8

Eliana

Give him a chance. Do not give him a chance. Give him a chance.

I could spend the whole day plucking petals from a flower and playing the game of giving Ace a chance or not giving him a chance. Right now, I was not sure what to do.

But then, at last, I did give him a chance. Was it the best? Yes.

The moment I let him into my life, I knew I should take my time. Ace was an Alpha, just like Cade and his brothers, and it was hard for me to trust Ace. But, with time, he turned out to be different. He was patient, kind, and gentle. He knew what I was going to say without me saying it, and he treated me like I was worth it; I felt loved with him near.

We took things slow, of course. We went on dates and got to know each other. He'd sleep at my place, and we'd cook together and joke. Everything with him felt like it was meant to be.

One afternoon, as we were preparing lunch, Ace had turned to me, and he said something that made me just want to hug him forever. "I want to tell you this, Eliana. I will be a good father, I promise."

At first, I didn't understand what he was saying, but when I saw him looking at my stomach, I understood. He was talking about my unborn baby. He wasn't the father, Cade was, yet Ace's words touched a deep part of me. It was there and then I decided to fully trust him.

I looked at him, my eyes searching for any sign of insincerity. But all I saw was kindness and genuine affection. He wasn't lying.

"Thank you, Ace.”

“I mean it, Eliana. I'll be here for you and your child, no matter what."

What more could I ask for? Nothing at all. This was all I wanted; this was where I wanted to be.

Things were going well for us. Today, I decided to visit Ace at his palace. We were always meeting at my place, at restaurants, and anywhere for a date, but today I wanted to be in his own territory.

I got ready with some fresh pastries, and when I got to the palace gate, I was stopped by a guard.

He stepped out of the shadows and scared me, his eyes sneering at me. He looked like one of those men that attacked me the other day in the alley. “Who is there?”

I stood tall, trying to hide my fear. “I'm here to see Ace.”

He hissed and began to clap. “You don't even call him Alpha again; how rude of you! Who do you think you are, woman?”

Oh damn! What am I supposed to do now? I should have told Ace I was coming; this wouldn't have happened. “I want to see Alpha Ace.”

The guard snorted. "You don't belong here. You're not one of us."

The same old story again! Yes, I didn't belong here; yes, I knew nothing about being a wolf and all, but I was learning. Why couldn't these people just accept me for once? I'd been here for close to four months now, and they just made everything so difficult for me.

The guard took a step closer, his hand reaching out to grab my arm. I tried to shake him off, but he held tight.

"You're just a temporary plaything for the Alpha," he sneered. "He has nothing to offer you. Who knows? You might be a spy sent to destroy us.”

I felt a surge of anger, but I knew better than to fight back. I couldn't even fight. I tried to pull away, but he held me in a tight grip.

“But you got something you could offer me.” He said, his voice dripping with lust. I found him repulsive.

Just as I thought he was going to hurt me right in broad daylight, a voice echoed through the hallway. "Let her go."

The guard released me, and I turned to see Ace standing by the gate, his eyes blazing with anger.

“Are you crazy?” He demanded, taking each step towards us with speed and anger.

“I am sorry, Alpha.” The guard said, bowing his head.

"Apologise to Eliana," he growled.

The guard hesitated, then muttered a half-hearted apology. “I'm sorry.”

“Do it again like you mean it.” Ace told him authoritatively.

“I am sorry, Eliana.”

Ace's eyes narrowed. "You will never touch her again. Do you understand?"

The guard nodded, and Ace turned to me. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice softening.

I nodded, trying to shake off the fear that had consumed me. “Yeah, I'm fine."

“Let's go to your place.” He said, and I didn't say anything; I just allowed him to lead me home.

When we got home, Ace stripped me of all my clothing and made me stay in bed with him naked too. I'd never been in this kind of position with him, and being with him now felt so right.

I smuggled deeper into the blanket he used to cover both of us. I was still shaken from the guards' bullying and all.

“Do you want something? A snack?” He asked me softly.

I shook my head, feeling the fear all over. “No. Just hold me.”

His face softened, and he did just as I told him to. He wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close. I wanted to drink in his warmth and not let him go.

As he held me, our skin came into contact and it made my hormones come alive. I was alone with a man, naked together. It made me crave more than just his body, I wanted more.

I tilted my head up, and found him looking at me. The air was charged with tension as he leaned in, his lips brushing against mine.

“Touch me, Ace,” I said with my voice low and urgent.

With that said, he deepened and I felt myself melting into his embrace. He held me close, kissing every part of my neck and face. He explored my skin, sent shivers down my spine and I felt alive, I felt desired and loved.

We kissed, we smooched, we explored each other's bodies, but we didn't make love. I wasn't ready for that, and he understood.

Afterwards, we slept like fulfilled adults. I wanted to make love with him, but I still wanted to take it slow and easy. When I woke up the next day, Ace was still there, his eyes watching over me. "Good morning," he whispered, his lips brushing against mine.

"Good morning," I replied, remembering the events of the previous night. I wish we had made love, but it's all good.

“I brought you this.” He said, setting down a tary of beautiful goodies in front of me.

“Oh wow!” I was shocked. I don't think I've ever gotten breakfast in bed before.

I looked at the tray of food – honey laden pancakes, rich bacon and fresh fruit juice. He had made everything from scratch, I could still smell the aroma of everything.

“Ace, this is too much. You didn't have to do this.”

“I wanted to,” he replied, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “I just wanted you to know I'm also a good chef, you'll get more if you stick with me.”

“Is that a strategy to get me?”

He laughed, his laughter like music to my ears. “Maybe.”

We ate together, laughing and chatting like we were little children. Ace got the coffee he made, and as he refilled my cup, his finger brushed mine, and I felt the desire all over again.

He was romantic, sweet, and gentle. What more could I look for in a man? I was ready to give my heart all to him; he was the right one for my baby and me.

As we finished breakfast, Ace leaned in and kissed me softly. "I want you to fully trust me. I wouldn't mince words; I want your body, your heart, your soul.”

But then, we weren't mates. I don't feel any bond towards him; I don't know if it's possible we end up together. But I was going to enjoy the moment.

And suddenly, Ace's phone ran. He picked it up before me and was talking to someone. I guess he had some visitors at the palace.

“I'll be right there.” He told the person on the phone and hung up, then he turned to me. “I have to be at the palace.”

“Oh, no problem.”

“But you're coming with me. I cannot leave you here.”

I smiled, and we both prepared. I walked beside Ace, curious about the important visitor. As we entered the grand hall, I caught a whiff of a familiar scent — one that made my heart skip a beat.

And then I saw him — someone I never wanted to see again. Ace.

Ace didn't seem to notice my distress at all; he greeted Ace with a not so nice or warm tone.

"Long time no see, Ace." Ace said, his voice taking a calm tone.

And it was then I knew I was done.