Alpha Logan's Unwanted Mate

The drive to the hospital was a rough one. He couldn't help casting all the blame on himself. If he had been paying attention to her, she wouldn't have been hospitalized.

Each step he took was painful, further increasing his guilt and palpitations. Walking through the corners,he searched for room zero sixteen. Getting tired, he approached a lady whom he assumed to be the nurse.

"Excuse me ma'am. Where can I find room zero sixteen?"

"It's a private ward in the VIP unit. Go to your left,then you will start seeing them numerically. Check, you will see it."

"Thank you" She walked out not sparing him a glance.

The hospital was busy with people going about with their business, some were just coming out of the office with a darkened mood, others were moving out from the lab with their lab coat, some were coming out from the theater room.

The hospital was crowded in each wings, smelling of antiseptic.

Following the nurse direction, he saw the ward. Without wasting much time, he rushed in meeting a semi lifeless body on the bed. Tubes were connected all over her body.

It was such a pathetic scene.

The sight of her sent tears to his eyes. How did she end up in such a terrible state? He took a slow but steady steps towards her. Her eyes were closed. She looked pale on closer inspection.

Was this really his childhood friend? His childhood crush? The one he was head over heels in love with. How did she end up here? Just how? He mentally screamed as tears blinded his vision.

He sat on the edge. His palms caressing a forehead in pure affection. Unable to choke back his sob.,he released it. "I am so sorry,I have not been giving you my attention. I am so sorry Rachel for neglecting you,you can't go please. Think of us" Hiccupping,he wiped the tears rolling down his cheeks which blinded his vision.

"I don't know how to say this, I am so sorry"

Her hands flickered, slowly,she opened her eyes.

"Daniel..." She called weakly, struggling to sit up with much difficulty.

"No!" He pulled her down gently. "Relax Rachel,you can't afford to stress yourself lest one of this tube gets disconnected."

"Daniel" she called, breaking into an hysterical sob.

Worried and perplexed,he asked "What is wrong Rachel? "Why are you crying? Are you pregnant?" he asked the last part almost in a whisper, expectantly.

There is a great silence as she kept on sobbing. "Daniel,I am slowly dying,I have limited time to live on earth" she said.

What!? The news felt like a bomb, exploding in his head,for a moment,he was speechless and kept staring at her like some kind of joke. "Rachel is this a joke? Are you being serious right now?" he asked.

She only nodded her response.

"How?! Don't tell me you just woke up in the morning, decided to do some test and then the doctor discovered you have a few days left to live on earth. Tha to will be absurd!"

"No, I have a cancer. The doctor said I have a cancer"

"A .... Cancer?" Daniel tensed. This was worst! Just how did an healthy, good looking lady develop a cancer in just a few hours? What is a cancer anyway, his subconscious mind asked. A cancer is a serious disease in which growth of cells also called cancers, formed in the body and kill a normal body cells. Which meant, the cells must have grown without her knowledge, killing other body cells. It could result in death.

Daniel stood up from the bed, pacing round the room. Of all the people in world, why must it be Rachel? Just why the fucking hell should it be her? He was broken. He was lost . He was terrified. The love of his life laid sick on the bed looking so pathetic.

Turning to face her " Where is the doctor?"

Surprised by the question " Was there any problem?"

"No.I was thinking, there is a solution to this ailment. You could go for a surgery, I believe there is a surgery for cancer besides, it is still in the early and treatable stage"

Her hope risen face slumped, looking defeated." I thought as much but when I asked the doctor,he told me it has passed the treatable stage. It was in the last stage which meant...." She stopped talking as she started weeping.

Death!

The most dreaded five letter words, death! This means no more Rachel on planet earth? He won't get to see her beautiful smiles, her laughing eyes and her funny faces. The thought didn't sit well with him. Nevertheless,he won't be pessimistic. There will definitely be a way out of this mess.

"I know you won't marry me again because I have a cancer" She began with a broken voice.

Her voice broke him, piercing his soul like a sword. " Don't say that Rachel. We will find a way to treat this cancer and as well restore you back to your normal self"

"No, don't do it. Don't try telling me stories to make me feel good" choking back a sob, she continued "Earlier on, the doctor had briefed me about my condition. I have only few days left to live" Glancing at him, she kept a pathetic expression on her face.

"You have been my childhood friend, my crush and my fiance. I don't have any body in mind to turn to right now but you. I want to know what it feels like to be married, I want to be loved. It has always been my dream to walk down the aisle with you. Will you marry me? It's my last wish. Just make me happy during my remaining few days on earth."

Could he say No to this?

