Alec’s

"What?" Alec asks, almost stammering the words.

"I'm sure you don't have a hearing problem, Alec❞ I drawl, rolling my eyes at him.

They all looked at me like I'd lost my mind. Like I was an alien from out of space. Honestly, they are the ones who've lost their minds. Did they think I would easily accept Alec? Tuck my tail between my legs and bow to him as if I should count myself lucky for having him as my mate? They were dead wrong if that's what they really thought. I don't bow down to anyone anymore.

"You can't do that," Jason yells once he's gotten over his initial shock.© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

I once again, I lean back, relaxing in my seat, "Says who, exactly? I can do whatever the fuck I want, Jason. The survival of your pack is in my hands."

"Great call," Nyx gives me a wolfish grin. "This will ensure that we all get what we want."

I simply acknowledge her words with a nod, then focus on Alec.

"You're an Alpha and a businessman. You know how negotiations go," I link my hands on my desk and smirk. "We both want something from each other, so let's reach an agreement."

Something akin to desperation passes through his eyes, but he masks it before I can get a reading of it. His normal mask of indifference slips back on, hiding anything he may have been thinking. "Can you reconsider?" his voice is gruff when he finally asks.

"No, that is my term." my reply is immediate. "Let's be honest, you never really wanted me as a mate to begin with. You're interested in what I can do for your pack. I've agreed to help you and in return I want you to accept my rejection. After that, I can go on with my life, and you can continue your search for Lola."

I ignore the pain that slashes through my heart. What I said was true. Alec doesn't want me, he needs me. I remember how he looked at Lola, with so much love and adoration. Even if he hadn't done me wrong, I don't think I can handle being in the shadow of the love he had for his first love.

I would always wonder if he loved her more. It would forever haunt me and probably slowly kill me. That's not the kind of mating I want. I want a man that has eyes only for me. A man whose heart beats for me. A man who is with me for me and not because of what I can do for him.

Even if I push and ignore our history, I doubt Alec will ever be that kind of mate to me. His heart was already claimed by Lola. His reaction when he first saw me when he came to my pack is proof enough. "Given the shit you and your pack have put me through, I don't have to help. In fact, I would gladly watch all of you burn," Minus the children, of course. "But I am willing to help if you accept my rejection." "Please, Sadie. He's your mate. You might not get a second chance" Micah begs me.

"No," I tell him firmly then stand up. "Even the moon goddess will understand why I can't accept this mating. If she doesn't give me a second chance mate, then well and good. I'll take a chosen. It's never that serious anyway."

My eyes move back on Alec. He had his jaw clenched, but that was the only indication of what he was feeling. Mybe he was feeling anger. Or maybe it was frustration. I didn't get why he would feel that way though, we both know that I was right.

"Do we have an agreement?" I ask after a couple of minutes of silence.

He stares back at me with that same mask of indifference. His hands fist at his sides. At first, I thought he would decline my offer, though I saw no reason why he should. It was a damn good deal, and we would both get what we wanted.

"Deal," he finally says, gritting the word through clenched teeth.

We don't shake on it. There was no need and the last thing I wanted was to strengthen the bond. It was better to keep my distance and avoid contact.

"Now that that's done, it's time to question Calvin."

I don't wait for any of them. I just round my desk and cross the room before opening the door. Leaving, I don't bother checking whether any of them followed me. I needed answers and that's exactly what I was going to get.