Chapter 12: Resolution

Alinta's mind was clear, but she couldn't stop thinking about her big trip in five days. She revisited the bookmarked webpage on her phone, reading the information repeatedly. Angela was unusually chatty today; for the first time in years, she was excited about their upcoming birthday. Angela's positive mood was uplifted by her human's joyful spirits.

"I have been thinking about what you said, Ange."

"Which subject? I've spoken so much over the past eleven years, and only now do you want to reflect on my words?" Angela teased playfully.

"Oh, come on! It's not my fault you talk so much," Alinta replied with a small giggle. "But on a more serious note, we really need to visit that jailbird and see if he will finally accept our rejection."

"Look at you, growing up! That's my girl," Angela sang with pride. She knew this was a significant step for Alinta. She also hoped that if he could accept the rejection, they would have one shared negative memory to set aside and forget. "When do you want to go?"

"I was thinking before we set off on our trip," Alinta answered anxiously.

"I can feel your excited heart. Why not go now, seeing that you have just developed your resolve?"

"What?!" Alinta gasped.

"You heard me. Now come on, off you go!" Angela barked firmly.

"You mean we—"

"Don't worry. I will hold your hand, my dearest Alinta."

"You better! I’m not playing, Ange. I’m actually having an anxiety attack just thinking about it!"

"Hey, don’t worry. You know I always have your back. You just need a little push at times—that's all," said Angela with a gentle voice.

"I know," Alinta said, smiling as she felt the warmth of her beloved wolf. She took a deep breath, finalising her resolve, gathering the last of her strength, and grabbed her bag, making her way to the door. After twenty minutes of walking, Alinta reached the police station on the edge of town and was greeted by a familiar figure.

"Hello, Miss Ull! What do I owe the pleasure?" asked the officer when he saw her approaching from afar.

"Good afternoon, Officer George. It's good to see you, too. I hope all is well and that you’re not too busy with trouble?"

George beamed with a large smile, proudly lifting his chest while adjusting his trousers by the belt. "This old officer has yet to find a case that deserves the title 'trouble.'"

"It comforts Angela and I to be in such good hands," Alinta said with a gentle laugh. For a brief moment, George looked into her eyes, somewhat mesmerized, and his cheeks flushed.

He quickly cleared his throat to shift the topic. "Ahem, so what can I do for you, Miss Ull?"

"I came to see Eddison; we have some unfinished business," Alinta said timidly. George stared at her in disbelief, and the colour drained from his friendly face.

"May I ask what this unfinished business is?" he inquired.

"I want to convince that fool to accept my rejection," Alinta replied honestly.

“Ah, I see! Right this way,” George laughed, but it sounded more like relief than anything else.

"Why else would you go see that arsehole? Did he seriously think you would take him back for what he tried to do?" Angela grumbled, visibly annoyed. Anglea's words triggered Alinta, and she lost sense of her surroundings as she relived the memory that occurred only three months ago.

**August 3, 2024**

Alinta had just arrived home, locked the door behind her, and walked to the entrance of the living room, ready to place her handbag on the couch nearby.

"Well, well, well, looks like we can finally finish our discussion, sweetheart," hummed a familiar voice from the shadows. Alinta's heart raced, and her arms froze, rendering her fingers to become numb and useless as she dropped her handbag to the ground. "You did a splendid job hiding from me all these years. When I finally found you, you heartlessly ignored me, even after all the nice gifts I sent you," the voice mocked with a scowling tone.

"Eddison! What are you talking about?" Alinta asked nervously, beginning to retreat toward the front door as she locked her eyes on the glowing hazel orbs approaching her from the shadows.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you," he replied. "I’m already ravenous. Trying to run will trigger my hunter instincts to chase after my prey," Eddison hummed while licking his lips and revealing his sharp teeth.

"What are you on about? Leave this place; you are not welcome here," Alinta threatened.

Eddison was consumed by desire and disregarded her words. "Oh, my sweetheart, look how your unique orange eyes complement my hazel ones. We are indeed meant for each other."

"Not anymore," Alinta replied coldly as she took a cautious step back. "Our bond has been severed, and I feel nothing for you. So please, do yourself a favour and just reject us. At least that would make the visit worthwhile."

Alinta noticed a familiar scent lingering behind her. Great, of course, his minion is here, she thought to herself as she quickly turned around. Gareth loomed close, exuding an intimidating presence.

"Let me at him! Angela snarled, just as Alinta prepared to confront him, she felt a sharp pain as something pierced her neck. Strong hands pulled her back, gripping her arms to her sides. Alinta felt Eddison's chest firmly against her back.

"What the fuck did you inject me with you psycho!" Alinta screamed, kicking wildly trying to break free from his hold.

“Just a little something to calm my mate's fiery temper,” he struggled to say while Alinta fought against his grip. She may be smaller than him, but just like Angela, she had her fearsome moments.

"Screw you and this shit!" she cussed and stepped on his foot. Eddison grunted in pain but did not dare release his ravin.

"My, we are going to have fun, you and I," he breathed excitedly, whilst trying to restrict her movements.

"Maybe if you weren't an arse and a creep, things might have been different. I don't know what the fucking Moon was thinking, but I'd rather have a poor goodhearted man for a mate than a rich, arrogant, entitled dick such as yourself! LET GO OF ME!" Alinta snarled as she tried to shift, but nothing happened. What frightened her more was that she could not hear Angela anymore, as if her wolf was completely blocked from her mind.

Desperate, she resorted to her last option and elbowed Eddison in his side with all her might. He huffed in pain, and she managed to wriggle herself free. However, as she attempted to move, her legs wobbled, and her speed slowed. Eddison effortlessly grabbed her waist and yanked her back to him, tightening his hold and squeezing her neck, causing her discomfort. They stood like that for a few minutes until Alinta's body became unresponsive, and slowly, she slumped in his arms.

Eddison let out a soft laugh and then buried his nose in the back of her neck, inhaling her scent with a satisfied sigh. "There we go," he sang. "Your fast heart rate helped speed up the effect of my special muscle relaxant. Now shhh, relax. I will take care of you, sweetheart." He kissed the back of her neck, and instantly, his mood eased.

He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her wrist. "I had planned to take you home and mark you in the heat of passion, but I think I've found a new time and place. Right here on your delicate wrist, as a reminder of who you are shackled to for the rest of your life." He teasingly kissed her wrist again, causing Alinta to hyperventilate. Despite her attempts to move, it was in vain.