The Alpha Who Wouldn’t Let Go

I’d heard of the Crescent Moon Pack. They bordered Blackwood territory. Rich. Powerful. More civilized than us, according to pack gossip.

“Arabelle,” I said, because ignoring him felt rude even though I wanted to.

“Beautiful name.”

He looked over at the flowers.

“These are Bourbon roses. Antique variety. Someone here knows their horticulture.”

“That would be Gerald, the actual gardener. I’m just the grunt labor.”

Simon laughed. It was a nice sound. Warm. Real. Nothing like Zach’s rare, cold amusement. “Well, you’re doing a great job. These cuts are perfect.”

I glanced at him, suspicious. “Is there something you need? Because I’m pretty sure important Betas don’t chat with servants.”

“Maybe I’m not like other Betas.” His smile turned softer. “And maybe I know exactly who you are, Arabelle Gwyneth.”

I froze.

“Zach’s mate. The one he rejected.” Simon’s voice was gentle now. “The one he’s keeping here like… well. Like this.”

“He’s settling a debt. My father…..”

“Marcus Gwyneth, notorious gambler and horrible father. I know. Zach’s also been more restless these days. Must be because of you.”

“Not my problem.”

He laughed.

“I’m more concerned that the bond didn’t break. That’s rare. Usually rejection severs it clean. But you two are still connected, aren’t you?”

I didn’t answer. Didn’t need to. He could probably see it on my face.

“That must be torture,” Simon said quietly. “Feeling him. Being near him. Knowing he doesn’t want you.”

“Why are you here?” My voice came out sharp. “To rub it in?

“No. I want to make an offer.”

“Offer?”

“Come work for me. My pack needs good people. You’d have your own room, real wages, respect. No one would treat you like property.” His brown eyes were sincere. “You’d be free, Arabelle.”

Free. The word sounded foreign.

“Why would you do that? You don’t even know me.”

“You deserve better.”

“I can’t just leave. Marcus’s debt…..”

“Is bullshit. Zach could forgive it with a phone call.“

“So why he is keeping me here?”

“Because he can’t let you go even though he rejected you. Because the bond is driving him crazy.He wants you. Bad.”

I felt something. Hope, maybe. Or just more pain.

“He doesn’t…..”

“Arabelle.”

Zach’s voice cut through the garden like a knife.

We both turned. He was standing on the terrace and looking at us with an expression I’d never seen before.

Pure fury.

“Simon. My office. Now.”

Simon said to me before leaving, handing me a business card “Think about my offer. That’s my personal number. Call anytime.”

I took the card automatically. I could feel Zach’s possessive eyes burn into my skin but i didn’t care.

Fuck him.

As they both disappeared inside, I stood there holding Simon’s card, my heart racing. A way out. Freedom. Respect.

So why did the thought of leaving make my chest ache?

…..…..…..…..-

I was cleaning up after dinner that night when the witch, Penelope approached me.

“Heard you were flirting with Simon today.”

“Why? Come to learn some flirting skills so Zach will finally look at you?” I said.

She grabbed my hair and slammed my head on the table. I winced in pain but I made no sound. I won’t give this bitch the satisfaction. She pulled my head up.

“Getting bold yeah?”

“I mean. What else can you do but beat me? You’ve hit me so many times it doesn’t faze me anymore.”

She glared at me.

“What? What more do you want to do? Kill me?”

Her grip on my hair tightened.

“Who said I can’t do it?”

“You can’t kill Zach’s mate and…”

“You are not his mate!” She barked.

I chuckled. She looked at me with confusion. Then left my hair alone and folded her arms.

“So what did you talk about with Simon?”

“He was being polite.”

“He was offering you a job. In his pack. I heard all about it.“

“If you knew, why did you ask me about it?”

“Just wanted to confirm. The whole house heard Zach screaming at him.”

My hands stilled on the plate I was washing. “Zach was screaming?”

“Oh yes. Threatened to rip Simon’s throat out if he ever spoke to you again. It was quite the show.”

“No idea.”

“He’s jealous.” Penelope’s smile was vicious. “The mighty Alpha Zach Blackwood, jealous over his rejected mate. It’s almost funny. Almost.”

“If you have a point…..”

“My point is this.” She stepped closer. “You might think Simon’s offer is your salvation. A ticket out. But it’s not. Because Zach won’t let you go. He rejected you, yes. But he still sees you as his property. And if you try to leave, he’ll destroy you. He’ll destroy Simon. He’ll burn both packs to the ground before he lets another man have what’s his.”

“I’m not his.”

“Aren’t you though?” Her voice dropped low and mean. “That bond is still there. Still connecting you. You can feel him right now, can’t you? His rage. His jealousy. His obsession.”

I could. God help me, I could. The bond was screaming with Zach’s fury, with something possessive and dark that made my wolf whimper.

“Stay away from Zach and Simon,” Penelope said. “Stay in your place. Or I promise you, everyone you care about will suffer. And trust me, when it comes to making people suffer, Zach learned from the best.”

She left me there, shaking.

………….

I avoided Zach for two days after the Simon incident.

I didn’t know what to do or how to face him.

Until Helen told me on the third day that he’d requested to see me.

I stood outside the office, reluctant to go in.

I knocked.

“Come in.”

I entered, avoiding his eyes. The room smelt of him, of that raw smell of manliness mixed with his expensive cologne. I dropped the food on the table.

“Your lunch. Sir.”

“Oh it’s sir now? You’ve never respected me once since you came here.”

I said nothing and looked away.

“For someone of your status. You are really brazen. I’ve actually never met any woman speak or act the way you do towards me.”

I turned away, “I should go…”

“Close the door.”

My stomach dropped. “I should get back…..”

“Close. The door.”