5.

ALLISON

“Thank you for saving me.” I said to Lazar as he walked into the ward. In his hands was a wrapped box. And at once glance, I knew what it was.

Fruits. How thoughtful of him.

“You are welcome, Allison.” He flashed a warm smile at me. “How are you feeling today?”

“I'm… I'm better.” I replied truthfully. Honestly, I have no idea what the doctor had done to me, or what drugs he had given me, but one thing I couldn't deny was that it was effective. I felt better than I've ever felt in a long while. The discomfort and pain I felt in between my legs were gone. The injuries on my body were healing fast too.

“That's good to know, Allison.” He took his glasses off and placed them on the table beside him. “I'm glad you're okay. You'll have to remain here until you recover fully.”

I was relieved to know that. I haven't figured out what to do with my life as soon as I'm discharged. I have nowhere to go, except my father's house. And with the ugly memories the house holds for me, it's the last place I want to stay.

Since I'll stay here until I recover fully, I might as well think about what to do.

“Lest I forget, your father and grandmother are currently in jail now. I had them jailed for what they did to you. They'll have to face the law.”

My brows furrowed slightly into confusion. “You had them imprisoned?”

“Yes, Allison. Both of them. I just couldn't help it. First they mistreated you. And as a result of their actions, you lost your baby.”

I knew that I lost my baby and I've tried so hard not to cry about it. When he broke the news to me a few days ago, I cried myself to sleep.

But deep down I was happy that I lost it. At least my child wouldn't suffer in this cruel world. She wouldn't have a father who's a monster, a father who didn't want her. Plus I wasn't financially stable enough to look after myself, not to talk of a newborn. I can't bring him or her into this world to suffer.

“And Elliot?” I inquired hesitantly. “Was he jailed too?”

“Yes. All of them. Maximus's auction house was destroyed too. That's what they all get for mistreating my mate.” He said in a tone of finality.

I've almost forgotten that he claimed I was his mate. Even though I was human, I knew about werewolves and their world. It wasn't a strange road for me, because I've been reading about werewolves for as long as I can remember.

I knew about their leader who is called an Alpha, his second in command, his Beta. And of course the Alpha's mate, Luna or the Queen of the Pack. I know how Luna must be a strong and capable werewolf else she wouldn't be accepted by the Pack.

And now, he claims that I am his mate which I feel is not gonna be possible. I was human. And he, a werewolf. There's no way in hell that I'll be accepted in the Pack. As the Alpha of the Pack, he should know this.

I took a deep breath to clear my head. “We both know that I won't be accepted in your Pack, sir.” I said in the calmest voice that I could muster. “I am an ordinary human. I'm not strong like your people. I can't fight. I can't protect the Pack. I can't shift. I won't be accepted. I think we should both go our separate ways.”

He leaned closer, took my hands in his and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Are you thinking of rejecting me?”

As much as it pains me, I can't bear it. He is the first person who has ever stood up for me. In fact, he's the only one who has protected me and also punished the people who hurt me. But at the same time, I can't accept him. There is no way that I'll be accepted there. Who knows what fate awaits me in the Pack?

“Im only stating facts, sir….”

“Lazar.” He cut me off. “Address me as Lazar. I am your mate, your future husband. You're not my subject, but my Luna.”

I felt my cheeks heat up, especially as he said he was my future husband. “Okay.”

“Now, I need you to understand one thing, Allison. I am the Alpha. And ad the Alpha, whatever I say stands. My Pack cannot tell me what to do or who to take as my mate. Anyone who questions my decision or the moon goddess decrees will have to be punished by me. Or worse, sent out of the Pack.”

“Will you turn your back on your Pack for me, a total stranger? Will you go against the people that has been with you through thick and thin, all for a complete stranger?”

The corners of his lips rose in a smile. “That stranger is my mate. And besides, I am not turning my back on them, baby. I am only making a point. Once I've done this, no one will have any rights to send you away or ask me to send you out of the Pack.”

“Are you sure about this?” I exhaled sharply. “I don't want to be the reason why everyone hates and turn their back on you, Lazar. I won't be able to live with it.”

“Trust me, Allison. I have everything under control. You just sit back and recover fully.”

“Yes, I will.”

♤♤♤

“I just spoke with the doctor now. He says you can be discharged.” Lazar announced as he walked into the room. It's been three weeks since I was brought to this hospital. And I must say this is the first time I've had real peace without anyone yelling at me or making me feel like I'm a burden.

And Alpha Lazar, for the past three weeks, he keeps coming back to the Pack, to check on me, even though he has his Pack to run and look after.

“Yeah. He told me earlier.” I answered. And he nodded.

With his hands behind his back, he walked towards the window. I kept praying within me that he wouldn't remind me about what we discussed some days ago. But as if he heard my thoughts, he spoke up.

“Tell me, Allison.” He started. “Have you thought about it already?”

“Of course yes, Alpha.” I nodded like he could see me. “I've thought about it. And I don't think I can do it. I can't come to the Pack with you.”

He finally turned to face me. “And why is that?”

“I am human. There is no place for me in your Pack. I won't be welcomed there. I can't…”

“You'll be welcomed. And trust me, I'll make sure no one hurts you or causes you any problem. That's a promise I intend to keep. Forever.”

I needed no soothsayer to tell me that he meant those words. But in this life, I've learnt never to trust anyone. Especially after what Elliot did. He was the one man I trusted with everything in me. I trusted that he'll save me, take me away from my parents forever. But he did the exact opposite.

He betrayed me by selling me at the auction, the one place I hated most, without a second thought.

“You can't force everyone to love and accept me, Lazar. Can you please just let me go? I promise you I'll be fine outside the Pack. You can come see me whenever you want. It'll be better that day.”

“Im sorry, I can't do that, Allison. You're my mate. And staying at the Pack is safer for you. How will I protect you if you're far away from me?” He asked as he began to walk closer. “Look, Allison, I have enemies. Lots of them. What do you think would happen if they get to know that I've found my mate?”

“They'll want to hurt me.” I stated the obvious.

“You're right. They'll hurt you. They'll do anything to get to me. So please, come with me to the Pack, so I can protect you. And treat you better. If your greatest concern is not being accepted by the Pack, then I'll arrange for you to stay away from the Pack House. How about that?”

“No. I'll stay in the Pack House.” I blurted out before I could stop myself. Nevertheless, I didn't want to trouble him.

“Good.” He winked at me. “The car is ready. We should leave already.”

“Uhm…. What about my father?” I whispered as he helped me get up from the bed. “My grandmother, Elliot.”

“They'll remain in jail until whenever I change my mind. So you don't have to worry about them hurting you again. Now let's go. The car is waiting."