Mated To The Beastly Alpha
Chapter 41

As surprising and heart-warming as it was to see Nicole finally venture out of her shell while helping Garrett get over his grief, Liam was displeased.

He unsuccessfully tried to push away the feelings of jealousy and anger that he felt every time he saw Nicole with Garrett. He had no right to feel that way, especially after trying hard to get rid of his bond with Nicole, but he couldn't help it. Seeing them together made his chest tighten and his heartache. Worsening his situation was that he was still battling with the thought that she might be his mate. He couldn't confirm it until she had regained full control of herself, and her wolf was released from its dormant state. So he watched them, knowing how important their relationship was to the pack and each other, while his wolf clawed within him. Most times, he ignored them and busied himself with duties that led him out of the pack.

Just that he couldn't go too far because, even though Garrett was trying to establish himself, he was still a long way from being in charge for long. So Liam kept himself busy, too busy to think or reason.

He occupied every part of his mind with the protection of his pack, walking the grounds with James and the strategy team, making plans, and taking and correcting ideas. Liam made sure to avoid them.

Every morning, he would do some patrolling before heading off to pack training. On one of the mornings, he stood frozen still as he saw them sitting together on a bench, talking and laughing. He felt a bust of jealousy shoot through him, but he forced himself to keep walking.

As he passed them, he heard Nicole say, "Garrett, you've been a lifesaver for me. I don't know where I would be without you."

Garrett smiled and put his arm around her. "I'm just happy to help, Nicole. You've been through so much, and you deserve all the support you can get."

Liam felt a knot form in his stomach as he continued walking. Garrett was right. Nicole needed support and help, and he couldn't provide that for her.

He was incapable of providing such things for her, so he had to accept that she was healing with someone else by her side. Yet his claws dug into his flesh as he fought to keep his lid from blowing off.

But his wolf couldn't accept it. It growled low in his chest, and he felt his fangs develop. He wanted to challenge Garrett for Nicole's affection. It was foolish and selfish even. But his wolf was way past reasoning. Images of Garrett's decapitated body were the only things that soothed it as he forced himself to trudge by.

He didn't stop or branch until he was in his room. He pressed a small remote, and a secret compartment slid out from behind some shelves. With his anger brimming, he punched in the passcode and stepped into his version of a panic room or mostly a containment

room.

As soon as it sealed him and he figured he was alone, he released all the anger bubbling inside the reinforced silver and granite walls. Punching and creating dents that bounced back on it. He roared out all his anger, clawing at the walls as his wolf took full charge. It wanted blood. It wanted Garrett's blood. He roared, clawed, and growled until he released all his pent-up anger. When it passed, he fell to the floor panting. Unable to shake the feeling of emptiness that had settled in his chest. Nicole was an enigma in his head, and he didn't know how to express what he was feeling without scaring her.

He hated when she flinched when he was close by. His only consolation was the sparks he felt the last time they touched.

Liam stayed sprawled on the floor with his sweaty body. He was tired. This was the first time he had ever felt so frustrated over a female. He still ached to rip Nicole off Garrett's arms and hold her until she saw, felt, and understood how she drove him insane. He stayed there until James released him.

James examined him silently as he limped out of the panic room, his feelings and thoughts hidden behind his dark eyes.

"We'll meet at the office," he said, with his arms folded behind his back as he walked away.

Liam showered and returned to studying.

A few minutes later, there was a knock on the door. Liam sighed and said, "Come in."

James strolled in with a guarded expression and his hands behind his back. "Alpha, there's something you need to see."

Grudgingly, Liam stood up and followed James to the training grounds. As they approached, Liam could see a group of wolves sparring. But something was off; they were fighting too aggressively, and Liam could sense anger and hatred in their movements. "What's going on here?" Liam demanded.

James looked gloomy, "These are some of the younger wolves. They're upset about the attack on the pack. They're taking out their frustration on each other."

Liam felt a surge of anger. "This is unacceptable. They can't let their emotions cloud their judgment. We need to remind them that they're part of a pack, and that means looking out for each other."

He walked into the training ring and shouted, "Enough!"

The wolves stopped fighting and looked at him in a distrustful manner.

"I know you're angry. I'm angry, too. But taking it out on each other won't solve anything. We need to stand together and be there for each other. That's what being part of a pack means. We can't let fear and anger tear us apart."

There was a moment of silence, and then one of the younger wolves stepped forward. "But Alpha, what about what happened with Nicole? She was attacked and kidnapped. We need to do something about it. We can't just sit back and wait for it to happen again." Liam nodded. "You're right. We do need to take action. But we need to do it as a pack. That is why we came up with a plan and worked together to protect each other. So you don't need to do this. Trust me, your training sessions do a lot more than strengthen you." He said, authority and mildness flowing out through his voice.

