“You are serious?”
He nodded.
Anger like no other wrapped around my body like a strong vine. I made sure my voice was controlled enough to get my point across.
“You have got to be kidding me. You have some nerve rejecting me and asking me to stay here and watch you frolic with my sister.”
“Bella…”
“Don’t say my name. I don’t care what you have to do, release my father today.”
“You'd rather become a rogue…”
He let the sentence hang there but I finished it,
“I'd rather become a rogue than be your mistress.”
His eyes widened like he couldn’t believe me, his lips thinned and words dried up in his lips but I was done.
I was done letting them hurt me.
I lifted my chin and in my most steady voice, I said,
His hand shot up to grab me, I looked up and I was marveled by the amusement in his eyes.
“You and I both know that you will regret not taking my offer," he smirked.
“I won't”
“Bella, be smart about this. You need me so stop being so stubborn and be where you are supposed to be, by my side."
My body filled up with disgust at the pathetic way he was making the position of mistress look but it shut down when I realized I pleaded the same way if not more.
“By your sides like a common whore? I will pass."
It tugged at my heartstrings but I held strong. He wanted to eat his cake and have it too. I ripped my hand away from his.
“Don't touch me."
He laughed cruelly at the tears that slipped from my eyes.
“You left me so carelessly on the hospital floor with no sympathy and yet, you stand to banish me or pick to be your mistress while you mate my sister?”
A laugh bubbled out of me again and he winced.
“It's a pretty good offer."
I stared at him in disbelief, the same disbelief I used to utter the same words I should have a long time ago.
“I accept your rejection, Alpha Leo.”
He flinched and his hand automatically came to his chest to soothe the hurt but what’s done was done.
I walked out with my head held high and my legs trembling as I embraced the feeling of pain that came with my actions.
I didn’t stop till I got to my house, tears leaked and I let out a wail as I sobbed.
I cried for my sister’s betrayal.
I cried for my mate and I cried for the Stepmotherwho didn’t care enough to love me.
I cried for my father whom I was going to miss so dearly.
My tears dried up till I was heaving from the pain. I managed to gather my things in a bag, my eyes snagged on the ring my father left for me. I took it and slipped it on my finger before leaving.
I locked the door and looked at the house I grew up in, the house he was forcing me to abandon.
My lips curled in a snarl when I realized I was all alone.
Kate knew and yet she didn’t offer me any form of comfort. Our love was one sided so it seems.
I walked to the border, the guards looking at me with wariness but I assured them that the Alpha knew I was leaving.
I inhaled the clean scent of the forest once I left the territory, my wolf urged me to go back but I ignored her.
I started running, afraid that she would take control and take me back there.
I got to a clearing that led to the main road and whipped across it in a flash but something knocked me across it.
I skidded across the ground and landed on something hard. I felt my bond with the pack snap officially declaring me a rogue.
My body felt numb and the throbbing in my head increased. I felt someone nudging me in my head and I tuned to it.
I am Iris, your wolf.
I felt hands carry me, I could hear everything but I refused to open my eyes. My body pain was gone but I refused to show it.
I opened my eyes slowly and I was marveled by the beauty that adorned the room. My room was beautiful back at my old pack but this was simply exquisite.
I sat up on the bed and waited but nobody was forthcoming, I stood up and I was shocked at how strong I felt.
With everything that had happened in the past few days, I expected to be swaying and out of control.
Someone cleared their throat and I looked up to see a woman staring down at me.
“Who are you?” She asked.
“I am Bella, I woke up here.”
Her eyes lit up with recognition and she hurried my way, she grabbed me by the arm and gestured for me to sit down.
I did and the next thing I knew, she was bringing a food tray,
“Oh no, I am not hungry.”
She leveled me with a sharp glare, “you must eat so you can get energy.”
I nodded and picked up a spoon, and she went back to her position.
“How did I get here?”
“Alpha Arthur brought you here, you were attacked.” She said softly.
Her voice was calm like she didn’t want to hurt me. I swallowed the food and nodded.
“Who is Alpha Arthur?”
She swiveled to look at me with disbelief in her eyes. I almost laughed at how comical she looked.
“You don’t know who he is?”
I shook my head.
