My Sister Mate

Two girls sat in a beautiful garden.

"I miss you, Asena." Lilah started.

Asena, a girl with dark brown hair and nut-brown eyes seated before her, replied. "I miss you more. You have no idea."

"Then why can't you come back to us? If you miss me so much, why can't you come back to me?" Tears filled up the space in Lilah's baby-blue eyes.

"You know that is not possible. No medicine can work after death. This is the only way we can meet and communicate and I choose you because you are my only sister. If I had the power to come back, I would have done that without second thoughts. As you can see, I am in peace." an exasperated sigh escaped Asena's lips. "I want you to take care of my mate. He's going through a lot. Take care of mum and dad. They're over me already, but I can still feel their burden."

"I will," Lilah answered.

A small smile formed on Asena's lips. Tears rolled down her eyes, and she wiped it off. "And Asher. It's unfortunate, a brush with death always helps us live better, but it's a distinct case with him. Death is a bitter pill we all have to chew. Tell Asher to stop worrying about me. Every time his heart aches, I feel the pain as well." Her hand crawled to hold her sister's. "Lilah, my dearest sister. Help me tell him to move on."

Lilah held her sister in a hug as she cried silently onto her shoulders. While held tears, her eyes felt sour and heavy, just like her heart was that very moment. But Asena tapped her younger sister gently at the back.

"It's okay, stop weeping for me," she begged.

"I will do all you ask of me, sister. Even though it's difficult to live without you. I promise to calm them down."

"Okay." Asena smiled, and they held themselves in another soft hug.

'Knock! Knock!! knock!!!'

Someone came tapping at the door. Lilah jerked up from the dream and her eyes opened to a red rose placed in front of her. It always appeared anytime she dreamt of her late sister, Asena.

'Knock! Knock!! knock!!!' The knocking came again.

"Lilah! Lilah Wulfric!" Her mother called.

"Are you still there? It's 9:00 a.m. already! Won't you go to work?"

Lilah turned over to the other side of her pillow with more tears in her eyes. She sighed heavily on her breath as tears rolled down her red eyes.

'Knock! Knock!! Knock!!!'

"Please, get up and prepare for work. You don't want to get sacked, do you?" her mother's voice echoed from outside her room.

'Knock! Knock!! Knock!!!'

"I won't beg your boss to accept you back if he changes his mind! Don't say I didn't warn you!" She hissed and walked away from the door.

Lilah buried her face in her palms, weeping. She choked on the running tears, burying her face in the soft pillow. Later, she stepped out of her room. The house was gravely silent and Lilah knew that definitely her mum must have gone to work. Her dad, Rafael traveled a week ago for a business trip in Korea.

She took a colossal frame of Asena's photo at hand, thinking about their childhood days.

"My dearest Asena. Why do you have to go? Why do you have to leave your only sister, your best friend?" She sniffed, hugging the framed photo to her chest. "I miss you so much, sis. I miss you so much, Asena. When will you come back to me? We still have a lot to do together. Why can't you come back, Asena?"

The door opened, and Lilah looked up. It was Benita, her mum. Her jaws dropped to the ground, seeing Lilah in this state.

"Goodness! You're still on this?" Benita snapped in total shock.

"I feel lifeless, mum. How would she get sick and die just like that?" her voice came out low and painfully hoarse.

Benita walked up to her daughter and collected the framed photo from her. Placing it on the middle table before them.

"If you need a shoulder to cry on, then here. Cry on my shoulders, Lilah. I am your mother." Benita muttered as she gently rested her head on her mother's shoulder. With her arms wrapped around her waist.

"I also miss Asena, my dear. We all do. But you have to be strong, okay? Come... Let me take you to your room." Benita muttered. "I don't want any guest to meet you like this. Have you eaten today?"

She nodded her head in disapproval.

"Get a bath and come downstairs. I'll feed you if you want me to."

