Chapter 48: A Task For My Friend


    The unpleasant days that followed made Einar into a rotten mess. His dishevelled hair and his puffy


    eyes contrasted to the soothing atmosphere which he silently watched through the window of his room.


    He was contempt with the fact that the only heart beating in the entire ce was his own. He could see


    no bodies moving around in the space of his vicinity and he was happy for that. He did not want any


    The lush greennd and the tall trees that bordered the open ground was a scene to withhold. Einar


    kept his gaze static when he looked outside the open window. The chirping and murmurs had


    surprisingly died following the days of his wrath. It seemed as if the birds had also deprived him


    was making him empty.


    His heart wanted joy but his conscience wanted to suffer more.


    He took two steps ahead when his desperate ears heard a sound of approaching footsteps. However


    even before he could make it to the door he was halted abruptly. He grimaced in pain when his eyes


    wrists which were facing the agonising brunt.


    The knock on the door alerted him at once as Einar was eager to see who the visitor was. Just as he


    thought he could have some relief his face became sour as he witnessed his mate standing by the


    door, waving his hand in acknowledgement. Einar uninterestingly gestured him to go away. The


    stubborn Elemental huffed in derision and made his way inside. Can stationed himself on a chair


    which was parallel to the bed. He narrowed his eyes and kept his gaze stoic at the man in front.


    Einar huffed in defeat and shook his head. With piercing pain in his hands and legsden with the


    heavy metal, he took measured steps towards the bed. He sat on the bed and without looking at Can


    he uttered “You wont leave me even when I am bind by silver.”


    Can smirked and shook his head “You have been in seclusion for quite some time now. I just came to


    see you.” he squeezed his brows “Is it so bad?”


    “Yes it is.” Einar stretched his legs on the bed and rested his back on the adjoining wall “The matter has


    already escted beyond my control. I have been stripped of my title and my pack is in a state of


    vulnerability. There is a lot in my te Ashton and you showing up every now and then is not helping. I


    don''t want you to burden me anymore.” Einar closed his eyes and leaned his head backwards to the


    wall.


    Can sat where he was. Thinking; contemting on what to say. The burningpassion in him was


    corroding his heart for the former alpha. The strong urge to understand and share Einar’s feeling was


    making his heart heavy.


    It was the pity, the empathy he felt for the man.


    Can had experienced first hand what it was like to be secluded, what it meant to lose something for


    which you strive hard. Yet in his difficult of times he had his loved ones with him. They supported him,


    guided him, brought him out of his misery. A privilege which was bereaved from the former alpha. Einar


    was looked down upon by the entire pack. He wasn’t the hero anymore. Even his own parents were


    keeping their distance, thinking that he deserved what was happening to him.


    However Can was one of the few people who knew it wasn’t entirely Einar’s fault. If he had had it his


    way the entire chaos would have never urred.


    Can softened his gaze as he whispered “I wont do anything. I promise.”


    “You don''t have to do anything to create trouble.”


    A pinch of sadness and pain made its way to Can’s features. He anticipated the resentful reply but


    still it hurt. He could understand that Einar was bitter because he was in pain. However had it not been


    this situation Einar would’ve still reacted the same way. Can even knew for a fact that somehow


    Einar was ming him for his troubles.


    It was no secret that Orcus was furious at the entire pack due to the stubborn nature of Einar. To make


    matters worse Can had not reached out to the wolf since the time he knew about the truth. In reality it


    was both Einar and Can who were at fault in their own proportions and the repercussions had to be


    endured by the both of them.


    Even if Einar denied it, the truth would never change that both their lives were tied for eternity.


    Can sighed and ran his hands through his hair in frustration “Why are we this way?”


    “Hmm..?”


    “Us; you and me.” he stood from his ce in anxiousness “Always fighting. Cant see each other eye to


    eye sort of thing.” Can in his own trance chose to sit on the bed near the muscr man. “Doesn’t it


    bother you?”


    The closeness of the Elemental was affecting Einar as his body had started reacting to him. However


    he kept his face hard and looked intently at his mate “It does not. No one likes you in the pack Ashton. I


    am no exception.”


    Einar’s cold and bitter attitude was making it difficult for Can to help him. He knew that the muscr


    man was saying things only to provoke him; make him angry. His obstinate nature would not let him to


    budge from his stand. However Can realised that this was no time to ridicule him or make him


    meworthy. Rather the troubled state of Einar required a consoling shoulder or support of any kind.


    Einar was in pain and he needed help.


