Rebecca's choice to depart was already upsetting Ben and Leah. They had expressed their worries and disapproval. Certainly not the pack, they didn't want her to leave.
Nobody would comprehend her need to escape. That hurt. Every day she spent with the pack, she was in constant pain. She had endured that suffering in the hopes that it would pass, that she would stop thinking about Phoenix, or at the very least, find someone with whom to replace him. Even though Daniel offered himself constantly, there was no way she could do that to him, which saddened her. He deserved someone who would adore him for who he is, better than her.
Is it the main issue here? You want to avenge me by punishing your parents and your boss? Phoenix enquired.
She laughed. "Overcome oneself," She took her suitcase and set off on foot in the direction of her house.
Rebecca didn't get very far since she wasn't merely stopped; instead, Phoenix threw her over his shoulder and took her away from the town in an unkind manner. When they had gone far enough into the forest, she slapped his back.
Place me down. You put me down right now, and I have no idea what or why you're doing it. She barked.
She became increasingly enraged till she lost all self-control and bit him on the a*s. He was just so annoying.
“Ow!” He stopped close to his house and lowered her to the ground.
Rebecca couldn't regain her equilibrium and fell on her arse. How in the world are you acting?
He said, "Don't you see?"
She stood up and remarked, "See what?
He whirled her around, encircled her in his arms, and forced her to stare across the forest at his house.
She observed that the leaves had been gathered, making it appear... tidy. Although she had never been welcomed or paid him a visit while he was still living, Rebecca had always had a thing for the old alpha's home. She loved to explore the outside of his house and would wander the woods by herself when her parents were working. The house was lovely even then. She discovered it had a particular allure when imagined as the residence of a malevolent fairy tale character.
"I won't be leaving. I intend to stay.
She gave a headshake. I could care less.
What will it take, Rebecca, damn it?
She pushed his hands aside before turning to face him. “Everything. You realize that, right? You expect me to do something like lie down, show you my tummy, and thank you for even giving me the least bit of attention because you're staying around this time and showing me a little bit of kindness, don't you?
She raised her finger to halt him as he tried to open his mouth.
"Don't even consider providing a smart-a*s response to it. I got it. You believe that I can handle this easily, yuck. Do you have any idea how the last five years have been?"
She detested the trembling in her voice. She refused to shed a tear. She resisted letting those tears flow. It was really unfair. He was so powerful. He has frequently departed the city. He had mounted his bike and rode off into the distance as if nothing had happened. She was forced to pay attention to his scathing rejection every moment. She had to put up with being the first rejected wolf and woman.
Do you realize that you wrecked one of my best days ever? I had a good transition and was feeling good. In addition to finishing high school, I also made it through my transition. At last, I was a wolf. In the group, I had a place. The beer tasted stale, but I was nauseated from all that had transpired.
The first time is difficult for a wolf, Phoenix remarked.
"I then left. I believe I sensed your presence before you treated me harshly. Before you made your statement, Before you turned me down. What were you intending to do after I sensed you? It was her. Strangulate me? Get rid of the proof you dated a filthy big person, please?
The Phoenix scowled. What are you referring to?
Do not do it, she commanded.
"I have nothing to say. You were obese, but I never once told you that.
"That's all you're getting, so you'd better have enjoyed it. Particularly not someone like you, I don't want a f*****g mate. You keep this between you. Do you hear me when I say that if you tell anyone I'll f*****g kill you and your entire family? Although she didn't speak it in his voice, she could still hear his harsh, husky voice as she repeated what he had said to her. They had been playing over and over in her head for so long. She was unable to forget about them. He had been furious.
Phoenix yelled, "f*****g hell."
"I am aware that you are unhappy with the person you received. I don't look good. I'm not thin. To you as a partner, I am a failure.
He took hold of her face. "Quit talking so much. That is not at all what I meant. She didn't want to hear the words that he hissed in her face.
I am aware of what I heard.
I don't dispute your hearing them. I am aware of what I stated, but it was unrelated to your appearance or f*****g weight!
He was right there. Even his touch was painful.
"Don't mislead me,"
I'm not telling you lies. I'll tell you the truth. His thumb lightly touched her lip. "Whether you choose to believe me or not, I meant that you were much too young for me when I said those f*****g words. You were 18 years old. I had just turned forty. I had spent the majority of my life traveling. I'd never had my very own pack. I'm not used to leading a pack as the alpha, but Rebecca, you're so young. You were raised in the protective arms of a pack. They love you a lot.
