19

Alexia's body stilled, frozen in place. What just happened? Her lips just touched his or was she fantasizing?

As though burned by leeches, she jumped off his body, his grasp that has gotten softer paving a chance for her. With her hand covering her mouth, she ran out of her room to where she didn't care to know.

No, she can't believe her lips had just touched the mighty Alpha Steele's. And what was that she had felt? Why was she almost tempted to deepen the kiss?

Admitted, their lips only touched lightly but she felt as though it surpassed that. If she was to be given a mirror, she's unable to imagine how reddened her cheeks were going to be in the reflection.

She looked at the titled flooring, a not so good choice for her to spend the night on. When she heard the opening and closing of her room's door, her eyes bobbed in their sockets.

He went to his own room and that was when she could breath probably. She must have been crazy to think he was coming from her when it's so dark he can't even figure out where she is.

She went back to her room, and closed the door, this time making sure to check the bed well before laying down on it. Even as she gave way for slumber to engulf her, her hand stayed rested on her rapidly beating chest.

Considering her formal line of job, a kiss wasn't't a new thing to her. Just that a person's lips has never felt that good against hers.

Those men would rough handle her as they pound her in bed. It doesn't matter if she was against kissing them, they will force her and she dared not lay a finger on them.

She always felt dirty after every intercourse with them. She can't call their forceful act on her body a lovemaking, can she? When their lips meet with hers, she'd be tempted to cut off her mouth but that would be the end of her job and her only means of survival.

She remembered how many times she'd have to take a bath just to wash off every of their finger imprints on her.

Looking at her mouth in the mirror, she would brush so frustratingly against it leaving bruises and a reason to get beaten up by her customers the next day.

Those days were tough. All thanks to the moon goddess, those years see over.

****

The next day, the Alpha Steele strode into the meeting hall, his handsomeness striking harder than usual and catching the pack's attention.

He was dressed in a suit, his hair pulled back in a regal style that radiated his power but there was something different about him that day, a lightness in his step, a smile playing at his lips.

When he wasn't buried in work, nothing ever felt amusing since his existence. A reason it surprised him he even knows how to smile.

As the pack elders approached him, bowing their heads in respect and welcoming him in the midst, he caught their eyes roaming with confusion.

The pack fell silent, looking at the Alpha as he stood at the head of the hall.

"I have received a gift," he began, his voice dropping to a whisper as if telling a priceless secret. "A gift that has given me great joy, and a new reason to fight for this pack."

He paused, his voice suddenly booming. "It seems that my mate has finally shown me some of her true self. And she is more than I could ever have dreamed." He made reference to last night's kiss.

The hall erupted in cheers and howls, the pack's enthusiasm palpable and their Alpha smiled, his eyes lingering on the elders, who nodded their heads, listening on as he continued his speech.

"But there is more work to be done. And we will not rest until our enemies are vanquished, our lands secure, and our pack safe."

The pack roared their agreement, their fists raised in the air, and their eyes blazing with loyalty. But amidst the chaos, the Alpha caught a glimpse of Alexia, her face hidden in the corner of the hall.

The pack's energy swirled around the hall, and it's obvious they're still as devoted to the pack as ever. Steele's thoughts were focused on a different thing from them, what was going on between him and his mate.

He caught her eye and she quickly summoned enough courage, sensing he was about acknowledging her.

"My mate is here... And I am honored to have her by my side."

The pack turned to look at Alexia who then walk in, feeling their eyes curious on her. Their murmurs didn't go lost on her.

The Alpha stepped forward, his hand reaching out to draw Alexia into the light, into the center of the hall.

"This is Alexia. A princess of a Lycan pack to the north." He introduced. The pack gasped, their eyes fixed on Alexia, intrigued. It was then they start to think among themselves the rumors weren't true.

Their Alpha's mate was an a daughter to an influential man. She has to be his mate. He would never introduce them to a nobody.

They began to gossip along themselves but the Alpha was not finished.

"She is also my mate," he said, his eyes fixed on her face, a warmth in his voice that betrayed his feelings.

The pack fell silent, their eyes moving between the Alpha and his mate. Their questions were now answered. The eldest of the elders stepped forward, taking up his role.

"We welcome Princess Alexia to our pack," he said, bowing his head in respect.

