Chapter 8
Alex
My father's expectations made me livid. He believed he had the right to decide whom I could or could not date, even whom I could love. That was so incredibly wrong. It was my life, and my choice of partners. That I played college football in Georgia did not make me only a jock. I had goals and desires beyond just playing sports, but above all else, what I wanted most in life was a happy future with my family and my significant other. I pushed Shauna away from me and roughly set her on the couch beside us.
My blood boiled with anger towards both her and my father; who were they to dictate our romantic lives? They had no right! I loved Ana.
“Dad, what the hell is your problem? Why are you trying to push me into marrying Shauna? What reason do you have?”
As usual, he did not respond. Instead, he gave me a blank expression and proceeded talking about how Shauna and I would get married and build our future together as a couple.
“My son, scouts are on the lookout for football players with a well-managed personal life. It's in response to all the negative press that the indiscretions of many talented footballers have generated over the last few years.”His words sunk in. He was telling me the truth, but there must be more to it; I knew my father too well. A confrontation would only make matters worse, so instead, I took a different approach.
“Shauna, I'm sorry. This will never happen again.” She was a perfect example of creating beauty – blond hair, fake tanned skin, and posture victorious. The last couple of days had been difficult, but thinking back to Ana’s sad eyes and the pain in them made me determined to find her and explain everything.
Shauna doesn’t answer at first; it's such a contrast to the boisterous and ever-present voice of her companion. Her condescending words were like knives, piercing right into my soul.
"Do you care so little for me you'd pick her over me?" She sneered; her expression twisted up in disapproval.
"You should tell him, Mr. Sullivan," she said with a mocking lilt in her voice. A smirk curled at the corner of her lips as something inside me filled with dread.
"What news?" I asked hesitantly. "Son, there are things you need to know about 'sweet Ana.' To put it bluntly, she's scum that belongs with other scum."
“Come on, dad. She isn't some kind of street trash; she comes from money and is an excellent student with big plans for life and a good heart.”
"Regardless of what you think now, she'll hurt you tremendously if you stay with her. She'll betray you, deceive you, and turn against me," he said sternly.
"They're no better than us, no matter how they act."
The nausea came back, and I needed to get out of the room before I ended up hurling. There's no way I'd marry Shauna—not when I wasn't even interested in her in the first place. As I made my way to the door, my father blocked me and pushed me back onto the sofa. I almost fell over Shauna by accident, but steadied myself at the last second.
“Just leave me alone. There’s no way I'm going to marry Shauna.”
I don't even care if I offend her. I just need to make sure it's clear that we're not happening. Suddenly, she steps closer and stares at me. Her eyes are as cold as a winter's day and her face is expressionless until she laughs.
“You don’t have a choice, Alex. I’m pretty sure I’m pregnant.” She pauses before bursting into a wide smile.
“What?? What does that have to do with me?! We haven't been together for years! And, for the record, I really regret it.”
Her face falls slightly before she composes herself. “Well, we slept together a few days ago and I’m pretty sure I’m expecting.”
"You're delusional Shauna. There's no way I would have slept with you in my right mind."
“I know,” she whispers sadly before laughing again, “ that's why I drugged you last time. We're having a baby and we're getting married. If not, I'll make sure that Ana’s life is a living hell. Don’t think I won't do it; my family has all the resources to put other people out of business.
“Are you threatening me, delusional bitch?”
“Well, there are different ways to put it, but just to be clear: I know exactly where Ana lives.”
I can't breathe. What is this crazy girl talking about? Is she trying to trap me with help from my father? Why is he supporting this? Why is she so hateful towards Ana? Can I protect her? If I can find her, can I explain what these crazy people are up to? Will she believe me?
“Before you get any ideas, son. Just to be clear: I killed Ana's mum, and by now she will know it. Good luck explaining that to her, sunshine. She hates you and by now she probably thinks this was all one big game for you.”
The words coming out of his mouth drop me into the depths of despair. All the lies he's telling are so cruel that I want to lash out at my father. But this is what he wants. He wants me to act out so they can punish her, too. No, I won't put her in any more danger. I'll do anything to protect Ana.
"Okay, I agree, but on one condition," I answer. The looks of surprise on their faces tell me they didn't expect this. It's game over at least for now.
"You won’t hurt Ana."
