Sorry for the picture... I HAD TO. And now you all have the song in mind ~ cackles gleefully.

MALIK'S POV

Alex has been hiding things from me.  

He thinks he's so good at lying, and maybe he is, but what he tends to forget is that I am much better at reading him that I once was. Plus, I have been watching him like an hawk. Call me a stalker if you like, but I feel better when I know about his whereabouts. 

After all, he tried to kill himself not so long ago - although he still won't talk about it - so I prefer to be a tad bit overprotective. My mate doesn't know how precious and important he is so there's no guarantee he won't try to take his own life again in the future. 

How do I know he's hiding things ? Simple. First, he's been ignoring me these last few days - he always finds excuses not to sleep with me at night, he immediately averts his eyes whenever I catch him looking at me, and he didn't reply to any of my messages - I will make sure to punish him properly for that later. After all, we agreed on a few rules he shouldn't break unless he wants to be punished. 

These rules are:

One, you should always communicate. Communication is the key in a relationship. You don't have to tell the other everything, but then just say so. No running away, no avoidance technics. 

Two, don't talk disrespectfully to your Master, especially in public. 

Three, no lying, especially about important stuff. Again, you can just say so when you don't want to answer a question, but don't lie. 

It might seem weird that there are only three rules, especially since I am into BDSM. The thing is, I only enjoy light BDSM and it is limited to the bedroom.  I'm not really into the whole lifestyle and neither is Alex, although he seems to enjoy a tiny bit of pain and humiliation, much to my delight. 

Maybe I am a bit more sadistic than I care to admit, because I suggested these rules while I knew that my pup would have a hard time following them. 

What can I say? I did enjoy spanking him last time and I can't wait to punish him again and make his little hole all wet for me.

For now, though, punishing him isn't my priority. I am more concerned about finding out the truth, and I really hope he isn't in trouble. I am afraid that whatever it is, I won't like it. 

It seems serious. This morning, he looked even more exhausted than usual. He had dark circles under his big brown eyes, and his skin was very pale. This can't go on. I won't allow it. His secret is weighting down on him, I can tell. He can try to keep avoiding me, but I have thought about a way to corner him, and I'm sure it will work. 

Now, I just need to find Rose. 

I find her in the tearoom, her cat Billy in her laps and a cup of tea that she keeps close against her tommy because she likes the warmth. On the chair next to her, an open book and her knitting material.

Everyone in the family always teases her for having grandma hobbies, but I guess that's one of the reasons we love her so much.

"I can't help it, I am an old soul" she would respond. "I was born old"

My elder sister looks up at me when she hears me entering the room, before frowing as she sees my joyful expression.

"You, dear brother of mine, have something to ask me!"

"Can't I just seek the company of my lovely sister?" I reply in an offended voice - but of course she doesn't buy it. She was always the clever one.

No, I am not jealous, of course not, what are you all thinking? IOut of the three of us, I got to be the most handsome, talentuous, prodigious child. Not so bad, huh? Of course, Killian and Rose wouldn't agree, but it's only because they can't face the harsh truth, can't blame them on that. 

Of course, in a perfect world, everyone would have the chance to be me.

"Cut the flattery already, Don Juan. Quick, tell me, don't turn around the bush or I will say no before even hearing you out"

"Alright, so, actually Rosie, I didn't want a favor. Rather, I came to offer my help"

Ah, not a smart move, Malik. She does look even more suspicious now. How sad it is that my own sister can't believe I would willingly offer to help her. 

Okay, she's right. Like I said, she is the intelligent child. 

"I wanted to ask you if I could take your position for once and be in charge of the garden this afternoon?"

"Why would you ask that? You've always hated gardening" she asks, looking surprised.

"Yeah, but it's not fair that you have to take care of it all by yourself. I want to help"

"Thank you, but I enjoy it a lot, plus, Kyle has been doing most of the hard work anyway. Now, I will see you later, baby bro"

"Alright, alright" I huff, before quickly adding "I just want to get a chance to speak with A- Kyle in private, that's all"

Her eyes soften, before she smirks. 

"You really care for him, don't you?"

"No, I mean, yes, but I like to think of myself as someone who cares for others"

"Stop it. It's different with him. Kyle is very important to you, I can tell"

"He- okay, maybe he is. Now can you just say yes dear brother, so I can go find him already?"

