-Athena-

It's been roughly three days now since I moved into the penthouse with Theo, Charles and four new bodyguards; two males and two females, who also happen to be Theo's pack warriors. I was most certainly not pleased to meet them when they arrived a few days ago, but I'd rather have them than Theo tailing me day and night.

As I button up my indigo colored suit, my mind keeps on coming up with different ways in which I can escape my security detail. If not all four of them, then at least two of them are at my constant back and call. I cannot even enter an elevator first before either one of them goes in to inspect it.

I put on my matching heels, grab my bag and files and walk out. I notice Charles and Theo seated at the dining table having their breakfast. 

''Good morning Athena,'' Charles chirps as he gulps down his orange juice.

''Morning,'' I reply stoically and grab an apple from the fruit bowl.

''Still pissed off about the security love?'' Theo raises an eyebrow at me as he looks up from his phone.

''You certainly don't see me dancing around, do you?''

''Well, aren't you a ray of sunshine Athena. Can't you be nice?'' Charles asks me.

''I can, but I won't. Especially since I don't have my privacy anymore. I'm tailed by....by...your pack warriors everywhere I go. Literally everywhere.'' I put emphasis on the word.

''Seriously?'' Charles laughs. ''Everywhere?'' 

''Everywhere, Charles. I'm not even joking,'' I sigh.

''That's their job love. And by the way, it's not my pack warriors. It's our pack warriors. You're their alpha too. Besides, I did give you another option. I could let them go, but that means you'll get me,'' he smirks deviously.

Oh, how I wish to wipe that annoying smirk from his face, I think to myself as I glare at him in anger. ''Ughhhhh!!'' I stomp my foot in frustration and walk out of the door.

''Wow, you really wound her up man. I mean, I know I told you to up your game but this-this is top notch brother,'' I hear Charles tell Theo as he high fives him.

''I heard that!!!'' I shout from the hallway.

''I know! You were supposed to!'' Charles replies from inside.

I grit my teeth in annoyance and press the elevator button. After a few minutes it dings open, only to reveal the smiling faces of two of the warriors, Eleanor and Hudson.

 ''Good morning Alpha,'' they both greet me as I walk inside the elevator.

''Morning.''

''We have checked and re-checked your route today alpha. Everything is clear. There is no sign of danger,'' Eleanor tells me.

''Umm, thank you. Although it is really not necessary you guys. Is there any way you can like, you know, not follow me everywhere? I won't tell him, I promise.''

''I'm sorry, but Alpha Theo has ordered us not to let you out of our sight no matter what the circumstances,'' Hudson replies with his head bowed low.

''Ughh, great,'' I groan and bang my head on the elevator door. Just at that moment, it slides open making me lose my momentum. I'm about to hit the ground when two pairs of arms grab me by the shoulders.

''Alpha, are you okay?'' Eleanor asks, inspecting me for any signs of injuries.

''I'm okay, I'm okay. Just didn't expect the door to open. That's it,'' I reply and fix my suit.

Well, I guess I really do need this security.

We walk towards my car and Eleanor unlocks it before getting in the driver's seat as Hudson walks over to open the door to the back seat for me.

''Umm, excuse me, but how did you get my car keys?''

''Beta Charles gave them to us last night. Alpha Theo said that we will be driving you to and from work now,'' she replies.

I take in a deep breath not wanting to lash out at the poor girl. No, no, no, I'm reserving my anger for Theo. Today I'm going to give him a peace of my mind, but right now I need to be at the office. ''Let's just go. I'll deal with this later.''

''Athena hey. Uhhh, love the outfit, love the color on you!'' Nancy compliments me as I walk in, my bodyguards tailing behind me. ''Hey, so I've been meaning to ask you, what's up with the two guards following you around everywhere,'' she whispers. Although I'm pretty sure they've heard her.

''I'd rather not talk about it. Now come on, the photo-shoot is scheduled for two weeks from now. We have a lot of work to do.''

I turn to look at Eleanor and Hudson. ''Look you guys, please don't station yourselves outside my cabin. It's- um – weird,'' I try to explain. ''You can...you can sit in the waiting lounge, if you will.''