She looked around like she was scared and turned to whisper to me, “he is the most powerful Alpha in our history. He saved you and brought you here.”
I opened my mouth to talk when his presence made me flinch, a low voice that shot up chills down my spine made me turn.
“Don’t stop on my account, Martha.”
Martha froze and scurried back to the pot.
I raised my head and met molten gray eyes, his eyes bore into mine and I looked down.
“If you were that curious about me, you should have just asked, hmm?”
My lips curled up in a smile, “you are right, I should have asked you.”
He looked at me like he didn’t expect me to answer him.
“Thank you for saving me,”
He looked down at the tray of food then at me and bit his lip like he wanted to say something. My eyes zeroed in on it. I let my eyes trail the length of his body appreciating what I saw.
.“A rogue attacked you on my territory but before we get to that, I would like to know what you were doing on my territory as a rogue?”
I winced at the change in his voice, it went from friendly to hard in a matter of seconds.
“I didn’t know it was your territory, I was just passing through.”
“You were just passing through? How long have you been a rogue?”
“Today,”
I had no problem telling this man everything.
His eyes flared with surprise, “I see,” he rubbed his chin before he looked at me.
“Did you see the rogue who attacked you?”
“No, it happened so fast.”
“I will find him,” he said coldly.
“What will you do to him?”
His smile turned malicious as he cocked his head, “I will rip his heart off.”
I flinched but I nodded.
His eyes softened and he gave me that small smile, “I haven’t Introduced myself yet, I am Alpha Arthur of the midnight pack.”
“I am Bella, formerly from the Black claw pack.”
He nodded before he wrote something on a paper.
Wait!
Alpha Arthur? He was the famous lawyer?
Damn.
“Thank you for saving me, Alpha Arthur,” I stopped short when awareness flared in his eyes before he tamed it.
“I would like to rest before I leave, please.”
He shook his head and my stomach dropped, I guess this is where his kindness ends.
“You can stay here for as long as you can.” He said.
My head shot up and a smile took over my face, he faltered before tensing. His eyes narrowed as it roamed over my face before shifting it elsewhere.
Leo’s povI sat in my office, some pack member’s transfer papers waiting for me to sign but I kept it aside.I sighed as I leaned against the chair, my mind in turmoil because it constantly thought of Bella, and the hold she had on me.The look in her eyes when she rejected me made me so mad that I found myself chucking the papers across the room.It missed hitting my beta, Micheal. He raised his brow at me in question and I shook my head.“Trouble in paradise?” He asked,I found myself nodding, “you could say that.”His eyes widened like he couldn’t believe the words that came out of my mouth. Well, I couldn’t believe it either.He took a seat and folded his hands as he waited for me to talk, he shook his head and stood up.“Let’s go to the training room. Sitting like this and talking about it makes me wonder…”I huffed a laugh, and stood.We made our way to the training room, finding it empty.I took off my shirt and he followed suit and we began sparring. Micheal was the perfect pa
Bella’s povI paced nervously in front of his office, my head figuring out a million ways to approach this topic. Behind the door was a very powerful man who would help me fight but was reluctant.He had taken me into his home and taken care of me and it still felt like I was about to take advantage of his kindness.My wounds aren't healing but they were being taken care of and I was more than grateful.I lifted a tentative hand and knocked on the door.“Come in,” his husky voice rumbled.I twisted the knob and stepped in, his head shot up and his gaze met mine.“Good morning,” he said.I nearly swooned at the sound of his voice.“Good morning,”He gestured to the chair with his eyes and I plopped my ass on it.“What is the matter?”I sighed and chewed my lips, unsure of where to start.“I need your help,”His brows furrowed but he didn’t say anything as he waited for me to continue,“Alpha Leo locked my father in prison for something he didn’t do. I heard you have the power to get an
Bella’s povI looked at the watch in my hands, it was pretty but not manly enough. I needed something that would catch his attention.I am sure he thought I had given up but no, I had one more trick up my sleeve. I was going to pester him to help me.While I sealed the deal with Leo by leaving the pack, I didn’t trust him enough to go by his words. He was not to be trusted.I needed my father out of there by all means and Arthur can do it then I would damn make sure he does.I placed the watch back in its holder and moved on to the next thing. A mug but I shook my head, it's too simple.I huffed as I looked around the shop, I wanted to buy him a little something to bribe him into helping me.Since I wasn't getting any luck coming empty handed.Beta Collins rounded the isle next to me with concern on his face.“Found what you wanted?”“Not yet,” I shook my head.He looked at me with amusement but said nothing.“Come on, tell me that your Alpha likes,”“What makes you think I know what