Her eyes were wet. I don't think you're real.
You don't have to accept my word. The reality is just that. You believe I detest your physical appearance. The memory of your body and of you is what has sustained me throughout the years. Considering that delicious arse of yours. I'm driving in you, seeing your broad thighs encircling my waist. Moreover, your full t**s. Your physical form is a dream, and you keep reappearing. You play a lead part. Your age was something I didn't enjoy, and I won't lie—even being five years older bothers me. I am 45 years of age. I've traveled the globe. I have murdered people. For a very long time, I have not been a good man. Nothing will make me a different person. He groaned. And I have a sneaking suspicion that you deserve a man with brilliant light in his f*****g eyes. We both know who deserves you, so I won't mention his name, but I can't let him have you. I own you, Rebecca. I won't be leaving. The first step is that house. I won't abandon you. You are mine, and I won't give you up for anybody or anything.
She looked at him with a little shock. She had assumed that the entire time that he didn't like the way she looked.
She remarked, "I don't believe you.
Age didn't matter to wolves. They became adulthood at eighteen, making any friends always legal. During the shift, they discovered their soul partner. Before that moment, nobody turned. Age wasn't a factor. They also grew older gradually. She had observed older men and women who were the same age as her and Phoenix in photographs. The same had been true of her own grandparents.
"Whatever you choose to believe, the truth remains the same. I can't possibly do this while being this near to you.
Rebecca did not have time to stop him as he kissed her hard with his lips. In his arms, she quickly melted. She couldn't help but open up to him as his tongue moved across her mouth as his strong lips brushed against hers. He put a hand at the base of her back and drew her in after she let out a moan.
Feel that, he commanded. Feel the harm you cause me. I wouldn't be as stern as a rock right now if I weren't drawn to you. Rebecca, it's never been an issue for me to want you. I need you. You will always be the object of my desire.
Was he telling the truth, really?
****
Phoenix arrived in town the following day with the intention of meeting Rebecca. He had taken her home following their kiss. She mistakenly believed that her appearance made him uninterested in her, which was so f*****g wrong. Always, it was her age.
He came to her parents' house and rapped on the door. Every action he took was being watched by someone. He questioned whether the person chasing him the previous evening had followed him and Rebecca into the woods. He wouldn't rule anything out. The g**g appeared determined to learn every aspect of his existence.
Ben let the door open. Alpha, he replied.
Please, phoenix. He disliked being referred to as Alpha. He extended a hand to his future father-in-law. Phoenix had to consider whether Ben would be as hospitable if he knew that he was Rebecca's boyfriend. Is Rebecca at home? he inquired.
She has already left for work for the day, I see.
The Phoenix scowled. Not even eight o'clock yet.
I am aware, but she has already explained what happened.
Phoenix questioned, "You mean about her sending in her resignation?"
Yes, that came as a big surprise. She is such a devoted person, therefore we know it bothers her when she leaves a job. He groaned. I wish I had some advice.
He declared, "I don't want her to leave the pack." When she turned in her notice, I was present. He rubbed his head's back. Actually, I had a question for you regarding that. I'm moving into the old house, and, um, it could use some feminine touch. She works at the hardware shop, so I figure she could come over and assist me. She would be aware of my needs and that sort of stuff.
He was going to be killed by Rebecca.
That is a truly fantastic idea. Shaking his head, Ben "Neither I nor her mother want her to go. She is our baby girl, despite the fact that young wolves enjoy venturing outside to quench their wanderlust.
Phoenix promised to take care of her. "I swear. I'd best go ask Rebecca for assistance.
Ben bowed. "My daughter has a nice heart, but she can be pretty stubborn. I'm not sure who or what damaged her. This pack is her favorite. She will undoubtedly be of great assistance to you, I am sure.
His stomach churned with guilt. He understood he was the issue deep down. He made an effort to smile. Phoenix wasn't accustomed to exerting this much effort on behalf of others or even wanting to do so.
He glanced at the DIY store as he crossed the town and noticed that it wasn't very busy. He needed to approach her while she was being surrounded by the pack in order for his plan to succeed. That could only be accomplished during lunch.
