..." Frank replied as I started to stand up from the bed stretching. "And I have the right to text my mate, Blake. I was being considerate and not called him so you can have your rest."

"Yeah. Yeah." I brushed him off as reach out to take a drink of water. "I hoped you didn't spill anything with that guy about me."

"I didn't as you so politely asked me earlier." Frank rolled his eyes.

"Good." I said as I peeked over the door and looked out from the sides before closing it. "As I said earlier as well, you grew balls."

I smirked while I turned to look at him.

Frank sighed but didn't reply as I clicked the door shut.

"Clear your schedules for a few days." I deepen my tone to ensuate my seriousness.

Frank glares at me.

"We have a little investigating to do."