A Cold Alpha

Chapter Four – A Cold Alpha

Zarina’s POV

When I woke up, my head hurt. My body felt sore, and for a moment, I didn’t understand why. Then, I realized I wasn’t in the forest anymore. I was in a room, lying on a bed.

And I wasn’t alone.

I turned my head and saw him—Asher. The man I met last night. The man I had slept with. My heart started beating fast.

No. No. No.

I sat up quickly, pulling the blanket over my chest. What had I done? How could I have been so careless? I didn’t even know this man!

I wanted to scream, but before I could react, Asher moved. He opened his eyes, and instantly, everything about him changed.

Last night, he had looked tired but kind. Now, his golden eyes were cold, emotionless.

He sat up and looked at me like I was a problem he needed to deal with. Then, the first thing he said made my whole body freeze.

“As the Alpha of this pack, I can’t be seen sleeping with just anyone. What do you want in return to keep quiet?”

I blinked. My heart dropped.

“What?” My voice came out weak.

He sighed, rubbing his forehead. “I don’t like repeating myself. What do you want?”

I couldn’t believe it.

Was that all this was to him? A mistake? A problem to solve?

I swallowed hard, forcing myself to stay calm. “I don’t want anything from you,” I said quietly.

Asher stared at me for a long time, as if he didn’t believe me. Then he nodded. “Good. Then leave.”

Leave.

I felt my chest tighten. I didn’t know why, but hearing him say that made me feel worse. Like I was nothing.

I had already been rejected once. And now, this man wanted to throw me away too? I gritted my teeth and was about to get out of bed when he suddenly spoke again. “Wait.”

I looked at him, confused.

He exhaled, staring at me like he was thinking about something important. “You helped heal my leg last night,” he said. “I should return the favor.”

I frowned. “What do you mean?”

His eyes darkened. “I need a mate. A fake one. Since you have nowhere to go, you can stay here and pretend to be mine.”

I froze.

Did I hear him correctly?

“You want me to pretend to be your mate?” I asked, my voice shaking.

“Yes.” His tone was firm. “It will be safer for you. Instead of wandering around like a lost pup, you’ll stay here.”

I stared at him. He looked serious. Too serious.

I didn’t know what to say.

Last night, I had nothing. No pack, no home, no one to turn to. And now, this man—this cold Alpha—was offering me a place to stay. But there was something about him that scared me.

He wasn’t like Kael. Kael had been cruel, but his cruelty was obvious. Asher was different. His coldness wasn’t loud. It was quiet. Dangerous.

I swallowed hard and looked at him. “How do I know I’m safe with you?” Asher’s lips twitched slightly, but it wasn’t a smile.

“You’re safe from others,” he said. “No one will touch you. No one will hurt you.” Then he leaned in slightly, his golden eyes staring deep into mine.

“But from me?” He paused. “I don’t know.” A chill ran down my spine.

I should have left. I should have run.

But where would I go?

I took a deep breath and nodded. “Okay.”

I had no choice