"I'm... I'm not hungry." She stammered.

"I can hear your stomach grumbling from here and see how slim you've gotten. Please, go in, take a bath and I brought key lime pie and peppered steak from the restaurant for you."

"Really?" excitement laced in her dull voice.

"Yes, dear."

"Okay then. I'd go in."

A small smile formed on Benita's lips as she watched Lilah walk in.

About thirty minutes later, Lilah came out of her room. Dressed in a yellow knitted dress, and her wavy blue-black hair was left to the back, almost touching her waist. Lilah brushed a strand of her hair behind her ears, holding a small, black purse.

"Where are you going?" Benita asked worriedly. She was watching her favourite evening programme on television.

"I'm going to Asher's house. But before going, I'd branch to the restaurant to get him dinner." She pointed out.

"But you have eaten nothing since morning. Is it fair?"

"I would eat when I get back." Lilah gave a calm smile. "I promise."

"Why do you worry so much?"

"You know his mum travelled? I called Eliana, and she told me he hadn't been to the office since last week. Don't that worry you, mum?"

"Of course, I'm worried. Why would he skip work?"

"That's why I need to see him, at least, to know how he's faring."

"Ugh..." An exasperated sigh escaped Benita. "That's good of you, Lilah. Because Asher is also your boss, it's okay. Just be careful, okay?"

"I'll be back." Lilah gave her a soft hug before stepping out.

"Don't be long. So I won't worry too." her mum added.

Mr and Mrs Wulfric, Lilah's parents, own a fast-causal restaurant down the street where they manage. It isn't the biggest in the streets of California but they could raise their daughters from its source.

Lilah took her mum's black Nissan Versa car. She just started working with

Sure West Communications. It is a holding company, operating through subsidiaries, that provides a range of telecommunications, digital video, Internet, data, and other facilities-based communications services in Northern California. Sure West was founded in 2002 by Lucian Rhys, the former Alpha werewolf who was Asher's late dad. However, the company is headquartered in Roseville, California. Where she works. It was through Asena, her late sister, that she could secure the job to work as his secretary.

When Lilah drove into his compound, she listened to the silence around. It was as if no one was in. Lilah took out her phone from her purse and dialled his contact.

'Ring! Ring!! Ring!!!'

It rang, but there was no reply. He should be around. She dialled his phone number again and again.

'Is he avoiding me now?' The words gave a rumble of protest in her throat.

Lilah pushed the front door, and it opened. A frown formed on her face. She knows how well-secured the place used to be. She gazed around, then sniffed. Something different was lingering in the air. An unfamiliar smell. She rushed to the kitchen and found the purple-flowered plant. Perceiving it, she rushed upstairs.

"Asher!" Her heart sank into the hole of silence that followed.

"Asher! I can smell you. I know you're in." Her blue eyes widened listening to his breath. He was in there, somewhere.

Silence.

"Alpha Asher, where are you?" A solemn tear rolled down her cheek, and she quickly wiped it away with the heels of her hand.

Lilah got to his door and banged on it.

'Bang! Bang! Bang!'

She hit her fist aggressively on his room's door. "Open this door right now!" Her voice shivered amidst the words.

"Go away, Lilah!"

"Just open this door before I break it down!" Lilah wasn't settled.

Her eyes searched around her, fingers running through her scattered hair, looking every bit like the model of a crazy woman.

Without replying, Asher poured an obscene amount of alcohol down his throat.

Lilah kicked on the door, and it creaked. She used both hands to forcefully push it and it broke down at once.

Asher didn't turn, let alone fright. He was seated there on the cold floor of his room, drinking.

Lilah wiped off the dust that lurked in the air and rushed in. Her eyes widened as silent tears of fear streamed down her swollen face. Her trembling lips dropped open to see him in such a state. She rushed to collect the bottle from his hand, but with one push; he threw her across the room.

