ALPHA SIN

ARTEMISIA

We had been walking for a while. I didn’t know where he was taking me, but I knew he was not going to kill me.

I furrowed my brows as we got to a large rock. Chase helped me climb it, and he did the same.

“What are we doing here?” I asked, looking around.

“To talk.” He said.

“On the rock?” I tilted my brows. “We could literally do that in the bedroom.”

“I don’t want anyone eavesdropping.”

I nodded in understanding. It was only a day before I arrived here, but it seemed I knew everything about this little town.

I believed when he said they’d eavesdrop on the conversation because everyone we’ve passed today wanted to know if I was his girl or not.

At one point, I felt embarrassed for him. I didn’t know why. But maybe because the responsibility of being the Alpha of a pack and the pressure of finding the right woman was too much for him.

Just like Sin.

They seemed alike in everything.

I flinched as he touched my hand.

“You are not paying attention.”

“Sorry, I mumbled.”

“What are you thinking about?”

“Nothing,” I said. I wasn’t ready to tell anyone the reason I left home because if I told him I was thinking about Sin, I was sure he’d want the full details.

It was better to leave some things not said.

His eyes stayed on mine for a while, and he shrugged, “This is my favourite place.”Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

“It’s lovely,” I mumbled. I watched as he found a better spot where we could sit. After making myself comfortable, I took the opportunity to look around.

I could see why he said the place was his favourite.

It was calm. The view from where we were sitting fascinated me and I could see the waves crashing on sea stacks.

I didn’t know the sea was near, but I had smelt it.

A small smile appeared on my face as the wind blew my hair around me until Chase gripped it.

Not too tight for me to wince, but it was firm.

“Is it disturbing you? I am sorry, I should have arranged it before coming out. I wanted to…”

“It’s fine,” he chuckled. “I am good at styling hair. You should have let me know earlier you were confused about it.”

I shook my head, but he grabbed my shoulder.

“Stay still.” He said, and I did.

I watched his face as he did my hair in a messy bun; I believed.

He seemed concentrated on it and didn’t notice I was watching him the whole time.

Or maybe he did and didn’t want me to feel awkward about it when he caught me.

“All done.” He said.

“Thank you.” My hand went to pat it, but he swatted it away.

“You look perfect.” He sighed. “Any man would be lucky to have you.”

“I’m married.” I blurted, showing him the golden ring on my finger.

I winced as he raised his brow, and I shook my head.

Was I giving him the wrong signal?

I didn’t think so. I hadn’t told him I was interested in him, and we just met.

It’d look even insane if I was sending signals to him.

“You are overthinking again.” His hand smoothed my brows, and I furrowed them again.

“I know you are married,” Chase said after a while.

“Oh,” I mumbled. I bit my lips and averted my gaze.

“I…”

“Tell me about yourself.” I cut him off, trying to avoid any awkward conversation about me.

“There’s nothing much about me.” Chase shut his eyes for a while and opened them.

“Just tell the little things about you. I am curious to know.” I urged. Then, I nudged his shoulder, “It can’t be that bad?”

“Fine, I’ll tell you, but don’t hate me,” He said, making me giggle.

Even though it wasn’t funny, I couldn’t help it. At least he was willing to tell me about him and not make me wait.

***********

“Well, I am the Alpha of the Moonstone Pack.”

“I know that,” I said.

“I’m Chase and the only child of my parents. So I inherited everything as soon as they died.”

I rolled my eyes as he went on and on about irrelevant things. Things. I was sure he’d tell me without even asking him.

“Don’t you think all those are insignificant?”

“They are not.” He mumbled. “I want you to get to know me better.”

“That is not what knowing better means,” I argued, punching his arm lightly.

He grinned and gripped my hand as I was about to land another punch and tugged me to him.

I gasped as my body nudged him and I scrunched up the shirt he donned in my hands.

My brows furrowed as I assessed his face, and my eyes zeroed on his full lips.

We were close. A little closer than we should have got.

I didn’t know what I was doing, but I was certain I wasn’t thinking straight.

“I-I…”

Chase stuttered and brought me back to my senses, and I removed my body from him almost immediately.

I stood to my feet and dusted the pant I donned, “We need to go back.”

I took the first step, but he yanked me back.

My hand splayed on his chest for the second time today. I was staring into his beautiful eyes.

“You should be careful when walking on a hill. You could hurt yourself.” He rasped.

I nodded and sucked in a breath as his hand stayed on my waist.

I should push him.

I belonged to another man! My subconscious yelled at me.

But I shoved it at the back of my mind. I was not doing anything with him.

To be honest, I know where my heart belongs.

But then, the aim of forgetting all that Sin had done to me still lingered in my head.

If a little flirting could make me forget about the pains momentarily, I didn’t think there was any harm in trying.

“How does one go down a hill?” I mumbled.

“Just follow my lead, okay? The last thing I want is for you to sprain an ankle or, worse, break your neck.”

I smiled briefly at his words. It warmed my heart that he cared about me. Maybe not about me, but my well-being.

Still. I feel it was the same, and it made me giddy.