Chapter 14
LAYLA
I reach the border and turn off the engine. Alpha Alexander’s warriors are gathered around the area in their human forms, which makes me sigh in relief. If they haven’t shifted yet, it means the war is not on.
I move through the crowd, earning curious looks from others. Ignoring them altogether, I aim for the front, where I am sure Alpha Alexander must be.
As expected, he is standing in the front line, staring at the army of warriors in the distance. I take my eyes off his back, which is to me, and focus on the people of my pack. Theo is the one leading the warriors of the Lotus Pack, and he hasn’t noticed me yet. I hasten my steps to get to Alpha Alexander faster. Theo’s gaze diverts to me when he sees me emerging through the crowd.
“Layla.” His eyes darken in anger and worry.
I swallow, facing Alpha Alexander, who has turned around to watch me. His eyes are void of any emotion, making it hard for me to tell what he is feeling or thinking at this moment.
My heart pounds in my chest as I end the little distance between us and stand in front of him.
“We need to talk, Alpha Alexander,” I whisper, conscious of all the eyes on us.
His blazing eyes on me make me shudder. He takes a step ahead. His chest brushes my body. I stumble back.
“I don’t believe we have anything to talk about.” He says, smirking.
“I don’t want this war. Please, stop it.” I shake my head.
“Why do you think I care about what you want, Layla?” His voice lowers.
Heat pools in my belly at the sound of my name. I don’t think I will ever stop finding it so hot when he says it.
“It’s meaningless,” I utter.
“How so?” He wonders.
I look into his eyes. My tongue loosens in my mouth momentarily. He is just too-handsome. And he is supposed to be my mate, my protector, my shield. But he is none of them.
“I am staying here. Let me talk to Theo. We can sort this out. You don’t need to fight a war over me.” I tell him, ignoring the pain in my heart.
“Who told you I am fighting a war over you?” Alpha Alexander rolls his eyes.
I press my lips in a thin line. It’s so hard to get something into his head.
“They trespassed on my border. Now, they must pay for it.” He seethes.
I step into his body furiously. Sparks explode behind my eyes, but they are not enough to subdue the frustration I feel towards him.
“They came for me, and they will leave, Alpha Alexander. You won’t harm them. “I assert, staring deep into his eyes.
Surprise crosses his face at my tone. I take notice of it but I am not backing down now.
“Why do you think I will listen p>
“I am going to talk to them now. Call off your warriors. There is going to be no war today.” I cut in and move past him.
My heart flutters in my chest. I don’t know where I am getting this courage.
His hand closes around my wrist. I halt and glance at him from over my shoulder. He jerks at my arm, tugging me back into his body. His inviting scent overpowers my senses, knocking out the fake courage.
“I like this feisty attitude, but it won’t work with me.” His reddening face comes into my view.
I tremble against his vast body. His hands drop to my waist before lowering down to my butt and giving it a squeeze in a warning.
I yelp, shocked out of my mind. He just squeezed my ass in front of the people of his pack and my pack. I can sense the air charging with surprise and interest.
“Leave her.” I hear a growl from the distance. It’s Theo.
I place my hands over his and pull them off my asscheeks. What is this man doing? Is he mad?
My cheeks heat up in embarrassment as I step away from him. Satisfaction fills Alpha Alexander’s eyes. He managed to shut me up.
“Is he one of your flings?” He points behind him.
I don’t dare look at Theo, who must be fuming. My eyes narrow down on Alpha Alexander who is having fun in this grave situation.
“He is the man who took care of Ayla when you were not there. He is like a father to her, and undoubtedly, he is far better than you.” I scoff.
Alpha Alexander’s icy glare makes me close my mouth. I swallow my saliva and stare back at him defiantly.
“What else is he good at taking care of?” He sneers, glaring at me.
I know what he is implying. It makes my heart drop into the pit of my stomach nervously.
“Ayla loves him. Please, don’t hurt him or anyone else. She cares about all of them.” I whisper reluctantly.
The man before me stiffens but doesn’t say anything after that. I stay on my spot, watching him until I am sure he won’t object to me going to Theo.
Surprisingly, he seems like he doesn’t want to hurt Ayla. A corner of my heart melts for this side of him, and my anger at him shrinks a little.
“Layla.” Theo’s voice breaks my staring contest with him.
I look down and walk away from him. Everyone stares at me warily as I make my way to Theo. He is impatiently shifting his weight from one foot to another in an attempt to contain himself. I know he wants to run to me and act all cozy but he can’t do that in front of his warriors. He will be seen as weak.
I approach him quickly and stop when a distance of two steps is left. Theo doesn’t take the hint and crosses that line before pulling me into his arms.
“Why do you keep doing this to me?” He whispers in my ear.
His heat warms my body, but I can’t bring myself to wrap my arms around him. Something in me thinks it is wrong. Alpha Alexander is my mate, and we haven’t rejected each other yet.
“Theo,” I mumble softly.
“Where is Ayla? Is she okay?” He pulls back abruptly.
“She is fine, Theo. She is back at Alpha Alexander’s packhouse.” I whisper hesitantly.
He thinks of her as a daughter and has raised her like one. I don’t know what he will feel after knowing her real father is here and Ayla wants to stay with him. It’s all so cruel to him, to me, and to Alpha Alexander.
“I am here to take you both back,” Theo hisses as his eyes glare at something or someone behind me.
“Theo.” I place my hand over his forearm.
“You don’t have anything to worry about. I am here and I won’t leave you behind, Layla. I will protect you both.” He assures me.
My heart softens. Theo knows he is heavily outnumbered in this war and might end up losing his life, but he is ready to go all out. I don’t know what I did to deserve him, and I hate myself for how I am about to break his heart.