The Alpha's Alpha

Nineteen

TW: depression

(POV switch)

Koa's POV

It has been three days since Tino and I's adventure in the gardens. That day was a turning point for us. It broke the barrier of awkwardness, that was until the end when I said something that made him go back into his mind, yet again. 

I had just gotten him comfortable around me, and for a moment he was like I remembered. He was himself. I made sure to take Kona's advice and be my open self with him and I assume that took him by surprise by the way he looked at me when I laughed or smiled. 

Something that was a very sensitive topic for us. But if I had to, to prove to him that I was his. I would never smile at another. Not even my mama. I would do that for Tino.

I saw him a few times since then, the conversations were always nice and I could feel our bond growing. But he wasn't playful, he was quiet and put together. I didn't like it. There was something more happening. Something that I needed to get to the bottom of, and not just as his mate but as his friend. I cared for Tino truly and I wanted him to know that.

Which is why I am standing in the middle of the foyer, pacing back and forth waiting for a glimpse of him to speak with him. And truly find out what is going on in his mind. 

"Koa? What are you doing here? There's no meeting today." Vincent's voice rang through my ears as I turned to look at him. His voice was similar to Tino's but of course, Tino's was better.

"I was wondering if I could speak with Tino," I told him truthfully. Vin's face got tight and his eyes began to dart around as if he was hiding something.

"He can't." He said slowly, avoiding eye contact.

"Is everything alright Vincent?" He was hiding something. I took a step forward trying to close the space. Just in case he did tell me, no wandering ears would hear it too.

"I'm not allowed to say." He sighed. "Just, he can't talk right now."

"Something is wrong with my mate? I need to see him." Allister was growling in my head telling me I shouldn't ask permission to see my mate. Rather run and find him myself. Had our bond been stronger I would have felt his emotions and I would have known sooner.

"Koa, please dude. Just g--" Before he could finish I stomped past him and followed the path I briefly remember from our brief encounter before, all those years ago. Him being pushed against his bedroom door.  A memory that had been tattooed in my brain.

His scent got stronger as I got closer, but then I could feel his distress which caused me to stir. I felt it come over me like a wave. My chest was tight, my head was pounding. Was Valentino emitting such sadness?

I got closer to the door and the feeling got stronger. Something is wrong. Very wrong. I lifted my hand to knock on the door. Soft but loud enough for him to hear.

"Go away." His voice didn't sound like my Tino's. No, it was soft and unsure. And it cracked slightly. I knocked again, needing to see him.

"Tino." My voice was soft, and I heard him suck in a breath and mutter a soft profanity. Moments later the door was open. But only slightly. I couldn't even see him.

"What are you doing here?" Now that he was closer and there was no barrier I could hear his voice thoroughly. He was broken. It was soft. It made my heart clench in pain to feel my mate in such agony. But why?