Page 111 of Red's Beast

Once I'm in the hallway, I can breathe again, and I let out a loud cry.

I turn around, reach for the door, and slam it shut.

"I can't do this."

Yes, you can and you will. You know what he intended for you that day, but you escaped. That's the important part, and it's not like you'll have to visit here often. We can always build a new alpha house. Hold on a little longer.

All I want to do is burn this place to the ground and watch it smolder as it comes crashing to the ground. There are so many terrible memories here that just avoiding it isn't possible. It needs to burn and be gone.

I slowly stand and make my way down the stairs. As soon as I'm outside, I take off running toward the narrow path that will take me to my grandmothers. I don't want to waste anymore time.

I come to a halt when I get close to the door and walk the rest of the way. My heart is pounding in my chest as I wipe my face with the back of my hand to ensure my face is dry, though I know it will be red from crying.

Grandmother opens the door and lets out a breath before I can even reach for it. "Oh, thank goodness you are back. He strutted in the kitchen naked after his shower and about gave this old lady heart of mine a heart attack. Give him those clothes and let him get dressed."

He calls out behind her, "I know you liked it."

She freezes, clearly annoyed. "I told you to get that towel back on, you cocky fur ball. It’s not like you’re that pretty to look at. Lillian, I prefer him as a goat. Maybe he should turn back."

"I heard that," he spews.

"I can't leave you all alone for ten minutes just to go get clothes."

As I listen to them argue, I can't help but wonder if this is hopeless. He’s never going to change, and he has even stated he will not help me. Why am I even bothering with him?

He might as well be a goat. At least then I can get some peace.

It’s not like he can resist my alpha command, anyway, so he could just live his life as a goat and not bother anyone.

All he ever thinks about is himself, even after being turned into a goat and living in the barn for several days. He is still selfish.

"I know what you should be. A pig because the goat was too good for you. That would have suited you better," Grandmother declares, her eyes full of hatred.

"A pig?" Corbin asks as he points to himself, feigning confusion. "I'm your only ticket to finding beasty and you want to call me names? That is no way to get what you two desire from me."

I interrupt, "Grandmother, just leave it be. Sadly, he's right. Though I would love nothing more than to force him to turn back into a barn animal, I know he’s my only ticket to finding my mate. The last thing I want is to be left with no other option except him as a mate when this mating heat strikes again.”

"At least she knows her place and when to admit I'm right," Corbin pops off. “Wait, what?”

"Just because I agreed with you doesn't mean what you think it does and it will do you well to remember that," I say, lacing my words with the alpha command.

He eyes me for a moment, meeting my gaze, and fights the command with all his might as his eyes turn orange and glow. His eyes are unwavering as we continue to stare at each other, waiting for the other one to give in. What alpha abilities he has tries to mingle with mine to make me submit, but I stand there unmoving and continue to push my will above his.

After a few minutes, the room is filled with the stench of dominance, and I hear Grandmother over by the stove, sighing.

She’s already tired of our display.

"We're never going to get anywhere like this," she mumbles under her breath.

"He should submit to me as his alpha instead of fighting it," I state, curling my lip up and baring my teeth at him. “He already has a little, but then fights it.”

"You ever think I might have just shifted to human because I wanted to, not because you commanded me to? Do you really think your alpha abilities are that good?" He says, mockingly. "You have no training and are just learning about all of this."

A growl escapes me, causing his brows to raise. He looks at me appreciatively, breaking eye contact for just a moment, but it isn't because he caved to my demand. It’s on purpose.

As his eyes rake up my body, he finally meets my gaze again with a smirk. "You are just playing alpha, Lillian. You may have the pack, but one day they will rebel and call for a true leader.”

"And you think that's you?" I scoff.

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