''Whatever you say alpha,'' they say in unison and bow their heads before walking towards the lounge. I look around the office to see if anyone noticed their actions but thankfully there was none. ''Okay. Let's get to work shall we?'' I announce to Nancy as I walk into my office.

I spent the most part of the morning answering phone calls and making sure that everything is going as per the plan for the shoot. As the evening approaches, I'm beat and ready to hit the hay when someone comes running in my cabin.

''Ma'am, there are some people outside who are not letting Mr. Grey in!'' he shouts in alarm.

''Some people? Who? Who are you talking about?'' I ask him, confusion latched on my face.

"It's a lady and a man and their like, freakishly strong,'' he replies while leaning on the glass door trying to catch his breath.

''Ohh shoot! I'd almost forgotten about them,'' I face palm myself. ''It's okay. Just go. I'll handle this.''

I walk outside and see Leo trying his best not to throw the two warriors across the floor.

''Let him go!'' I command. They both immediately take their hands off him and back away.

Leo clears his throat and adjusts his suit and tie before speaking up. ''Mind explaining this?''

''Walk with me,'' I reply and signal him to follow me. 

Eleanor and Hudson make an attempt to follow us, but I signal them to stand down. ''No. Not this time. I'll be fine,'' I whisper quietly, knowing they've heard me clearly.

''But.... alpha Athena- alpha Theo said-'' Hudson starts. I throw my hand up in the air, silencing him. ''No. I will speak to Theo. Don't worry about it.''

Leo looks at me, confusion etched over his face. ''Athena, did I miss something?''

''Ohh you missed a lot,'' I laugh sarcastically. ''For one, Theo, Charles and I live together. Secondly, Amunet sent ten vampires to kill me and now my apartment looks like a slaughter house,'' I explain to him as vaguely as I could. ''But all that aside. Why are you here?''

''Okay, well umm. I-uhh-I.... just tell me this, are you and him back together?'' he asks me.

''I don't see how that concerns you, Leo. That is between me and my mate.''

''Right. Your mate, who up until a few weeks ago you didn't even know existed. Or rather, you knew but didn't care.''

''Why are you here Leo? Because as far as i'm concerned, the only relationship you and I have right now is of business. You made sure of that. So tell me, why are you really here?''

''You're right. You're right. Business, that's why I came here,'' he runs a hand through his hair. ''I actually came to drop off some samples for your art department to work on.''

''But why did you have to come personally? You could have sent someone from your office, right?'' I question him.

''Yes.... yes... yes...that's what I'll do from now on,'' he replies then stops abruptly. ''It was good to see you again Athena. I'll take your leave now.'' And with that he walks out the main door and leaves.

''Here's to hoping I never have that conversation again,'' I mumble to myself as I take the stairs up to my office floor. As soon as walk in, Eleanor and Hudson are on their feet running their eyes all over me, checking for any sort of wound or injury.

''I'm fine, you guys. We just went down one floor,'' I reassure them.

''Was that Mr.Grey I just saw? What was he doing here? what did he want?'' Nancy questions as soon as I walk inside my cabin.

''Not now Nancy, please, I'm really tired, I've had a long day today and I'm feeling really hot,'' I start fanning myself. ''Is the AC on?''

''Yeah, it's been on since morning and the temperature is lowered, just the way you like it,'' she replies, while double checking to see if it really is on.

''Really, that's weird. Why do I feel so hot all of a sudden?'' I touch my forehead to check for a fever but it seems okay. ''I think I should go home and sleep early. Must be fatigue.'' I gather my stuff and walk out with Eleanor and Hudson in tow.

I get into the shower as soon as I reach home. The cold water dripping on my back makes me sigh in content. As soon as I'm done, I change into a tank top and shorts before walking to the pantry in search of some food. 

''Ahhhh! I didn't realize you were here,'' I scream, shocked at seeing him here.

Theo closes the fridge and turns to look at me while holding a bottle of cold water in one hand and his phone on the other. ''I just came in,'' he replies. I notice his gaze travel down my body and his eyes turn a shade darker. ''You should- ahem- you should put something on, on top of that,'' he clears his throat and tries to look away, but fails miserably.

