6~THEIR DINNER

EMMA

As soon as Alpha Ian's hands wrapped around mine, I felt a rush of excitement coursing through my veins.

My wolf stirred, joyful and elated by our closeness. But the painful reality quickly set in, we couldn't claim him as our own. He had rejected us, and the ache of that rejection still lingered.

Beta Blake's surprised voice cut through the tension, "Al... Alpha...?" Alpha Ian released my hands, his gaze drifting back to me. For a moment, our eyes locked, and I sensed a flicker of uncertainty as he let go of my hands immediately.

"You should leave early," Alpha Ian said finally, his voice low

 "Don't let others burden you with too many tasks." I rolled my eyes, biting back a retort. His soon-to-be Luna was the reason I was here, working myself to the bone. But I dared not speak out.

"I will leave soon, Alpha," I replied, trying to sound demure. Alpha Ian nodded and turned to leave, his expression a mask of calm. But as he reached the door, he turned back to me like he was trying to measure how close I was to Beta Blake

"Can you go home alone?" Beta Blake asked, his eyes narrowing slightly.

I nodded, trying to reassure him. "Beta... I promise I am doing okay," I said, glancing at Beta Blake, who was watching me with a mixture of concern and curiosity. 

He shot me a small smile, but before he could say anything, a voice from outside the office interrupted us.

"Let's leave!" Alpha Ian's voice was laced with anger, and I sensed a simmering frustration beneath the surface. 

Beta Blake's eyes met mine, and I could see the unspoken question. I couldn't help but wonder if Alpha Ian still had feelings for me. But before I could ponder that further, Beta Blake turned and followed Alpha Ian out of the office.

Lucy, who had been watching the exchange with a stunned expression, turned to me, her eyes wide with curiosity.

"Emma, you have a close relationship with them?" she asked, grabbing my hands and jerking them excitedly.

I winced, trying to extricate my hands from her grip. "Hey, I am not as strong as you," I grumbled, and Lucy quickly released me, apologizing profusely.

As I packed up my things, I couldn't help but think about Ryder's task and the pressure to deliver.

"I need to get this done as soon as possible," I thought, shouldering my bag. "I won't mess up on my first task, not when Ryder is counting on me."

I looked up to see Lucy still waiting for me, "Are you going home now?" She swallows hard at this, "I want us to go together,"

I modded and moved forward but she was quick to help me with my things, it makes me wonder why she still wants to hang around with me despite my real self.

We worked out of the company, and after bidding the security man farewell, the company wasn't that far from home so I could just walk there.

"Guess this is where we say our bye." she let out as she reluctantly let my hands go, and then waved bye at me.

I walked for a few minutes and then stopped seeing how she was too old there looking anxious, I recalled how she said she didn't want to go home early.

Does this have to do with her home? "Aren't you?" she shook her head, cutting off my words.

"I am fine, I will go now you don't have to be worried about me," I didn't argue with her And just walked off finding my way home.

"Emma!" I heard that beautiful voice will always make my worries subside the moment I walk inside my home.

"Sweetheart, you aren't asleep yet?" I asked, and she shook her head.

"No, I couldn't sleep without you by my side," she replied, her voice soft.

Just then, she announced, "Beta Blake is inside." she gestured and a big smile spread across my face.

I quickly made my way inside, dropping her gently on the ground. 

"Beta, I wasn't..." I started to say, but my words trailed off as I took in the scene before me.

Beta Blake was sitting at the dinner table with my parents, a look of warmth and camaraderie on his face. 

My mum turned to me, a smile on her face. "Darling, you're home! We didn't want to start dinner without you, but..."

I shook my head, feeling a mix of emotions. "It's okay, mum. I am sorry I am late."

My mum pulled me into a tight hug, concern etched on her face. "How was your first day? You look tired, hope you weren't stressed."

I handed her the piles of files I was holding, feeling a sense of relief. "It was fine, mum. Just a lot to take in."

My dad spoke up, his voice firm but gentle. "Go wash your hands quickly and come down for dinner, sweetheart so your dinner doesn't get cold."

I nodded, my eyes brushing past Beta Blake's before I quickly made my way to my room, my mum following close behind.

As soon as we were inside, my mum shut the door and turned to me, her eyes searching. 

"Darling, how was it? No one bullied you, did they? I heard Lady Nyx came over and she is your assistant. She's not making things hard for you, is she?"

I took a deep breath, trying to reassure her. "Mum, I can handle myself. I am not a baby."

My mum nodded, but I could see the worry etched on her face. "I know, but you are not strong, and if this job is too stressful or Lady Nyx is making things difficult for you, maybe you should reconsider."

I was frustrated at this, but I took a deep breath and tried to explain. 

"Mum, I need this job. The payment will help us get treatment for Olivia, and it will lessen your burden."

My mum's expression softened, and she nodded slowly. "Fine, I can win this, can I? Go get ready and come down for dinner."

As she turned to leave, she turned back to me, her eyes searching.

"Don't forget to use your drugs please," I smiled nodding my head, and watched Mum leave.

No matter the crazy shit I go through, my family are my best supporters, they are ready to do anything to make me feel at ease. 

Mum doesn't want me to work and just stay at home but she can't force me to live at home, even though I am sick that doesn't stop me from helping to lessen my parental burden.

I walked into the bathroom and quickly washed my hands as my stomach grumbled for food. 

But then I felt an odd presence in my room, my boy showered at the thought that someone might be there.

As I walked out of the bathroom I noticed my room light had been turned off and I swallowed hard at this, "Hello… anyone there?" I asked but there was no response.

I quickened my pace toward the door so I could get out of the room but a strong grip grasped my hands clamping its hand around my mouth and preventing me from screaming.