Post-Apocalypse: Mated To Alphas Of Orion-Chapter 80: You Don’t Understand My Pain

(Alnilam)

Mintaka’s words had left me baffled. I only wanted them to be careful around her, I didn’t think that would cause such a commotion.

Now that I know who she really is, I understand some of her actions and how big a risk the outside world is for her.

And there is this very possessive part of me which agrees with my wolf and magic to protect her at every cost.

That’s exactly what makes me feel guilty too. Have I caused too much damage to her?

I am also concerned about Mintaka. He is spiralling, he doesn’t listen to anyone, and he sleeps around. He has begun to believe that he doesn’t deserve a mate and that thinking destroys a person. His wolf is suffering from it and the trauma.

Which means his other self will become dominant. His wolf won’t be there to keep the balance and that’s exactly why he tends to have sex so frequently.

Firstly I call Chastin and fill him in regarding all five of them.

"Speak to them, maybe they will listen to you. They need to be a team, not be at each other’s throats. How will they ever win?"

He reassuringly smiles at me. Chastin is the kind of person with whom anyone can open up and share their feelings. And he is more their age, if anyone can get to them, it’s him.

"Sir, trust me and let me handle this," he assures. I hand him a small microphone.

"Leave it in there without them knowing. I want to hear what they discuss."

He quietly takes it from me and exits my office.

Taking out the small speaker from my drawer, I set it on my desk. The device I had given Chastin works with radio signals, so even in our dying world, it works. I have connected it with the speaker so I can hear what they will say. Drumming my fingers on the table, lost deep in thoughts, I wait.

The door opens and Jamina walks inside with all her grace and beauty.

"Hey handsome, isn’t today supposed to be your day off?" She marches in and stands by my side, placing her arm on my shoulder.

"Yeah, the performance my guild just gave has evaporated whatever rest I wished to take," I inform her with a sigh, taking my head in both my hands.

"You stress too much, Alni. Remember our time?" She laughs. I love the sound of her laugh, it rings out and eases me.

"Yeah, I punched Jahy so hard that he lost three teeth. Then again he shouldn’t have insulted you." The scene plays in front of my eyes as if it were yesterday. When it has already been 6 years.

"And then you got detention for a whole week and I used to sneak in food for you." She hugs me, her flowery perfume invades my senses but it does nothing for me. I don’t dislike it but I do wonder how her natural scent would change for me if she were my mate instead of my chosen one.

"I want them to bond and be there for each other. We are getting more and more attacks recently and you know how Dread Army is. They need to be prepared."

She squeezes my shoulders. "They will be. It’s impossible not to, with someone like you, being their mentor."

Jamina always knows when to say the right words to keep me calm. I wouldn’t be here if she weren’t with me.

"I am most stressed about Mintaka. He is not doing well. He is drowning."

"Don’t worry, I will speak to him again. He will listen to me." I appreciatively nod at her words.

Placing a small kiss on my temple she straightens up. "I have a girls’ night planned or I would have stayed longer. I want some wine and relaxation before the mayhem begins again."

"Go, Jana. Have fun, you deserve the free time." She sweetly smiles at me before drifting away and closing the door behind her.

I didn’t have to wait long when the speaker stirred to life and I began to hear them. Hours went by as they confessed and apologised and a semblance of peace my heart found.

Leaving my office I headed to their common room and entered. All five of them are still sitting separately. Except for my brothers, others appear surprised to see me. But I can sense a peace between them. The shadows of animosity and almost hatred that clung to them have evaporated for now.

In the centre is Amaia, she watches me with her big dark eyes, and I can’t forget the real colour. My wolf raises his head and lets out a low howl seeing her.

Ignoring him, I dismiss them except for Mintaka. I need a session with him. Once they are gone, I drag a chair and sit right opposite him.

He is sprawled on the sofa without a care in the world. But deep inside he is festering like a wound left untreated for too long.

"What do you want?" He asks, remaining unbothered.

"To talk."

"About what?"

"About you and the burdens you are carrying. That anger you are harbouring..." 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

He cuts me off.

"What do you know about my anger or guilt, big brother?" He snorts, his eyes hold resentments so deep and it hurts.

"I know and I understand."

He straightens and stares back at me.

"No, you don’t. You never had a mate so don’t act like you do. Not even an inch of my pain can you understand. So save it." Abruptly he gets up and moves to the corner where musical instruments are kept. I know he will choose the guitar and he does. He used to play it a lot and now it has been so long since I heard him play.

Adjusting it against his body he lowers his head and strums his fingers on the cords. Letting the strings beautifully ring out.

"She was my friend too," I say quietly, getting up and moving forward towards him.

He doesn’t speak, with his head lowered to the side he begins to play the sad melody.

I place my hand on his shoulder and squeeze.

"Talk to me whenever you want, and yes, you people are adults now and can make your own choices. Just make the right ones."

I stand there with him, as he keeps on playing his guitar. His fingers masterfully move along the strings while his face holds unmasked agony.

"I will follow you into the dark." Is this the song he strums on his guitar?

I send a prayer out to the universe, ’Save my brother from total annihilation.’