Second Thoughts After Divorce

Chapter 12

Roe’s POV

As we walk side by side, exploring the grounds of the Royal Blood Pack, I can’t help but be held captive by it’s beauty. The vibrant flowers, the lush greenery, and the sense of unity among the pack members all contribute to an atmosphere of belonging that I’ve never experienced before…

“Do you enjoy walking then?” The Alpha ponders, as we reach a river, following along beside it on its path,

This is a first actually, but yes I really am enjoying myself!” I comment, taking a moment to inhale the fresh air around me once more never wanting the moment to end.

“You’ve never walked?” The Alpha sounds puzzled next, as I make note of how ridiculous that statement had actually sounded…

“Well of course I’ve walked, just not for enjoyment – you know? I didn’t get out much at my old pack and felt it was safest for me to stay hidden in my room.” I admit, as he nods once, his jaw clenching at my words.

He probably has a lot of distaste for my old pack… especially after what I had read in his office about Derrick…

“Well how about this… you are permitted to go a walk around my grounds whenever you want? Once you have completed your chores of course.” He poses the idea, as my heart flurries at the suggestion

He would just let me wander around whenever I want? But what if his pack sees me? What if they figure out what I am?

turning to see some

“Sir… please remember that I am a runt wolf. I also don’t have your packs stent – they might think that I am a rogue!” I mumble, turning kids playing across the river, seeming to be living happy, normal lives, which causes me to smile.

The Alpha falls silent at my words, probably thinking over the reality of the situation and on what trouble it would bring to him.

“My pack will not care that you are a runt! If anyone does give you grief, you will tell me and I will handle it personally do you understand?” He suddenly announces, as I furrow my brows at how set he seemed on the matter

“If you are scared about walking alone, I’m sure Ruth would love to join you? Or you could always remain in my private gardens instead of walking around the territory. The Alpha continues, as I hum at the idea.

I guess he was right… maybe Ruth would want to join me…I could always ask her tomorrow.

O–Ok Alpha… thank you.” I confirm, not wanting to completely object to the idea since after all, I did enjoy being outdoors more than I realised.

‘As for your scent… leave it with me. He grumbles, as we meet the end of the river, leading out towards a large grass clearing.

Leave it with him? What does he mean…?

We continue to stroll on, before we approach what I’m assuming to be is his pack’s training area.

I hesitate and slow down when I observe many of Ashtons pack members engaged in various activities. Some are roughly sparring, while others are occupied in strength or endurance training-

“We can take a short cut this way if you are too nervous to pass by?” The Alpha turns to me, as if reading my mind, with slight pity in his eyes.

I all but manage to nod at his suggestion, unable to string my words togeth

together at the sight of the fearless wolves ahead….

I follow behind him as he leads me in another direction, on to a rubble path this time, as 1 breathe in and out to calm

1 my anxiety…

I wasn’t used to being out in the open, walking freely amongst other wolves. The thought of passing by the large and scary men during their training terrified me, whether the Alpha was here or not, so I was thankful for his alternative suggestion.

Once we

we reach a much quieter part of the pack’s territory, Alpha Ashton suddenly pauses in his steps and turns to face me.

His eyes meet mine, and there’s a flicker of something in his gaze–something vulnerable yet guarded…

My breathing catches in my throat at the sharpness of the action, as I scramble to work out his next move….

Chapter 12

our status as a n

as a runt, you have value.”

“Rose,” he begins, his voice softer than before, “I want you to understand that despite your

to me. I’m taken aback by his words, my heart swelling with a mix of gratitude and disbelief that an Alpha of all people was saying such a thing t

No one has ever spoken to me like this before, acknowledging my efforts.

“But why, Alpha?” I find myself blurting out, unable to contain my curiosity any longer.

He looks baffled by my words, with his piercing green eyes burning holes into my own dull ones, as we just stand together amongst the trees.