"My my, you're whipped. Okay, lover boy. Go get your Charming Prince, but make sure to tell him to water my magnolias, because they looked a bit pitiful this morning"

I nod, messing up her nicely made bun just because I can, which earned me a slap on the arm, before heading off. When I am about to open the door, though, she calls me again:

"Malik?"

"Yes?"

"Can you believe we actually talked about ... feelings? That's so gross I think I will need ten more cups of chamomile tea to be able to go back to my previously relaxed state."

"I know, right? Ew, gross,  totally gross. Let's pretend for the sake of our reputation that this conversation never existed"

We both laugh, and I leave the room with a fond smile on my face. This kind of conversation just make me remember how much I love my sister. 

My smile quickly disappear, though, to be replaced with a more stern expression, as I take the direction of the garden. 

I'm coming for you little Alex, and this time I won't let you escape. You WILL talk to me.

*********

"Let's go to a place where we can talk in private"

"Yeah, let's go"

I huff in disbelief at his words, surprised that he agreed so easily. I was expecting him to make excuses, to throw some tantrum or maybe even to start running away, who knows? Instead of that, he just casually agreed with a strangely impassive expression on his face. 

"What?" he asks in a somehow provocative tone, looking down at me - yes, he only has a few centimeters on me, but he likes to pretend it's more. I think he's trying to convince himself that he's not my little adorable puppy but some kind of big brother whom I need guidance from. 

Never knew you were into incest, big brother. 

"You thought I was going to flee, and that you would have to chase after me?" he keeps on talking, when I don't say anything back.  "It's not some Hunting game, bloodsucker. We're both predators. You might be a vampire, but I'm a werewolf and I ain't afraid of you. Let's have this fucking talk now, so I can get rid of you soon"

He's being agressive and is talking to me in a rude way now, something he only does when he feels like he's being cornered. I would never ever dream of hurting my mate, of course, but that doesn't mean I can't teach him a lesson.

"Oh, so you think you can take me, pup?" I ask him in a deceptively sweet voice, excitement running through my veins as I adopt a fighting stance because, well, I am a predator too after all, and a powerful one at that. 

He gulps at that, realizing his mistake, although he won't back off. "Any time, bloodsucker" he shouts back.

I smile. I'm so proud of my mate, right now. 

"Okay, on the count of three. One, two-"

Of course, the little sneaky pup would try to cheat, jumping on me before I reached three. I was half-expecting it, though, so I easily dodge his attack, before shoving him forward with a mere push on the back. He stumbles a bit, but doesn't fall down and turns to look at me with a furious glare.

"Is that the best you can come up with?" he snarls, making my smile widen. 

"Of course not, darling" I wink at him and he growls, trying to kick me in the guts but once again, I easily avoid it, making him huff in annoyance. 

"It would be easier for you if you shifted, love. You will get quickly exhausted at this rate if you stay in your human form" I taunt him and his steps falter at my words, as he looks at me with a torn expression. 

I feel my heart aches for him, but I purposely keep my expression neutral. He doesn't want my sympathy, especially not in a middle of a fight when he is trying - and falling- to exert his dominance over me. 

I didn't suggest a fight only to help him evacuate his dormant aggressivity. I also wanted him to shift, but so far it's not working. 

We keep on with our little fighting contest for a good half an hour, that is, he tries to take me down and I keep avoiding every single of his attacks. In the end, he asks in a tired voice, sweat running down his forehead: "Are you even fighting me, Malik? I would call that dancing."

"The purpose of a fight isn't to look manly or to throw perfect kicks, the purpose of a fight is to WIN, and I like to fight dirty. Plus, you have to find a better way to offend me, sweets. After all, my nickname is Billy Elliot"

"Huh?" he asks with such a confused expression that I can't help but laugh. Cute. 

"Nevermind, nobody ever gets my references" I wink at him, before finally jumping on him, easily taking him down. I put my arm behind his head, though, to make sure he doesn't hurt himself. 

"Gotcha"

"Stop treating me like a princess, for fuck's sake" he complains, but I ignore him, lying on top of him comfortably before pinning both his wrists above his head with one hand, successfully trapping him. The glint of lust in his eyes is barely there, but I still see it and it makes it very hard for me to not just start ravishing him in the middle of the forest. 

