Angel and The Alpha

Chapter-7

I woke up to a hand running through my hair. I frowned, trying to remember where I was. Then I felt a shift beside me, and another hand wrapped around mine, fingers threading together. My muscles tensed instantly. Memories of last night slammed into me like a truck. I yanked my hand away and looked up, locking eyes with Andrew's turquoise orbs. There was something there—something complicated I couldn't quite place.

My gaze dropped to my hand, still warm from his grip. His eyes followed mine, then he released me with a quiet sigh. I shoved the hair out of my face, suddenly feeling way too exposed.

"Why did you sleep here?" His voice was deep, husky, like he'd just swallowed something sharp.

"You were having a nightmare last night. I woke you up, and you grabbed my hand like I was the only life raft. Figured I'd stay since I was stuck," I said, tossing the last part in like a half-truth. Didn't need to add that I wasn't exactly eager to be anywhere else.

"Thanks." He ran a hand through his messy hair, looking like he was trying to untangle his own thoughts.

"Don't mention it." I forced a smile.

He gave me a slow nod. "You can take a shower in the room across from the living room." He pointed like I was a guest at a five-star hotel.

I stood, my knee screaming from the night on the floor. After the shower, wrapped in just a towel, I realized I had zero clothes with me. Fantastic. I poked my head out.

"Andrew! I need clothes."

He appeared from the kitchen, strolling over like this was just a casual morning.He pressed his palm against the door-frame,eyes sliding over me wrapped in a towel.

"Can I borrow your clothes? I forgot to pack."

He looked me up and down, but his gaze didn't feel invasive—more... interested. Dangerous, but in a thrilling way. He took a step closer, his eyes burning like he was trying to read me, decode some secret.

"Why help me? You could have left me to freeze."

I smirked. "Because apparently I'm not a monster. Plus, you took me in. This is the least I can do. And hey, I have a heart too." I teased,

His hand rose slowly to my cheek. I leaned in without thinking, eyes locked on his.His eyes roamed my face like he was memorizing every inch.

"You're so beautiful," he whispered like it was the most important thing in the world.

I blinked, caught off guard. "Thanks," I whispered, already a little lost in those eyes.

He blinked, nodded, and stepped back to the kitchen like nothing happened.

What the hell just happened?

Footsteps came near. He was back, holding out clothes.

"Here." He tossed the clothes my way and vanished back into the kitchen, shooting me a quick glance over his shoulder.

I changed into his clothes, breathing in his lavender scent. Somehow, it felt like wearing a secret. I walked into the kitchen where he was eating bacon. There was a plate for me too, which I silently thanked as I sat down and joined him in silence.

He sipped his coffee as I did the same, the silence stretching between us until I finally decided to break it.

"Andrew, I need to ask you something." My voice felt a little heavier than I intended.

He set down his mug and gave me his full attention, those turquoise eyes locking onto mine like I was suddenly very important. Or very dangerous. Probably both.

"When you were dreaming last night... when I woke you... you said something." I watched his face carefully.

"W-what did I say?" His calm cracked, replaced by tension. His fists clenched tightly, and I heard him swallow hard like I just asked for his tax returns.

"You said... Sophia. 'Why did you deceive me? Why did you trust her?' Who is she?" I carefully left out the part about love. No need to open that can of worms right now.

"No one." His voice was tight, teeth clenched. His stare turned cold enough to freeze the room.

I narrowed my eyes and whispered the spell under my breath. His body stiffened, his eyes clouded over. Good. No more poker face.

"Who is Sophia?" I pressed.

"She was a rogue. My mate." His voice was flat, devoid of any warmth. Drama much?

The revelation hit me harder than expected.

"And what happened to her?" I asked, steering clear of how she'd deceived him — some things are better left unsaid, even with a bit of magic.

"I killed her."

My mouth fell open. Yeah, that escalated quickly.

What the hell?

Suddenly I felt the weight of my question, the wrongness of it. Curiosity had been a mistake.

I broke the spell and shook his shoulder gently, putting on concern.

