CHAPTER 4

JASLYNN

My ears didn't make sense to me. He calls me "his bitch," how could he? I had only known him for less than four minutes when he managed to irritate me.

Would it be inappropriate for me to smack that half-smirk off of his face? I took a deep breath and crossed my arms to prevent having

the desire to raise my hand and place it on his face.

Alrik the Alpha, Although I can appreciate that this is your first time attending these meetings, I do hope you are aware that acting in such a disrespectful way towards your coworkers is not appropriate in a professional setting. Since we are both leaders, we ought to respect one another. One way to lose my respect is to call me your "bitch."

I wasn't disrespecting you, he said as he cocked his head a little as if he didn't understand my response. You are my b*****d.

My hair fell from the chic bun to my waist when I snatched my wand out of my hair as my eyes grew wild.

I was not anyone's and definitely not his bitch.

I steadily touched his Adam's apple with the point of my wand.

I then realised that he was only a few millimetres away. Every time one of us inhaled, our chests would lightly brush against each other, and tiny tingles would appear wherever he touched. His breath was lightly brushing my forehead.

My head wasn't loving it as much as my body was.

I did not show even the slightest reaction at what his body was doing to mine as I quietly regarded him while tilting my head in the same way as his.

Step back unless you want to be changed into a pig and oink your way through the meeting, I said in my most terrifyingly deadly calm voice.

He shifted his attention back and forth between my eyes before backing up the least bit.

I stared and asked, "That's it?" as I cast a doubtful glance at his feet. His expression had not even seemed to shift in the slightest.

My wand near his throat troubled him just a little.

"Moving away doesn't accomplish much. You continue to be my bitch. The guts.

I tightened my hold on my wand and focused my sights on his face, saying, "So-"

"Jaslynn!"

The Minister's timing was terrible.

What are you doing? he asked as he quickly approached me and gently yanked my hand away from Alpha Alrik. A spell cannot be cast on him.

Not for even an hour? He will change back well in advance of the encounter.

Despite appearing amused, the minister shook his head and said, "I'm sorry, I can't allow you do that. Let's chat, please. Why don't you visit the gazebo to cool off? The weather is perfect for sitting outside.

As I turned back to get my now-cold cup of tea, I lowered my arm. I gave the somehow still delighted Alpha one last scowl before marching with my head held high out of the dining room.

ALRIK

I have never paid any attention to a woman or she-wolf who wasn't my mother or my commander throughout my entire life. In fact, the most of them were too frightened to even raise their heads to talk to me.

Yet here was this woman, my bitch, who not only defed me but also served as my chosen companion.

I never imagined the Moon Goddess would give me a mate due of the way I am and how I've been perceived. That is why I never considered looking for her or even thinking about the subject.

Sadly, I didn't even need to look for her because she was standing right in front of me. She approached me.

As she left the dining room, trailing a lock of her caramel-brown hair, I didn't take my eyes off her.

I'll confess that I was a little surprised that when she talked back to me, I didn't get upset or angry. Anyone else would have had their head torn off and on the floor.

"Alpha Alrik, I must forbid you to treat Jaslynn disrespectfully. She has the ability to remove you from power or transform you into anything she desires. Despite her benevolence, don't undervalue her.

I cocked my head in the direction of the Minister and said, "I had no idea that telling her she was my bitch would ofend her."

The Minister initially appeared surprised until his eyes glowed with knowledge and he said, "Jaslynn is your mate."

"Mate?" I scowled. Is that still the name used today? I figured the majority of wolves still called their chosen companions "bitches."

Terminology has changed as society has changed, the Minister said with a grin. Because the word "bitch" has a bad connotation, Jaslynn was offended. Maybe she would have been more receptive if you had addressed her as your partner.

I said with understanding as I opened my lips, "Good to know then."

You wanted to see me now, right?

I said, "I did," and I crossed my arms. "I want you to tell me what this meeting is about because it looks like no one else knows except for you."

"It concerns a letter that I received earlier this week," the minister said with a serious expression. So that everyone is aware, it needed to be addressed.

"Is there any connection to the werewolves?"

The phrase "not directly-"

I got my pen and papers off the table and said, "In that case, I'll go. I need to take care of several pack issues. You can contact my Beta if anything concerning the werewolves changes.

The Minister once more stopped me as I turned around to go.

You're free to go, Alpha Alrik. This message does, however, concern your companion.

My lips were pursed as I froze. The Minister appeared a little bit smug, as if he knew he had me in his crosshairs. I inhaled deeply while pinching the bridge of my nose.

Then, Minister, I will depart tomorrow.