"Don't tell me you're trying to kill yourself! Your kitchen stinks of wolfsbane!" more tears pricked in her eyes as she struggled. Helping herself up from the fall.

"Why does it matter to you? Just leave me alone! This is ordinary alcohol." he explained, gulping down more of it.

"Alpha Asher, what are you doing to yourself? You haven't been to work for two weeks." Lilah's face scrunched in deep concentration.

"What's the point? Tell me, what's the point of working? What is the point of living? What's the point of breathing when there is no one to share your life with? Why should I bother? Who am I impressing? Who am I competing with? Because if there's any competition somewhere, then I'm off. I've given up, already. My life is pointless, Lilah! Don't stop me!" He gulped down the enormous bottle of wine at hand.

She walked up to him, kneeling right next to him.

"I know you loved my sister. Everyone was excited and preparing for your wedding but she's dead. And you need to move on. You need to roll with life no matter what else, you'll break. What happens when our Alpha is weak?" She gritted her teeth at the words. "I heard Nicholas wants to dethrone you!"

"Whatever," Asher grabbed his pounding head with immense pain. "Let him. Please... I will gladly step down without fighting. I have no strength, Lilah. There is nothing for me. I've lost my mate. How would I dare to live?"

"Please, don't say things like this. You're a leader. You're born for this. I know you can. You can move on! Who said you can't?" Lilah quickly replied. She did not look pleased but she did not argue.

"Move on to what? Move on to what, Lilah? Move on to darkness, sorrows, grief? There's nothing left for me to move onto." Tears clouded his sea-green eyes that had now gone red and sore.

"Asher, you're making it seem like you're the only one who lost someone. I also lost my sister. And my best friend. We lived like twins and you of all people know how close we were! Do you see me acting like this?"

"Maybe all of that was pretence. Maybe you didn't love her enough." A single tear rolled down from his sea-green eyes to his angular chin.

Lilah's eyes glittered at his words. His words held a heavy effect on her.

"Maybe none of you loved her how I do to move on so fast." Asher bitterly growled.

'Thwack! ʼ A hot slap whizzed across his face.

Asher held his left cheek, shocked to the bones. He never knew Lilah would react to his words this way.

"How can you say that to me?" she questioned, emphasizing the last word. "How dare you question the love I have for my sister! We shared the same blood! Ate the same food and even slept on the same bed! Asher, what is wrong with you? I was worried enough to come here, sympathizing with you, but deep in your heart, you hate to see me! Are you blaming me for Asena's death right now? Do you think you love her more because you locked yourself up stinking like a poisoned rat? Do you know how much I loved my sister? She meant everything to me, everything!" Lilah stressed the last word so he will, in no doubt, understand.

A shiver ran down her spine as her mind raced with a million thoughts. Asher turned to Lilah, speechless. Not knowing what to say to calm her down. He just ran his fingers confusedly through his jet-black hair mindlessly.

"Do you know how much I miss her every day and try to move on, even though it suffocates? Do you? It hurts waking up every morning, knowing that your sister is no more. I find it hard every morning knowing that she will not be there by my side! And now you tell me I don't love my sister enough?"

Without uttering a word, Asher shook his head negatively. Taking another drink from the bottle at hand.

More tears stained her swollen face as soft moans escaped her lips through the suppressed sound of hiccups.

"Fine! Keep on drinking because I'm blabbing rubbish! It's no point arguing with you!" She snapped at him with a forceful sigh. About to go out, she turned back to him. Lilah grabbed the alcohol bottle from his hand and he jerked at her, confused.

"This is what you want, right?" She placed the bottle in her mouth and gulped down its contents.

"W... What are you doing?" his eyes startled at her confusedly. Making the sadness in his eyes vanish and his pouring tears stop.

She caught her breath, trying to control herself. "Does this prove my love for Asena? Does this mean I love my sister enough? Fine, let's drink! Let's get drowned in the ocean of grief and sorrows. Maybe then you'll realize who you are!"