    Can put aside his anger and sighed a deep breath to rx himself. He smiled “But you want to like


    me.”


    Einar’s expressions changed as he fumbled with his response “W-What!”


    Can in the very next instant realised what he spoke. He pursed his lip and mentally smacked himself


    for his uttered words. He reorganised his thoughts and looked at Einar “I-I am a very likeable person.”


    Can blinked “Trust me.”


    Can’s contrivances was his way of approaching the man; to reach out to him. However unlike the


    other times, Einar was finding it difficult to put up with Can. The agonising days of the past had made


    his mind heavy. His feeble brain muscles needed rest. “Just go away Ashton.”


    Einar was hurting and Can was distressed by looking at the sight of Einar. “I promised Rosaline to


    keep youpany and not let you feel alone.”


    “Is this the only reason you are here?” Einar hopefully gazed at his mate


    Can was aware of the answer which Einar was expecting but this wasn’t the right time to be perfectly


    honest “Was there something else for which I should be here?” he raised a brow


    Einar parted his lips to speak but no concrete words came out from him “No..”


    Both the men looked at each other for the longest of the times before Can sighed in exasperation


    and looked sideways. The handsome man knew that Einar was ready to walk towards him yet he


    stayed away. His stubborn self was conflicting his mind in dubiousness while his strong and nonchnt


    portrayal was making Can more and more anxious as the days passed by.


    It was frustrating.


    Can scowled and usingly asked Einar “Why cant we be friends?”


    “I don’t want to be friends with you.”


    “Why not?”


    “I don''t owe you an exnation for that. I am your superior.”


    “You are not the alpha anymore.” In the heat of the moment Can failed to realise how his words could


    cause the confidence and self worth of the alpha to crumble in pieces. Einar lowered his dejected eyes


    and sighed while on the other side Can bit his lips in embarrassment and shame. He apologetically


    Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    looked at Einar “I am really sorry. It just slipped.”


    Einar huffed “Its the truth, isn''t it? Why apologise.”


    Einar’s eyes shifted to the side as his puffy eyes looked smaller. He stayed there as if he was a statue.


    The only proof of his existing was the air he exhaled. Can was horrified when he saw the condition of


    his mate. His heart sank and he felt the loss of warmth from the former alpha. To his own surprise a fat


    tear escaped through his eye and rolled down his cheeks. He swept the bead with the back of his


    forefinger and looked at it with curiosity. He was astonished by the fact for how Einar’s pain was


    affecting him.


    Can sighed and cleared his throat “It is my job to be near Rosaline always.” Einar growled in


    annoyance however the handsome man continued without noticing the jealous growl and lowered his


    voice “That means I will be close to you as well.” Einar’s eyes softened “It will be best in our interest if


    we start afresh and build a new rtionship.”


    The proposal to be close to Can was tempting but Einar knew better. The undue advancement had


    already caused troubles from him in the past. He was sure that the handsome man was capable


    enough to bring the other side of him to the fore which he had hidden for years sessfully. The side


    which dreamed of a life together with him.


    Einar slowly shook his head when he deduced the reality of his thoughts. The handsome man was not


    supposed to be his mate. Neither his pack nor themunity would approve of their bond. Moreover


    Can was just a human who had limitations. He could be hurt and traumatised as his physiology was


    feeble and his physical resilience had a limit to it. The human would only prove to be a burden for him.


    Even after considering all the downside of it there was still a part of him who was apprehensive to let


    him go..


    Einar rubbished his thoughts as she shook his head vigorously and looked at the man with stern eyes “I


    don’t want to be your friend Ashton.”


    “But why?”


    Because my perfidious heart wants to be more than your friend.


    Einar took deep steady breaths. His heart beats were raised while his mouth went dry. His eyes


    focused solely on the deep green, alluring eyes of his mate. He wanted to divert his gaze but was


    failing miserably. His lips moved but was holding his thoughts to pour out.


    What was Can doing to him?


    Einar hated the fact that he had no control over his feelings. His logic stated to be aware of the


    situation and get rid off the man in front however his mind suggested him to embrace the man and


    never let him go. He felt drawn in and wanted to pull back, restrain himself from anything that could


    destroy him forever. He was trapped between his opposite needs.


    Einar’s pensive mind was distracted when Can asked all of a sudden “You haven’t answered my


    question.”