''Normally I would have, but I'm feeling really hot today. I mean, I did shower and all but still. Are you feeling it too?''

''No...no I'm not. It's actually quite chilly outside Athena. Are you sure you okay?'' he looks at me worriedly.

''Yeah. Yeah. I'm totally fine. I'm not even feeling hot anymore,'' I tell him. 

And it is  was the truth. One second I was feeling hot and suddenly I'm not. Am I falling sick? I don't think I can though. But can I?

''Athena? Athena? Love, can you hear me?'' Theo's voice breaks me from my reverie and I look up at him clueless, ''huh, what?''

He shakes his head and smiles at me, ''classic you to zone out, love,'' he mutters. ''Anyway, I was asking what you would like to have for dinner. Charles has offered to cook.''

''I have not actually. I am being forced to cook,'' Charles comes out of his room complaining.

 Theo shoots him a glare making him shut up immediately. He then clears his throat and asks me sweetly although I can see through the facade. ''What would you like to have for dinner my lady?''

''Actually, I was thinking we could order from outside. I have this sudden craving for a cheese burger and fries,'' I slurp.

''Well then, it's decided,'' Charles claps excitedly, ''I'm not cooking. We are having cheeseburgers!!''

''Just hold on, let me give you the cash,'' I tell him as I grab my wallet and remove some money.

''Whoa, whoa,whoa. What do you think you're doing?'' Theo suddenly walks up to me and grabs my hand, stopping me from giving Charles the money.

I try to ignore the sparks that rush through my body from the contact, but fail as an involuntary gasp escapes me. I pull my hand away from his grasp and extend it towards Charles. ''Take it.''

''Charles, do not take the money from her!'' Theo commands.

''Take it Charles, please.''

''He is not going to take it love,'' Theo looks at me and smirks. ''I commanded him not to. Perks of being an alpha.'' He then winks.

''Ahh... well I am an alpha too. You should listen to me as well!!'' I gasp in shock.

''That's because you asked him as a friend. When you command as an alpha your beta or any other pack member have no choice but to listen,'' he explains.

''That is so not fair. Why do you always have to do this? You didn't even let me pay for the Chinese the other day!'' I yell in his face.

''Well, that's because you don't have to Athena. And I will never let you pay for anything ever,'' he replies calmly.

I scoff at him in anger when Charles suddenly speaks up,'' Athena chill. Your mate is a billionaire. Don't worry about petty matters like these. Just sit back and relax.''

''Maybe somebody else would, but I have not been raised like that Charles. I'm sorry, I will not accept this. You either take the money or I will go out there by myself and get those damn burgers!''

I hear Theo sigh in defeat behind me, then watch as he nods his head and tells Charles to take the money. ''There is no winning with you is there love?'' He shakes his head at me.

''Nope. because I always win. Always,'' I flip my hair and walk back towards my room leaving him standing there in the foyer, with his hands in his pockets, staring at my retreating back

Charles has not yet come from the burger place and i'm starting to wonder if he is the one making them. So now i'm seated at my desk that was placed by the window next to my bed, going through my files. I have this habit of double checking everything just to make sure it's all in order. 

I pull my chair back and get up when a wave of heat hits me. ''What in the world....'' I groan out as another flash of heat rushes through my body. I grab the back of chair and bend over, gasping for breath. ''Phew. Why is it so hot in here?''

I grab my laptop and decide to move to the balcony. ''Maybe the fresh air will help,'' I mumble to myself, as I take a seat on the comfortable bean bag placed there. The balcony is fairly big and outstretches towards the street. I notice the other two warriors stationed on the far corners of the balcony. ''Don't you guys get a break?''

''We've had our break alpha,'' the girl replies.

''Umm okay, cool, ''I reply and continue with my work. ''Is it just me or is it really hot tonight?'' I say after a few minutes of silence. The two warrior exchange confused looks. That's when I notice them wearing really thick jackets. ''Okay, so it's just me.''

I keep on fanning myself as the heat keeps on increasing by the minute. My eyes suddenly flash, I can feel my wolf getting agitated and my body is on fire. I take in deep breathes, trying to regain control, but it is to no avail. My hearing picks up the front door being slammed shut and I hear footsteps making their way towards me.

