All Chapters of Sleeping with the Alpha Who Despised Me: Chapter 41 - Chapter 50

River–POVThe alarm didn’t just ring—it screamed. A shrill, merciless blare that could’ve easily doubled as a war siren. My eardrums definitely got the wake-up call.But hey, it worked.By six a.m., I was already out of the bathroom, wide awake and digging through my closet like a raccoon in a trash bin. Funny how I hadn’t thought to set out clothes the night before.Then my eyes landed on the dress folded neatly by my nightstand—the one Jay had given me—and I smiled.Or maybe I had thought ahead.I slipped it on, the soft fabric hugging my skin comfortably. It was simple but elegant, with short sleeves and a modest neckline. I tied my hair into a messy bun, shoved my jotter, pen, and phone into my arms, and gave myself a quick once-over in the mirror.Ready.A knock interrupted my self-assessment. Probably one of the maids sent to make sure I was up and not still buried in my blankets.I opened the door—and was met with a familiar face.“Oh, you’re already dressed?” Hailey blinked, s

Jay – POVThe office was unusually quiet for this time of night, the kind of stillness that presses against your skin and whispers that something important is about to happen. I stood outside the study door for a second, listening. Low voices rumbled from within—my father’s voice among them. I pushed the door open and stepped in.Five pairs of eyes turned toward me.“Jay,” my father said with a nod. “Good. Take a seat.”I nodded in return and closed the door behind me. The heavy oak clicked shut, sealing the rest of the house out. I walked over and dropped into the empty armchair beside Peter, who gave me a short smile. He was always unserious—joking around—but tonight, even he looked serious.Seated around the room were some of the strongest warriors in our pack: Marcus, our head tracker; Theo, who led our night patrols; Elias, my father’s right hand; and, of course, Alpha Heart himself—my father. Broad-shouldered, his silver-streaked hair cropped short, and his voice always calm but

Jay–POVI could already hear their laughter before I even reached the living room. Light, carefree… like nothing in the world was wrong.I turned the corner and found them—Hailey, River, and Charlotte—curled up on the couch with a bowl of popcorn between them, some rom-com playing on the TV.“Hey, ladies,” I greeted, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach my eyes.“Hey, bro,” Hailey said, glancing over her shoulder at me. She gave a warm smile, always sweet, always effortless.Charlotte turned next, her voice a little too eager. “Hi, Jay.” She sat up straighter, subtly adjusting her top—no, scratch that—blatantly pushing her chest up like she thought I’d be impressed.Instead, she just looked like she was trying too hard. Her boobs looked like they were in a wrestling match with her bra. I bit down a laugh and looked away.“I’m going for a run,” I said casually, but my gaze had already found its way to River.She hadn’t looked at me once. Not since I stepped in. Her eyes were glued t

River POV His mouth parted in horror, but I didn’t stop. Couldn’t.“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you that despite all that, he still chose her over me. That he threw me out like trash, like I didn’t matter, like I never mattered!” My voice cracked on the last word, and I could feel the tears welling up, burning behind my eyes.“I’m sorry that no matter how hard I try, I can never be good enough for anyone… or anything!”My knees buckled.I crumbled to the ground, sobbing, my chest heaving violently as if the pain was trying to claw its way out of me. My arms wrapped around my stomach instinctively—protectively—and I bent over, my forehead nearly touching the cold earth as I cried.It felt like my heart was being cut from the inside out. Like the very core of me was breaking into a million bloody, screaming pieces.We were hurting—my wolf and I.The ache of being rejected, of being unloved by the one person the goddess destined for you—it was a pain no words could truly explain. It was cru

River POV“I can’t ride on your back,” I said, my voice soft but firm.He didn’t move. Didn’t even flinch.The great black wolf just stayed there—still and waiting, his head lowered, back steady, silent in a way that said more than words ever could.I stood frozen for a while, my arms folded as my thoughts swirled. This felt… too much. Too personal. Too intimate. And yet… he was offering. Willingly.Not because of duty. Not because of pressure.Because I mattered to him.With a sigh of surrender, I slowly walked forward, gently slid my hand along his thick fur, and climbed onto his back, settling awkwardly at first. He was surprisingly warm, his steady body solid beneath me. The moment I was secure, he rose with ease, careful not to jostle me.We moved through the forest, his paws barely making a sound as he carried me between towering trees and rustling underbrush. The wind danced softly through the leaves above, casting dappled patterns of sunlight along the forest floor. Despite my