Release me, Alpha Malachi!

Dani’s POV:

I was craving vanilla ice cream drizzled with virgin olive oil tonight. My cravings are getting weirder as I enter my third trimester. Malachi will be home late; he said the boys wanted to catch up after the hectic week. As an understanding partner, I just replied with a generic two-letter reply.

‘Ok.’

The only problem now is my craving. I have ice cream in the fridge but it's strawberry flavored, one smell at it and I was pouring my guts out. The bigger problem is, I had spotting. I didn’t want to call my OB but I texted Mal and got no reply. So, I did what I do best. Call for backup. My backup is Zoey. She’s my best friend, my sister from another mother, from pups to full-fledged wolves. Zoey lived nearby, just two blocks away from our unit on Park Avenue.

Today, wolves coexist in harmony with humans. Though we like to keep a tight community, gone are the days of isolation and hiding. So far, we haven’t run into trouble as long as we keep our furs and paws in the forests, away from them and their cameras. Our kind remains a myth to them and we love to keep it that way. Zoey arrived in less than five minutes. She was carrying the goods in one arm and on the other was her duffel bag.

“Thank you for the ice cream, Z. But…what are those? Is that your…?” I asked her, my eyes fixed on her bag.

“Yes, Dani. My emergency sleep bag. Get dressed, we’re going to the hospital and to answer your question, yes, I am sleeping here,” she shrugged and went straight to the kitchen to prepare my magical food. Z knows the house like the back of her hand.

“It’s just a spotting…they're pretty normal in pregnancy…”

“And?”

“This is probably nothing, Z.”

“Dammit, you're a nurse. That's not 'nothing'. Where is he?”

“He’s…um----” Z didn’t let me finish fabricating an excuse that would be acceptable to her taste.

“Let me guess, Malachi texted you to inform you that he’s going home late, and you didn’t want to ruin it for him--- because it’s boy’s night out. And he’s not going to be home until morning to freshen up and leave for work. Yay.”

A lump in my throat started to form. Z has no filter but I am not offended because she’s right. However, I have to defend my mate with a chuckle. “W-what? No…the boys had a rough week, that's all.”

Z shoved the massive ice cream cup in my face. I’m not sure I want it anymore.

“Eat it, I came all the way for that.” My best friend’s brows raised. A surefire way to tell that she’s not going to back down on this one. “You don’t even want to go the doctor. At least, text your OB so my mind is at ease.”

“Fine,” I rolled my eyes, but I was really grateful for Zoey.

I picked up my phone from the countertop and did what I was told and smiled when my wonderful OB replied that it was fine as long as it didn’t happen again in the next few hours and I should get some rest.

Malachi Pruitt, my mate, is not like any other wolves. He’s New York’s top dog, the Alpha of all Alpha’s and his responsibility has no limits. Apart from his obligation to the pack, he runs a successful business that helps America remain a Super Nation and to me, a little boy’s night out won’t hurt.

Well, that’s my opinion. Z thinks otherwise. She had this perpetual smirk on her face whenever I was left alone.

Just like now. Any minute now…Z will begin preaching.

“You know what? I am not leaving until I see that man walk in here. He’s been consistent, Dani. Consistent in leaving you alone and he knows pregnancy is not easy. And wait, do I see a ring? No. The baby came first because that’s what he wanted. You forgot that you’re his Luna and not a freaking baby maker.”

I lowered my gaze. Why does the truth hurt? “Z, w-we are getting there…”

“Yeah, when?” She spat at me.

“A-after the baby comes.”

Z scoffed. “Listen to me, Dani…Malachi is okay as an Alpha. I’ll give that to him. But as a partner? I am so sorry, but he isn’t. You’ve always dreamed of walking down the aisle before having a baby. And now you have it in reverse. There’s no doubt you love him. But…I mean…what if he changes his mind? Come on, at least when you’re married----Mal couldn’t throw you like a rag when he’s done cooking his bun using your oven.”

The truth is, I badly wanted my mate’s attention and care. Again, Z was right. He’s a very good Alpha…but a mate? No, he’s not.

Because seriously, he should be here, right?

Dani's POV:

Z had to leave early. The hospital called and she had to report to duty. God, I miss working. I miss the chaos in the hospital, the rush of adrenaline. Z and I pursued the same dream—to be nurses—and together, we achieved it. We did everything together until I met Malachi.

We became mates and I was his Luna. It sounded so dreamy. It was, for some time.

But I know that he only considered me because Lili, his long-time girlfriend and maybe his greatest love dumped him for someone more accomplished than he is. Malachi was deeply hurt, I know he was into alcohol for some time to move on. Others say Lili married into a Royal family in Britain while others speculated that she married into a Mafia family in Italy. Whatever it was----I was glad that Malachi chose me.

I loved him since the day I saw him. I was 16. So, when he made his moves on me, I took it and we became inseparable. Z always harbored a negative feeling towards Mal. She doubted his intentions, but at the same time, she also wanted me to be happy. Mal and I made it official when I turned 18 and our pack was delighted. My family came from a prominent wolf ancestry. They say I was the perfect match for him. Mal claimed me when I turned 20. I was on cloud nine!