Asher watched her gulp more content as if she was thirsty before coming. Of course, she was.

"Are you happy now? Does this prove anything to you? Tell me!" She snapped at him.

Asher stood up to her. His vision was blurry, making it difficult to see clearly. He felt the tears creeping out of his eyes as his mouth went salty-watery.

"Come here." Asher's voice muttered while Lilah held him in a soft hug. With her hand around him, she buried her face to his chest, weeping out her eyes, as the bottle dropped. The tears poured as painful memories whirled through her mind. Lilah could no longer hold the heartbreak. She'd forced herself to visit him, now this.

Asher placed his right hand to support her head as the great tremor overtook him. They cried into each other's arms. It took a while. Lilah pulled away from the hug with a red, swollen face. She looked down timidly, unable to look at him. They had never shared a hug and Asher was more of a boss to her than, a brother.

He gazed at her, and something pulled him closer. Her scent. She had the same fresh, flowery scent as that of his mate. The familiar one.

Asher's hot breath gave a tingling sensation on her neck and she felt a bulge pressed on her lower back.

'No... This is wrong.' A thought came up in her mind, but Lilah got stuck in his charms.

"What do you want me to do?" She whispered in Asher's ear. Tingles shot through his body from hearing those words.

"Stay with me," Asher said, with a rasp. Gazing into her blue eyes with sincerity. "Heal me." His word felt like a plea, yet, a command she couldn't say no to. Her body involuntarily responded.

His muscled hands snaked around her lower back to her stomach, slightly pulling her closer. Soft kisses trailed up her neck as Asher held onto her slim body. Their forehead touched each other, as their eyes focused on one another. With hard breaths held, and lustful eyes closed.

"Stay with me, Don't let go." Asher's husky voice pleaded, and Lilah's heart melted to his words. Her mind heated up, gazing into his sea-green eyes that were half-opened. Asher then tilted his head a little, planting a passionate kiss on her lips.

The texture of her lips was that of a ripe flower petal. 'How could it taste like wine?' He wondered, sipping on it again.

Lilah closed her eyes. A single tear rolled down her eyes as their lips moved in unison. Gradually changing from passionate to fiery lust. Lilah wrapped her hands over his head, bringing him closer to her and deepening the kiss. He pulled away breathing heavily, looking into her eyes again.

Asher's teasing kisses got intense with seriousness in his eyes. He flipped her over, with him on top. With a look in his eyes for approval, she nodded in agreement that he should proceed. Asher trailed his kisses from Lilah's neck to between her round breasts to her stomach. Then he took his gaze from her, kissing her lower and lower. Teasing her hot skin before opening her legs.

Lilah opened her eyes and realized the chill in the room was different.

"Where am I?" Her half-sleepy eyes narrowed as she quickly pulled up from bed. Her hand searched around and she touched Asher's built chest. Suddenly, she remembered she visited him. Checking for her phone, Lilah scrolled through and saw 19 missed calls from Mum.

"No... This isn't happening." She cried mentally and checked the time. It was 6:01 a.m.

Slowly, Lilah picked up her knitted dress and put it on. Looking at Asher, his perfectly structured body lay naked on his executive bed, partly covered by his thick white, fur-blanket. Without saying a word, she picked up her purse and left.

Getting home, Lilah pushed the door, and it was locked. She brought out a bunch of keys from her small hand purse and opened the door. Surprised to see that her dad was back already, Lilah swallowed hard on her breath.

Previously, Mr Wulfric travelled to South Korea to cook for some business executives. He usually travels from country to country for social services.

"Oh, Dad. You're back." She peeled a smile at him and hurried to hug him.

"Yes, my dear. Where are you coming from?" his thick brow raised while he gently pulled away from the hug.

"I paid Eliana a visit late last night and crashed at her place." She lied, covering up with a tired yawn.