''Oh goddess!! Cameron, no!!'' I hear the female wolf shout as Cameron makes his way towards me. I make eye contact with him and see the lust in his eyes.

''Get away from me!'' I shout. Why am I so aroused? why is my whole body on fire?

''Hudson, back off,'' Sharon, the female wolf shouts at him as the other guy walks in the balcony.

''Alpha Athena you're going to be okay. We just.... we just need alpha Theo,'' Sharon tries to explain it to me.

''Then where the hell is he?!! Get him here.... NOW!!!!'' I scream as I double over in pain.

''But...I can't leave you here with them,'' she cries out in fear.

The two men, are now starting to get closer to me and I can smell their arousal.

''Theo!!!'' I cry out, my voice hoarse now.

''Hudson, Cameron. Stay away from the alpha,'' Sharon warns as she tries to shield me from the two un-mated males.

''I'm burning up. I feel like I'm on fire,'' I groan out. My hair is mated with sweat and I'm breathless. My skin feels like it's burning and I have this sudden craving for my mate.

''EVERYBODY LEAVE, NOW!!!!'' A voice suddenly booms a few feet away from me. The two males stop in their tracks and turn to face Theo who is standing on the threshold, that leads to the balcony. I try to lean to the side to catch a glimpse of him and boy, was that a mistake.

Our gazes meet and I see his eyes darken to a point where they're almost black. ''Leave!!'' He growls out one more time. Sharon moves away from me and with the help of Theo; pushes the two males out of the balcony.

The burning sensation increases and I feel overwhelmed from all the emotions I'm feeling. One second I want to slap the shit out of Theo and in another I want to rip his shirt apart and kiss him hard. I try to control them but they are all over the place.

Theo closes the distance between us and places his hand on my cheek. A satisfying moan escapes me from the contact and his eyes seem to darken even more. ''Not helping, love,'' he says in a husky voice, making my stomach do flip flops.

''You're going through your first heat Athena. It's your body's way of preparing you for a baby,'' he starts to explain. My eyes widen in fear at the mention of babies. ''No..no..no...no it's okay, it's okay love. It's okay. We're not doing anything tonight, okay?'' he looks at me in the eyes and I see sincerity in them.

''Please don't leave me,'' I manage to whimper, clinging to him like my life depended on it.Only at this moment, it actually did.

''Never again, love, never again,'' he whispers and places a soft kiss on my forehead. That simple act made my insides melt and I had to suppress the oncoming moan.

He carries me bridal style to the bathroom and places me gently in the bathtub. ''The cold water will help in cooling you down, okay? this is going to be a long process,'' he says as he turns on the tap and the shower. Cold water starts dripping down on the both of us. The cold water cascading down my back helps me cool down a little, but the sight of Theo in a wet shirt with his sleeves rolled up to his elbows makes me drool and my skin lights up again.

''It's getting worse, Theo!'' I groan. ''The cold water is not helping!''

''Okay. Okay. Let's see- umm- let me get some ice.'' He runs out of the bathroom and comes backs a few minutes later with two bags of ice and dumps them over me. ''Better, love?'' he asks.

''Uhh huh...but they will melt soon,'' I tell him.

''Let me call Charles,'' he dries his hands and fishes out his phone. ''Charles, where are you?'' he asks as soon as he picks up.

''Okay...go to the nearby store or supermarket or whatever and bring ice. Lots of ice.''

''What do you mean lots of ice? Where am I supposed to get it from?''

Before Theo could reply I grab the phone from him. ''I don't care where you get it from Morgan!! You just bring the ice or else I will not survive the night and I will kill you!!!!'' I threaten him.

''You heard the woman, GET. THE. ICE. She is going through her first heat,'' Theo tells him.

I hear Charles' squeal of excitement on the other end before the line gets disconnected.

''Did he just squeal like a little girl?'' I quirk an eyebrow at my mate.

''I believe he did. How are you feeling now?''

''A bit better. At least I don't feel like I'm on fire,'' I snort a laugh.

''Yeah, well, not to burst your bubble or anything, but it's not going to last. As soon as the ice melts you'll heat up again. It's the one thing that's keeping you sane right now.''