Bella’s povThe next morning, I came down to the kitchen because I was so hungry. The events of the past days are forgotten.In a way, I could understand why he did what he did but at least I get to move in today.I prepared breakfast for myself since I had no idea how the rest of them worked, a simple toast with eggs.I sat on the island when Alpha Arthur walked in.“Good morning,”I returned the greeting and continued eating when I heard him sigh.“I apologize for yesterday, Bella. I shouldn't have gotten your hopes up just to smash them on the floor.”“It happens.” I shrugged.“Not with me,” he said sternly. “And it won't happen again, you can count on that.”I nodded, “thank you,”“You were wonderful out there. Where did you learn how to run like that?”“It just came naturally to me. Most times when I felt down, I ran till I couldn’t feel my legs anymore.”“Did you get training?”“Yes. My father ran with me and also trained me.” I admitted.The thought of my father brought tears t
Leo’s povI entered my mother’s home, accompanied by Kate, as morning light filled the room."Good morning, Mom," I greeted, nodding at my mother seated in the living room."Leo, my dear! It’s been a while. Do I have to cry in a river before my son can visit me?" Hannah smiled, her eyes focusing on Kate."Kate made me,” I said, observing the subtle approval in my mother's eyes."Thank you,” my mother said to Kate. “I am glad he has you by his side," Hannah praised, casting a subtle glance toward Kate.I felt a twinge of discomfort as Kate smirked, seemingly pleased with the acknowledgment.“How are you doing?” I asked her,She shrugged, “I can be better.”I shook my head. She refuses to tell how she feels even when it’s clear on her face that she is in so much pain.“Mom,”“Enough of that! It’s not everyday my son comes to visit me.” She said with a fake cheer.She had the servants bring out snacks and tea as they chatted.“Honey, Kate tells me that you sent her sister away.”“Step si
Leo POVI kept looking at Kate to make sure she was okay. The frown on her face was heavy and it was making the ride kind of uncomfortable.“Babe,” I called to her.“Hmm?”“Do you want to eat out?” I asked, I know food was one of the things that made Kate happy and I was grateful for times like this.“Yes, I could use some food. Cheeseburger and some fries, please.”I nodded. Fast food it was.“You know how excited I am that we would soon do the mating ceremony? It’s like a dream come true.”“I can only imagine. My job is to stand there and look handsome.” I teased.She rolled her eyes at me playfully and I was grateful that the tension in the car had reduced.I took Kate to the diner my mother used to take me to. The worn-out sign creaked as we entered, but the nostalgia hit me like a wave.The memories of my childhood flooded back, and I was eager to share this piece of my past with Kate.As we settled into the worn booth, I ordered the cheeseburgers , one of the things in this dine
BellaMy jaw dropped as soon as I got to the ballroom, it was well decorated.“Do you like it?” Arthur murmured from beside me.I turned to look at him and my eyes softened at the edges. He had insisted on walking me into the party like every other gentleman.“I love it!”He smiled softly but it turned to a frown when he realized where we were. Most alphas came to this sort of thing to sniff for weaknesses.“Come,” Arthur grabbed my hand and led me to the far end of the room where the bar was.“What would you like?”“Strawberry and tonic.” the words left my lips before I could stop them.I expected Arthur to chide me on the girly drink I had picked but he paid me no attention.“strawberry and tonic for the lady and whiskey for me,” he ordered the bartender.We leaned against the counter and gazed out to the hall, people were murmuring and others openly stared at Arthur.If the attention bothered him, he didn't show it.The bartender soon delivered our drinks and I knocked mine back, i
