Chapter 163: Before the Alpha

Aurora’s POV
We drove back to the pack and were greeted by dozens of betas waiting outside.
They looked worried, relieved, and curious. It was clear they'd been waiting for news.
I was surprised by the scene. Alessandro stopped the car, and I sat there, taking it all in.
The pack house, once a safe place, now felt different. But one thing was obvious: the people here genuinely cared.
And even more than them… I knew he cared. Alessandro had been more worried than anyone.
I saw it in the way he held me close when we escaped and in how he constantly looked at me on the ride back as if to make sure I was still there.
Still breathing.
Still his.
The engine cut off, and he stepped out, walking around the car. With the gentleness I had grown to love, he opened my door and held out his hand.
I took it, and as I stepped out, the crowd’s quiet murmurs settled into silence.
All eyes were on me.
The betas were staring, not out of judgment but concern. Sympathy. Respect.
They knew what I had endured, even if they didn’t know the full story yet.
I straightened my back and held my head high, though my knees still felt weak.
Alessandro stood beside me like a shield, his presence solid and reassuring.
“I’m okay,” I said softly, though it wasn’t just to them; it was to myself too.
And for the first time in a long while… I actually believed it.
Just then, one of the guards walked over to us, his expression calm but respectful.
He bowed slightly to Alessandro, then to me.
“Alpha John wants to see you both in his room,” he said formally. My heart started racing.
Why did he want to see us?
Was he mad about what happened with Leonardo?
Before I could worry, Alessandro looked at me like he knew my thoughts.
He smiled slightly and pushed a strand of hair behind my ear.
“Don't worry,” he said softly.
“I've already told him everything about us.”
I was surprised.
“You did?”
He nodded.
"I told him I chose you and wouldn't leave you, no matter what."
I stared at him, surprised. My face grew hot, and Alessandro noticed.
He smiled and leaned in close, making my heart beat faster.
"You're blushing," he teased.
"I am not!" I said, crossing my arms, even though my face felt hot.
Alessandro just smirked, stepping closer until there was barely any space between us.
“You are, Aurora. Admit it, you’re falling more and more in love with me, aren’t you?”
I rolled my eyes and smiled, trying to keep my voice steady.
“Well… maybe just a little.”
“A little?” He raised an eyebrow playfully.
“That’s it?”
I shrugged, turning my head with mock innocence.
“I mean… you did come charging in like some heroic Alpha knight to save me.
That earns you a couple of points.”
He chuckled, lowering his head so his forehead nearly touched mine.
“Just a couple points? That’s it?”
I bit my bottom lip, barely able to hide the grin tugging at the corners of my mouth.
“Okay, fine. Maybe more than a couple.”
He gently took my hand and placed it over his chest, right where his heart was beating strong and steady beneath his shirt.
“Every beat of this,” he whispered, his voice suddenly softer, more serious.
“belongs to you.”
I stared at him, my breath catching. He wasn’t teasing now.
He meant it. And the way he looked at me… it felt like the world had faded, like we were the only two people that mattered.
“You keep doing that,” I murmured, my voice barely above a breath.
“Doing what?” he asked.
“Making me fall harder for you.”
Alessandro smiled, then leaned down and kissed me gently, sweetly, like a promise on my lips.
“Good,” he murmured against my mouth.
“Because I’m already all in, Aurora. And I’m never letting go.”
“Ahem!”
The guard suddenly cleared his throat loudly, snapping us out of our little bubble.
I blinked and turned toward him, realizing we had completely forgotten he was still standing there along with several other betas who were definitely pretending not to watch us… and failing miserably.
My face flushed again, and I quickly looked away, but Alessandro? He didn’t care one bit.
He just grinned proudly, still holding my hand.
Let them stare, his expression seemed to say. As long as he was with me, nothing else mattered.
And honestly? I felt the same way.
We followed the guard toward Alpha John’s hospital ward. Each step I took reminded me just how exhausted I was; my legs felt like they could give out at any moment.
But I kept going, determined not to show weakness.
Of course, Alessandro noticed.
Before I could protest or even pretend I was fine, he suddenly bent down and scooped me up into his arms.
My eyes widened in shock.
“Alessandro! Put me down; people are staring!”
He smirked but didn’t slow his steps.
“Not a chance, my lovely mate.
Your legs are weak, and I’m not about to let you stumble or hurt yourself again.”
I covered my face with my hands as I heard a few quiet chuckles and giggles from the betas we passed.
Some of them whispered, others just smiled, but Alessandro didn’t seem to care in the slightest.
He carried me like I was the most precious thing in the world, head held high and proud.
And despite my embarrassment… I kind of loved it.
****
We finally reached Alpha John’s hospital door. Alessandro slowed his pace, then carefully set me down on my feet as if I were made of glass.
His hand didn’t leave mine. Instead, he held it tighter and turned to face me, his eyes locking with mine, filled with something deeper than words.
“Do you trust me, Aurora?” he asked softly.
The sudden question caught me off guard. My brows furrowed slightly as I studied his face, wondering why he was asking me that now, right here, right before we stepped in.
But even with my confusion, I didn’t hesitate.
“Yes,” I said firmly, my voice steady.
“I do. With all my heart.”
His lips curved into the kind of smile that made my chest flutter.
“Good,” he whispered, nodding slowly.
“That’s all I need.”
He brought my hand to his lips, brushing a gentle kiss over my knuckles before turning toward the door, his fingers still filled with mine, like a promise.
The guard stepped forward and opened the door. As we entered, the quiet beeping of a heart monitor filled the room.
There, sitting upright on the hospital bed, was Alpha John. His face expressionless, his sharp eyes shifting between Alessandro and me.
When he saw our hands clasped together, his expression changed for a moment. He let out a soft sigh.
“Aurora,” he said at last, his voice low but steady.
“Welcome back.”
I bowed respectfully.
“Thank you, Alpha. Thank you for sending the boys and the guards to rescue me.”
He cleared his throat and looked away briefly.
“I didn’t do it for you,” he said bluntly, though not unkindly.
“My son here… He can be very persuasive when it comes to rescuing the woman he loves.”
I looked at Alessandro. He didn’t say anything, just gave a small smirk. I could feel my cheeks getting warm again.
“Anyway…” he said, trying to change the subject.
“Did you catch him?”
Alessandro nodded.
“Yes, Father.
Uncle Raymond is being brought here now by Rafael and Leonardo.”
Alpha John gave a firm nod.
“Good. I need to speak to my brother… alone.”
Ensnared by My Stepbrothers' Realm
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