''But it's not the best option right?'' I bend my legs and place my chin on my knees as I look up at him through my lashes.

He is leaning against the bathroom counter arms crossed. His eyes are still darker than usual. How he is able to control himself is beyond me. ''You and I both know what the best option is Athena. But....''

''But we are not there....'' I reply. He looks up at me and I notice a hint of sadness in his eyes. ''-yet,'' I complete, a small smile playing on my lips. 

''I can live with that,'' he smiles in return.

I notice the ice melting and my temperature starts to gradually rise. ''Uhhh, Theo? We need more ice.''

He looks at me and I notice his nostrils flare as he takes in my scent. He opens his eyes and they're now pitch black, filled with lust. His gaze lands on me and I shudder from it. Goosebumps form on my arms and legs as the same feeling of lust fills me. I sense his wolf egging him to move forward, to claim me as he is supposed to.

He is about to take a step toward me when the front door bursts open and Charles runs in holding five bags of ice. ''The warriors are bringing more,'' he pants as he hands the bags to Theo who dumps the ice on me.

''Make sure the two males don't enter the house, they are un-mated and it's not a good idea for her to be around them.''

''Got it. I'll keep them away,'' Charles replies and walks away.

Theo keeps on adding the ice but after about an hour of doing so the effects of it begin to lessen. The heat starts creeping up my skin again making me shudder. ''Theo!!!'' I yell and he is immediately by my side.

''What happened, love?'' he asks worriedly while placing a hand on my shoulder. His touch ignited a series of sparks in me making me gasp in pleasure. I grab onto the bathtub my eyes meeting his in the process. ''Do we have any other option?'' I wheeze out.

''I believe we do. But we need to get you out of the tub first,'' he says and grabs a towel from the rack. I struggle to get up, water dripping all over the bathroom floor, my clothes clinging to me like a second skin.

 ''Here. I got you love, I got you,'' he whispers and throws the towel around me.

He leads me towards the balcony, rubbing my shoulders slowly knowing that contact from a mate will help keep the fire at bay. We lay down on one of the couches placed outside. The cold air of the night hitting me just right. I slow down my breathing to a normal pace and try to relax when I feel his presence leaving me.

''Theo? but....''

''Don't worry love I'm not leaving. I'm just going to get fresh towels. I'll be right back,'' he tells me and walks into the house.

I suddenly started missing his presence, my wolf whining at the back of my mind, wanting to be with our mate. ''Oh god no!!'' I grunt as the fire comes back. I throw the towel off my back and grasp on the armrest. I hear a crack as the right side of couch falls off. Damn! How hard was my grip on it?

''Athena??'' Theo calls out from behind me. I try to turn to look at him but my body is too tired. He comes to stand in front of me, taking in the scene before him. ''Seriously?''

''I'm sorry. It's-it's unbearable,'' I groan out in pain.

''Okay come on,'' he says and lifts me from the couch and puts the bathrobe on me. Leaving my skin tingling in pleasure at every point his touches mine. ''We're going to get through this.''

He pushes two bean bags together and puts me down on one. Then plops down on the other. ''Come here,'' he orders, in his husky voice and pulls me towards him. He puts his arms around, drawing small circles on my hands, making the fire gradually die down. I breath out a deep sigh of relief. Thanking the moon goddess for his presence tonight, otherwise I don't know what I would have done.

''So, we are gonna stay like this the whole night?'' I look up at him, my fingers itching to trace that sharp jawline of his.

''Yup. So long as you're comfortable and the heat dies down,'' he replies, running his fingers through my hair which in turn makes me hum in delight.

''Are you comfortable?'' I ask him again.

''Are you kidding me? I love this and I love you Athena. I know you probably don't feel it right now but it's fine. I'll wait.''

Ohh goddess. How am I supposed to reply to that? I bite my lip nervously and blurt out the first thing that comes to my mind. ''So...uhh...did Charles bring those burgers?''

***

Sooooo what do you guys think?

Athena just went through her first heat. Aren't we glad that Theo was there?

Thoughts in the comment section as usual.

-Jessica.S