Chapter 40 Ana The wolf that stood before me was a sight to behold. Max, my chosen mate, was beautiful in his own right, but this animal was breathtaking. His fur was silver grey, and his eyes were crystal blue. He towered over me, his aura nearly bringing me to my knees. It was apparent he was an alpha, the leader of a pack. Alex's family history had always been shrouded in mystery. When I met his father for the first time, I could tell he was a high-ranking wolf despite being a rogue. Perhaps he once belonged to a pack before leaving and setting out on his own. Then again, maybe Alex's mother had something to do with it all. When Alex returned to Montana and reunited with me. Something shifted within him. The final straw broke Blade free from whatever held him back was when I flirted with Mr. Giovanni––it set Blade free to be with me instead. Blade approached me carefully, almost like he didn't want to startle me. It made me smile; after all, I was an Alpha just like him, althoug
Chapter 39 Alex Ana's kindness and selflessness astounded me; she was offering something so amazing. No matter what happened, I knew there was no way I'd leave her. Afterwards, I called my dad, and it was an unhappy conversation. He was yelling, demanding and threatening me to return right away - or else. Or else what? Would he disown me? There were no limits for him; whatever he wanted, he did. It boggled my mind that my mother ever found him attractive. He was wild, delusional, and fanatical in his beliefs: that he was invincible. I shared everything with Ana. No more secrets for us. We committed to spending the rest of our lives together, and though I wasn't thrilled about sharing her with Max, that was an issue for another day. We spent the rest of my first shift preparing, and Blade said we were fortunate to have each other accompanying us. When she told me the timing of her shift, something within me ached. She shifted early, not only because my father threatened to harm her,
Chapter 38 AnaAlex's words were clipped and concise. As soon as Shauna answered the phone, he informed her that their engagement was off - a fact which didn't sit well with her. She shouted curses and threats at him, me and everyone he cared about. It was difficult to listen to, though she had it coming. She ranted about a supposed baby she was expecting; pure fiction. I knew for certain she wasn't pregnant, having smelled her scent again at the club with Courtney. Alex promised me he had never slept with Shauna. He recalled only one instance two years prior but said maybe he confused her for me on the night of the party when they hooked up. According to him, someone may have drugged him that evening. I believe him. People have been trying to keep us apart for some dumb reasons. Alex seemed relieved yet worried when he hung up the phone, but I still felt insecure about the way he hurt me. I was a mess and put on a face of being okay, though I hadn't been since that night when every
Chapter 37 AlexI sensed her presence and smelled her perfume even before she tapped on the door. Somehow, I was aware of her entrance as soon as she stepped into the building. My dormant werewolf characteristics came to life—my suppressed feelings and instincts rose, giving me a sense of strength, but also making me uncertain about many things. One thing I was certain of, it was Ana. My love; my soulmate. From the moment I met Ana, I felt an overwhelming connection to her that surpassed anything I had ever encountered before. It all made sense now, knowing what I know. She belonged to me. When I heard her footfalls in the hallway, I swiftly checked myself in the mirror and made sure my appearance didn't disappoint. I wanted her to feel for me as intensely as I did for her. But if there was something I could sense from Ana, it was that she was unsure. I was sure that I wanted to be with Ana, either alone or sharing her with Max. I made the most of our time together and learn as mu
Chapter 36 Ana Max was instantly furious when I explained my plan and promise to Alex. He must have thought I was going to leave him, but after I reassured him, he became more concerned about my health. Everyone knew the danger of taking in another mate—except for Alex. After talking to both men, I went back home to take a few moments for myself. The more I thought about it, the clearer it became that there was no other way: I wanted them both, and the full moon - just a couple of days away - would be the deadline. Time was quickly slipping away. As I made my way to the apartment, I had plenty of other things on my mind; Shauna and, as well as Mr. Giovanni and his mob. Of course, Alex's father would be a problem for later. By now I was about to start alpha training, something I was quite eager to do. To be a good pack leader, I had to know how to lead, fight and use tactical strength. I believed it was the mob which caused the infiltration in our pack and our business. I daydreamed
Chapter 35 Ana I’m in a trance-like state when Alex is near me. I lose all sorts of judgment and rationality. He has complete control over me. What have I done? Have I really asked him to be my second mate? It happens occasionally, but usually it’s only between siblings. I haven’t even talked to Max about this. But I’m serious about this. I love Max with all my being. This won't change that. Not being with my fated mate will kill me if I do nothing soon.Yet what I just did was totally irrational. I should have spoken with Max first, but the look of relief on Alex's face, combined with the peace in my heart when I said those words, comforts me somehow. It seems there are no other solutions to resolving this dilemma; it’s that or utter mayhem. I choose my words carefully as I explain to Alex the steps I'll have to take in order to make this work. I need to seek Max's approval first, and that will be difficult given his animosity towards Alex. Even with all the new information that h