Chapter 10 What are you afraid of?

"Good girl."

"Splendid, we'll start acting as a couple tomorrow," Sander announced as he stood up. A quick glance out the window revealed that evening had arrived; the sun was already dipping below the horizon. Zenab couldn't believe they had spent so much time in this room. She turned her gaze back to Sander as he moved to stand beside her, offering his hand.

"Wait! Is that it?" she asked, her tone filled with doubt.

He looked at her in confusion at first, but then realization seemed to dawn on him. Zenab had anticipated a more extensive discussion. Business contracts typically took time, and this was a mating contract—a matter of significant importance. She expected it would take even longer to finalize.

"Did you expect something different?" he shot back, raising an eyebrow.

"Well, yeah... kind of."

She hated feeling so uncertain in his presence. Was she overthinking this? Was there really nothing more to discuss?

If Zenab was honest with herself, she wanted to prolong their conversation. She dreaded returning to her cold, rented cottage. Claire was busy with Jayson, and Emerald wasn't there with her. The loneliness was suffocating. When she was alone, the pain inside became unbearable. The voices in her head urging her to let go grew louder, a cacophony that threatened to consume her. During those solitary moments, she could feel her grip on sanity slipping. Sometimes, she had to bind herself to her bedroom to prevent a complete breakdown during the rare times she lost that battle.

Sander's gaze bore into her, searching her soul with an intensity that made her uneasy. She quickly averted her eyes, fearing he might glimpse the true extent of her fears—that he might recognize her dread of solitude.

"What are you afraid of, Scarlet?" he asked, frowning.

She could tell him. She should tell him. She could share how deeply the hurt ran and how it was transforming her. There were so many things she wanted to reveal: how she had fought to escape it without any relief, how it was slowly turning her inward, transforming her into something monstrous.

But she remained silent—her pride wouldn't let her confess the truth. There was also the fear that revealing her vulnerabilities would lead him to withdraw his offer, and she couldn't afford that. Blues and she relied on him; he was their salvation.

"Nothing," she whispered, unable to keep still.

He leaned back and perched on the edge of his desk, gripping it on either side. Earlier, he had removed his coat and tie, unbuttoned the top two buttons of his shirt, and rolled up his sleeves. Zenab's gaze involuntarily traced the outline of his muscles rippling beneath his skin, and she wondered how it would feel to be enveloped in his embrace.

"For this to work, we need to be honest with each other, Scarlet," Sander said, pulling her from her thoughts. A mix of anger and embarrassment washed over her for having been caught staring. She shot him a glare.

"I know. I was just wondering if there would be a contract for us to sign."

They both knew she was lying; that wasn't the thought that occupied her mind. Fortunately, he didn't call her out on it, and she was grateful for his silence.

"I'll have my lawyers draft one, and then we can both sign and be done with it," he said after an uncomfortable pause.

"Okay then."

Yet, she didn't move. Her legs felt heavy, reluctant to take her away. It was ironic how she had resented being brought here against her will, and now she couldn't bear the thought of leaving.

"Where is Justin?" she asked, stalling for time.

The house was unsettlingly quiet—too quiet for a home with a nine-year-old boy. Zenab had expected Justin to be back by now; school had long since been dismissed.

Sander sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration. "He's at my pack house," he replied irritably. "Are you done with your damn interrogation? I have places to be."

And there it was—the arrogant jerk she was becoming all too familiar with. Zenab stood up, fists clenched. This man infuriated her. The fear that had gripped her earlier was gone, replaced by an urge to punch him right in his perfectly handsome face. Talk about a mood swing.

"Well, excuse me for caring about my future son," she snapped before storming out of the room. She stomped away, slamming the door behind her. He didn't call her back or attempt to soothe her, and she refused to look back.

Once outside his gates, Zenab realized just how foolish she had been. This area was remote, and the chances of hailing a cab were slim. She didn't have her phone or handbag; in fact, she had no idea where they were.

With a sigh, she began to walk, stubbornly refusing to ask him for help. She was determined, but it would be a long trek, especially since she couldn't see any other buildings nearby.

***

Zenab had lost track of how long she had been walking, unsure if she was headed in the right direction. Fatigue was setting in, and she felt drained. When exhaustion took hold, her mind became harder to control, and the darkness beckoned.

She needed to get home quickly; she was a potential danger to everyone around her.

A car pulled up beside her, but she ignored it, refusing to even glance at the driver. For all she knew, it could be a serial killer. Not that she was particularly afraid; she was a grown woman and could handle herself. She just didn't want anyone's blood on her hands, innocent or otherwise.

"Get in," a clipped voice commanded.

Zenab turned her head sharply, spotting Sander behind the wheel of a sleek black BMW. True to her stubborn nature, she raised her middle finger at him and continued walking. But he didn't leave as she expected; instead, he maintained a slow pace alongside her.

"You either get in the damn car or I swear, Scarlet, I'll carry you in myself, kicking and screaming," he warned, his voice thick with anger and authority. Too bad he wasn't her alpha, and she wasn't intimidated by him. Besides, she doubted he would follow through on his threat.

"Piss off!" she yelled, pressing on with her walk.

When the car stopped, she thought he might have finally given up, but she was sorely mistaken. Seconds later, she found herself hoisted over his shoulder. It took a moment for her to register that she was staring at his back as he marched back to the car.

In shock, she was unceremoniously dropped into the passenger seat. It was only when the car began to move that her haze cleared, replaced by a surge of fury. He couldn't treat her like this and expect her to submit willingly.

"You son of a—"

Before she could finish, he slammed on the brakes, causing her to lurch forward and nearly hit her head on the windshield. He turned to glare at her, his face twisted with anger, emanating dangerous vibes as if he were seconds away from erupting.

Zenab gulped, her heart racing as adrenaline coursed through her veins.

"You'd better shut up, Scarlet, before I completely lose it and take you over my knee to spank that perky little ass of yours for leaving without protection and disobeying a direct order," he snapped.