Chapter 97

\*\*DUNCAN'S POV\*\*



With a deep sigh, I included the file I was working on, before shutting down my laptop.



My gaze darted around the room and finally landed on Arielle, lingering on her sleeping face.



Eight days...that's how long it has been since Arielle and I spoke about Adrian.



Her words were no longer ringing through my thoughts, but my schedule had been a major hindrance to our ironing things out.



There was still some form of tension between us, although we'd literally been sharing the same bed the whole time.



I stood up from the bed, stretching my tired muscles. 



I don't recall the last time I had a good sleep… These past days have been so hectic. 



I'm glad I have finally concluded matters with the Alphas under my supremacy. Today should be a free day, unless I want to see Axel, and I'm not sure that I'm ready to.



With my gaze still resting on Arielle and watching her sleep, a small smile escaped my lips.



The memories of our conversation about Adrian resurfaced, and for some reason, the pain and guilt in her face still lingered in my mind. I knew she needed some reassurance and support, but my hectic schedule had to get in the way.



I moved closer to her, gently brushing a strand of her hair from her face. She was still asleep, undisturbed.



I turned around, making my way to the bathroom.



I need to freshen up and get dressed. I'd love to step out, probably for a stroll.



...



She went on her knees, pleading that I let her go, but the wages of sin is death, and she must pay for her sins, I don't care who she is.



"Dear son, you can't do this to me" she sobbed slowly. "I'm innocent, I swear."



Am I really supposed to believe that? So who's responsible for the atrocities?



Unlike dad, I'm not weak... I needed to get him off the throne. We'd fall prey to the vices of the enemies.



Shutting all the windows of emotions away from my mind, I raised the sword, and stabbed her, watching her bleed until she grew limp.



"Good riddance" I scoffed, wiping the blood with my palm... 



I could hear screams, gasps and whispers from among the crowd, but that wasn't even enough to move me.



I'm Alpha now, and every decision I make must be in the interest of the people and our laws.



...



I shook my head, trying to get the memories off my mind.



That was a long time ago, and I'm already paying for my actions. Being haunted by memories isn't what I need at the moment.



I got out of the bathroom and stepped into my closet.



I settled for a black jogger and a black sweatshirt.



Not so Alpha-like, at least I'd have my stroll in peace.



My gaze fell upon the silver bracelet on my wrist, adorned with the Alpha emblem; a symbol of power, responsibility, the weight of my past actions and my life now.



I cannot, and will not let the ghost of my past haunt or define me.



The deed has already been done, and yes, Jericho is already paying for his acts, wherever he is.



As I exited the closet, ready to step out, Arielle yawned and stretched out of bed.



Her gaze drifted towards mine with an expression difficult to decipher.



Her eyes bored into mine, holding pain and what looked so much like regrets.



Once our gaze locked, she looked away from me, covering her head with the duvet.



"Arielle" I called out softly, slightly shocked by her sudden action, I tried to bridge the gap between us, sitting on the bed.



She didn't respond, instead, she burrowed deeper under the duvet.



"Hey, what's wrong?" I asked, gently pulling the duvet down. "Talk to me."



Her face was etched with a mixture of emotions, her eyes misty. "Nothing" she muttered, avoiding eye contact.



I took her hand, my touch in it gentle. "Talk to me, what's bothering you?" 



She suddenly chuckled, shocking me.



Why's she laughing? Wait, her chuckle sounds rather bitter.



"You don't know what's bothering me, huh? I'll tell you" she said in one breath. "You made me talk to you about my past, and now you hate me, and don't want to set your eyes on me anymore."



I raised a brow, staring at the pout on her lips.



This is so unlike Arielle. She's usually more saucy and authoritative.



What's this soft side?



"I don't hate you" I whispered to her, trying to keep my voice down, and not chuckle at her expression.



"B…but you've been avoiding me" she muttered, sitting upright, with a fluffy pillow in her arms. "If I was still asleep, you'd probably have gone out, and not return until I'd gone to bed...just like you've been doing in the past few days."



I gazed at her, my heart aching from her words.



"Arielle, I'm sorry" I said sincerely. "I didn't realise my actions were hurting you. I just got caught up in a lot, and got carried away."



Her eyes searched mine, as though searching for sincerity.



"That's not true…" She trailed off, breaking eye contact. "You've been way too distant, ever since we talked about Adrian."



I shook my head.



She's right, but I didn't want to admit it.



Besides, my wolf wanted to be aggressive towards her, and I needed to stop it.



"I needed time to process everything," I explained. "I was going to return to you the following day, but a lot of things came up."



Her expression softened, her gaze returning to mine.



"You should have just talked to me," she whispered, her voice laced with emotions. "I was so scared."



"I'm sorry" I whispered. "I'm here for you now."



Her gaze lingered on mine, searching for reassurance. "I've missed you... I was so scared, I thought you'd leave me."



My heart twisted, knowing I'd caused her such distress. "I won't leave you Arielle, I promise" I whispered, my gaze boring into hers. "You're mine, and I'll do everything I can, to make things right."



Her lips curved into a soft smile. "Promise?"



"I promise" I whispered, my eyes locking onto hers.



The tension between us slowly faded away, replaced by a sense of vulnerability and a genuine feeling of affection.



Arielle leaned onto me, resting her head on my shoulder.



"I'm sorry too," she whispered. "For not telling you about Adrian sooner."



I wrapped my arms around her, giving her a sense of security. "We're in this together now, we'll scale through."



"You were heading out?" She whispered, her warm breath tickling my ears.



"Sure...for a stroll." I replied softly. "You want to come along?"



She nodded, and broke the hug. "I'll freshen up, and join you."



I nodded with a small smile, as I watched her squeal, rushing to the bathroom excitedly.



How come I didn't realize sooner that I was missing this part of her?.



...



Arielle joined me in the car minutes later, clad in a similar outfit as mine.



"Now we look almost the same," she grinned.



I took my gaze off the road, and stared at her for a millisecond. "Whoever told you that, must have told a lie... I'm way cuter than you"



"Wait what?" She pouted. "I admit you're cute...but comparing yourself to me is just a dream."



I smirked, my gaze still on the road, my hands still on the steering. "We'd see about that."



Arielle's laughter filled the car. "You're so arrogant."



I chuckled, glancing briefly at her. "Isn't that why you love me?"



We stopped at a red light, and I glanced to my left.



My gaze sighted a figure standing by the sidewalk.



Time seemed to freeze, as my gaze lingered on her. 



Arielle's gaze seemed to be on the same woman, and before I could speak, she beat me to it.



"Isn't that Daniella?"