I Claim Your Love

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 place 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

company at this time; may be never!

The lush green land 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

company like his fellow pack mates. It was already hard and heavy for him. The constant loneliness

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

landed on the long chains which were affixed to the big metal hooks hinged at the wall all the way to his

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. Callan 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. All content © N/.ôvel/Dr/ama.Org.

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

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

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

Callan 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 escalated 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 plate 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.

Callan sat where he was. Thinking; contemplating on what to say. The burning compassion 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.

Callan 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 Callan 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 occurred.

Callan 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 Callan’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. Callan even knew for a fact that somehow

Einar was blaming 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 Callan had not reached out to the wolf since the time he knew about the truth. In reality it

was both Einar and Callan 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.

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

“Hmm..?”

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

eye sort of thing.” Callan in his own trance chose to sit on the bed near the muscular 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 Callan to help him. He knew that the muscular

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

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

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

Einar was in pain and he needed help.

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

me.”

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

Callan 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.”

Callan blinked “Trust me.”

Callan’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 Callan. 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 Callan was distressed by looking at the sight of Einar. “I promised Rosaline to

keep you company and not let you feel alone.”

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

Callan 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 Callan 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 nonchalant

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

It was frustrating.

Callan scowled and accusingly asked Einar “Why cant we be friends?”

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

“Why not?”

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

“You are not the alpha anymore.” In the heat of the moment Callan 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 Callan bit his lips in embarrassment and shame. He apologetically

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. Callan 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.

Callan 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 relationship.”

The proposal to be close to Callan 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 successfully. 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 the community would approve of their bond. Moreover

Callan 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 Callan 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 Callan asked all of a sudden “You haven’t answered my

question.”

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

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

open arms and think about the consequences as they come. Maybe it was finally time to hold Callan

tightly in his arms. Love him for all the eternity and declare 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. Callan was surprised by the sudden gesture because Einar looked happy

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

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

His determined self wanted to be accountable 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.

Callan was all he could think of. Callan 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 Callan slowly closed

his eyes to accept what was coming 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 accelerated rate of their heart beat.

It was finally the time to accept 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.

Callan 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 muscular man on the other side was anxious and looked

every where around but the man in front.

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

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

Callan 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.

Callan looked at his mate for one last 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 Callan’s visit to Einar’s room. The handsome man showed up almost

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

getting suspicious about Callan’s real motives. Since he lacked 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 Callan’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

syllable 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 uncommunicative 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 nonchalantly. 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 plastered 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 certainly come 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 place 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 replace 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 looked completely 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 Callan?

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 Callan and revealed everything!

I don’t think that has happened.

Are you sure?

Positive. Einar nodded with confidence Callan 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 Callan would have taken the entire pack in a storm about them being mates.

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

twice before holding any communication 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 Callan or hurt him in any which way.

Not yet. The spirit hasn’t had a conversation with Callan 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

Callan. The urge to be with the handsome man would overpower him sooner or later 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’t come 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 my last

resort.

He narrowed his gaze looking nowhere in particular. 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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