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Chapter 16
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The Alpha's Chosen Mate Chapter 17
The hurt in her eyes was still unmistakable, especially when she pressed a hand to her abdomen. He knew that was the main source of her pain. After staring at the bare flesh of her slim waist, he trailed his eyes slowly up her chest, across her slender shoulders and neck, before meeting her eyes."I'm sorry, Ariella, truly I am. But I don't think I'm the only one who's teasing. You should look at yourself."With his gesture, she looked down over her body and cringed at the state of her bareness. A soft flush filled her cheeks, and she squeezed her eyes shut tightly, rubbing her forehead and temples with all fingers at once. Then she looked at him with narrowed eyes, revealing a determination and strength that hadn't been there before. The intensity of the brown hues surprised him."You're right. This isn't working." She stopped and swallowed hastily, perhaps biting back a small cry. "You should probably go. I can put up with the pain myself." Her fists bunched beneath the water, her l
The Alpha's Chosen Mate Chapter 18
"You must be Ella."The voice makes me blink in surprise, and clutch the towel around me tighter to my body. My gaze searches out the source of the feminine voice, a young shewolf standing by the windows. She pulls back the curtains and sunlight pours into the bedroom, radiating through her and making her smile appear effortless.This girl—around my age I guess—truly is beautiful, with dark blonde hair in a neat ponytail, a wilful and cheery face, and a figure that isn't quite slim, but toned with muscles and athletic strength.My eyes take in her appearance in an instant, female to female, assessing her as either friend or foe. She looks formidable in well-worn trainers, tight exercise pants, a loose tank, and an energy lingering in her hands that had just straightened the curtains."It's actually Ariella," I take her offered hand and try not to wince at the strong shake she gives it.Her smile falters for a brief moment. "But Malachi said—""He didn't know my full name when we first
The Alpha's Chosen Mate Chapter 19
Ariella gasped and turned quickly to the deep voice beside her. The swift action overbalanced her, and with a small yelp she shifted off the branch and jolted to the ground. She'd have fallen flat on the dirt if it wasn't for two strong hands instantly reaching to grip her elbows."Woah, easy there. Sorry to frighten you.""No, I—" Ariella looked up into rich green eyes, bright with amusement and something else. A charm that instantly put her at ease. Though the eyes were framed with a handsomely chiseled face and black hair that was slicked back to perfection, she felt at ease with this man—the one who had been Seneca's shadow during the dreadful meeting that morning in the kitchen. "It's okay. I- I am the clumsy one. I often don't pay enough attention to what's going on around me," she stuttered, quickly looking away from his stunning eyes that seemed to be riveted upon her. Why he would find her so interesting, she didn't have a clue."I somehow doubt that, Ariella."The way he sai
The Alpha's Chosen Mate Chapter 20
"Harlow, go easy on her.""Why? Is there a reason she needs going easy on?" Harlow shot the Beta a suggestive smirk."No, there's no reason. Give me all you got," Ariella blurted out, not wanting anyone to think she was weak or cowardly.But in reality, her heart had kicked into overdrive while her stomach sank to her toes. Harlow was going to challenge her? A prickly sensation crawled over her skin at the thought of what was about to happen.With her legs suddenly feeling like cold stiff boards of wood, Ariella got into a sloppy fighting position and clenched her fists. It took all her concentration to focus on her breathing and posture, bracing her legs for the first move by Harlow. It would look pathetic if she went down at the first hit.But Harlow didn't attack. First, she stretched her legs. One, then the other. After flexing her arms, she peeled off her tank shirt, revealing a muted grey sports crop and her toned stomach. The smirk on her face made it obvious she knew everyone
The Alpha's Chosen Mate Chapter 21
The night air is my friend, that much I will never doubt.It never betrays me. It never turns a cold shoulder to me for it is always cool, except in the dead heat of summer. So then, the breeze from the mountains is invited to greet us for a midnight rendezvous.But tonight the air is more than cold—almost icy as winter approaches. Yet my body and wolf keep me warm. The fact I am metabolising faster for my body to heal the bruises, I can handle the cold that much better. I make my way down shadowed paths, winding through the trees and never once shudder from the tendrils of night that brush across my bare arms and legs.This is my friend.The shadows are secretive, but I feel as if I can see right through them. I see the rough tree trunks hiding camouflaged spiders, the cunning owls peering down at me from their perches; I smell the furry possums as they skitter away to hide from me. Even the bats that hiss and click don't scare me. There is nothing malicious in this forest, in the na
The Alpha's Chosen Mate Chapter 22
The serious way he says it, and the twinkle that disappears from his eyes, makes my heart clench like a cold fist is squeezing around it. "If you...." I swallow hard and begin again. "Even if you gave me one good reason why I should, I still probably wouldn't. You're my mate, Malachi," I face him to look him in the eyes, not letting him drift away. "The other half of my soul. I know there are differences between us, and it's hard for us to open up to someone we just met. But I need you to know that I'm here for you. You can tell me anything.""Thank you, Ariella. But I can't—""Don't say no just yet. I can understand that you won't be able to trust me straight away. But give me a chance. At least give me the chance to earn your trust."His eyes hold mine, keeping me spellbound, unable to look away. His gaze is a deep enchantment that I'm liable to lose myself in. But I want to be lost in him, don't I? He's my mate.The one who will protect me from everyone else.His eyes scrunch in de
The Alpha's Chosen Mate Chapter 23
Pale blue eyes sparkled at her from amidst the forest shadows. Ariella pressed a hand to her chest to stop her heart from racing, and called her friend over. "Gabby! Don't sneak up on me like that!"Gabby laughed, her long blonde tresses swaying with the wind like golden willow leaves. "I wasn't sneaking. You just sensed me way before I could even get close. You're far too perceptive, Ari. So how are things? I heard your parents talking the other day, saying that Alpha Malachi had taken you to his pack," she wrapped an around Ariella's waist and plucked a lavender leaf, holding it to her nose and breathing in the relaxing scent before tucking it behind Ariella's ear."Yes, he did. During my heat. But we didn't do anything....intimate, you know. He respected me enough and we're waiting until we know each other better.""I'm surprised. Normally Alpha males are all possessive and want to claim what's theirs right away."Ariella nodded, her eyes far off, studying the distance. "I... we ..
