CHAPTER 13

Aurora

“Is this a dream?” I mumbled quietly to myself. Unknown to me, it slipped out to the ears of the one who I wished didn’t hear it the most.

“It's not a dream, you crazy girl.” That baritone voice was only Darius. He looked at me with a puzzled look. He shot me a glare that took me aback. My eyes widened in disbelief. I tried to tilt my head forward, but I have not gotten my full strength back, yet there was significant progress in the healing of my wounds.

“Alpha…” I stuttered. His expression remained unfazed. His eyes darkened as he stared at me deeply. Before I could finish my sentence, he snapped.

“I can see your wounds are healing quicker than I expected. It’s impressive for someone without a wolf.” He scuffed. I didn’t even notice he was holding my hands until he suddenly let go. He adjusted his seat back, which stirred a sad feeling in my heart. 

From his expression, I could tell he was trying to control his anger, yet his patience was wearing thin. He suddenly stood upright and started pacing around, huffing away.

“Why will you make such a stupid decision? Do you realize you could have been kidnapped or even worse…” He said in a sharp voice. He had a concerned facial expression, which surprisingly sent some fuzzy feeling through my bones.”Does he care about me?” I thought to myself. This time, I made sure I wasn’t heard out loud.

“I’m so sorry, Alpha. I promise I won’t do it again.” I cowered slowly. I bit my lips. He only gave me a “hmph” expression and stormed out of the room.

I let out an inward sigh. My demeanor was subdued, considering how my actions had caused Darius distress. I was sure a lot of people would have rejoiced in my disappearance. Yet, a slimmer feeling of joy knowing that he was worried about my safety crept in. I wasn’t used to people displaying any form of affection or concern for my protection. I was always the invincible one who got lost in the crowd or pushed aside.

But to my surprise, an entire pack and its alpha were genuinely worried and even scared of my well-being was a pleasant development that I dared not fantasize to be real.

The remaining night was quiet, as only the nurses entered routinely to dress my wounds and help undress me, and fed me. I kept longing for Darius to return so I could properly apologize to him, but he never showed up again.

It wasn’t till later in the night that I saw a male figure walk into the room. At first, I saw the leather Italian shoes step in which gave me a lot of hope. I looked up to meet the gaze of Beta Cameron, Darius’s closest advisor. He looked befuddled as he met my disappointed expression.

“Were you expecting someone else, Aurora?” He asked with a grin on his face. He could tell he wasn’t the one I was expecting. Maybe someone else.

“Not at all, Beta.” I feigned ignorance. He had an unconvinced look on his face, like he was about to utter some words. Then, he later changed his mind. He already knew I was hoping to see Alpha Darius.

“He was the one who first found you and brought you back to the palace when you ran away. He also spent the whole night watching you sleep. You may not believe it, but the alpha really cares a lot about you. Running away really broke his heart-” Cameron’s eyes darkened as he sat down on the chair beside me.

A pang of guilt washed over me. Now I fully understand why he was upset earlier. I averted Cameron’s gaze, embarrassed as he pulled his chair closer.

“Since we were kids, Alpha Darius was always cold and seemed emotionless. Deep down, he’s very sensitive and protects people close to him. We, as a pack, have experienced different attacks from rivals, especially from your former pack, Silverfang. This has made him very paranoid, and he hardly trusts outsiders. But for some reason only known to fate, he let you into his heart. Don’t break his trust.” Cameron said in a serious tone. His dark gaze sent shivers down my spine.

“I won’t,” I replied in a hoarse voice. This felt more like a warning than advice. My breath caught in my throat. His face remained indifferent, like he was still trying to decide if I was telling the truth. 

Moments later, he took a weary sigh, and his demeanor softened. He curved his lips slightly. “To understand the Alpha better, he likes his women strong and fierce. You should be able to handle yourself and stand by his side with pride and confidence…Just a food for thought.” Cameron rose and headed to the door. He gave a slight nod before stepping out. I instinctively nodded back in appreciation.

“Strong and fierce..” I pondered the words of his Beta. I wanted to be by his side, not just as his breeder but also as his Luna. After this incident, I no longer want to appear fragile in his eyes. To earn his respect and heart, I have to become stronger, even though I am without a wolf; I will no longer be an object of spectacle and mockery. I will no longer be labeled as an omega. 

“I will no more be anyone’s prey.” I clenched my fists in frustration. Who sent those burly men to hunt me down and hurt me? Some many questions, yet I couldn’t pinpoint one person who will want me gone so badly.