The younger wolf hesitated and then nodded. "Okay, Alpha. We'll stand with you."

Relief washed over Liam. The last thing he needed was an internal rift. Not when they had a witch who could easily feed off negative emotions.

Giving James a nod, he joined them in their training, teaching them for a few hours. They reminded him of when he was younger and started as an alpha.

They helped to occupy his mind, but as he walked back to his office, his thoughts drifted again to Nicole and Garrett. That night, Liam couldn't sleep.

His thoughts kept drifting back to Nicole and the bond she seemed to share with Garrett. He tossed and turned, grappling with his emotions. The room felt suffocating, and he needed air.

Leaving his quarters, Liam made his way to the pack's training grounds. The cool night air filled his lungs as he stepped onto the open field. Moonlight bathed the area, casting a heavenly glow on the surroundings.

He watched as the wolves, guided by their instincts, trained under the moon's watchful gaze. Their movements were fluid, a display of strength and agility. Liam's gaze shifted from one wolf to another, their forms blending with the shadows.

Then his eyes landed on Garrett. The Beta moved with grace and determination, his energy focused and intense. Admiration at his skill and dedication rose within him as he watched him. But alongside the admiration, lingered a hint of envy. Garrett was and had been his closest buddy. But he couldn't stand close to him, firstly because of Nicole and secondly, because his wolf would immediately want to challenge and assess his position as Beta.

So he watched his friend from afar, glad that he hadn't needed to kill or remove him from his position. I'm glad that he was bouncing back when others would have lost their minds, but still angry and scared, because why was it that out of everyone who could possibly help him, he chose Nicole?

He understood it, but he hated it. He wanted Nicole to be his and his alone.

Garrett noticed Liam's presence and approached him. "Alpha Liam, what brings you here at this hour?"

Liam sensed a little fear in his voice.

Liam sighed, his shoulders sagging. "I couldn't sleep," he confessed. "My mind is restless, filled with thoughts of Nicole and everything that has transpired."

Just then, James slipped out and stood at his other side.

"What can I do for you?" Liam asked James, trying to sound casual.

"We need to talk," James gritted out, looking from Liam to Garrett. "We need to talk about Nicole."

Liam bristled at the mention of her name, but he tried to keep his cool. "What about her?" he asked.

"I think you need to take it slow with her," Garrett sighed, "we can feel your anger,"

Liam's temper snapped, and he chuckled bitterly. "Oh, I'm slow. I'm mighty slow, Tony, because if I wasn't...." He trailed off.

"You're right, Garrett," James added. But you're not in the position to tell him that. Not when you're bearing the scent of the woman he has marked. The only reason you're still alive is because of the bond you share as brothers. That, and that her wolf is dormant." Liam looked away, James said the words he had been harbouring.

"And, Alpha, you need to let go. Everyone sees how beneficial their relationship is."

"I know that," Liam snapped. "I'm not stupid. I just can't help the way I feel."

Garrett shook his head and chuckled, "That's the problem, Liam. You never could. You hurt her before because you couldn't control your feelings. Isn't this what you wanted?"

Liam felt a growl building in his throat. He faced Garrett. "Mind your words and watch your tone, Tony," he snarled. "I just never thought I would feel it for someone like her."

Garrett met Liam's glare. "That's the thing, Liam. You don't think you're capable of love, so you never even try. You pushed her away once, you pushed her away several times, and you'll do it again if you don't get a grip on your feelings."

The two werewolves stood nose to nose, growling at each other. Liam's wolf was itching to take control, but he couldn't lose his temper, not when his wolf was on the edge. He took a deep breath and stepped back.

James stepped between them, sensing the tension. "Guys, come on," he said, trying to diffuse the situation. "We're all on the same team here."

Liam gritted his teeth and turned away from Garrett. "Fine," he said, his voice low. "I'll try to take it slow."

Garrett sighed and sat back down, "That's all we're asking, Liam. Just take the time to get to know her again. She's been through hell. Don't add to it."

Liam swallowed, Garrett's words angered him. What right did he have to tell him about his mate? The rage swelled against his reasoning, and before he could control it, his wolf took over.

He lunged at Garrett, slamming him against the wall. Garrett tried to fight back, but Liam was too strong. James rushed to separate them, but it took all of his strength to hold Liam back. "Enough!" James shouted. "Both of you, calm down."

Liam's wolf slowly receded, and he felt himself coming back to his senses. Growling, he stepped away from Garrett.

"I'm sorry," he muttered, his head hung low. "I don't know what came over me."

Garrett straightened his clothes and shook his head. "It's fine," he said, his voice steady. "We both got carried away."

They stared at each other for a moment. The tension between them heightened. Liam was still fighting his control and hurt. He felt betrayed.