    The former alpha looked at the man withpassion and adoration. Maybe this was the time to let go


    of all the restrains, of all the tortures and ept his true fate. Let him wee his destined being with


    open arms and think about the consequences as theye. Maybe it was finally time to hold Can


    tightly in his arms. Love him for all the eternity and dere to the entire world that he belonged to no


    one else but him.


    Einar was transformed in a trance of his own where his rationale mind was devoured of any logical


    thinking. His hidden feelings had taken over his brain. He slowly raised his body to level his mate and


    pushed himself towards him. Can was surprised by the sudden gesture because Einar looked happy


    and certain. The determination in his eyes was making Can giddy in a good way.


    Einar was slowly leaning forward as his shackles were binding him but his mind was bing free.


    His determined self wanted to be ountable for every deed he did hereafter. His eyes lowered to the


    beautiful lips of the man and then to his mesmerizing eyes. Without thinking for the consequences he


    closed a considerable gap between them.


    Can was all he could think of. Can was all he needed.


    The two bodies lied close to each other. Their faces mapped in sequence as both of them could see


    the other and no one else. The distance was thinning with the passing of time as Can slowly closed


    his eyes to ept what wasing his way in utter delight. Their close faces entangled their breaths


    while their nerves were rushing the blood heavily to their hearts. Both of them could no longer control


    the elerated rate of their heart beat.


    It was finally the time to ept the bond and coalesce the souls as one.


    Just as Einar was about to feel his mates lips on his, he retracted himself abruptly. The sudden


    approaching footsteps from the door caught him unaware and he for once realised what he was doing.


    Can opened his eyes as he felt the movement outside and was alert at once. He noticed the uncanny


    behaviour of Einar and was surprised. The muscr man on the other side was anxious and looked


    every where around but the man in front.


    The knocking on the door caught Can’s attention and he looked back. He was greeted by an angry


    face Garrick who kept osciting his gaze between the human and his best friend.


    Can at once understood that his moment of bliss was interrupted by none other than the beta of the


    pack. He sighed in frustration but smiled artificially at him “Hello Garrick.” The beta gave a nod and


    folded his hands to his chest. It was a clear indication that the man wanted to talk with his friend while


    the human was uninvited.


    Can looked at his mate for onest time and said “I think I should leave you both. It was nice meeting


    you.” With a hesitant bow of acknowledgement the handsome left the room.


    Garrick was always curious about Can’s visit to Einar’s room. The handsome man showed up almost


    every day in what could be termed as a friendly gesture ofpassion. However Garrick was slowly


    getting suspicious about Can’s real motives. Since hecked a wolf spirit in him there was no chance


    to read his mind. Ultimately trusting him was out of question. However Garrick’s main concern was that


    his best friend was unable to get past through Can’s devious mind. It felt like he was intentionally


    falling in the trap.


    Garrick raised a brow What was he doing here?


    Einar pursed his lips and looked to his side Killing me slowly.


    I’m confused


    Don’t be. Einar sighed. He was hesitant to keep the talk going and so he chose to change the topic and


    divert Garrick How is your throat?


    The beta instinctively caressed his throat in a slow fashion It is recuperating. I have tried to voice a few


    syble and hopefully my throat will be healed tonight .


    Einar was unable to express his feelings. His friend was through a lot of pain for the whole week or two


    and it was all because of the fateful day. Though Garrick was a strong wolf the impact of Einar’s attack


    was powerful enough to force him to mutism. Looking at Garrick’s state of being umunicative hurt


    Einar for he felt he had betrayed his friend in a way. However tonight he would get his strength back


    and he would be healed by the moon.


    Just as he thought about the moon, Einar’s eyes widened in shock. Panic struck his face as he realised


    something which was making him uneasy What day is it?


    It’s the full moon day. Garrick replied nonchntly. His expressions changed into curiosity and


    dubiousness when he noticed the worried face of his friend Why are you afraid? Have you taken your


    decoction?


    Einar shook his head and face palmed I am not worried about that.


    Then?


    Einar paused before raising his head and looking at his friend in fear The demon.


    What about him?


    He will take over me tonight.


    You mean he would try to escape this heavily guarded cage.


    Einar nodded reluctantly I am sure of it.


    Your body is engulfed with heavy silver while their are guards outside to stop you. Garrick huffed as a


    smug look stered his face I don’t think the demon has any chance tonight.


    You are talking like an idiot Garrick. Einar shouted in anger Do you really underestimate the spirit in


    me?