With the formalities out of the way, the pack turned their attention to the feast before them. Tables groaned with roasted meats, steaming stews, and fresh breads, the bounty of their lands spread out for all to enjoy on this simple introduction.

As the pack indulged in the food, their eyes often turned to the Alpha and Alexia, the spark between them as tantalizing as the flavors on their tongues.

The pack ate and drank, their laughter and conversation filling the hall. It's been long they've been anticipating this very day.

In the midst of the revelry, Alexia found herself unable to relax. Her mind kept returning to the moment she had kissed the Alpha, the memory of his lips against hers.

As the pack celebrated, she found herself stealing glances at him, her cheeks flushing whenever their eyes met.

She indeed tried to busy herself with the food and conversation, but her mind was usettled, her emotions confusing her.

When the celebration wound down, the pack members drifted off to their homes, their bellies full and head clear of any more worries for the throne.

'If only they knew, they wouldn't rejoice for me.' She cursed inwardly at herself when the hall turned empty.

The two mates departed also. When the Alpha was alone, she went to him.

"Alpha," She began, unable to look him in the eyes. "I must go to my pack for a time."

The Alpha turned to face her, his eyes betraying nothing. One of the things he's learnt so far was to give her freedom. He can't hold her back, he knows she has a life too aside from him.

"I understand." He reassured and she inwardly thanked the goodness.

"When will you return?" She was just about turning around when he queried, his baritone voice echoing through the walls. Alexia hesitated, her hands twisting the hem of skirts nervously.

"I...I do not know. There are things I must discuss with my mother."

The Alpha stepped closer, his gaze intently burning into her. "Is it about the kiss?"
Alexia's breath caught in her throat, her heart hammering in her chest.

"Yes, I...I need to understand what it means." She whispered. The Alpha's eyes softened, his hand reaching out to touch her cheek.

"It means whatever you want it to mean, Princess." Steele's eyes softened, his callous hand reaching out to touch her cheek..

Alexia's mind whirled, her thoughts tumbling over one another as she tried to process the Alpha's words. She stumbled back, her steps uncertain as she made her way back to her room. As she closed the door behind her, she leaned against it.

The answers are right there before her eyes. Journeying to find it... was a waste.

***

A smile broke across Kade's face, something that's been plastered on his face since yesterday night. He was still going to go express his gratitude to Princess Alexia but first, he walked into the Alpha's chamber... forgetting to knock.

"Alpha. I have good news!" He called out when he met his desk empty.

"What is it, Kade?" Came the Alpha's voice.

"I have found my mate." he said, his words spilling out like a rushing waterfall.

The Alpha crossed the room, placing a hand on Kade's shoulder.

"That is indeed good news. I have news of my own foo, and it is not so joyous."

Kade's smile faded, his face taking on a more serious expression. "What is it, Alpha?

"I fear that my own heart has been stolen by Alexia when I shouldn't have let her," He pulsed, carefully choosing his words. "I mean..."

"Perhaps you're right." He nodded his head, staring up at the ceiling for a second thinking all Kade used to say back.

"But if I pursue this path, I risk damaging the alliance with her pack. I risk putting my own desires above the needs of the pack."
Kade's eyes were thoughtful, taking in all that Steele was saying.

"But if you do not pursue this, Alpha, you risk losing a chance at happiness. You risk denying yourself the love of a woman you clearly care for." Kade inserted as quickly as he can.

"I fear that you may be right." The Alpha nodded, his gaze fixed on the ground as he considered Kade's words.

"I have lived my life in service to the pack, denying myself the pleasures and distractions that others enjoy. But Alexia..." He trailed off, her name lingering in the air like a prayer. "I cannot deny that she has changed me, that she has made me question everything I once believed."

Alexia's heart pounded in her chest, her breath catching in her throat as she pressed her ear against the Alpha's door, the words of his confession blowing at her mind. W... hat? How?

She had heard enough, she knew. Silently, she crept away, her footsteps silent.

The words echoed in her mind, her heart heavy with a hope she dared not speak aloud.

Could the Alpha really feel something for her, something beyond the bond?

The Omega's Scorn and the Alpha's Chase
Detail
Share
Font Size
40
Bgcolor