"Andrew? Are you okay?"

He blinked, confusion flickering in his eyes. Then he nodded, steadying himself. I let my hand fall back to my lap.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked about Sophia." Guilt pricked at my chest like a wasp sting.

"It's alright. It's just... personal. I don't like talking about it." He looked away.

I nodded, respecting the unspoken 'don't ask' sign.

"I'm heading out with Cole to a meeting at the neighboring pack. You can stay here. I'll be back tomorrow. And thanks again." He gave me a small smile and headed upstairs.

I wiped the plates and cleaned the kitchen, then settled on the sofa, thoughts swirling. Real mature, Manakel. Playing detective with a guy who kills his mate. Good call.

Andrew came back down dressed in a sharp suit—damn, he looked good. Slowly, I let my eyes roam over him, and when our gazes met, he smirked knowingly. I smiled shyly back, because why not?

"I'm leaving now. Don't wander off alone at night. Stay safe." His tone was serious, but there was a softness underneath.

I nodded, smiling. He left, and I sighed, closing my eyes with a quiet smile.

I was playing with fire. It was wrong. But apparently, I don't do 'right' very well.

Later, I headed to the pack building to do my duty. Kids ran and played happily in the field, a brief moment of peace.

After dinner, I started scouting the path beside the cemetery—the route to the rogues. The night was dark and empty. Carefully, I unfurled my black wings from my shoulder blades, the familiar itch of freedom tingling as they stretched wide. Moonlight kissed the glossy feathers, shimmering as I rose into the air.

I circled the perimeter, eyes sharp for any sign of movement. The area was clear.

Ahead, the trees thinned until I spotted the large metal gate guarding the border—patrolled by a few guards. I stayed just beyond Andrew's pack territory. After flying several miles, a glow caught my eye—a massive fire surrounded by dozens of wolves deep in the jungle.

I melted into the shadows of thick bushes, careful not to make a sound. One foot perched on a branch, wings tucked tight, I watched. Wolves of all ages moved around the fire—training, eating, chatting. The males were built hard, their bodies honed by brutal practice. One male unleashed a flurry of punches on his opponent, drawing cheers from the crowd.

These were rogues.

At first glance, they looked like any other pack. But appearances were deceiving. I was angry at them—for the pain they'd caused Andrew, Cole, Lisa, and the others I'd grown close to. They were family to me now.

I scanned the crowd, searching for their leader, but no single figure stood out.

Great. Leader of a rogue pack: mystery man. Just what I needed.

One day, you'll regret what you started. I promised myself I'd destroy them.

I cast one last glance their way — laughing, joking — and with a flick of my wings, I shot away from that place. I drifted idly over Andrew's pack territory, careful not to get caught. After a while, I made my way back to Andrew's house.

A phone was ringing as I reached the door. Following the sound, I found the office and answered.

"Hello?"

"Where have you been?! I've been calling for ages!" Andrew's angry voice blasted through the speaker.

"I was outside." I dropped onto the sofa, one hand propping my head like it was a casual chat.

"Outside? What were you doing out there?"

"Just taking fresh air. So, what's up? You called for a reason, right?"

Silence.

"I... just wanted to check how you're doing." His voice softened, almost a whisper.

"I'm good. How was the meeting?" I smiled, trying to lighten the mood.

"Tense. The rogues have been causing trouble in the neighboring packs. They've killed many wolves."

"We need a plan to deal with them. We can't just sit around while our people get hurt. I want to help. I don't want anyone from my

pack getting hurt."

"Manakel." After a pause, he said my name—careful, almost... tender.

"Yes?" I asked, suspicious.

"You're really beautiful. Inside and out. Your mate was lucky to have you." Then he sighed.

Okay... what?

"What are you trying to say, Andrew?"

"Nothing. Go to bed, it's late. I'll be back this evening. Take care." And with that, he hung up before I could ask more.

I stared at the phone, confused as hell.

That was weird.

.

