Alpha's Obsession: His caged Luna

Chapter 10: Running

Raine's POV

I had no idea what to think about this situation. I was already angry about what happened at the ball, and then he made up a story to tell me. Now he's shoving some expensive, probably tens of thousand dollar dress in my face, as if that would solve the problem.

"What?! No. I just thought..." He ran one hand through his hair. "No. I am not trying to buy you. f**k! I'm trying to apologize, do something that will ease your anger towards me. I'm trying to impress you, but I just don't know how to go about it. I don't know what you like, things that will make you happy... f**k!" He was obviously not used to explaining himself like this.

"And you think buying me expensive gifts is the best idea?"

"Well, I don't know. I'm hoping you'll tell me."

"I have told you the only thing I want with you. To break our bond."

He shook his head as if that was not even to be considered at all. "Say something else, Raine," his voice came out firmer, more authoritative than I'd ever heard it, and something unwanted slithered down my spine. "That's not an option."

I gaped at him, feeling a swarm of butterflies starting to flutter their wings in my stomach. s**t! I shouldn't feel that way towards him.

A part of my brain scolded me. I was the one who went to the mating ball with the prospect of finding a mate, rich and powerful enough to set me free from the clutches of Nolan and Melinda Richmond. Now he was here, presenting himself in a platter and I was pushing him away.

Another part thought about the fact that I was staying in Sienna's pack now. But I knew better than to fully place my hope there. Once my parents get a wind that they'd been scammed, they would ask me to come back. Sienna or Davina would never understand the reason, but I could never say no to my parents.

Desmond was the most logical answer. With him, my parents would let me be free. They would get what they want from him and I...

I wondered if he would still be this adamant about me if he finds out that I actually want his money and status? If he finds out—

"Are you listening to me, Raine?"

I wrapped my hands around myself, the butterflies in my stomach giving way to tight knots that made me a bit nauseous.

"Yes. I need to leave."

Confusion and frustration was boldly written on his face. "Why are you at Sienna's?" He asked as I opened the door.

"Because we're friends. Davina thinks it's a good place for me to relax for a while, to clear my head. She's right." My voice didn't sound as firm and sure as my words.

"Sienna has a beautiful pack, I know that. I've seen people go there just for sight seeing, but we both know that you're lying to me. You're not just there for sight seeing or to 'clear your head'. Something is wrong. Tell me."

I felt pressure rise from my lungs to my throat, up my nose and settle at the back of my eyes, but I blinked it back. Was I that obvious? I thought I was holding everything in so well.

"What's wrong? What are you running from, Lorraine?" His stare bore into me, as if he was seeing more than just my face. As of he could look deeper and see my desires, secrets, desperation. As if he could see my soul and how broken it truly was.

"I'm not running? Why is it so hard to believe?"

He scoffed. "Then maybe you won't be tapping your legs so hard on the floor?"

Oh f**k me now. Both our eyes travelled down to see my legs that I'd been nervously tapping for a while now.

"I didn't know that you're an expert in psychology and body language."

"And you're an expert at deflecting."

Dear Goddess, this back and forth wasn't helping.

"Maybe because I don't want to answer your question!" My voice was louder than I intended, and a flash of hurt passed through his face.

The full ache that had settled in my chest sharpened just a bit. I hated this. Hated him. Hated myself and every choice I'd made in the past that shaped me into this person that I was now.

"You're angry." It was an observation, not a question. "But not at me." A vein ticked in his jaw. "This conversation is not going anywhere, so I'll allow you calm down. I'll come find you sometime else, when you're in a better mood. And we'll talk. Hopefully, the conversation will go better then."

I opened the car door and stepped out.

As I walked, his words followed me.

"I'm trying to impress you."

"You're an expert of deflecting."

"Things that will make you happy."

"What are you running from?... Something is wrong... Over my dead f*****g body... Then you won't be tapping your legs so hard on the floor."

The words whirled around my head, cutting all other thoughts out. This was only our second interaction, yet... He seemed to know me more than anyone, even more than the people I've spent my whole life with.

My heart rate beat a new record.

I went back into the house in search of Davina. I didn't really get the chance to talk to her. She was still very cautious and traumatized from her abduction and everything they did to her. I didn't even get the chance to thank her for looking out for me even when I didn't complain.

Just as I entered the foyer and turned towards the stairs, I met a girl standing there. Long midnight black hair, dark eyes, pale creamy skin. There was something about her that seemed so mythical. I saw her earlier, but my mind was too occupied by a certain Alpha for me to really think about her.

"You must be Lady Lorraine." She said smoothly, but I heard a tremor underneath her voice.

"Yes?" I answered, my voice coated in skepticism.

"I'm Mackenzie. I was just wondering if you know where Alpha Desmond is."

I frowned. "He's outside. In his car the last time I saw him."

"Oh," she produced an awkward smile. "We came together. I was just looking for him. Just in case he wanted to go back. I'm a member of his pack."

My frown deepened. What could possibly be the reason for him to bring her here?

I might have not put too much thought into it, but something about her body language made me rethink. She'd been here, possibly waiting for me just so she could ask me this question. She tried to hide it, but I could spot the tension in her face, the irritation in her voice and subtle expression that told me that she didn't like me.

The only reason I could think of was that she wanted Desmond.

A green and bitter feeling tightened my chest, and my eyes nearly popped when I recognized what that feeling was.

Jealousy.

I didn't want Desmond. I wanted to reject him. So why the f**k was I jealous?

"He just sent me a mindlink. He's asking for me." She said politely, but her intentions were anything but.

I blew out a breath as she walked out, determined not to let her rile me up.

Desmond might be my mate, but I'd rather chew red hot coals before I allow myself fight or argue with another girl because of a man, especially one that wants to use me as a rebound.