Semua Bab Sleeping with the Alpha Who Despised Me: Bab 31 - Bab 40

River POVIf I could describe the drive home in one word, it would be awkward.Painfully awkward.The kind of silence that made you hyper-aware of everything—the hum of the engine, the soft whoosh of the air conditioner, and even the quiet creak of the seat every time I shifted. If there were frogs in the car, I’m pretty sure we would’ve heard them too. Loud and clear.“You can turn on the radio if you want,” Jay said, stealing a glance in my direction before turning his attention back to the road. “Don’t want the birds chirping too much in here.”I snorted unexpectedly, my laugh breaking the silence like a dropped glass.“What?” he asked, clearly amused. “What did I say?”I shook my head, still smiling. “Nothing,” I replied. “It’s just… that was exactly what I was thinking too. About the birds, I mean.”He chuckled and gave me a crooked smile, the kind that made it dangerously easy to forget he was trouble. “Oh yeah? Guess our minds are intertwined or something.”I returned the smile,

Jay – POV“We’re here,” I said, easing the car into the small parking lot tucked beside the café.The wooden sign above the entrance read “The Hollow Bean”—a cozy little spot nestled just off the town square. It wasn’t exactly fancy, but it had charm. The kind of place where you could eat in peace… or try to, if you weren’t me.I stepped out of the car and moved around to her side. She was already getting out, her eyes curiously scanning the place. The scent of roasted coffee beans and fresh bread drifted through the air as we walked toward the entrance. The old brick walls were covered in vines, and the front porch had mismatched chairs that somehow made it feel like home.Inside, the café was warm and bustling. Wooden beams lined the ceiling, and soft yellow light spilled from hanging lanterns. The air buzzed with low conversations and the clinking of mugs. A few people sat at corner tables with their laptops, others chatted over lunch.But as soon as we stepped in, it was like someo

River – POVThe car rolled to a gentle stop in front of the house, the engine ticking softly as it settled. But neither of us reached for the door handle. The silence hung between us—not heavy, not awkward, just... quiet. Like neither of us really wanted to break it.“Thank you so much for taking me out,” I said, finally turning to him. “I really enjoyed myself.”And I meant it. I wasn’t just saying it to be polite or make him feel better. I actually did enjoy myself. Jay had this kind of calm energy—confident but not overbearing. He knew how to talk, but more importantly, he knew how to listen. Being around him didn’t feel like pressure. It felt... easy.He smiled, that relaxed, charming grin of his. “Well, I had a nice time with you too. We should do this again sometime.”And just like that—bam. Alarm bells. Loud and clear.Don’t go there, River.Don’t repeat the same mistake.Don’t get comfortable. Don’t get attached.I hadn’t even been here a full week yet, and already, I was catch

River – POV“River Steller,” the priestess called out, her voice rising above the soft murmurs of the crowd.I froze for half a second.Hailey squeezed my hand. “That’s you,” she whispered with a grin.I let out the breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding, gave her a faint nod, and stepped forward.The crowd parted as I walked toward the stage. The priestess stood in the center, draped in flowing robes that shimmered under the moonlight. Her hair was braided with wildflowers and silver beads, and her presence felt otherworldly—like she carried centuries in her bones.To her left stood Alpha Heart, dressed in white robes that looked ceremonial but still managed to make him look intimidating. His eyes met mine—calm, unreadable, strong.I took my place on the right, just like I had been told. My palms were sweating.The priestess lifted her staff slowly. The night went still. Even the wind seemed to pause.“River Seller,” she said again, her voice softer this time, “you have chosen to l

River–POV Before the silence could grow awkward, Hailey stepped in with a grin. “Alpha, I’m sure River would be flattered, but right now what she really needs is food. You know how these ceremonies can work up an appetite.”Alpha Uren chuckled, glancing at the buffet. “Of course, of course. It was lovely meeting you, River.”“You too,” I replied softly, grateful for the out.We moved away, and I let out a quiet breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding.“You okay?” Hailey asked gently.“Yeah,” I said. “Just… unexpected.”She didn’t push it, just nudged my side with her elbow. “Come on. Let’s eat before I pass out.”We reached the buffet and began filling our plates with roasted meat, grilled vegetables, and a delicious-looking apple tart. Just as we turned to return to her friends’ table, a voice rang out.“Hailey!”We both looked up.A woman with thick, dark curls and an effortless grace strode toward us, arms open.“Cleo!” Hailey gushed, handing me her plate quickly as she rushed in