Ah, it had been seven years. Seven long years. I sighed and waved goodbye to Z. My other hand unconsciously rubbing my belly. “I hope the ring will come soon, baby. Daddy and Mommy love you.”

I was about to go inside when I saw Mal’s car approaching. I waited to greet him but he swooped right past me. My smile faded instantly as I followed him inside the house. “Hi. Did you not see me?”

“I saw you, I’m just busy thinking of what to wear to this meeting.” He rummaged in his closet, searching for a suit. Strangely, he never picks his suit. It was always my job.

“Oh. Are you hungry? I am going to make breakfast. What do you want?”

“Nah, I’ll grab takeout on my way to the office.” Mal kissed me on the cheek. I am a wolf and very pregnant. My sense of smell is amplified. He smelled of floral perfume. “This is a very important client, Dani.”

“Aren’t you going to ask if…” my voice trailed. I texted him but he didn't seem concerned about the spotting.

"About what?"

"N-nothing," I smiled. Picking up after him and putting the soiled clothes in the hamper. I've never seen him use it before. It was always the floor.

Malachi was undressing. He was like a proud Greek God, unashamed of his glorious physique. In the earlier part of our relationship, there was a time when he couldn’t get his hands off me. Now that I am pregnant---he’d barely touch me. Mal’s reasons are logical. He didn’t want to hurt the baby. I explained to him that there’s more than intercourse to show affection. There’s cuddling and other forms of affection. I got lucky twice or thrice after a lot of attempts, but in the last month? Nada, zero.

“Please choose a nice suit. And oh, one more thing. I might be out olate tonight. Don’t wait up.” He reminded me. After showering, Mal closed the distance between us and I leaned in for a kiss, but he lowered his head and kissed my bulging belly instead. “Take care of my kid, okay? That should be easy, you’re a nurse and you're just staying at home.”

"What?" I don't know what to feel first, to be surprised or offended or both.

Before I knew it, I was alone in the two-bedroom unit again. My phone pinged ten minutes later. It was an email notification. One of the many that I’ve been receiving since last month. Another one that’ll bite the dust. It came from an anonymous sender. At first, I wanted to ignore it because with the kind of technology these days…it’s so easy to fake a photo. But as harmless as I presumed they were---they still hurt me.

They’re Mal’s photos, shot from different locations in the city. Places where he would never take me because I knew he and Lili used to hang out there. That was their place and it will never be ours.

“Oh, God…” I muttered under my breath. My heart sank. “Oh, God…”

It was Mal again. This time, at our favorite cafe---with Lili.

Malachi's POV:

Do you know how an alcoholic quit drinking years ago but relapsed with just one tempting bottle of his favorite booze?

That’s how I felt when Lili called me a month ago. She had no one in the city and she’s picking off where she left off---that means she’s starting with me.

Right now, she wanted me to be with her as we close the deal to her new home. I had no idea she was getting a place in New York and I honestly didn’t know how to feel about it, either. I have Dani and she’s pregnant with my child. Yes, we aren’t married but Dani is my mate. She was the woman who stood by me when I was trying to recover from Lili’s heartbreak, yet here I am—having brunch with the woman who almost ruined my entire life.

I'm not sure what that makes me, but at this point, who cares? I'm with Lili. Things ended between us years ago, but that doesn't mean I am over her.

“Sorry, Mal.” Lili bitterly smiled.

“For what?”

“For this…with your business and Dani’s pregnancy, I had to drag you here and help me.” She sounded so helpless and I wouldn't say I like that for her. “I swear, this will be the last time.”

The last time? I can’t let that happen. Since her return, I feel so alive. As absurd as it may seem, Lili still has a special spot in my heart. One that Dani had never had the chance to fill because it was never meant to be occupied by any other person but Lili.

With her, my smile is automatic. “What? You’re not a bother. Don’t say that. Besides, you said so yourself. You have nobody else in the city but me.”

Lili’s long lashes fluttered and her eyes glistened with tears. Her eyes were always prettier than Dani’s. Comparing the woman who stood by me all these years to the woman who left me in shambles is not a good thing to do, but I cannot help it. Right now, all I know is…I'm going to make sure Lili and her son will have a comfortable life here in New York. God, how I wish the baby in Dani’s belly was a boy. It would be nice to have a male firstborn to continue the Pruitt legacy.

“Thank you, Mal.” Lili reached for my hand. “This is really appreciated. Are you sure Dani won’t mind?”

I shook my head a little, “No. Lili, let’s put it this way…what Dani doesn’t know won’t hurt her. No matter how harmless this meeting may be, she will never understand.”

She frowned, “is this why we are hiding in the corner?”

“Yes,” I have to admit to her our situation. “Please don’t think that I am ashamed to be seen with you.”

Lili smiled again. “Oh, no. You’ve been very helpful.”

