Chapter 5

Ruby's POV

Teresa had left and now it was just me here, a sense of relief washed over me. Her bitter words and the tension between us had made the encounter unbearable. I couldn't help but feel grateful that she had left without hitting me this time, I was still recovering from the previous injuries I sustained from her hands. 

As I sat on the bench in the garden, my thoughts turned to the secret meeting Drako was arranging between me and Alpha Ralph. I wondered if Teresa had somehow found out about my intentions to leave with the Alpha. She had come from the same direction that Drako had used when he left, and it made me uneasy.

I knew that competing with the bond of a father-daughter relationship was futile, and I had no way of knowing if they had met or if Drako had told her any of our plans. However, deep down, I trusted Drako with all that I had. It wasn't like I had a choice not to. He had been my pillar of support in this pack, and I believed he would never do anything to implicate me or make me suffer further.

I sighed, the weight of uncertainty pressing down on me. My life had become a tangled web of emotions and complicated relationships. I yearned for a fresh start, but I couldn't help but wonder if such a thing was even possible.

Just then, Drako emerged from the woods, his sudden appearance startling me. Behind him, the imposing figure of Alpha Ralph followed. I stood up immediately, my heart racing, there was no denying that he was Captivating.

"Alpha Ralph," I greeted him, trying to hide my nervousness behind a polite smile, one that was definitely forced.

Alpha Ralph returned my greeting with a warm smile, but it quickly faded into a frown as he turned to Drako. "Thank you for arranging this meeting, Drako."

Drako nodded, his expression serious. "You're welcome, Alpha Ralph."

Alpha Ralph's gaze shifted to me, and then he gestured in my direction. "I can't do this, Drako." He paused, his frustration evident in his tone. "I can't lower myself to hiding and escaping with her."

Drako's brow furrowed in confusion. "Do what, Alpha Ralph?"

Alpha Ralph turned to face me directly, his eyes conflicted. "I'm an Alpha, Drako. I should obtain what I desire with triumph and my head held high."

Drako sighed, understanding what Alpha Ralph said, but also the complexities of the situation. "I understand your position, Alpha Ralph. But please remember, this isn't your pack. Resources are limited here, and your fight with Gonzalo for Ruby is one you can't win in this territory."

Alpha Ralph's frustration seemed to deepen, and he paced back and forth, I could tell he was thinking. "I know, Drako, but I can't just take her and run. It's not how I thought of things, this isn't how I fight."

Drako stepped closer to Alpha Ralph, his voice gentle yet firm. "Sometimes, we have to adapt to our circumstances. Helping yourself and helping Ruby find a better life is the triumph here.". Alpha Ralph winced and Nodded. 

There was a brief silence and then Darko walked towards me, slightly touching my hands. And then he looked at Alpha Ralph. "I'll let you two talk for a while." He said as he walked away, but not before he smiled warmly, I could see that he was exhausted.

"Drako, wait." Alpha Ralph's voice stopped him in his tracks. 

Drako paused and turned back to face Alpha Ralph, curiosity in his eyes. "Yes, Alpha Ralph?"

Alpha Ralph's gaze bore into Drako's, and he asked a question that had been lingering in his mind. "Why are you doing this, Drako? Why are you helping Ruby escape from this pack?"

Drako's lips curved into a warm smile as he answered, "Alpha Ralph, Ruby is like a daughter to me. Well, I wish she were my daughter. Maybe then she wouldn't have had to go through all the suffering she's endured. I want to help her get out of this hellhole and find a better life."

Alpha Ralph nodded in understanding, his respect for Drako evident. "I appreciate your sincerity, Drako."

Drako's expression turned serious as he fixed his gaze on Alpha Ralph. "Just one request, Alpha Ralph. Promise me you won't hurt her. She's been through enough."

Alpha Ralph met Drako's gaze with a solemn nod. "I promise, Drako. I'll protect her with my life."

********

As Drako left us alone, I couldn't help but feel a mix of gratitude and nervousness. I was now alone with Alpha Ralph, and the thought of our upcoming decision hung in the air.

Alpha Ralph turned to me with a warm smile, the expression on his face was much softer than when we had met at the pack meeting. He reached into his bag and brought out some fruits and food, offering them to me. "I thought maybe you'd be hungry."

My stomach rumbled loudly, betraying my hunger. I nodded appreciatively, realizing how famished I was. We both sat down, and I began to eat, though my anxiety made it difficult to focus on the food. I couldn't stop staring at Alpha Ralph, still trying to process the fact that he was here, offering me a way out of my current life.

After a few moments of silence, Alpha Ralph spoke, his voice gentle. "I'm sorry."

I blinked in surprise, not expecting an apology. "Sorry? For what?"

Alpha Ralph sighed, his expression sincere. "I'm sorry for what I said earlier, about not being able to do this. My pride got the best of me, and it was unfair to you."

I was taken aback by his apology. I had never heard an Alpha apologize before, let alone apologize to me. "I...I appreciate your honesty, Alpha Ralph. Thank you."

He smiled warmly, his eyes holding a kindness that hadn't been present during our initial encounter. "Call me Ralph, please."

I nodded, a small smile forming on my lips. "Alright, Ralph."