Bella’s povI sighed to myself and turned to face him. He was looking at me like he was ready to listen and my heart started beating fast.“Go on, he urged.I nodded, “It’s a long story. Girl meets guy, girl falls for guy and guy abandons her for her sister. I don’t know what he wants from me, he wants me to stay and watch him with my sister while I stay on the sidelines.”I took a deep breath to calm myself, “I didn’t care that he wanted my sister, all I care about is making sure that my father is safe. He didn’t do anything wrong and doesn’t deserve to be punished like that.”“Your father is his beta?” Arthur asked.“No, my father was his father’s beta. I don’t know what he wants to gain from all this. He wants to use that to keep me in line,”I flinched when his hand landed on my arm, the same arm Leo was gripping earlier. I sucked in a breathe but he noticed.“What’s wrong?”“Nothing,” I said quickly, maybe too quickly.His eyes narrowed in suspicion as he stared at me, “what happ
Bella's POV I froze in my spot. It still felt surreal, almost like I was in a dream or some kind of trance. No matter how hard I tried to think about it, I just couldn't wrap my head around it. What were the odds that I was going to bump into him here, of all places too? If there was anything this proved, it was the fact that the goddess hated me. Nothing more, nothing less.Another explanation that could really fit this scenario, was the fact that I was cursed. If I wasn't, I wouldn't a shit ton of bad luck following me around.“Bella?” The sound of my name was all it took to pull me out of my thoughts. Again, I was glued to my seat. I had thought that if I ignored him for long enough, he would leave me alone. I didn't want to be around Leo that night, and I still didn't want to be around him now. Why didn't the moon goddess get this and grant my wish to be as far away from him as possible. “Didn't you hear me?”I said nothing. I had no idea what I wanted to say to him. Was I sup
Bella's POV. I pursed my lips, allowing my thoughts to roam free. I didn't want to think about it, but the more I tried not to, the more my mind wandered in that direction. I'd been thinking about it since it happened and if I was being honest, I was this close to running mad. I could feel it, but that didn't stop me. Not one bit.A small sigh slid past my lips. It was useless, I knew. Nothing was going to change, not now or anytime soon. I didn't know a lot about Arthur, but if there was one thing I was sure of, it was his stubbornness. He wasn't a man to easily budge. You literally couldn't push him or coerce him to do things he didn't want to, and a good example was this lawsuit.I'd tried everything I could do. I'd been stubborn, I'd pleaded, hell I even bought him a gift as a sort of bribe and what did he do? He rejected it. He turned down all of my ideas to get him to help me. What I didn't understand though, was why. Everyone knew he and Alpha Leo were enemies. Not enemies
Leo's POV I paced around my office, my footsteps echoing in the office. No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't seem to concentrate. It felt like nothing I was doing was actually working. The more I tried, the more distracted I was. My mind was a literal mess and nothing seemed to be able to fix it.They always said when you knew the source of your problem, it made it easier to eliminate that problem, but that wasn't the case with me. I knew the source of my thoughts, the very beginning of my restless mind, but it didn't do anything to stop it. The fact that I knew what it was, made me all the more restless.Bella.I hadn't expected to see her. Despite the fact that I'd been thinking about her a lot, I never imagined I would bump into her at the ball. The emotions that washed over me when I set my eyes on her weren't ones I could fathom.There was no doubt that Bella was beautiful, but last night, she looked breathtaking. A sleek purple dress wrapped around her body, complement
Bella's POV The stars twinkled in the night sky, and despite how beautiful it looked, I found it very hard to concentrate on anything else. How could I? Especially with the handsome man just a couple of inches away from me. Even if I had tried to ignore it all night, there was no way I could continue doing so. Nothing was helping to stoke the desire that was slowly beginning to build in the pit of my stomach. If I left it unattended, I wouldn't be surprised if it burst into something more. And that was it, a tiny part of me wanted to see it burst through. I wanted to see what would happen if I let it.Arthur on the other hand, wasn't helping matters. His gaze was hypnotic and it was getting harder and harder to concentrate on anything else besides his dark eyes. Maybe if he wasn't looking too much like a snack, none of this would be happening. His eyes roamed over my body and I shivered. I wasn't sure if he had an idea of the kind of effect he had on me, but I wasn't complaining. A
