Chapter five

Elena was walking away, and her words were still echoing in my ears, I felt this unfamiliar heaviness which settled in my chest. My heartbeat kept racing and beating faster, but it wasn't because of a strong belief or confidence in something. Rather, it was regrets, guilt and loneliness.

Bethany, "there's is something I would like to discuss with you" I said, my voice shakes a little bit as I turned turned to face the woman who is not my chosen mate.

Bethany smiled and said with her eyes gleaming with victory. "What is it, Gabriel? You can't get the maid out of your mind can you?

I tightly squeezed my fists together, trying to control my emotions and resist the strong desire to react angrily or sharply. I then took a deep breath twice, and tried to sound in order and composed. "I would need some time to think. This decision it's not as easy as I thought it would be.

Bethany smiled began to fade little by little, it changed to a look of annoyance. " What's there to think about? You've already made a promise to me, Gabriel. You've promised me you would choose me as your wife. 

I immediately and reluctantly looked away, the consequences of my choices began to affect me. I know, Bethany. But this wasn't just about me alone anymore. I can't just ignore my feelings or the consequences of my actions". 

She was frustrated, she crossed her arms over her chest. I think you are just confused because of the maid, aren't you? Gabriel: Don't let her influence your decision.

I made deliberate eye contact and my own eye expressed determination.

I won't make any thoughtless decisions, Bethany. Give me some time to sort things out.

After that, I immediately turned and walked away in style, Bethany was still standing there with a frustrated expression. I needed to find a way things right, do things the right way and undo the damage I had caused

**ELENA'S POV**

As I woke up I immediately felt very cold that seemed to penetrate into my body. I experienced a severe headache, and I tried to move I came to realize that my hands were tied and my vision wasn't clear 

Wow, you're finally awake, a voice echoed around me.

I kept battling to focus my eyes, I squinted to see the person in front of me clearly. My eyesight improved gradually, then I saw a man standing in my front, his face was covered in shadows

Who are you? I asked. I spoke with difficulty which made my voice sound harsh and strained.

The man kept walking closer to me, I began to see him more clearly. He had a rough look and appearance, his eyes were filled with interesting amusement.

I'm stunned you mean you don't remember me, Elena, he said, he had a slight often mischievous smile.

My thoughts began moving quickly and intensely, I tried to remember where I had seen him before. I stammered and said "I..don't…."

He smiled softly. "I know it's been a while. I also know you have no idea I have been watching you following your every move.

My heart beated faster, as I had realized the danger I was in. " What do you want or need from me?"

The man's smile widened. I want you to be a bargaining and negotiation chip, Elena. You possess something that the wolves in the pack want desperately.

I wasn't understanding at the same time I was anxious as I tried to comprehend what I had just heard. " What are you talking about?"

He came two steps closer, he maintained eye contact with me. "You have royal blood flowing through your veins, Elena. Your blood can grant power and influence to those who possess it.

My heart spanked as I understood his words. The importance of what he said struck me like a sledgehammer. You mean….. I'm a threat to the pack?

The man nodded his head slowly." You do not have any idea of how much chaos and conflict can be caused by your existence, do you?. I can offer to protect you. I can help you develop your talents, abilities and capabilities and use it to your advantage 

I struggled to free myself from restraints, while I was experiencing a strong sense of panic and fear that felt assive it gripping at my chest. "I won't betray the pack. You can't use me as a weapon against them.

The man's facial expression changed, it became more serious and angry, he was running out of patience. "You are making the wrong decision, Elena. You are unaware of the extent of your own abilities, powers and influence. But you'll see…you'll see how they would go to great lengths just to keep you safe.

He turned and walked away quietly and gently, leaving me all by myself in the dark and cold environment. Fear got hold of me intensely, despite the fear I felt determination.

**ALPHA GABRIEL RIVER'S POV**

I discovered that I was standing at the end of the forest, all the memories I shared with Bethany including our conversations were still fresh in my mind. I had been thinking deeply and my thoughts shifted to thinking about Elena and her facial expression, which expressed her being hurt. Her tears and pain were vivid In my memory.

I asked myself, what have I done? The guilt is bothering my conscience.

I have decided I was gonna make things right. I needed to find Elena and explain, to tell her the whole truth about the situation I was in, and how I was being forced to make a choice that went against everything I believed in.

I kept walking and walking into the forest, my senses increased the more. Something was in the air, a scent that was familiar and yet foreign. It was noone else than Elena scent, this time it was mixed with something else something that appeared more darker 

My heart beat skipped I kept following the scent, I hastened my footsteps. I needed to find her badly, I needed to make things right and protect her from any incoming danger that might be on her way.

If felt like along period of time had passed, I accidentally came across an open area. I saw elena tied up and was physically harmed, her eyes were wide open with a mix of fear and determination.

I shouted her name in anger Elena!!!!!!!!!!! I shouted, I rushed towards her and cut her bindings with my claws.

She looked at me in disbelief, shocked , surprised and relief. Gabriel?

I knelt by her side, deeply concerned about my flooding chest. Are you alright? What happened?

Elena took a deep breath, her voice was shaking and unstable. "A man….he wanted to use me as a weapon against the pack. He also said that I have royal bloods, that I could cause chaos. 

I felt angry at the same time worried. You're safe now Elena don't worry I won't let anyone harm you.

She looked at me for two minutes, Gabriel, Gabriel why are you helping me? After what you said after rejecting me…

I held her hands tightly, I looked into her eyes with sincerity. I made a mistake, Elena. I let fear and duty cloud my decision. But I can't hold back what I feel for you. I love you deeply, and I will go a thousand miles just to be with you. No matter the challenges.

Tears rolled down from her eyes to her chicks, she layed on my chest, then said I do not know what to believe anymore, But I want to trust you and give you another chance to make things right, Gabriel 

I then made a her a vow, to protect her and make amends for the pains I

had caused. Our love would face challenges, but I was ready to fight for it, to fight for Elena.