Semua Bab Rejected the Alpha but Dated His Beta: Bab 61 - Bab 70

ShirleyThere’s silence between Keith and I as I wait for his reply. Snow continues to fall around us, landing in his hair until the black strands are painted with white. He’s as unreadable as ever as he stares at me, his expression still resembling exhaustion as he doesn’t appear to even be trying for words.And I don’t either. I just wait for something. For him to utter a word or maybe just to see him nod or shake his head. But even those gestures from Keith could mean anything - he always plays so close to the vest.The longer I keep my gaze on his unmoving features, the more I begin to realize how unfair my question is. He’s been out for hours, trying to protect his pack from whatever necessary. His senses have been heightened all evening and now he’s deflated. And here I am - handing over complicated questions while all he needs is a warm bed and a full night’s rest.The best thing I can do now is try to retract my words - dismiss them somehow and insist I’d meant them to be more

ShirleyI’d been right - today was a lot better than yesterday. Maybe that’s because of my baking session with Keith’s mother or the decent sleep I had last night. Whatever the reason, I’m glad I was a little more at ease today.Hearing Jean’s voice that afternoon also seemed to help. She sounded happier than ever as she told me how much Eliot loves his new school. She seemed decently pleased even though she admitted she preferred the schools in Lock Heart. I felt sorry for the fact, silently wishing for a world where she could return.But now I’m sitting on my bed, giving a small yawn as I check the time. It’s still a little early and despite being tired - I don’t necessarily want to climb into bed. Instead, I perk up a little as I propose the idea of a bedtime snack, hoping I can sneak some of the cookies Ruth made.Leaving my room, I go to the kitchen and find exactly what I’d hoped for. The container of cookies is on the counter, practically begging to be eaten. Smiling, I open it

ShirleyMy question has still gone unanswered even days later. In fact, the last time I saw Keith was when we met in his office with the nanny, but upon hearing my question he had eventually thanked the woman, said goodnight, and excused himself.I understand though. As I acknowledged before - I’d presented Keith with a whirlwind of information in mere hours, and now he’s probably trying to take it all in. Still, it makes me feel as though I’ve been left in the dark, causing me to do nothing but work and eventually go to sleep with a restless mind.However, today I can’t stay cooped up inside. I need to get out and escape my thoughts a little - especially the memory of that fierce kiss as it tries to stay fresh in my mind. Only, I find for once I don’t care to venture around the town alone - I’d rather have someone tag along.I consider Ruth at first, but she seems to be busy with her own tasks, considering I haven’t really seen her lately. I also think to ask Ron, but then decide I’d

Shirley“What are you talking about?” I ask, standing from the bed as I hear Emma take a small gasp from her end of the phone. However, Keith is already silencing her as he hangs up the phone.He’s then pacing, holding my phone in his hand as he still grips it firmly within his large hand. There’s murder in his eyes as he breathes heavily.“Each time there’s been a report of a kidnapping, my team has gone to the location where the victim was last seen,” Keith tumbles out. “And that symbol has been left behind every single time. After you left the forest, we found it carved into one of the trees.”“So this man…” I begin, my head filled with a cocktail of emotions. “Is tied to the kidnappings?”Keith lets out a harsh breath from his nose, wildly shaking his head in frustration. “It appears so,” he confirms.“But that also means,” I start again, feeling terror rising up from my stomach. “That Ralph…”Keith pauses then, coming to a firm stop a few feet away from me, though his deadly gaze

ShirleyIt seems everyone can breathe a little easier now that the pack has been able to put an end to the kidnappers. Keith spared his mom and I most of the messy details, but all I learned was the Hollow Shadows had been keeping a base outside of town and hadn’t been prepared for Keith’s raid. Though - unfortunately - Ralph hadn’t been among them.There’s been no sight of Ralph anywhere, even as Keith extended a report outside of town. It’s almost like the man has disappeared the same way Anya had - even if Anya isn’t real.Still, now that we’ve all settled one problem, the pack has shifted their attention back to the company’s IPO. We’ve been in meeting after meeting over the last few days, talking about nothing but business.I’m excited that the company is moving along, especially as I see the wolves’ smiling faces as we cross more needs off the list. But I can’t deny the remorse that also meets me as we move toward the finish line.But I’m also indifferent as I consider another m