Crap.
It wasn't right what he was doing. Although he was aware of this, he had to have Rebecca near by. He made the decision to go for a brief stroll through the town while tapping his fingers along his thigh. He had to push his bike there after running out of gas and having no other option except to stumble into this location.
Phoenix had no intention of remaining. Only the aroma of the burgers had drawn him to the diner; otherwise, he had planned to fill his bike and go away. The pack was beautiful. Phoenix had a few encounters with the former alpha, and he had never been impressed by the i***t. He had already understood in his heart of hearts that the man was a coward. Everything was in his handshake. The elderly alpha's wrist was fragile. There had also been trepidation surrounding him. Phoenix was unhappy when he realized how much the pack relied on him. One of the numerous factors that kept him coming back was this. In order to be remembered, he seldom returned to the same location more than once, and certainly never so frequently. He had broken so many rules to get here.
He also didn't tell Rebecca a falsehood. Because he had been really considering going to town, he did feel guilty for not arriving in time to save them. He intended to pay the town a visit, eat some of their cuisine, and check on their wellbeing. He got on his bike because he didn't trust the alpha, and when he arrived in town, he discovered other bodies as well as the women. Grit his teeth, he said. He was upset with himself for being late. He had seriously screwed up.
He was ambling through town when he noticed that he had been walking for a while. A few members of the group had stopped him to chat. He had heard about several people's businesses. He had been told about the profusion of flowers by Flora at the florist, many of which she had collected in the woods. The natural herbs and medicines store belonged to Alice. He concurred with her belief in the mind's capacity for healing. They were naturally able to recover because they were wolves. They were all wonderful, decent folks. He went into another store, which had different exterior signs. Malcolm, who was also a kind man, was the owner of this. He enjoyed working with wood and producing items that people would want to buy.
Phoenix discovered that the majority of them had websites and made money through orders and international delivery. Eric and Michael had already been introduced to him. They were the ones who transported the products outside of town to the neighborhood post offices so they could be prepared for export. It was a thriving town that was still in existence. Even though they didn't need an alpha, they would not let him give up the title, no matter what he did.
When he got to the diner, Rebecca was indeed seated in the back. The restaurant was jam-packed with people, many of whom were having lunch. Rebecca ate cautiously. She didn't eat, was it the reason? He'd said something that made her want to lose weight, right? Oh, no way. She couldn't lose any more weight, according to him. Her curves captivated him.
Alpha, one of the men said.
People began to approach him one by one to say hello.
He grinned and nodded before stopping next to Rebecca's table. He couldn't help but smile as she turned to face him. Her eyes widened. She had no idea what he would do.
I'm so happy I discovered you, Rebecca.
She spoke "Alpha" slowly.
I've been speaking to your father, so. He made sure that the pack could hear him by maintaining a loud voice. And he is glad that you can assist me. I'm aware of the tireless labor you do at the hardware shop, and I need your assistance to repair the ancient house. John remarked that he cannot be spared but that you are doing the right thing. I have a few in the pack who will pitch in when they can, but I think it would go much more smoothly if you were there.
As the group attempted to speak in private about the fact that he was seeking Rebecca's assistance, he overheard the murmurs of gossip. He noticed her jaw clenching as she peered over his shoulder. The pack would be furious if you rejected him. She was aware of their love for him. Of course they adored her, but he was the dominant one.
He detested using this awful title to achieve what he wanted, but it seemed he had made a tremendous mistake when it came to Rebecca. Something had been mistranslated. He admired her appearance greatly. That she had aroused him would never change.
She replied, "Yes, Alpha, I would be happy to assist you.
“Excellent. I believed we could start working on it right away. He swiveled to face Susan.
She said, "You're getting ready as usual."
"I'm grateful," He did not grow up in a pack. The pack doing this for him and being so open were unfamiliar to him because he had learned to fend for himself at an early age.
He sat down across from Rebecca. He grinned at her as she took a look around the restaurant.
She said, "I understand what you're doing. "My parents are also not pleased with my choice."
"There is no justification for you to go." On the table, he placed both hands firmly. Good to see you eating, I say.
Rebecca took a fry after sighing. Is this a real job, or is it something you made up?
He laughed. It's a real work, and I don't think you'll enjoy it very often, I assure you.
The house required extensive maintenance.