“Why what Rose? He pushes me to speak, as I lick my lips briefly before continuing-

“Why have you been so kind to me? Why have you given me a second chance when others would have cast me aside the minute they saw me? You’re an Alpha, you shouldn’t have time for the likes of me. You didn’t have to take me on a tour of the pack, or even give me an amazing bedroom to stay in especially in your private quarters! I could tamish your reputation Alpha!” I rant, becoming slightly panicked at the truth of the situation.

He was being careless by having me around, especially this close to him.

Alpha Ashton’s gaze softens, and he takes a step closer causing my breath to catch in my throat. “Rose, not everything is as it seems. There is more to this world than what meets the eye.” He begins, his brows pulling together ever so slightly as he speaks-

“Sometimes, our paths cross for reasons we may not fully comprehend at first, but with time, everything makes sense. So do me a favour Rose, and stop telling me that my reputation might be ruined if I keep you around! As an Alpha, I am far too powerful to even care about my own damn reputation! If I want you around here, then you’ll fucking be here! Is that clear enough Rose?!” He grits out the end, taking another step closer as our faces come to be only inches apart…

“Yes! S–Sorry Alpha .. I attempt to say, before my thoughts are completely overrun and clouded by his next action… one that almost had me faint on the spot…

He leans forward and kisses me.

He takes a firm hold of my waist and arm, crashing his soft lips down on my own as 1 almost scream at the suddenness of the contact…

1 decide to close my eyes, allowing for the moment to run its course as I begin to follow his lead as best as possible moving my mouth against his.

My brain fogs with questions as I stiffen in his hold. Why would he even think to kiss the likes of me? What was he thinking?

The possessive kiss lasts minutes, before he pulls back, seeming conflicted and disheveled as he breathes heavily and eyes me with concern.

My mouth opens and closes like a fish out of water, as I blink profusely, my brain scrambling to catch up with what had just happened!

He pauses, his eyes searching mine for understanding before he speaks…

“Let’s go home!” He speaks in a deadly tone, seeming suddenly imitated, before he turns on his heels and marches ahead leaving me shuffling steadily behind him.

He actually did just kiss me… I didn’t hallucinate… that actually happened… the Alpha himself… kissed ine!

But why?

I scurry to keep up with his large steps, not wanting to be left behind or lost in his territory as we walk back towards his private grounds.

He doesn’t turn back or say another word, as I fan my face slightly to cool my heated cheeks. He regretted the kiss as soon as it happened. I know he did… the look on his face spoke a thousand words!

He reacted in the moment, perhaps because our faces became so close? He only acted on his possessive male instinct, nothing else. There was no emotion involved! How silly of me to even consider that he felt something in that kiss!

I sigh, before noticing the familiar tall stone walls surrounding his private garder leisurely walk.

garden as they come into view. We where back already, after our long

1 mentally cursed myself, having

ng wanted to ask the Alpha if I could have a book to read in my free time during our walk, however couldn’t now after what had happened.

Chapter 12

I would be bored another night in my room now, watching the hours roll by….

I follow him through the gates and into the grounds, his large back shielding me from the main door as we approach it. He pushes it open, steps aside, and keeps his head held high as I pass him….

He closes the door as I wait, before he begins to storm his way up the staircase as I follow behind him quietly not wanting to push his temper.

It isn’t long before we reach our corridor, as he slows his pace and groans loudly…

“D–Don’t worry Alpha, it was a mistake, I wouldn’t tell anyone!” I plead, looking up at his stern features – as he still continues to avoid eye contact.

I felt a crushing pain come next, almost similar to a second rejection, watching as he refuses to even look down at me…

Nobody would ever want i

“Go to your room Rose!” He states bluntly, as I allow for my head to fall forward in defeat, feeling the shame of the situation sink in.

With that, I drag myself away from him, down the hall, into my room, and I allow myself the privacy to cry.

Im useless…

Chapter Comments

Deborah Wrigley

I am loving this book very well written

VIEW I COMMENT &

20