Choose Me Instead, Alpha

Old wounds

Sebastian's POV

I had gone to the garden to relax.

I hadn't been sleeping well these past few days, and I knew exactly why.

Ever since she came back.

I had first seen her a few days ago when I was in the garden and noticed her peeking through the window of her room.

I still didn't know how our eyes had met in the darkness.

But I was certain it was her.

I could never mistake that red hair. It seemed to shine even in the darkness.

When I saw her, it felt like I was dreaming.

There was no way she could be standing there, right in front of me, after all these years.

After she left me.

I had returned to my room in a daze.

Helena was there.

"What's wrong with you, Sebastian? Are you alright?" she asked.

I didn't answer.

She noticed immediately.

"Sebastian! What's wrong?"

"Nothing. I just had a bad dream."

She looked confused.

Before she could ask anything else, I hugged her.

"I'm fine. Don't worry."

I kissed her forehead.

Helena was the one who stayed by my side after Alyssa left.

I would never forget that.

And now I saw her again in the garden.

Up close.

She hadn't changed much.

She still had that innocent look about her.

It was annoying.

Especially when I knew Alyssa was anything but innocent.

I wanted to tell her so many things.

I wanted to confront her for betraying me.

For leaving me.

For breaking her promise.

But thankfully, the guards came just in time.

I would have said things I might have regretted.

"Get out," I had told her.

That was the last favor I was going to do for her.

Then the guard approached me.

"Young Master, it's you. I thought there was somebody else here. Did you see anyone?"

He looked at me, waiting for an answer.

I stared at him coldly.

"Do you see anybody here?" I asked.

"No, Young Master."

"Then don't ask me useless questions."

I walked away.

When I returned to my room, I closed the door behind me.

Thank God Helena wasn't there.

I wouldn't have known what to say if she had asked me what was wrong.

I sat down on the bed.

I was going to see Father first thing tomorrow.

He needed to send her away.

I couldn't stay here knowing she was only a few steps away from me.

I couldn't.

I took a shower, hoping it would help me relax.

Soon, I was lying on my bed, hoping I could fall asleep and forget this night altogether.

"Where is she?"

"Where is she, Dad?"

"Mom? Helena?"

"Why isn't anybody saying anything?"

"Where the hell is Alyssa?"

"She's left."

I opened my eyes.

"Stupid memories," I muttered to myself.

My wolf had been restless ever since she came back.

I couldn't stand it.

It was already morning.

I needed to see Dad before I completely lost my mind.

I went to the bathroom, took a bath, freshened up, and went to find him.

I already knew where I would find him this morning.

He always loved staying by the pond.

He said it helped him calm down.

I walked there, ignoring the stares of the maids.

They could look all they wanted.

My heart belonged to somebody else.

"I knew I would find you here," I said.

My father turned around and smiled.

"Ah, Sebastian. You came looking for me early this morning. Am I safe?" he joked.

I laughed.

"Depends."

"I want to talk to you about something, Father."

He gave me a knowing look.

"You want to talk to me about Alyssa."

I stared at him.

"How do you know that?"

"I knew it was only a matter of time before you came to ask me about her."

"I want her to leave, Father."

He didn't answer.

He simply raised an eyebrow at me.

"I can't stand being in the same place as her."

"She's a liar."

"Her family are betrayers."

"Ungrateful people."

"I hate her, Father."

I clenched my jaw.

"What if this is another ploy of theirs to hurt you?"

"Calm down, Sebastian."

My father's voice was firm.

"No matter what, I never blamed Alyssa for what happened. She was still a child."

"A child who was a liar," I said.

"Stop it, Sebastian!"

He sighed.

"She came here to work and earn money. And she just turned eighteen."

"What?" I asked.

"Yes. She will find her mate during the Umber Ceremony. I'm sure of it."

My wolf made a strange noise inside me.

I frowned.

Why had my wolf reacted to that?

"Father..." I tried again.

"She isn't going anywhere, Sebastian. That's final."

Before I could say anything else, he grabbed my arm.

"Come. Let's go eat breakfast."

He dragged me along before I could argue.

We sat at the table, waiting for the food to be served.

"Where is Helena?" my mother asked.

"She went to visit her parents," I answered.

"Ah, okay."

I didn't think Mother had seen Alyssa yet.

Perhaps she didn't even remember her.

If she did remember her, she definitely wouldn't want her here.

It was probably better that she didn't.

Mother had a way of taking things too far.

She might hurt Alyssa.

But what was wrong with me?

Why did I care if she got hurt?

She deserved it.

The food was soon served in front of us.

Where was she?

I looked around.

Wasn't she supposed to serve the food?

Suddenly, the food didn't seem appealing anymore.

What was wrong with me?

I ate a little before pushing my plate away.

"Are you done, Sebastian? You barely ate anything," my mother said.

"I'm full, Mom."

I stood up.

"I have things to do. Excuse me."

I left the table and went looking for Lorraine.

When I found her, I walked toward her.

She noticed me and immediately bowed.

"Young Master, is there anything I can do for you?"

"No. I'm good."

I paused.

"I was just wondering... were all the new girls who came in recently the ones who served the food?"

"No, Young Master."

She shook her head.

"They all have different chores. Some work in the kitchen, some serve food, and some clean the rooms."

"Oh, I see."

I thought for a moment.

"The red-haired girl. What does she do?"

"She's in charge of cleaning the rooms, Young Master."

"Okay."

I looked at her.

"I want her to clean my room. Only her. Is that clear?"

"Yes, Young Master. I'll tell her immediately."

"Don't tell her who requested it."

"I understand."

She bowed and walked away.

I didn't care what she thought about my request.

I wanted something.

I got it.

The rest of the formalities weren't my problem.