"It is my last wish,my death wish if you will,that you will do me the favour of marrying me.

Without those last words, Daniel might have continued his quiet arguments,he might have given reasons for her to be optimistic,but with those words,the hopeful words of a dying woman,she has made it a last request,not an order but a death wish. Does she know what that means? Certainly,he might have ignored the order,but now he will put his heart and soul into fulfilling the wish.

What could he do? He can't afford to be self-centered and greedy.

"So be it"

He was going to put in his best, ensuring she has a wonderful memory to take down to the grave with her. He vowed.

He was still engrossed in his thoughts,that he felt to notice the slight smile tugging on his lips.

"Thank you Daniel,you don't know what you just did."

"It is nothing Dear. You deserve to be happy,and I promise to make every last day of your life on earth a memorable one."

With these words,there was hope in her eyes. Her eyes glittered with unshed tears, gleaming brightly.

The following day, everyone was back at work. Each carrying out his or her duties and responsibilities in their respective offices. The sun was slowly coming out, giving an indication of the day being sunny.

Wendy was still lingering over her first coffee in the office. The previous night had been not just a memorable day but the beginning of new adventures,more greater heights to attain and more mission to embark on. She felt tired.

It was only by Sheer Grace that she found herself in the office. The desire to stay back was so strong and irresistible but no matter,she couldn't fall into that temptation.

She wore a black trousers over a white shirt and a black jacket and on her beautiful long legs was a pair of black stiletto. She wore a dangling earrings on her ears. Her hair was french braided.

Without being told,she knew she was looking good. She thought of her staffs. They were really wonderful and supportive last night. Her mind drifted to the scene Carlin pulled. A smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. Poor Carlin indirectly helped her attain more greater heights with her slanderous act. They all assumed she was daft, stupid and a coward and just then,she wished to have seen her uncles embarrassed faces.

Creak! The sound from the door announced the presence of someone in her office. Taking her eyes away from the first coffee,she gazed up to meet Leo's eyes, excitedly,she gulped down the whole content,got down from the swivel chair towards Leo's direction.

Always seeing the excitement in her face whenever she sees him brought nothing but smiles to his face. Wendy was still young,vibrant and joyful. She jumped up on him feeling super excited to see him again. He hugged her back before releasing her.

"You are looking good" he kissed her cheeks.

"Thank you" she led him directly to the chair opposite hers. "I didn't get to see you yesterday. Where did you fly to?"

"Needed to take care of something. You were wonderful last night. I am so proud of you." He complimented with a smile.

She smiled. "Do you care for a cup of coffee?"

"No. Thanks" he declined politely.

Silently,she tidied up the files and documents on her desk, stacking them neatly. Before long,the desk was cleared up. Picking the Air conditioner's remote,she pressed the on button, turning it on.

The noise from the stiletto announced her presence her presence as she walked majestically towards the porch. She wore her fair hair in a bun, with a fierce look on her smooth face. Not bothering to knock, she placed her hand on the knob, opening the door in the process. Quickly, her eyes darted around the room ,looking for Daniel, finding no glimpse of him,she smirked.

"The bitch is here!" A voice spoke coldly, descending the stair two at a time. She was an older version of Daniel. The gold tail on her immaculate dress trailed behind her. A woman of good taste, that's who she is. On her face was a cold when disdainful look.

Startled, Rachel gazed towards her direction "the with is here!" The muttered quietly.

"What the fuck are you doing here?"

"Obviously, to see Daniel, my man" Rachel sneered

"Oh, in that case, I think you've lost your way because my son can never have any thing to do with a slut like you!" Cisca retorted

Boldly, Rachel walked towards her, giving her an intense look as she spat "look here, cisten or whatever your witchy name is, I, Rachel will get married to Daniel, your son with or without your approval. read my lips" Rachel rolled her eyes at her "you can't do any shit!"

"How dare you!" CRACK!

The sound echoed in the living room just as cisca's hand made contact with Rachel's cheek.

"What? Did you just lay your witchy hands on me?" Rachel's eyes widen in utmost bewilderment. Damn it! Did this old bitch just lay a hand on her precious face? Does she know how much she spent on her face weekly to ensure she is without blemish? How dare she?

Rachel fumed as she stared at Cisca maliciously

"Well, the slap was just to reset your memory. It seems you needed it so I just helped" Cisca shrugged

Without warning, Rachel raised her hand to return the slap but stopped mid-way.

"Bitch,you raised your hands to slap me?" Cisca bellowed

"You are just lucky that I am in a good mood. Be careful, next time you might not be this lucky" Rachel warned with a wicked glint.

