Page 3 of The Alpha Wolf's Pregnant Bride

He takes a step forward, and I’m instantly aware of the familiar scent of wood and citrus—a scent that hasn’t changed as if it radiates from the pores of his skin. The last time I ever caught a whiff of that smell, I’d been so humiliated that it prompted my decision to leave.

The man solely responsible for my departure from Mysthaven, my abandonment of the pack I was born into, and having to detach from the mind link that haunted me for months after I’d left. He’s standing right before me now, his presence unearthing all the heartbreak I’d endured. The silence between us only allows my mind to drift into a memory I thought I’d gotten rid of for good.

***

Nine Years Ago

Absentmindedly running the tip of my forefinger across my new braces, I stare at the computer screen with one hand hovering above the keys.

A few mental calculations later, I vigorously tap on the keyboard, a self-satisfied smirk growing on my lips.

“Aha!” the celebratory sound leaves my lips as I kick my feet under the desk. I just cracked the biggest code of my life, and now I’m in the database of one of the largest social media applications available.

Biting my bottom lip, I lace my fingers and crack my knuckles, simultaneously cracking my neck to get ready for a wild night of uncovering encrypted messages and having a good time laughing over other people’s problems.

I’d much rather do that than have to face my own…

“What the fuck are you doing here?”

My eyes widen with horror as I catch the sight of an imposing silhouette through the computer screen. Gulping,I slowly turn in the swivel chair behind the desk, mentally preparing for what comes next.

This isn’t my first rodeo with the Alpha’s son. Still, his words of disdain never fail to hit the nails of my troubles on the head. As he stands towering above me at six feet tall, his narrowed eyes of contempt throw daggers my way.

“I asked—”

“I’m just doing research…” I mumble as I nimbly hit the exit button on the keyboard. The last thing I need is for the Alpha’s son to figure out that I’ve been hacking into guarded systems from the sanctity of the Mysthaven library.

Cyrus rolls his eyes as he scoffs with a light chuckle. “What a nerd…” he sneers, crossing his arms on his chest. Though he isn’t Alpha yet, he sure is a strict dictator who doesn’t have to use his voice for me to get to my feet and bow my head.

“... I see you’ve learned your lesson,” he comments with a grunt, referring to the other night when a bonfire party became my biggest nightmare. Cyrus Rudolph, the Alpha’s son, had a ball throwing crude remarks at me. It had come as a surprise when I found myself watching the flames lick at the twigs all alone.

Cyrus had approached me, beer in hand, musing over the beauty of fire despite its dangers. That was when his friends came along and jabbed at us for being caught alone again. That's when he shifted gears and made fun of my weight in front of everyone.

When I opened my mouth to defend myself, he was quick to remind me that I was a nobody in the pack and that he was the future Alpha of Moon Shine. His birthright demanded my respect, and I was left with my head hanging while his friends laughed about my weight.

It’s not usual for a she-wolf to be as curvy as I am.

“What were you researching?” he asks, raising a quizzical brow.

“I—er—” I glance at the computer, a wave of relief washing over me when it's the home screen I peek at. “I was just looking into Moon Shine lore…” I lie, a blush creeping up my face when I notice his little smirk.

It's almost as if he's impressed.

“Moon Shine lore, huh?” he snickers. “Any interesting facts you can tell me about?”

I frowned, not sure if he was about to mock me if I said something. Instead, when I purse my lips, Cyrus unfolds his arms and comes closer. Swept up in the distinct scent of the cologne he's always wearing, the citrus notes have me losing my train of thought altogether.

I hate that he has this effect on me. Every time we're alone, I seem to forget that in the presence of other Moon Shine members, he's quick to make fun of me.

It's not fair!

“Cassie…?” he presses, leaning in so far that I can smell the minty notes on his breath.

Goddess! This is infuriating!

“—er—” I fumble, rummaging through my brain to find something, anything that might interest him. “M-Moon Shine has a-always had only one son b-born to the Alpha.”

“Hm…” he hums. “Interesting… I bet I'm gonna change that.”

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