"Why didn't you pick up my calls?" Benita walked in, cutting into their conversation with a raised voice.

"You kept us worried all night. I couldn't sleep a wink. Asher also ignored my calls. Where did you spend the night?"

"At Eliana's apartment. I'm sorry I missed your calls. My phone was in silent mode." Lilah replied, innocently. "And Mummy, I am 23-years-old. I'm old enough to take care of myself."

"No matter how old you are, Lilah. You're still my wolf pub. Don't forget, you're the only child for us now."

"I know, mum." She replied with a frown.

"Good. Go inside and change. Don't forget to have a shower, huh? Your eyes are swollen." Benita added.

Lilah walked in with no reply. Although she hated it her mum had to remind her to take a bath now and then, and she just stormed upstairs. Her nostrils flared outwards as she rushed upstairs into her room. As she walked in, her hands banged the door close. Closing the door behind them, she felt her heart building. The surprise that she almost revealed the secret sank into her bones. Lilah sprayed her fingers against her breastbone, feeling its sudden warmth. An involuntary whimper escaped her lips as her slim fingers held her head in confusion.

Lilah placed her back on the wall. Her legs felt wobbly as the thought of spending the night with Asher poured through. She dropped to the floor instantly, with a flood of tears bursting from the corners of her eyes. Her body was wracked with an onslaught of sobs and tears as she fought to hold it back. Lilah clenched her fist in a ball with her teeth, gritted in pain and anger.

"What have I done to myself? What have I done... Asena? Asena please, forgive me. I betrayed you... I shouldn't have done that." Her bottom lips quivered, making her shoulders drop in resignation. "I didn't know how it happened... Asena, I feel terrible. I slept with your mate, I feel ruined!"

More soft moans escaped her lips through the suppressed sounds of weeping. She didn't want her mum to come up again, asking her what was wrong. She would get the truth out of her, no matter what.

"What am I going to do? Who am I going to tell? I just spent the night with Alpha Asher, what happened throughout the night?" More tears raced down her red cheeks. Lilah knew it was over. Her life would be over if anyone knew this.

She crawled to her bed in a dishevelled heap as her grief poured out in a flood of uncontrollable tears, crying onto her pillow. A series of coughs escaped her throat, making it difficult to swallow.

"I just want to die... How do I face the whole pack if this gets out? How do I look at him again?" her raspy voice clamoured in the silence.

'Ring! Ring!! Ring!!!' The vibration of her phone freaked her out. Its sudden buzz almost caused her heart attack as she froze, with eyes filled with panic.

'Ring! Ring!! Ring!!!'

Lilah grabbed her purse to check. It was 2 missed calls from Conan, her mate. Her eyes widened in dismay as he called repeatedly.

"What do I say? How do I reply?" Lilah's mind wept over the thought and she was freaking out.

'No one must know about this. Not even my mum or my mate.' She promised to bury last night's incident within her chest. Hopefully, it dies there.

***

"Lilah, look at me." Benita hissed. "I said face me!"

Lilah did, and they shared intense eye contact.

"Oh, my goodness... Have you been crying?" Her mother asked with widened eyes.

"No... Not at all, mum. I haven't." Lilah defended.

"You're shivering." Benita cut in and pestered. "You know I don't like it when you lie."

Lilah gazed away, swallowing the lump of guilt welling up in her chest. Benita lifted her oblong face and closer.

"Look at your eyes!" Benita pressed with worry written a over her face.

"I told you I'm not crying."

"It's obvious you were crying. Talk to me. What is the problem? I thought you were getting over Asena's death. Did something bad happen? Did your boss sack you? Tell me so I would go talk to him."

"No, I didn't get sacked. Yes... I was crying but, it's not something serious." Lilah stammered.

"Ah, just listen to yourself. No, you were not crying. Yes, you're crying, but not something serious. Talk to me, Lilah. Stop hiding your worries with lies. It solves nothing." She placed a hand on hers. "What is the problem?"