Next morning, I got up early and headed to the rogues' territory. I stopped a bit away from the gate and scanned the area. No one in sight. Wings unfurled, I lifted off.

Just as I was about to take flight, low growls and crunching leaves stopped me cold. I snapped my wings back and crept toward the noise.

Two rogues were coming my way.

With a quick use of my power, heavy branches crashed down on them. One yelped, trapped. The other lunged at me.

He knocked me down, claws raking my skin. I bit my lip to keep quiet, swung my leg hard into his back. He yelped and jumped off. Blood dripped from my arm.

Then both wolves charged again.

Wings bursting free, I lifted off and with a wave of my hand, the ground swallowed them whole. The earth sealed itself back instantly.

"Manakel!?" Archie's voice rang through the trees.

I landed, folded my wings, and heard footsteps.

"Manakel!?"

I turned to see Archie, Kevin, and a few others rushing over.

"Oh god, what happened to you?" Archie grabbed my bleeding hand, inspecting the wound.

"Rogues attacked me," I said as others scanned the area.

"Where are they now?" Kevin asked.

"They ran after I beat them up. Didn't let them get away easily." I winked and hissed, Archie touching my arm.

"That's my girl," Archie said, bumping elbows with me.

"I ain't your girl," I shot back. Archie threw his hands up in surrender.

"Come on, let's head back," Kevin said.

"Anyway, what the hell were you doing here? I told you this place is off-limits." Archie scolded as we walked.

"I was heading to the training field but heard growls. Figured I'd check it out. Saw two rogues coming this way, so I dealt with them." I shrugged like it was no big deal.

"But you could've gotten hurt," Kevin said, looking at me like I'd just walked out of a war zone.

"I'm fine," I said with a shrug. "Besides, I wanted to help. This is my pack too. And I'm a hard nut to crack." I added a wink like I was auditioning for a cheesy action movie.

They nodded, trying not to laugh, probably imagining me as some kind of tough hero. Cute.

When we reached Andrew's house, I nearly tripped over my own feet. Andrew stood outside with Cole, who was pacing like he'd misplaced a dozen wolves. The moment they heard us, Andrew's furious gaze locked onto me — his beautiful turquoise eyes darkened like a brewing storm.

"Where the hell were you?" Andrew demanded, stepping forward. His voice was sharp enough to cut glass.

"Drew, this is not the time for this," Cole said, glancing at my bleeding arm. "She's hurt."

Andrew clenched his jaw, eyes flickering with pain, anger, and — wait — was that care?

"Cole, Archie, Kevin — search the whole damn land. Report back to me. Everyone dismissed."

As they scattered, Andrew came to me, his touch gentle as he took my arm and led me inside. He made me sit and disappeared briefly, returning with ointment and wipes. I watched him, wondering if I'd accidentally walked into a soap opera.

His long lashes brushed his cheeks, hiding those turquoise eyes that always managed to pull me into some kind of alternate universe. His touch was careful, like he was afraid I might shatter if handled roughly. After finishing, he fetched a glass of water and handed it to me, standing close enough I could count his freckles.

"What were you doing out there?" His voice was calm, but the calm before the storm.

"I was heading to the training field," I said, "but I heard growls and went to investigate. Two rogues showed up, so I decided to fight them."

His eyes narrowed. "You could've called for help."

I stood up, meeting his gaze. "I'm capable of protecting myself. And I was protecting my pack."

He softened. "I know you're strong. But seeing you standing there bleeding... my heart nearly stopped."

"You... were worried about me?" I blinked, half-expecting him to admit he was worried about the coffee running out.

"Yes," he whispered, stepping closer, his turquoise eyes locking with my amber ones.

He dipped his head, arms wrapping around my waist, pulling me close. One hand caressed my cheek, then slid to my neck, lingering like it was memorizing every inch. His lips met mine — soft, then passionate,conveying everything he couldn't say aloud.

I wrapped my arms around him, feeling safe for the first time in forever. And secretly wondering if this was the part where someone tells me to stop being so dramatic.

But I didn't want this moment to end.

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