Bella’s povI sighed to myself and turned to face him. He was looking at me like he was ready to listen and my heart started beating fast.“Go on, he urged.I nodded, “It’s a long story. Girl meets guy, girl falls for guy and guy abandons her for her sister. I don’t know what he wants from me, he wants me to stay and watch him with my sister while I stay on the sidelines.”I took a deep breath to calm myself, “I didn’t care that he wanted my sister, all I care about is making sure that my father is safe. He didn’t do anything wrong and doesn’t deserve to be punished like that.”“Your father is his beta?” Arthur asked.“No, my father was his father’s beta. I don’t know what he wants to gain from all this. He wants to use that to keep me in line,”I flinched when his hand landed on my arm, the same arm Leo was gripping earlier. I sucked in a breathe but he noticed.“What’s wrong?”“Nothing,” I said quickly, maybe too quickly.His eyes narrowed in suspicion as he stared at me, “what happ
BellaMy jaw dropped as soon as I got to the ballroom, it was well decorated.“Do you like it?” Arthur murmured from beside me.I turned to look at him and my eyes softened at the edges. He had insisted on walking me into the party like every other gentleman.“I love it!”He smiled softly but it turned to a frown when he realized where we were. Most alphas came to this sort of thing to sniff for weaknesses.“Come,” Arthur grabbed my hand and led me to the far end of the room where the bar was.“What would you like?”“Strawberry and tonic.” the words left my lips before I could stop them.I expected Arthur to chide me on the girly drink I had picked but he paid me no attention.“strawberry and tonic for the lady and whiskey for me,” he ordered the bartender.We leaned against the counter and gazed out to the hall, people were murmuring and others openly stared at Arthur.If the attention bothered him, he didn't show it.The bartender soon delivered our drinks and I knocked mine back, i
Leo POVI kept looking at Kate to make sure she was okay. The frown on her face was heavy and it was making the ride kind of uncomfortable.“Babe,” I called to her.“Hmm?”“Do you want to eat out?” I asked, I know food was one of the things that made Kate happy and I was grateful for times like this.“Yes, I could use some food. Cheeseburger and some fries, please.”I nodded. Fast food it was.“You know how excited I am that we would soon do the mating ceremony? It’s like a dream come true.”“I can only imagine. My job is to stand there and look handsome.” I teased.She rolled her eyes at me playfully and I was grateful that the tension in the car had reduced.I took Kate to the diner my mother used to take me to. The worn-out sign creaked as we entered, but the nostalgia hit me like a wave.The memories of my childhood flooded back, and I was eager to share this piece of my past with Kate.As we settled into the worn booth, I ordered the cheeseburgers , one of the things in this dine
Leo’s povI entered my mother’s home, accompanied by Kate, as morning light filled the room."Good morning, Mom," I greeted, nodding at my mother seated in the living room."Leo, my dear! It’s been a while. Do I have to cry in a river before my son can visit me?" Hannah smiled, her eyes focusing on Kate."Kate made me,” I said, observing the subtle approval in my mother's eyes."Thank you,” my mother said to Kate. “I am glad he has you by his side," Hannah praised, casting a subtle glance toward Kate.I felt a twinge of discomfort as Kate smirked, seemingly pleased with the acknowledgment.“How are you doing?” I asked her,She shrugged, “I can be better.”I shook my head. She refuses to tell how she feels even when it’s clear on her face that she is in so much pain.“Mom,”“Enough of that! It’s not everyday my son comes to visit me.” She said with a fake cheer.She had the servants bring out snacks and tea as they chatted.“Honey, Kate tells me that you sent her sister away.”“Step si
Bella’s povThe next morning, I came down to the kitchen because I was so hungry. The events of the past days are forgotten.In a way, I could understand why he did what he did but at least I get to move in today.I prepared breakfast for myself since I had no idea how the rest of them worked, a simple toast with eggs.I sat on the island when Alpha Arthur walked in.“Good morning,”I returned the greeting and continued eating when I heard him sigh.“I apologize for yesterday, Bella. I shouldn't have gotten your hopes up just to smash them on the floor.”“It happens.” I shrugged.“Not with me,” he said sternly. “And it won't happen again, you can count on that.”I nodded, “thank you,”“You were wonderful out there. Where did you learn how to run like that?”“It just came naturally to me. Most times when I felt down, I ran till I couldn’t feel my legs anymore.”“Did you get training?”“Yes. My father ran with me and also trained me.” I admitted.The thought of my father brought tears t