    Garrick mouthed an ‘o’ when reality hit him. The demon was an out of the world being. The only thing


    that kept him under control up till now was the locket, which was failing miserably to do its job when the


    moon was in its full glory. You mean to say you would vanish like every full moon and we would find


    you unconscious, lying somewhere.


    Einar shrugged. Of the few things he was fearful, he had certainlye to hate the full moons. It


    wasn’t the mere fact that the demon was taking control of his body, he was apprehensive of what


    preceded before the spirit showed up. The nightmares which followed the days when he was still


    unconscious added to his woes. Up until now Einar was sure that the spirit had something to do with


    messing up with his mind and there was only so much he could do. The constant bad dreams had kept


    him awake for nights. In his initial days Einar was even scared to go to sleep for he knew his mind


    would be plundered and some horrified imagery would run deep into his subconscious.


    Einar was confused for why the demon was doing what he was doing. However the more concerning


    problem was his absence during the full moon. Nobody knew where the spirit roamed in the darkness


    of the night. It was puzzling, it was worrisome.


    I want you to do something Garrick.


    The beta scowled and looked at his friend in confusion and eagerness What?


    Einar slowly stood up from his ce and went closer to the open window. He looked at the big orange


    globe whose light was fading with the passing time. Soon it would disappear from the heavenly sky


    while another body would rece its position. Just thinking about the inevitable made his heart race a


    bit faster. He gulped and sighed When the moon ascends tonight, keep the gates open.


    I can’t do that. Garrick lookedpletely taken aback by the request I have been ordered to..


    Listen to me please! Einar interjected and looked helplessly at his friend if you deny the spirit his


    escape than he would kill anyone who dares stop him! He marched his steps towards Garrick and kept


    one of his hands on his shoulders I want you to let him be free.


    Garrick was skeptical once again, more importantly he was unable to understand what was going on in


    Einar’s mind. What purpose would it serve?


    Einar sighed and crossed his hands across his chest. The demon shows itself every full moon. Are you


    not curious for where it wanders?


    Do you think he follows Can?


    Einar paused for a long time before looking at Garrick who was waiting in anticipation I have my


    doubts.


    Garrick’s heart hit his chest hard as if it would tear open the skin anytime soon. He pressed his fingers


    to his forearm and looked at Einar in horror and disbelief. It was the nervous veins in him which were


    making it difficult for him to think. This is making me sweat. You were absent for the past two full


    moons. What if the demon has already met Can and revealed everything!


    I don’t think that has happened.


    Are you sure?


    Positive. Einar nodded with confidence Can has been waiting for his mate for a very long time. If and


    when he knows about me being his mate he would create a mighty ruckus. Probably take the matter to


    his father and my father.


    And if that happens it wont be hard to prove that indeed you are Ashton’s mate. We are doomed!


    Garrick huffed in exasperation. In all of their time in the past two months it had astonished them for how


    the demon was overturning the power of the locket. But the concerning aspect of the escape still


    remained about the spirits whereabouts. Einar and Garrick had never thought about the spirits motive


    to run away.


    Einar was sure that the spirit had been mum about him being the fateful mate of the handsome man.


    Had it been otherwise Can would have taken the entire pack in a storm about them being mates.


    Einar knew that like everyone else in the pack Can was fearful of the demon hence he would think


    twice before holding anymunication with him. Moreover the spirit was the sorted one between the


    wolf and him, hence he would do no such thing so as to scare Can or hurt him in any which way.


    Not yet. The spirit hasn’t had a conversation with Can for sure but still we need to know his purpose


    to overpower me.


    What do you suggest?


    Though the demon had been quiet about the entire scenario Einar was doubtful for how long the


    demon could hold himself. In his mind he was of the opinion that the spirit was definitely following


    Can. The urge to be with the handsome man would overpower him sooner orter and before any of


    it happens Einar had to find a way to restrain him.


    Without anyone knowing, follow the spirit. Let me know where he goes..


    What if he meets Ashton?


    Einar took a deep breath. He made his way back to the open window and grimaced slightly looking at


    his chains. I just hope it doesn’te to that..


    He closed his eyes firmly while his jaw muscles were stretched. He took his time to open his eyes as


    he breathed in the pure air which brought in a new zeal within him Because I don’t want to use myst


    resort.


    He narrowed his gaze looking nowhere in particr. Garrick could see the look of determination, like


    something devious was going on inside the head of the former alpha. Einar slowly turned his head


    towards the beta and spoke through his gritted teeth “But if the spirit leaves me no choice then he will


    have to suffer the consequences. He will not enjoy what I will do to him!”


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