Page 137 of My Forbidden Alpha

“Yeah… I just don’t get it. How did his marking me cut my tie to the pack so easily? Yes, it would form a link to him but…” she trails off and I frown.

“He’s an alpha. When an alpha marks his – someone, their pack ties are broken by default. Don’t worry, we’ll get back home and dad can re-initiate you,” I explain, changing my sentence mid-way and running my fingers through her silky locks.

“I’ll, uh, go get some hot drinks,” Rafael offers, swiftly leaving the room. Scarlett closes her eyes, resting her head in her hands.

“I messed up so bad,” she whispers. “What will Mama think when she finds out?”

“The good thing is, he broke the bond between them. I know it is in the worst way possible, but once your mate marks you, it’ll be gone.” The very words feel bitter on my tongue. She looks up at me, hurt flashing in her eyes.

“You’re confusing me, Elijah. If my mate marks me then, that’s it… we’re over. Nothing can remove that mark from my neck,” she whispers. “You said you wanted me forever; now you want my fated to mark me? I thought you said you never wanted to let me go? Or was that just in the moment?” I feel a sharp stab of pain at the anger and hate in her eyes as she glares at me accusingly.

“No, I meant it, but maybe… maybe wearemates,” I say softly. A hope that I wish could be true now more than ever. She glares at me as she pushes my hand off her.

“Just stop with the stupid games, Elijah. Don’t make this more complicated than it already is. One second, you’re saying you’re serious about me, then you’re like yeah, your mate needs to mark you. I’m tired of all of this, Elijah. Just, please go, I want to sleep,” she says coldly. She’s tired, and she’s hurting. I have to remember that even if her words sting.

I fucking love her and I promised myself I will be here for her until the day I fucking die.

“I’m not leaving you, Red, we’ll work something out. I fucking promise you. Just stop trying to shut me out.” My eyes flash with emotions that I can’t put into words. We need to do this together, not apart. She doesn’t say anything, simply looking away.

“Fine. Whatever.” She lies down on the pillow and turns her back to me. I sigh softly, wishing I was enough to reassure her. I gently pull the sheet over her curvaceous body and place a soft kiss on her neck, not caring about the heat that radiates off her ugly mark.

“Don’t,” she murmurs, her heart racing. I lift my head looking down at her. She’s staring ahead, but even her thick lashes don’t disguise the glitter of tears in her eyes.

“Does it hurt when I kiss you there?” I ask gently, caressing her arm. She closes her eyes.

“No… it’s actually soothing, but just don’t,” she murmurs. “It’s disgusting and it’s ugly to look at, and even worse to touch.”

“As long as it’s not hurting you, then I won’t stop,” I answer as I lie down beside her.

She keeps her eyes shut even when I gently slip an arm under her head, the other going around her waist pulling her against me, my lips placing soft, soothing kisses over the mark.

It angers me that I can smell her scent changing as a slightly different scent merges with hers. His. It is subtle as the bond is not complete, and I will never allow it to be, but it’s there.

What did he even fucking think would happen? That marking her would somehow give him more strength? More power? Does he think that she will bend to his will?

It doesn’t change anything, though. I will end him, even if it is the very last thing I fucking do.

She doesn’t really know how to react or to respond. Apart from her whispered confession when we had made love, she’s keeping me at a distance, but it’s fine. Because when she is ready, I will be waiting.

My lips never leave her neck as I continue to kiss her softly over the burning mark. Hoping it continues to soothe her. Soon her breathing becomes steadier, heavier as she drifts off into a peaceful slumber.

I look over her shoulder, seeing the tear stains on the pillow that she’s shed silently.

How much have you suffered because of him?

I gaze at her neck. The marks I left when we made love are all gone. I frown slightly, wondering how deeply Zidane truly abused her. I know Scarlett enough to know that she would hide more than she’d ever let on.

My wolf is still restless, wanting me to go back to the Desert Storm Pack and shred the fucking bastard to pieces. I don’t fucking care what happens to me in the process, as long as thefucking monster is sent to the burning pits of hell where he belongs.

There’s a light knock on the door and I place one final kiss on her neck. “Enter,” I say quietly. The door opens and Rafael enters holding a tray of mugs containing what smells like hot chocolate.

“She’s asleep?” he asks.

“Yeah,” I answer, shifting my weight so I am leaning against the headboard slightly.

“Maybe it’s for the best. She’s been through hell. Look, I know you have a lot going on and I’m not judging. I just want to say I’m here whenever you need anything,” he offers, taking a seat on one of the chairs after passing me a mug and taking one for himself. I sigh.

“Thanks, man. I owe you a lot. I do need to head out, but it’d be great if we could sign that peace treaty before I leave, as that’s what Dad thinks I’m here for. Although he is going to learn the truth anyway.”

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