"Mother of Christ! Guards!!! Go ahead and slap me!"

With a mockery tone, Rachel spoke "oh, so you're calling your dog to throw me out? I am not surprised since that's....."

The presence of four hefty men interrupted her speech.

"Throw this wench out of this house and ensured she never step her feet in here anymore" she ordered "do I make myself clear?"

"Yes ma!" They chorus, making advances towards her.

"What's going on here?" A deep voice asked descending from the stairs, stopping the guards. He was tall and manly, he was shirtless, giving him the sexy look.

Rachel gulped, as she stared lustfully at him. Before anyone could say "jack ass" Rachel became hysterical when Daniel approached them.

Moved by Rachel's hysterical fit, he hugged her possessively, offering same comfort. Stunned, Cisca stared dumbfounded.

What just happened? She thought staring at Rachel in Daniel's arm.

Did that bitch just broke into an hysterical fit as a cover up?

"Mother, what's wrong with my fiancee?"

Rachel's heart accelerated when she heard 'fiancee'. She increased the volume of her cry while sticking out her tongue at Cisca, giving the guards her middle finger.

Cisca fumed. "Your bitch dared raised her filthy hands to slap me. She insulted me so I asked the guards to accompany her out of here"

Turning to Rachel, he asked "is that true?"

"Baby, that's not true. I came here, looking for you but she stopped me as usual. She slapped me and asked the guard to show me the exit. I was pleading with her but she called me a slut" Rachel hiccuped with a pathetic look, she continued "your mother said I can never marry you. I can't continue in this relationship when your mother does not approved of our relationship. Baby please let's break off this engagement"

Softly, Daniel trailed his hands on her cheeks, wiping the tears. "No, we won't call it off.with time my mother will accept you"

Glaring at Cisca "I don't like this! Stop treating my woman as a foot mat. Stop it!" With a look, he dismissed the guards. Pulling Rachel out of the living room.

"Geez! That slutty girl won't kill me before my time!" She exclaimed.

Wendy decided to finish her evening off by dancing with Justin. He had been of great help to her. A father figure when she needed one, a legal adviser when she is in need of it and a guardian to guide her.

The only faithful, loyal employee who had worked with her father for long, stayed faithful even after his death, at the same time, watched after her,the daughter. What more could she ask for?

Her mind wondered towards Daniel. The guy got some balls to question her after the ill treatment he metted on her. She was still wondering why she gave him the time of the day. Probably, because she was in a good mood or perhaps something else.

Anyway, the urge to do more harm than good was threatening to get out of control, she had to hurry out of the place before she will kill someone's son. Damn it!

She smiled at the answer she gave him. She was certain, he was going to know she fibbed but anyway that was not her headache.

She needed to conceal the truth and her intention from him by all means.

Justin held her tenderly in his arms as they swirled together. She didn't feel small in her evening gown. She was thick and curvy with straight legs. Her manicure glittered brightly. She felt strong. She was like his daughter. Wilfred was a little difficult to deal with but he had been able to converse with him. Staring at Wendy, he could see the slight resemblance between her and Wilfred. The similarity was there in her nose and chin. She had her mom's smiles.

Never for once was Wilfred bad with him. For that reason, he had offered his loyalty to him even after his death. The music played on.

"Are you exhausted?" She inquired worriedly

"Yes, I am but I will wait till everyone goes before leaving"

"Good of you, may I remind you that it's almost midnight" she raised her eyes to the wall clock for confirmation.

"Sure, I Know. You need a rest". Getting off his arms, she climbed the stage, sending some signal to the orchestra to stop playing. The music stopped.

All eyes turned to her, giving her their full attention.

"I want to use this medium to thank each and everyone of you for creating time out of your busy schedule to honor this invitation. I am much obliged. Thank you so much. I love you all. I appreciate everything you have done one way or the other, as you disperse to your different destination. I wish you all a safe trip. Good night every one."

Smart! Just a smart move! Justin thought. Cunningly,she had indirectly dismissed everyone in the party. It was absolutely necessary, she needed this rest as well. She deserved it.

Calvin smiled from his position. He noticed what she just did. Calmly and politely, she dismissed everyone, calling it a night. This attitude if hers endeared her more to him. She was just cool.

A beauty with brain. That was the perfect explanation for who she was.

Everyone began to leave the hall,some in twos, fours and more.

Wendy was still in a conversation with Mr Tony,CEO of Amazing fragrance company when Calvin walked up to her.

"I will be going now. I hope to see you once again" he whispered into her ears causing his breath to caress her skin.

