Almost Chosen

I obeyed, my heart hammering. The bond flared hot between us.

“Simon Sinclair offered you a job,” Zach said flatly.

“Yes.”

“And?”

“And what?” I crossed my arms. “You want to know if I’m leaving? If I’m taking it?”

“Why are you still here?”

I raised a brow.

“You have an out. A good one. Simon’s rich, charming, actually gives a damn about people. So why haven’t you packed your bags?”

“Maybe I like washing dishes.”

“Don’t be smart.”

“Why not? You’re being an ass.” I was already saying before I could stop myself, “You rejected and humiliated me. Then made me your slave. Ignored me. And now you are mad someone finally saw me as human? You don’t get to care!”

“I care!” He yelled, getting up.

“Oh really?”

 “I said I rejected you. Those are different things!”

“How? Explain it to me like I’m stupid, since apparently I am for still being here!”

“I was trying to protect you! Because everyone I’ve ever loved has died or betrayed me! Because being my mate is a death sentence and I’d rather hurt you now than watch you die later!”

The confession hung between us, raw and bleeding.

I stared at him. “You’re an idiot.”

“Excuse me?”

“You heard me. You’re an idiot.” I stepped closer, anger overriding fear. “You think pushing me away protects me? I’m already a target! Marcus sold me. Penelope hits me. The pack treats me like garbage. How is this better than being your actual mate?”

“Penelope hits you?” His voice went deadly quiet.

Shit. “It’s nothing…..”

“How long?”

“Zach…..”

“How long has she been putting her hands on you?” Each word was measured. Controlled. Terrifying.

“Since day one. But it’s fine. I can handle…..”

He was out from behind the desk before I finished, grabbing his phone. “Helen. Find Penelope. Bring her here. Now.”

“You don’t need to do that.”

“Nobody touches you. Nobody. I don’t care if I rejected you. I don’t care about this fucking prophecy. You are under my protection. You are mine.”

The bond hummed with approval. My wolf practically purred.

“The prophecies?” I asked.

He ran a hand through his hair, making it worse. “It’s complicated. Family curse bullshit. Not important right now.”

“Seems pretty important if it made you reject your mate.”

“Can we not do this?” He looked suddenly exhausted. “Can we just… not fight for five minutes?”

I studied him. Really looked at him. The dark circles under his eyes. He looked really tired.

“You look terrible,” I said.

“Thanks. You’re a real confidence booster.”

“I mean it. When’s the last time you slept?”

“When’s the last time you did?” He shot back. “I can feel you through the bond, you know. Awake at three AM. Every night.”

“Maybe I’m avoiding nightmares.”

“Maybe I am too.”

It was confusing. Us standing there without being angry at each other for once.

Understanding, maybe. Or just exhaustion.

“This is weird,” I said.

“What is?”

“Talking to you like you’re a person. Not just the Alpha who rejected me.”

He chuckled.

 “I am occasionally a person. Very occasionally.”

“Could’ve fooled me.”

“I’m trying here, Arabelle.” The smile faded. “I know I’ve been… harsh. Cruel, even. And I’m…..I’m sorry.  For all of it. The rejection. Bringing you here. Letting Penelope…..” His jaw clenched. “I should’ve protected you better.”

An apology. From Alpha Zach Blackwood. I couldn’t believe my ears. I almost checked for flying pigs.

“Was that physically painful?” I asked. “Apologizing?”

“Excruciating.”

“Good.” But I smiled a little. Couldn’t help it.

His eyes caught the smile, and something warm flickered there. “You should do that more.”

“What?”

“Smile. It…”

He blushed with embarrassment and looked away, “Never mind.”

“No, finish that sentence.”

“It’s pretty. You’re pretty. When you’re not scowling at me, which I probably deserve.”

My face went hot. The bond sang between us, golden and warm.

A knock interrupted whatever I might’ve said.

“Alpha?” Helen’s voice. “Simon Sinclair is leaving. He asked to say goodbye to Arabelle.”

The warmth in Zach’s expression evaporated. “Tell him…..”

“I’ll go,” I said quickly. “Just to be polite.”

I saw he was not happy. But he still nodded and let me go.

Simon was waiting by his car.

“Arabelle. Glad I caught you.”

“Heading out?”

“Business calls. But I meant what I said.” He handed me another card. “The offer stands. Anytime. Day or night.”

“Simon…..”

“I know you’re conflicted. I see it.” His voice went soft. “But you deserve someone who chooses you. Not someone who keeps you out of obligation or guilt or whatever Zach’s operating on.”

“It’s complicated.”

“I’ll be back next week. Just think about it,” he said, taking my hand and placing a kiss on it.

I blushed.

I

I felt Zach before I saw him. The bond blazed with jealousy so intense it took my breath away.

Simon just smiled. And then he drove off.

“So, That was cozy.”

Penelope had joined us in the garden.

She stood beside Zach, their shoulders touching. I burned with jealousy.

“He is just being nice.”

“He’s interested.” Her smile was vicious. “Everyone can see it. Can’t you, Zach?”

Zach’s eyes were still on me. “Go inside, Arabelle.”

“Let her stay. Let her see this.”

“Penelope…..”

Suddenly, Penelope grabbed his face and kissed him.

My eyes widened in surprise as I watched her kiss Zach. Kiss my man. Kiss my Alpha.

I stood in a frozen position.

She sunk her hands in his hair, pressing her body against him.

He quickly shoved her away.

“What the hell?! Penelope!”

Penelope just smiled and looked at me triumphantly.

Zach’s eyes shifted to mine.

“Arabelle…I…”

But before he could say something else, I had already ran away from the garden, tears pouring down my cheeks.

Behind me, I heard Penelope’s laugh. Cold. Triumphant.

“She needed to see the truth, darling. You’ll always be mine.”

“Arabelle wait!” I heard Zach’s desperate voice as he ran after me.

I didn’t stop.

“Arabelle! Please listen to me!”

All I could see was the kiss and my heart breaking all over again.