Chapter 10: The Bitch You’re Talking About Is My Fated Mate!
Avery
I woke up gasping, my heart hammering against my ribs. The nightmare clung to me like a second skin–my parents lying in pools of blood, my child self standing over them with a bloody knife, my eyes a horrifying crimson red. Trevor stood beside me, his gaze full of accusation as the pack surrounded us. their voices rising in a terrible chorus.
Murderer. Demon. Monster.
The scene shifted, and I was chained in this dungeon, my body covered in wounds as fists and boots rained down on me. I screamed until my throat was raw, begging them to stop.
Pain jolted me fully awake. I blinked, disoriented, and found myself staring into a pair of dark red eyes that seerned to glow in the dim light, My breath caught in my throat as memories of my nightmare crashed over me—my own red eyes in the dream, the blood, the accusations.
Who was this man?
He was massive, his powerful frame dwarfing eveh Trevor’s Alpha build. Muscles strained against the confines of his black suit, giving the impression he might burst through the fabric at any moment. Unlike the other wolves I’d known, he bore no tattoos–a strange absence that somehow made him seem more dangerous rather than less.
His face was all hard angles and sharp lines, the face of a warrior. Short black hair, strong jaw, and those burning red eyes that seemed to see straight through me. Something about him felt different, powerful in a way I’d never encountered before.
For those brief seconds our eyes locked, I felt lost, drawn toward him by some invisible force. It was like finding a path after wandering aimlessly in the dark.
A sharp pain shot through my hand as Trevor’s boot pressed down harder. I winced and looked away.
“You’re going to break her fingers,” the stranger growled, his voice deep and commanding.
Trevor scoffed but removed his foot. ‘I told you, I didn’t call you here to discuss my slave!” he snapped. “Or my parents‘ business!”
Before I could process what was happening, strong arms slipped beneath me, lifting me effortlessly. I found myself cradled against a broad chest, my frail body looking impossibly small against his massive frame. Every part of me ached from the movement, but after a moment in his arms, the pain seemed to recede slightly.
He’s different from other Alphas, I thought, breathing in his scent. Nof the usual stink of sweat and aggression, but something clean with notes of vanilla. His muscles felt firm beneath me, creating a strange sense of security I hadn’t felt in years.
Panic fluttered in my chest. Why was he holding me? What was happening?
“You’re right, the man said, his voice rumbling through his chest against my ear. “Now I have several things to reconsider.” He turned and began walking toward the dungeon exit, still carrying me.
‘I thought we had an agreement, my brother shouted.
“Nothing was signed. I’m leaving now.” The man continued walking, his stride steady and purposeful.
Trevor’s face contorted with fury. Thwarted in his attempt to secure whatever deal they’d been discussing, he turned his anger toward me–as he always did.
‘Look at that slut,” he spat. “Already spreading her legs fo
isn’t she? That’s all she’s good for–lying on her back like the worthless whore she
I flinched at his words, burying my face deeper into the stranger’s chest.
“As I said, Trevor continued, his voice rising/she killed our parents. So yes, this is what she deserves. He jabbed a finger at us. “And you should mind your own pack’s business! Not mine!”
The man holding me tensed, his muscles going rigid. A low growl rumbled through his chest as he bared his teeth, revealing sharp canines.
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Chapter 10: The Bitch You’re Talking About Is My Fated Matel
The bitch you’re talking about is my mate!‘ he roared.
The words hung in the air like a thunderclap. Trevor’s jaw dropped, his eyes widening in shock. I felt equally stunned, my mind struggling to process what he’d just said.
Mate? His mate?
The man shifted me to one arm, his hold still secure, as he raised his free hand toward Trevor. Without thinking, I tugged gently at his shirt, silently pleading with him not to strike. As awful as Trevor was, he was still my brother. Still family.
The man looked down at me, his crimson eyes softening as they met mine. Ilis warm breath brushed against my face, carrying that sweet vanilla scent. Embarrassed by the intensity of his gaze, I buried my face against his neck.
“You should thank your lucky stars my little sweetheart asked me not to,” he said to Trevor, his voice dripping with contempt. Otherwise, you’d be a dead man right now.”
As cruel as Trevor is, he doesn’t deserve death, I thought. If our parents were alive, they’d want us both to survive this
Though I’d slept briefly, I felt marginally better, despite the bruises covering my body. The stranger’s gait was steady, minimizing jostling as he carried me. Between his gentle movements and the comforting scent of vanilla surrounding me, I felt almost… safe.
Vanilla again? I wondered. The last time I smelled vanilla was on Kevin. Is this powerful, handsome Alpha my Second Chance Mate? Thank God.
As we climbed the stairs, Trevor followed silently, seething with rage. I occasionally caught him glaring at me with such hatred that I instinctively pressed closer to my protector, praying I could stay in these safe arms forever.
When we emerged through the hidden door, I saw Kevin standing nearby, his face partially covered in bandages. I barely recognized him at first. What had happened to him? Was it this Alpha who’d hurt him? Because of me?
Beside Kevin stood another man in a brown suit, watching us with interest.
Kevin’s eyes widened when he saw me in the Alpha’s arms. He looked questioningly at Trevor, their expressions shifting in that way that told me they were communicating through mind link–something I’d never been able to do since being inhibited.
As Trevor apparently explained the situation, Kevin’s jaw literally dropped, his expression morphing from shock to fury. His glare burned into me, as though blaming me for escaping his cruelty. I peeked at him from beneath the Mr. Alpha’s chin, only to meet Kevin’s furious stare. The sight of his horrible horrible face, made me shrink back in fear.
“She’s malnourished, with bags under her tired green eyes,” my so–called mate said, his voice tight with controlled anger. “And what about these bruises and needle marks? You two have some explaining to do! As an Alpha’s sister, she should have been treated with respect, regardless of what she did as a child!”
Trevor held up his hands defensively. “You’re really misjudging us, Alpha King Dominic!”
Dominic? I thought, the name washing over me. So that’s his name. It sounds… perfect.
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