Chapter 5 BETA\'S DOUBTS

NAOMI'S POV

The guard instantly, who was leaning on my car's window, instantly straightened himself and bowed toward the man.

With his strong scent and aura, I could tell that it was either the Gamma or the beta of the pack.

While they both were talking, I laid Angel safely in the backseat, and I shifted to the driving seat. Both men turned toward me, and I gave them a tight-lipped smile.

I bowed my head in my submission as a sign of respect, and he gave me a curt nod.

"Is there a problem?" He asked.

"Um…No-no, sir." I answered. I could feel his scrutinizing gaze on me and but I didn't look up to meet his gaze.

"So, what were you discussing with a rogue Jared?" He asked, and we both gulped and silently cursed him for interrupting. Now I'll have to think of another plan to find a place and also to leave safely without being questioned.

"I was just telling her the rules of this pack, Beta," Jared lied and looked at me; I understood his signal and slightly nodded to thank him.

"Hmm…and you? What are you doing here?" The beta asked me this time and stepped towards me. I was afraid that he might sense Angel's presence, so I pressed myself towards the window.

"I just came here to refill my water bottle, Beta," I answered, which was the half-truth; I initially stopped here to fill my bottle but was too tired to leave.

"Hmm…" he looked at me and nodded. He was about to turn when his gaze went to the backseat of my car.

Sh*t!

Sh*t!

"Is that your baby?" He asked.

Don't let anyone know that she is your baby, or they'll take her away from you.

Malina's words tinged in my ears, and I looked at him once again. I can't let him find out about Angel.

"Um…actually, she is my niece. My sister gave birth a few days ago, and she needed my assistance to take care of her daughter for the time being." I lied and made sure to relax my body to avoid being caught.

As the ex- Alpha heir apparent, I know their tactics and all the signs that tell you when a person is lying.

"Who is your sister?" He asked again.

"She is a also a rogue and is now waiting for me. I just needed some water, so I stopped by- "

"Yeah, I know you already told me." He cut me off. "You think your sister is capable enough to take care of the baby?"

I don't know if it was a challenge or accusation, but it felt like he was questioning my ability as a mother.

"Of course, I know she can do anything for her daughter and her safety," I answered, and he scoffed and shook his head.

He said something under his breath, but I knew with his expression that he didn't trust me, more specifically, the rogues with a baby.

But not everyone becomes a rogue by choice!

"Okay, whatever, if she needs anything for the baby, there's a market nearby, and you can buy stuff for your niece at cheaper rates, and if you don't have enough money, you can pay them by other means. For instance, cleaning the shop, dusting, et cetera." And for once, I was thankful for his advice.

"Thank you for your help, Beta; I will surely go- I mean, I'll definitely tell her mother," I said and bowed again.

He looked at me strangely and then stepped closer to have a better look at Angel. His eyes widened for a moment, but he quickly recovered from it.

"May I- may I leave now?" I asked nervously. I don't want him to question me further, or goddess knows what other story I'll have to make to get out of this situation.

I still remember how my father used to treat rogues in my pack, and I can't even imagine what the Alpha of this pack is gonna do when he already hates them too much.

"Okay, you may leave now," he said, and I instantly started the ignition and left that place as fast as I could.

***

CALLUM'S POV

I was now on my third cigarette and was waiting for my beta. I saw him step away from the car, and it sped off, leaving a very strong scent behind.

I scrunched my nose in disgust when I sensed that it was some rogue.

Torben walked toward me while mumbling something under his breath. A notion which he does when he feels conflicted, he shakes his head and looks at me.

I threw away my cigarette and crushed its butt with my shoe.

"What was all that about? What were you discussing with that- that rogue?" I asked, disgust and anger evident in my voice.

"She stopped by to fill her water bottle."

"So, why was she talking to that guard? And why the hell was he gossiping on duty?" I asked.

"He was not gossiping, Alpha; he was just helping her." He answered that he wanted to say something else but was contemplating if he should say it or not.

"What else is bothering you, Beta Torben?" I tilted my head and looked at him; he looked lost and confused.

"Actually, Alpha, there was a baby with her in the care."

"Was she one of those people who were mentioned in the list?"

"No, Alpha, she wasn't the baby's mother; she was her aunt. That means she wasn't the one we were looking for. I mean, we are only looking for the ones who have no support, right?"

"Hm…" I nodded. "Let's go; we need to investigate all the mothers on the list; we are getting late."

"Um…Alpha?" He called once again; his tone was unsure.

"Yes." I turned towards him, giving him my full attention.

"Actually, I noticed something strange about the baby."

My body shook, and I narrowed my eyes at him, "What do you mean? Was the baby hurt? Did you see any bruises?"

"No, Alpha, I noticed her..her hair."

"What about her hair?" I asked in confusion, he wasn't making any sense, and I was losing my patience.

"The baby's hair, they were exactly the same color as yours."

I sneered at the possibility; I know I slept with several women in the past, but never have I ever touched a rogue in my life. And I always make sure to use protection whenever I sleep with someone. Apart from my mate, no one is allowed to carry my pup.

"Are you comparing me to that filthy pup, Beta?" I asked while suppressing a growl.

"No, Alpha, of course not. It's just-"

"Don't! Don't say anything that you may regret later on." I snapped, and he hung his head low in submission, and I relaxed.

"You know I haven't slept with anyone else after that night, Beta. Only your Luna will carry the future heir of this pack. Understood?"

"Yes, Alpha."

"And by the way, I would never even look at a rogue who has such a strong aura! I am not stupid. Now get in the car; we need to do this today." I said, and he nodded.

For once, I thought about what he said but then cancelled out the possibility; I used protection that night, and I know my mate is someone from a strong bloodline; she can't be a rogue.