The Alpha's Chosen Mate Chapter 24
"That is a very serious accusation, Hila," Luna Seneca stepped forward and leveled her darkest gaze on the shewolf, who then shrank back and relinquished some of her anger. It seeped from her heaving shoulders, and Ariella could almost taste the tension and bitterness in the air.The newly widowed shewolf was shocked, grieving. Pointing a finger of blame would either help her deal with the tragedy, or stir up a deeper resentment towards the young Alpha."How else do you explain it?" Hila tentatively raised her eyes to her Luna. "This is the fourth death in the last few months. No one has found the killer. Which means, he is among us still."Malachi tensed beside Ariella and his eyes flashed, "We are doing everything we can to solve this.""Are you? Are you really?" Another shewolf spoke, the one that Ariella assumed was Stacey. "When? When will you solve it? After more people die? After I lose my mate too?" her lips quivered in the fading light, her arm wrapping around Hila to give he
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The Alpha's Chosen Mate Chapter 40
The song above is 'The Song of the Caged Bird' by Lindsey Stirling, an amazing violinist. Later in the chapter, when Ariella plays her violin, I imagine her song to be similar to the one above :)4312 words8Flames dance between us, glowing orange and golden. Their light is reflected in his onyx irises, illuminating them with amber and scarlet sparks. With a gaze like a cunning predator, he watches me watching him. Aware. Alert. Direct and unrelenting.An icy fist squeezes my chest, making it hard to breathe under his unwavering attention. I blink, and when I meet his gaze once again, his eyes are shifting from navy blue to the signature azure hue I love so much. One side of his beautiful mouth tilts up in a small smile, and my heart jolts after perhaps stuttering to a stop only a moment before.What have I just seen?It doesn't matter. Nothing matters now that he is here. Now that my mate has come to be with me.My legs act before I even command them to move, eating up the distance a
The Alpha's Chosen Mate Chapter 39
"And this is my doll, I named her Sandy because her hair is yellow like sand. She looks so pretty in this pink dress, don't you think?"Emerald picked up the doll from its place amongst other stuffed animals, and smoothed out the dress that was covered in flowers, ribbons, and buttons. Her side of the room that she shared with her sister was all soft and girly with pretty pink things everywhere, while Savannah's side was decorated with unusual things like smooth rocks from the creek, slingshots made from sticks, and curious leaves dried between books.The two Alpha daughters were opposite in many ways, but so alike in their love for their family and friends."It's gorgeous," Ariella agreed, patting the doll and looking about the room. When Ariella and her mom came to visit for the day, both girls instantly pulled her upstairs to excitedly show her their latest gifts and toys. Now while Emerald was proudly pointing out her neatly arranged collection, Savannah sat in the window seat fli
The Alpha's Chosen Mate Chapter 38
"He really hasn't changed at all.""Who?""Caleb. Who else would I be talking about!" Lexi placed the stack of plates in a cupboard then wiped the sink dry, and turned a raised eyebrow to her Alpha."Oh, right. What about him?" Chesca asked while hanging up the dish towel. The kitchen was now tidy and clean from the dinner preparations thanks to Lexi's help, but she knew by breakfast the next morning, it would once again be it's usual mess."I saw him chatting to Miranda the other day, down by the lake. You know the spot by the pines? Private. Romantic. He was standing so close to her like he always used to. Leaning, if you know what I mean."Chesca groaned and poured the freshly boiled kettle of water into her teapot. Soon the scent of black tea with rose buds permeated the air, and Chesca felt herself instantly unwinding with just the anticipation of a good cup of tea. This time of night, when her pups were in bed, was a part of the day she looked forward to. Because though she love
The Alpha's Chosen Mate Chapter 37
"You're leaving?"Malachi is shocked, more so than I expected. He stands up abruptly, nearly pulling away the sheets that he had unconsciously scrunched between his fingers, and looks at me with wide eyes. I see a swirl of storms in his blue eyes, more shadow than light in the dim morning dawn that surrounds us, and I might not be imagining the hurt that creeps in the edges and wrinkles his forehead.It nearly makes me change my mind."You're going home...to ForgedHearts pack?" he questions, like he needs to clarify where I call home. Maybe my choice of wards was poor, but this hasn't felt like home, not ever, even in the small moments I'm enveloped in Malachi's embrace. For a flicker in time, being with him feels right, but everything else around us is so wrong."Just for a few days."He visibly relaxes, his shoulders slumping forward and his clenched jaw loosening while he sits on the edge of the bed. I scoot back and pull my knees to my chest."It's almost the new moon, and I want
