Chapter 4

(Layana’s pov)

I tried ignoring his presence, admiring the scene outside, which only succeeded for the first few minutes. Eventually, he started talking.

“So what’s your name?” His tone had calmed down already, and through the reflection on the window, I could see that his body no longer looked that tense, his muscles had relaxed, and his brows were no longer furrowed. I had to admit he’s attractive.

“Layana Yarrow,” I replied curtly. There was an awkward pause after my response. I guessed he might have expected a longer answer, but I didn’t know what else I should say.

“I am Kendric Remington, alpha of Rivecourt Pack. But you can call me Kendric.” He responded coldly. I nodded slightly. I could feel his intense stare at me. But I pretended not to notice this.

“So is it your birthday today?” I simply nodded.

“Can you look at me when I am talking to you,” he gritted his teeth. “What? Am I supposed to show affection to my kidnapper, alpha?” I said sarcastically.

“You’d better accept the fact that I am your mate, after all, we are going to spend the rest of our lives together and you will rule my pack with me, so show me some respect.” He retorted. I scoffed, no longer wanting to talk to him for the rest of the journey.

Suddenly his phone rang, breaking the silence. He picked up his phone. “Ok, I will tell her.” He told the person on the other side of the phone. “Your friend has already arrived home safely, my men also made sure that she is treated with care before leaving,” he told me. I felt relieved instantly, letting out a sigh of relief. I finally turned my head towards him. He was no longer staring at me, instead, he was staring out of the window.

“Thank you,” I said. He stared at me for a moment, before directing his gaze toward the window again. I knew I shouldn’t have talked to him like that just now, and it was mostly my fault. After knowing Faria’s safety, I thought it was time to resolve our conflict.

“I turn 18 today. Faria was just celebrating my birthday with me just now,” I added, wanting to ease the awkwardness.

“Happy birthday. I am sorry for hurting your friend just now, I just don’t like people defying me.” He answered. I could see a hint of regret in his eyes, he was not lying I could tell.

“It’s fine, at least she’s fine now.” I smiled sadly. 

“So what is your age?” I asked curiously. He didn’t seem old, at least that’s what I think.

“21 years old. I’ve been alpha since 18 and I have been searching for you for the past 3 years. I am glad that you are finally here now.” He grinned slightly. My stomach did a little somersault. He looked so much better when he smiled. Not wanting him to notice my blush, I gazed at my lap to avoid his gaze.

“You know you don’t have to be shy. You can just gaze at me whenever you want,” He boasted.

I immediately stopped feeling shy and lifted my head, rolling my eyes, “That’s not what I was thinking about. And you are not that attractive, so you can stop being so narcissistic.”

Instead of getting vexed as he would, He only smirked. Then before I could even blink my eyes, He leaned forward so that our faces were only inches apart. He lifted my chin with his fingers, so I had to look into his eyes directly. I could feel the sparks in an instant, I sucked in a deep breath.

“Really? That’s what you think?” He whispered huskily, his minty breath fanning my face.

“Ya…  of course…” I stuttered. I could already feel my blush creeping back now.  He stared into my eyes a little longer, before letting go of me. He leaned back into his chair and smoothed out his suit. He crossed his legs and sat there casually, aplomb erupting from him. I shifted in my seat, attempting to forget what just happened and to calm myself down.

The ride was silent afterward. I watched as we traveled through forests and forests, I couldn’t help but wonder what life would be like in a new pack, could I escape from this fate, or if I really deserved a mate after all that had happened. I soon felt a bit sleepy. Although I tried staying awake because I didn’t want to fall asleep when I was with a stranger. Sleep finally took over me, and I dozed off once again. And this time, it’s not a pleasant one.