"Mum, you worry too much. It's just a slight headache. I'll be fine." Lilah pointed out.

"Would you be going to work today? I can't stop thinking about you because you're my only child now." She raised again with a puzzled look.

"I would go tomorrow."

"Would you be fine staying home? I think you should go out a little." Benita suggested. "To let these worries off your mind."

"Okay... I would follow you to the restaurant." Lilah agreed.

"Good. I will wait for you, so we will go together." Benita wore a smile of encouragement to her daughter.

Lilah went to the bathroom to have a shower. She put on a navy blue jeans trousers and a black sweater.

"Are you cold?" Benita asked, placing a head on her forehead. "It seems you're burning up." She jerked. "Put on a simple singlet and let's go."

"Okay, mum." She replied, doing as instructed.

After changing into a white singlet, Lilah rushed out of the house to join her mother in their car. Benita drove off to the empty street and Lilah was sure to put her phone in silence.

In no time, Benita swerved her into the parking lot. Other workers were serving and cleaning up the place already. After breakfast, someone entered and her gaze raised at the person. It was Eliana, her friend.

She had a green-laced sheath dress on and black pairs of platform heels on her feet. Her shoulder-length, light blonde hair fitted her fair skin so well. And her sky-blue eyes were one to die for.

'Tap! Tap! Tap!'

Eliana tapped on the front table where Lilah was seated before she realized she was standing in front of her.

"What's up, girl! It's been a while!" Eliana started with a bright, welcoming smile.

"Oh, you're here. How's everything? " Lilah' s raspy voice replied.

"You don't seem happy. Are you still on your sister's death or is it something else?"

"Take a seat." Lilah offered, ignoring her questions.

"You haven't answered my questions, Lee! And why have you been ignoring my calls? Since yesterday... I was damn worried, it took a lot to wait till today." Eliana raised a slim eyebrow.

"I think I'm not over with Asena's death, yet," she explained. "I still see her in my dreams."

"Geez! I know you two were like twins, but come on, this should have gone by now. What's the dream about?"

"She just wants me to be there for her. I see her in a garden, but Asena isn't happy. She is always worrying about us too, Mum, Dad, and Asher. I wish to move along, but it's difficult. The more I try to forget her, the more I can't."

"Aw...that's sad. Don't worry, everything will be fine." She said, rolling a strand of hair with her index finger. "That reminds me... Why I wanted to see you."

Lilah pulled forward, interestingly.

"Conan. He left me messages asking if you travelled with your dad. He said he came over, but you weren't around. Are you ignoring your mate because of any specific reason?"

"No, I'm not ignoring Conan. You know I can't. We met two weeks ago and everything was fine." Lilah replied in defence.

"Wasn't that before Asena's death?" Eliana gave her a bitchy look. "Conan came by last Friday to check on you. I guess he's been occupied lately. You should also check up on him."

"Ugh. I'm trying, Elie! I'm doing my best." Lilah pointed out.

"I can see that... Even if you don't reply to his texts, you need to see him. Conan is worried about you. You guys are my power couple... I just wish I'd find my mate, eventually."

"But you've been in serval relationships with humans. You shouldn't have to complain, Elie! Don't you get what you want?"

"You and I know that the moon goddess chooses our destined soulmates. Sometimes, I wonder why I haven't met mine yet. Is it because I'm cheating on someone I haven't met already? Ugh. The guilt is killing me!" Eliana whined like a child and Lilah held onto her suppressed laugh.

She always complains, yet gets the advantage of living both as a werewolf and a human. Even after many heartbreaks, she just won't learn.

"I don't know. Do I still have a mate out there? What if he's dead?" Eliana raised again.

"You can think whatever, bestie. What should I offer you?"

"Cobb salad and strawberry milkshake... The usual." A tired sigh escaped her lips. "I'll have to rush back to work in 30 minutes."