Chapter 12: Unexpected Help

Emerald had punched me in the face and dragged me to my feet. She was stronger than her body build would’ve suggested. I mean, she was shorter than me by a couple inches and on the skinny side. How had she packed such a punch?

She knocked me back down and kicked me hard in the ribs and hovered over me. Her face twisted into an ugly scowl. At that point, I was drained of any previous energy.

I knew she had won and tried to keep my face empty of any strong emotions. I kept my face empty of any strong emotions. No way would I let her think she’d knocked down my confidence. I’d try to keep as much dignity as possible.

She threw a couple more punches at my face and said, “You’re a poor excuse for a future Alpha.”

Emerald took my phone and walked away before I could answer her back. Pain spread through my face, side, and ribs. Blood dripped from my nose and bottom lip. I looked down and my shirt had blood on it. I wasn’t sure if it was hers, mine, or a mixture of both. I guessed the latter.

How had I let her win? I held my own against her for a while. As a future Alpha, I should’ve won that fight. She was a Beta after all.

I went to get cleaned up in my room and bumped into Zander. His eyes went wide at the sight of the blood on my shirt and visible bruises I had.

He put his hands on my shoulders and said, “Who the hell did this to you?”

I mumbled, “It was Emerald.”

He groaned and asked, “What was that? I couldn’t catch that.”

“I said it was Emerald. She beat me in a fight and took my phone,” I yelled at him.

“Shit. This is my fault. You’re weak because we’re not together.”

I tried to not get flustered at his words and calmly stated, “There isn’t anything you can do about it.”

His mouth turned upwards into a knowing grin. “Actually, there is something I can do. Why don’t I give you lessons in special training techniques?”

That was surprisingly nice of him to offer. Was he serious? Sometimes it was hard to tell with Zander if he was joking or not. I couldn’t read him like Ash.

I kept my eyes on his expression to see if he was being sincere. He had a totally straight face and ran a hand through his black hair.

I spoke in a neutral tone and said, “I’m not interested in learning anything from you.”

“Are you sure? I just want to help you.”

“I don’t need your help.”

I walked away before he could say anything else. Deep down I knew I wanted to say yes but wouldn’t admit that to Zander. He’d have the satisfaction that I truly was weak without him.

Maybe clearing my head would help me out. I definitely could use the break from anything physical for a while.
I cleaned up when I returned to my suite. Thankfully, my bruises and bleeding had started to heal already. It was great being a wolf at times.

After getting some alone time, I walked out to the kitchen and got something to eat. My stomach was growling so loud that I thought everyone in the mansion would hear it. I took out a couple of eggs and bread.

Zander’s voice startled me seconds later. “Is someone getting a little afternoon snack?” He waggled his finger at me. “You’ll spoil your dinner.”

“I don’t have time for this nonsense Zander.”

He raised an eyebrow at me and said, “Why don’t you have time? You don’t seem that busy to me.”

Carefully, I set the eggs and bread down on the counter. Thankfully, I hadn’t dropped the eggs when Zander came in unannounced. I held back from pushing him out of the kitchen.

I sighed and said, “I’m not in the mood to talk.”

He left me alone while I got the eggs cooking in a pan. I felt his eyes on the back of my head, as I got a tomato out and cut it into two slices.

I assembled the egg sandwich on a plate and headed over to the table. Zander continued to stay in the kitchen and leaned against the island. I moved past him to get to the main dining table.

After I sat down in a chair, he moved to sit beside me. A sudden idea came to me. What if he helped me get my phone back? I knew it was a long shot but at least I had to try.

I turned to him and asked, “Could you help me with something?”

He looked amused and said, “It depends on what it is princess.”

I hated his nickname for me. It made me want to punch him in the mouth but also made me want to shut him up with my lips on his.

Seconds later, I told him “I want your help to get my phone back from Emerald. I’ve got no clue where it is.”

I hoped and wished for him to say yes. I really wanted to talk to Ash and missed him more than I ever had before. My heart felt like it was being stabbed without his presence. I wanted my heart to feel like it used to.

Zander gave a thoughtful look and said, “Okay. I’ll help you but on one condition.”

I frowned and asked, “What’s your condition?”

“You’ve got to go on another date with me.” He paused and said, “I’m kidding. My real condition is I’d like to spar with you again.”

“That’s fine with me.”

“Excellent. It’s settled, but first give me a kiss.”

My eyebrow raised as I asked, “Do you really want a kiss?”

“Nope. I was just teasing you.”

“You need to stop that.”

“I can’t help it. It’s fun to tease you. You get so defensive.”

Man, I needed to get out of here. I couldn’t stand one more second around Zander. I walked out taking my plate of food with me.

I got halfway down the hall when I remembered something. I had left the bread and tomato out. I’m sure the others would be mad if the bread and tomato went bad.

I headed back to the kitchen and heard Zander talking to himself. He wasn’t talking loudly, but I was able to discern what he said. I shouldn’t have listened in, but I heard him say my name.

“If only Cleo knew what I really wanted.” He sighed and added, “I was going to ask her for a kiss. I can’t believe I want a kiss from Cleo. What’s wrong with me?”