chapter 6

Alexander's POV

This human was really driving me insane. But nothing pissed me off more than her guts—the way she spoke to me without hesitation. It was probably because she didn’t know about my identity.

Betas and Omegas in the wolf clans cowered at the mention of my name, but now, to think that this insignificant human had no respect for me was worse.

She tried to act tough, but she’s nothing but a feeble human, and one snap from my claws would be enough to end her life.

“Did you just threaten me?” I arched my brow as her words rang deeper inside my head, and then I tried my best to stifle a laugh.

“You are nothing but a feeble human. What could you possibly do to me?”

Stella’s expression remained rigid, and not a single waver crossed her face. I was pissed off, really bad, and a part of me wanted to feel bad about it.

My fist balled against my thigh, holding hard. The plan was to frustrate her and turn this house into a living hell until she had no choice but to leave on her own.

This was the choice I had to make because once my grandma found out about this weakling being my fated mate, she would waste no time alerting the elders, and then boom—I’d be walking down the aisle to bed this bimbo.

Everyone thinks that having a fated mate is going to make me stronger and help the pack flourish even more. But how can any of this be possible when the Moon Goddess has decided to hook me up with a human?

“Aren’t you going to leave?” Her stern tone drew my attention, and I snorted, turning toward the door. But then I halted, remembering why I was here in the first place.

“Grandma wants you to prepare her breakfast. Anything of your choice, as long as it’s edible.”

The moment I mentioned my grandma, I noticed how tense she became, worry creeping onto her face.

“Damn it. Why didn’t you say so?” she groaned, flapping the bed covers as her feet hit the floor.

I noticed how she snatched her blue silky robe from the side of her bed but not without me sneaking a peek at her dark lacy lingerie.

Honestly, Stella was beautiful—I was aware of that—but there was something different about her this morning.

I couldn’t tell if it was because her hair was locked up in a messy bun or if it was the fact that I could make out the lines of her sexy underwear beneath the lingerie.

I swallowed hard, forcing my eyes away from her. Suddenly, the whole place was beginning to get unusually hot.

“Mate!” my wolf clawed inside my head.

My teeth gritted as I forced a smile at Stella, who was watching me with a weird expression.

“Rex, can you calm your tails down? This is not the first time we’re seeing a hot, half-naked lady,” I shunned my wolf through our mind link.

That was when it hit me—I just called her hot. Damn, I’m cooked.

“Are you okay?you look tensed.” Stella asked. From the way her almond eyes hovered over my body, I could feel the concern in her expression.

“Mind your business. Your priority is to take care of my grandmother, so let it stay that way,” I said firmly, so loudly that I couldn’t tell if I was trying to convince myself otherwise.

Either way, I didn’t want to think too much or be around her because the more her scent trailed through my nostrils, the more Rex became restless.

I turned swiftly on my heels, making sure to slam the door behind me. As my steps retreated farther down the hall, I could hear her faint voice.

“He’s such a big jerk. I hate him so much,” Stella whimpered.

I rolled my eyes, clicking my door open, but there was a lingering sense of sadness building in my chest. I forced it down.

“Why are you trying to suppress your emotions? The Moon Goddess gave us a mate. What’s so wrong with that?” Rex howled inside my ears, but I ignored him, closing my eyes as I crashed onto the bed.

“So what if she’s my mate? It’s not a crime to reject her. Besides, I’m doing this for her own good. If word gets out that my mate is some fragile bimbo who’s way over her head, tell me, Rex—what do you think is going to happen?”

The air went silent as I stared into space. The silence dragged on before Rex’s tone reignited.

“So you mean you’re doing this because you care about her. Is that it?” Rex asked.

My hands tightened around the pillow that was buried over my face. Did I really care about her? That’s not possible. I don’t have what it takes to care for someone who isn’t the pack or me.

Women were just momentary pleasures. I never saw the need for something serious like love, affection, or commitment. I just never saw the need because I, more than anyone, know what it means when people fall out of love.

“When are you going to get over that? Alexander, it’s been years,” Rex said calmly, his words soothing me.

“I’m fine, Rex. There’s no need for you to worry. Healing is easier said than done. At least it’s better to keep them at bay. That way, I won’t hurt anyone,” I replied with a deep sigh.

The anger coursing from Rex tugged at my chest. Why was Rex so angry?

“So what about that pretty girl you bring every time you come over?” Rex asked.

My brows knotted in wonder. Who was he actually talking about? That was when Lisa’s face appeared in my mind.

“Oh, wait. You mean Lisa, my girlfriend?” I asked, trying to smile.

“Girlfriend? What about Stella, our mate? I need her,” Rex remarked in a tone that was almost pleading.

My eyes darkened.

“I already explained this to you. Stella and I are not compatible. She’s a human, and I’m a supernatural. Our paths don’t work.”