The realtor arrived and our private conversation was cut short. I put a good word for her and pulled some strings to help her get approved. After that, Lili asked me if I could help her get her stuff from the hotel and get her son from daycare. To which, I agreed impulsively. To me, it felt so good. I felt like I was the head of the family, doing all the responsibilities that I was expected to do. Her son, Theo adores me too.

I cancelled all my appointments that day too and went home with a heavy heart. Dammit, I’m not supposed to be invested this way in Lili’s life but I am and that’s a problem waiting to happen. While I was on the drive back to the place Dani and I shared, I evaluated myself, and whether I admit it or not---I was happy with Lili. So happy.

My wristwatch tells me it’s past midnight. Dani should be asleep. I used my key and thought that it was best to sleep in the guest room tonight. I made my way inside the dark living room.

Click. The lights were on.

“I know where you’ve been, Mal. Don't try to deny it. She’s back. Why are you seeing Lili?” Her voice quivered a little but her eyes were murderous.

Caught, I willed myself to smile and hug her. “Where did you get that idea? I haven’t seen Lili for ages now. S-she's here? I had no idea. Come on, I am exhausted and you…you should get some sleep. It’s not good for my baby.”

Dani’s POV:

I was prepared he’d deny it. But the level of effort it took him to make me believe in his words surprised me. He didn't even bother to ask where I got the information. He neither denied or confirmed it and it only added to my frustration. Malachi honestly thought that I am dumb and even if I am tied to being an efficient homemaker---I won't be able to come across the idea of tracking his location using his phone’s GPS.

Actually, it was Zoey’s idea. When I started complaining about my mate’s behavior, it was her best suggestion. My respect for Malachi’s privacy was great, so, I refused and back then, I had no reason to do that. When the emails started to arrive regularly, I decided to track Mal. And last night, out of curiosity and rage, I channeled my inner Sherlock Holmes. My intestines felt like they were all being braided all at once when I realized that all the locations where the photos were taken matched Mal’s whereabouts the past month.

The emotional burden I was feeling inside threatened to explode if I don’t find an outlet to let it all out. Zoey told me to drop by the hospital before her next shift starts the following morning.

There, in the nurse’s lounge---I poured all my heart’s content. “I don’t get it, Z! Why would he deny it? I mean…I would understand if he’d admit it to me…”

“Whoa, you would?”

“Yes, that’s Lili. I can’t compete with her. She’s Lili for God’s sake!” The tears started rolling again and I doubt if they’ll ever stop. Even to my ears, I sounded so defeated. “She’s Lili…you know what she means to him…”

“This is why I told you that you should have asked Malachi to marry you first!” Z’s anger was evident. “Legally, you have no rights to him, Dani. In the wolf culture and tradition, you’re fine. But with society in general…in paper…Malachi is single. What’s keeping you together is that child.”

At the mere mention of my child, I regained composure. There was no way that I am bringing this baby into this world with a problematic set of parents. My child deserves a happy family. And I am giving it to him or her come hell or high water.

“And that witch, surely Lili knows Malachi is with you now. Your relationship is out in the open. She doesn’t live under the rock to not know. Dani, that woman is deliberately doing this.” Z added.

Crying my eyes out was a great help. Zoey is like my personal therapist. My best friend’s words reverberated in my head all day long. She was right. If Malachi won’t admit to it, then maybe, Lili will. If she had the decency, she’d never bother us with her presence again. After all, she’s the reason why our relationship is on the rocks now. It’s only right that she fix it.

I tried to act like everything was okay. Several days have passed by and Malachi kept the late hours at work. The photos kept on coming and I tracked him. I even stalked Lili on her social media and saw that she’d post photos with little thank you notes for that ‘special someone’. I suspect she meant my mate. I let it slide, hoping that he’d have the initiative to cut whatever that was going on between them.

Only to see them playing family in a restaurant inside the mall. I begged Malachi to come with me to pick up some stuff for the nursery but he said he’d be pre-occupied that afternoon and now I know why.

My ears felt hot and my fists balled as I stomped to where they were. Lili saw me but averted her gaze and continued serving food to Mal. My mate only saw me when I was standing in front of them. His face turned white and his eyes widened like saucers. The boy seated conveniently on his lap stared at me curiously.

“D-dani? W-what are you doing here?” Mal stammered.

“Who is he daddy Mal?” I almost choked. The boy called my mate his daddy!

Though I was heavily insulted, my smile did not disappoint me. “Well, look at you…you make a cute family, Mal. I thought you hadn’t heard from Lili? Of course, you didn’t because you were seeing her and busy playing house.” Each word was spat with venom.

“Excuse me,” Lili interfered. “Theo, let’s go.”

“Oh, you stay here, Lili.” I sarcastically said. “I'll go. I am so sorry for interrupting your family's day out. Have fun.”

I left before my emotions betrayed me.

Malachi was calling my name but I couldn't bear to look at him now. My baby started to kick inside me...perhaps it felt what I was feeling. "I am so sorry...I am so sorry, baby..."

"Dani, wait! Talk to me!" Malachi caught up with me. He blocked my way.

"Yeah, of course. We need to talk."