Someone secretely enjoys being dominated. 

Now isn't the right time for a full make-out session, though. This isn't what we both need right now, and we both know it. 

"You. Won't. Talk. To. Me. Like. That. EVER. Again." I hiss at him, all playfullness gone as I glare at him. 

He squirms under me, not used to have me talk to him with such an authoritative voice. He might not be a Submissive wolf, but he isn't a Dominant one either, and he definitely isn't an Alpha. I, on the other hand, am a very powerful vampire, who had been on this Earth long enough to know how to put a disrespectful pup in his right place. 

"Submit to me, pup. I won't say it twice" I growl, as my fangs elongate and I grip him a little bit harder. His eyes widen at the sight but I can tell that he is actually a bit aroused by my sudden display of dominance. 

I patiently watch him fight his instincts a few seconds longer, before he lets out a low whine and bares his throat to me in a very submissive manner, his body turning completely lax under me. 

Beautiful. God, how much I want to sink my teeth in that tempting neck and drink more of that delicious blood. 

Not now, Malik, I admonish myself. Think of what the pup needs right now. 

"Good, pup, very good " I praise him, making him blush slightly as I gently brush his damp curls out of his forehead. "Now, listen to me, I'm worried about you. You're not well. It's not good to repress your instincts for so long. You need to shift, I know you do"

He starts shivering at my words, his breath coming out short as panick surges through him. I immediately let go of his wrists, holding him up against my chest as I make him sit on my laps. He hides his face against my neck, something I noticed he always does when he needs reassurance. I start rubbing his back soothingly, gently kissing the top of his head.

"Shhh, pup, it's okay. You know I won't force you, I never will." I whisper against his ear, as he tighten his hold on my waist, making me wince. Damn, my boy is strong. Sometimes I forget he isn't just a tall, slim and quiet man but also a powerful werewolf 

"Take a deep breath for me now, okay?"

He nods, doing his best to copy my breathing pattern and after a while his breathing slowly returns to normal. 

I smile against his hair, as I bring him even closer to me. I inhale his sweet scent deeply and I hear him doing the same. God, I missed having him so close. I won't let him avoid me like this ever again. 

"I am sorry" he eventually whispers, making me frown. 

"What for?"

"For being such a bad mate. For ignoring you instead of talking to you. For being a liar, a coward, a traitor-"

"Hey hey hey" I interrupt him with a firm voice. "None of that. I told you so before, and I will tell you as often as needed, I am delighted to have such a strong-willed, brave, funny, sarcastic, witty and sensitive mate, okay? Of course you have flaws, but so do I, so we're perfect for each other."

"I don't know" he replies with a slightly lighter tone. "You seem kinda perfect"

"Am I, now?" I tease him and he averts his eyes, looking embarassed by his sudden confession. "That's new, but I guess that you will find out how annoying I can be after we live together for a longer time"

"I know you can be annoying as hell, I was just joking" he grumbles against my chest.

Aw. Cute. Adorable. Sweet. Freakingly lovable. I don't even know anymore. 

I take pity on him and decide not to tease him further. We enjoy the moment as we simply bask into each other's warmth, taking comfort in the other's closeness, none of us willing for this moment to end. After a while, I sigh softly, knowing I have to break the silence. 

"Listen-" I start, and resume petting him when he immediately tense up in my arms. "No, calm down, baby. I told you, I won't insist that you to shift, if you don't want to. I just wanted to tell you about - about the Reason why, before I met you, I used to be wary of werewolves. 

Now it's my time to get tensed but I relax when he raises his head and gives me a chast kiss on the lips, before snuggling against me, waiting for me to speak. 

He will talk to me at some point. Today, it's my turn to let it go, to let him know about the story that has been weighting me down for so long and that will probably never cease to be painful, although I've learned to live with it. 

"I haven't always been a part of the Huserdown family..."

** Unedited 

A/N: I don't know if it's because the end is nearing and I don't want it, but my chapters have become longer and longer lol am I even having the slightest control over this story anymore? 

Anyway, I hope it wasn't too mushy for your taste.

Don't forget to give yourself plenty of love and self-care in these hard times, and as always, thank you for the support xxxxx