The Alpha's Chosen Mate Chapter 36
I grip the doorpost and feel his words smack into me like a tidal wave of relief. "Who?"Malachi huffs and runs a hand through his hair, an action I've come to know means he's frustrated and agitated, tired of not being in control of the situation."It's complicated. Hamilton and I aren't even sure yet, but we're close. We can feel it.""Then tell me who you're suspect of? Who do you think could have murdered your warriors so disgustingly?"His eyes snap to mine, the blue a riot of crashing waves. "That's the point. It's a terrible accusation to make, so we're not calling it yet. We have to go over the facts again, see if there's anything we missed."He looks tired, and troubled with the fact that he still hasn't yet found the person causing such crimes in his pack. As Alpha, he wants to protect everyone, I know."So do you think you can solve it? You'll be able to stop them before anyone else gets hurt, right?" I'd nearly forgotten about the threat to our lives, so caught up have I b
The Alpha's Chosen Mate Chapter 35
The air is heavy with my dread, making it almost too thick to breathe. Especially with my mate's hand squeezing my shoulder, his thumb pressing in under my collarbone. Although it doesn't hurt, I understand his meaning clearly."I asked, where have you been?" Malachi growls at me again when I take too long to answer. "And who were you with? I can smell his scent all over you."An extra wave of fear engulfs me as I look into Malachi's dark eyes, dotted with dancing red embers. I know the type of risk a jealous mate poses to another male, especially if it's a jealous Alpha mate. Their strength can be magnificent when fueled by fiery possession.I try and tell him he has nothing to worry about though. "It—it was just a boy—""Don't lie to me!" Malachi leans into my face and snarls, making me flinch. Squeezing my eyes shut, an involuntary whimper escapes my throat.Suddenly Malachi steps back from me, leaving a rush of cold air between us.When I open my eyes, his gaze is to the floor, a
The Alpha's Chosen Mate Chapter 34
Cornflakes crunch in my mouth, their cracking sound the only thing I can hear in this silent and empty house.As I pour milk into my bowl, I wonder where everyone is, and figure they must be out training, working hard, or avoiding me. The last realisation stings, as I know that Malachi never came home last night. Our bed remained cold and empty beside me.I don't know where he went or why he just ran from me last night. It had been going so well, the pizza and fellowship night I organised in full swing, and I was sure Malachi was happy and proud of what I'd done. I'd seen it in the way his blue eyes were watching me the entire time I told my story. I felt it in his racing heartbeat when I led him to the dance area and wrapped my arms around him.I'd heard it in the gentle way he said my name.But then he was gone.Pushing through the crowd and disappearing into the shadowed forest like my touch was burning him, like the bonfire behind us was consuming his sense and reason.What reason
The Alpha's Chosen Mate Chapter 33
The pounding on the front door startled her.Who would be calling at this time of the morning?Chesca washed her hands of the fresh fruit she had been slicing, and moved to the door.Opening it slowly, she sensed who was on the other side before seeing him. But the sight of the little boy standing there in dripping wet pyjamas, dark curly hair plastered to his forehead, was still a complete shock."Justin—?""Hey Aunt Chesca, where is Sav—" His eyes widened as they looked past her. "Vannah!!"The he dashed past the Alpha with a shriek and lightning quick speed, and before Chesca could even think of stopping him, he'd tackled a sleepy looking Savannah to the ground. They rolled on the floor of the living room, grasping each other around the neck and shoulders, hitting and yelling at each other in a way that was so not appropriate for this early in the day. This hullabaloo would surely wake baby Isaiah if Chesca didn't get them under control."Children! Get off each other right now!" Ch
The Alpha's Chosen Mate Chapter 32
"No, I haven't. Is she okay? Maybe I should go visit—""No, no, Ariella. It's fine. She's fine. Just..." Beta Knight leads me to a bench that's situated along the path, encircled by old and brittle shrubs, and takes the time to explain to me. "She gets really bad headaches, maybe two or three times a year. It's gotten worse ever since the Alpha died. When she's suffering, she likes us to all stay away. The noise and interaction only make it worse, you know?""Oh," I frown and wish there was something I could do for her. "Does she like flowers? Maybe I could give her some lavender. Or I could make her some soup! Or—""Ari, really," Knight lays a hand on my arm, stopping me and my mouth slowly shuts. "She likes to be left alone. You have no idea what she's really going through."I nod, deflated."But enough dark thoughts for today. Cheer up! We can still carry on. What did you have planned for today? Let's get that cheerful smile back on your face," he tells me warmly, and I squint my e
