FIRST CONVERSATION

CHAPTER SIX

FIRST CONVERSATION.

ELENA'S POV

I grasped the door handle and turned it slowly, then pushed the door open and stepped outside. I paused for a moment, checking to ensure no one was watching. Satisfied, I shut the door behind me and hurried into the woods.

“Finally,” I sighed as the cool, fresh air hit my face, a welcome relief from the stuffy gathering inside.

My eyes soon caught sight of something unexpected—a small, secluded body of water nestled within the pack’s territory. Intrigued, I made my way toward it, marveling at the unexpected sight. It was a small, pristine pool, tucked away as if someone had carefully maintained it just for moments like this.

I brushed some sand off the concrete edge and sat down, taking in the peaceful surroundings. The faint hum of the party inside was still audible, making me even more grateful for my escape.

Suddenly, a disturbance in the water caught my attention. Before I could react, a head emerged from the pool, causing me to flinch and stumble backward onto the ground.

“Be careful!” a familiar voice called out.

I froze, recognizing the voice instantly. I looked toward the water, and my gaze softened.

“It’s just you,” I said, pushing myself up and brushing sand off my clothes.

Liam chuckled, his expression turning serious as he locked eyes with me. “Are you okay?”

“Yes and no, but I’ll manage,” I replied, forcing a smile. “I should get back inside,” I added, still wanting to avoid the noisy gathering.

“Are you sure?” Liam’s brows arched playfully.

“Of course,” I said, though my tone betrayed my nervousness.

“You’re not, Elena,” he said, swimming to the edge. He pulled himself out of the water, droplets cascading down his body. I couldn’t help but notice the way the water clung to his toned physique.

“Ouch, my hands are sore,” Liam winced, pulling me from my daze.

“I wasn’t staring!” I protested, though I knew I was lying.

“Really? All my effort to get your attention, and it’s a waste?” he teased.

“Totally,” I said, trying to sound casual.

“Ouch!... You’re hurting my feelings,” he said with a dramatic sigh, making me chuckle. He flashed me a grin before sitting beside me on the concrete.

“Can you stay for a while and keep me company?” he asked, squinting hopefully.

“Considering how much I want to avoid the noise inside… yes,” I said, nodding.

“It’s like you read my mind,” he said, rolling his eyes playfully as he patted the space next to him.

I took a seat beside him, and we sat in silence for a few minutes. I wanted to ask him so many things, but I held back. The quiet wasn’t just awkward; it was thick with unspoken thoughts.

“So… are you rejecting me?” Liam broke the silence, his voice serious. My breath caught in my chest. I opened my mouth, but no words came out. What could I say?

“I’m not a full member of this pack yet, so I can’t reject you as my Alpha,” I said, scratching my neck awkwardly.

“I’m not talking about that,” he said, his gaze steady.

“I don’t actually understand… You weren’t very clear, and I’m not the sharpest,” I rambled, hoping he’d drop the topic.

“Are you rejecting me as your mate?” he asked plainly. My palms grew clammy.

“I… I don’t know,” I whispered, my voice barely audible.

“I don’t know, as in maybe? So you might reject me?” he pressed, his expression earnest.

I sighed deeply and nodded, feeling a wave of conflicting emotions. Liam looked away, staring at the water as silence enveloped us again.

“But why?” he asked, his voice filled with a mix of hurt and confusion.

“Because… I don’t want to get hurt again,” I said, the words spilling out before I could stop them. I watched Liam’s shocked expression and bit my lip, realizing I had just revealed a personal pain.

“You were once mated?” he asked, his voice steady but his eyes wide.

"Yes, to an Alpha also" I responded, trying hard not to think about Logan.

"You rejected him?" He asked and I nearly scoffed. If I'd none of his plans, I sure would have but he beat me to it, thinking about it now seem to make my skin crawl.

"Nope. He rejected me. After cheating on me with my cousin, he fucking rejected me in front of the entire pack" I groaned, running my hands into my hair frustrated.

"I'm sorry about that. But I'm glad he did" Liam muttered and I gave him this scorn look, like was he serious right now?.

"Puff... don't get me wrong, I meant I'm glad you didn't end up mated to him cause there's no way, I would have met you then" I felt my cheek heat up at his utterance but I quickly subdued it, Logan made me feel this same way and he turned out to be a snitch!.

"Yea, I'm also glad I'm free... free from Alpha Logan Lee Parker" I heaved a sigh of relief.

" What did you just call him?" Liam wriggled his brows.

"Alpha Logan Lee Parker" I repeated.

Liam swallowed hard. "Don't... tell me you are from the Silver pack" He stuttered.

I stared at him, scrutinizing his behavior. 'Why did he suddenly become tensed when I mentioned Logan, does he know him?' I wanted to ask him but I shrugged it off.

"Yes..." I drawled.

Liam's eyes widened, a took on another gulped and slowly averted my gaze, his hand trembling. What was wrong with him?.

"Do you know him?" I finally let my curiosity get the better of me.

"I...I..." Liam stuttered stopping halfway and then he took another gulp.