"Sure,sure. You may go" Wendy rushed her words, pushing him slightly away from her. He was doing things to her body, things she has no right to entertain at the moment.

Sighing, she cursed under her breath, diverting her attention back to Mr Tony. Calvin was nothing other than temptation with the capital T and she needed to avoid temptation now. Done with Mr Tony,she watched his receding figure.

When the last guest left, Wendy relieved the breath she never knew had been concealing.

At last, the day was successful. With an heart of gratitude she murmured a " Thank you Lord"

*******

Daniel drove dejectedly to his house. His head was filled with the thought of Wendy. Wendy this, Wendy that. It was so annoying. The worst part was her "I don't care attitude towards him". It was slowly giving him chills. No matter how he looks at it, he kind of deserve it but this was not what he expected.

What was he expecting?

Probably a baby boy treatment, his subconscious mind mocked. She was even being nice to you by answering him,otherwise, he would have been six feet below the ground due to her cold shoulder attitude.

Turning off his ignition, he came out of the car looking sad. His sub conscious mind was right. She was being nice to him. Moving towards the entrance, he turned the door knob, opening, he stepped him. The quiet place was no longer conducive enough for him. Why? Because Wendy was not here. His unconscious mind retorted.

Damn it! "Not again" he groaned.

Climbing the stairs two at a time, he made his way to his bedroom. Hastily, he pulled off his cloth, dashed to the restroom for a quick shower.

The new thought of using his laptop to check out information about lottery was what inspired him to go for a hasty shower.

He was impatient, very eager to see. Dressed in only a bathrobe, he came out of the restroom,sat on the edge of his bed with the laptop in front of him. Booting it on, he typed in his password and set to use the search engine.

Twenty five minutes later, he was badly perspiring. Extending an hand, he turned on the fan then continued scanning through for any information on a won lottery worth billion of dollar years back. Finding out the supposed lottery was not in existence, Daniel bite his lips. His eyes looked strained.

Damn it! He thought as much, he knew she was lying, now it has been confirmed.

Then what were the reasons for her getting married to him? Was she in love with him? Did she have any other motive for getting married to him? His heart was stirred by thought of Wendy. Shutting the laptop, he kept it on the night table as he laid on the bed.

The duvet covered him up from the crown of his head to the sole of his feet. Unable to sleep, he tossed and tossed endlessly before he was able to sleep.

*******

Without being told, she knew something was wrong with Daniel. He no longer responded to her words or react to it. On several instances, she has caught him zoning out on her. She was scared. What was going on?

She paced. Could it be he has lost interest in the Marriage? Was he seeing someone else? If no then what was taking his mind slowly away from her?

Cynthia crept up on her, tickling her.

Terrified, she gave a scream. "Cynthia" She turned to her with a sad expression.

"Don't tell me, you are still musing over Daniel?"

Rachel threw her hands in the air, her brow furrowed. "You don't get it. He is slowly losing interest. I am very certain of it. I can feel it in my bones. I can't afford to lose him. What if he is in another relationship with someone else"

The heat was becoming so unbearable for her.

"Calm down. I have a plan, if he is losing interest then we have to gain his interest back"

"How?" Her eyes stared hopefully at Cynthia.

"Watch me" moving closer to her, she felt her temperature, nodding her head.

The ringing if his phone jolt him out of his sleep and away from the dream world. Cursing under his breath, he searched frantically for the mobile phone. Finally, he saw it under the pillow where it has fallen when he tossed it carelessly.

He didn't bother checking the Caller ID before answering. "Hello" he spoke sleepily into the phone.

"Is this Mr Daniel Martin?"

"Yes" Her panicked voice penetrated into his brain, driving sleep far away from his eyes.

"There is a big issue here about Rachel!"

Rachel? At the mention of the name, Daniel sprang up from bed into a sitting position. His heart lurched in fear. His adrenaline hormone were at work. "What happened to her? Is she all right?" He tossed the question all ay once to the caller.

"No Sir, she was rushed to the hospital. We don't..."

"Which hospital?" He sprang up from bed, rudely interrupting her next statement. He was terribly worried. What was wrong this time?

"Hope hospital by one five five street, ward zero sixteen"

He pressed the off button. Tossed on a cloth, picking a pair of shoes, he wore them wrongly before rushing out. Getting to the garage, he searched frantically for his car key, not seeing it,he concluded he must have forgotten it. He dashed back in, picked the key, turned on the ignition and drove off in a very high gear.

Anyone who dares cross his path at this time was sure of getting a crack skull and a straight death certificate to hell.

He was breaking traffic rules but he didn't care or give one cent shit about it.