THE ALPHA’S SACRIFICE: A Mate's Redemption

Chapter 3

I glanced over my shoulder and swore loudly because Alex and Adam were hot on my heels. They could run. Not that I understood why they were after me in the first place, but now was not the time to stop and question them.

I thought I wouldn't be able to outrun them on the road since my side was already in agony and I was having difficulty breathing properly. Was running supposed to be this hard, or am I simply dying?

When Alex was ready to grab me, I took a right turn, slid down a little slope, and changed course, sprinting toward the trees that surrounded the road.

Perhaps I could lose them among the trees?

I accelerated my speed and reached the woods without being caught. If you ask me, this is a very impressive feat to have my side blazing like this. My breathing had become ragged, and I knew I wouldn't be able to continue much longer.

"Stupid injury." I panted as my foot became hooked in something, leading me to tumble and fall head first to the ground.

"Aw hell to the s**t!" I moaned as I eventually came to a halt, and Alex and Adam caught up with me. Alex flashed me a seductive grin, and Adam's emerald eyes sparkled with delight as they glanced down at me.

"Thought you could lose us in the woods and all you did was get caught by a tree huh?" Adam chuckled as I gave him an irate look and fought the impulse to hurl a stick at him.

"Yeah, yeah very funny." I groaned, attempting to get up in a 'non-hurtful fashion'. As they intently observed my face, their expressions changed to one of concern.

When I was able to stand, they both made a stride towards me, and I leaped back as quickly as lightning... or nearly as fast as lightning. Alex let out what seemed to be a snarl, and I maintained my eyes on them both as I began to back away.

What the hell? Did anything get caught in his throat, or what?

"Good doggie." I offered him what I thought was a confident smirk. Alex stopped snarling, and they both glanced at me as if I'd said something strange, but after a minute, they looked at each other and began to surround me. I tried to keep an eye on them both, but it wasn't easy since I didn't have eyes in the back of my head.

"What the hell do you want?" I asked abruptly, irritated by their efforts to get behind my back. They continued advancing, but Alex responded with a serious expression in his eyes:

"Right now we only want to see your face a little bit better but after that... we just want you."

He grinned at my perplexed face, and to be honest, I didn't comprehend his response. What did he mean by 'we simply want you'? I knew I wasn't going anywhere with them. I would wish to remain alive, please, and thank you.

I was about to open my lips and tell them to stuff that 'want you' thing up their ass when Alex jumped towards me. I stumbled back in astonishment, only to realize my error when my back contacted something hard. f**k! I had completely forgotten Adam was standing there, and I had simply backed into him.

Adam didn't spare a second, wrapping his arms around my torso and hugging me from behind. I fought to free my arms and shove him away, but he was so powerful that I couldn't move an inch. What bothered me the most was that I loved having him so near yet my body was blazing wherever he touched it.

What the heck was happening to me? Some odd-ass adolescent hormones expressing themselves?

Adam laughed as he felt me tremble and drew me closer, nuzzling his face in the crook of my neck and shoulder. When he abruptly approached a specific spot of my neck, I couldn't help but shudder and felt him grin against my exposed flesh.

"Found it." He said softly, and I shuddered again.

"Get your s**t together, Ash," I chided myself. "This guy is practically groping you and you are not gay for Christ's sake".

I regained control of myself and began kicking and struggling again.

"Let go of me now, weirdo!" I yelled loudly, but his hold did not weaken. Alex was observing our moment with curiosity, but now stated, "That can wait until we get back, Adam."

He gave me an amused grin as he made the last step towards me, taking a strong hold under my chin and turning my face so he could view the bruise. I sent him angry glances and attempted to turn my face away, but I soon gave up and let him in.

"Who gave you this?" Alex asked, and I could sense he was furious. I shuffled uneasily under Adams' hold.

"Lie Ash, lie," I thought desperately, then flashed them a cheerful grin and said: "The story's quite funny, I walked into a pole on my way to the store, and yeah..."

I drifted off and shrugged my shoulders, trying to appear sincere. Even though I had never been adept at lying, Alex let out an intimidating roar and bared his fangs at me. I quickly recoiled into Adams' chest, and I could feel my eyes widen.

What was wrong with his throat? "Answer the question, and don't lie to me again!" Alex spit at me, and I gave him a furious look. Who did he believe he was? I refused to be pushed about by men who were just a few years older than me and had done nothing wrong.

"Yeah, or what huh?" I spat back fiercely, but as soon as the words left my mouth, I realized that I should not have uttered them. Alex's blue eyes darkened, and I saw him lock his teeth tight and curl his hands into fists at his sides.

"Shit..." I thought as he took a short step closer, a serious look on his face. I backed away as much as I could, Adam keeping me in place, and studying Alex's every move. Was he about to strike me? If that were true, it would certainly hurt. I prayed he wouldn't, and I hated saying anything.

"Easy boy calm down." I attempted to raise my hands in front of me, but Adams' grasp stopped me from defending myself.

"I'm not a dog!" Alex yelled at me, and I couldn't help but laugh out loud at his insulted expression.

"I'm sorry, but the growling might have deceived anybody. Seriously, buddy, have your throat looked out." I managed to exit between laughter, and Alex gave me a filthy look.

"Answer the question." He muttered, and I stopped laughing. I gave him an annoyed look and tiredly said, "I answered it; it's not my fault that you thought I was lying."

Alex snarled at me again, and Adam sighed, his hot breath caressing the bare flesh on my neck and making me quiver again.

"Good God, can you stop that?" I spoke before I could stop myself, and Alex's face brightened up.

"That doesn't bode well," I thought as I squinted my eyes warily at his beaming face.

"Whatever you're thinking don't do it or I'll kick your ass." I threatened, but he disregarded me and locked gazes with Adam. There was a brief period of quiet during which they just stared at one other until Adam burst out laughing. I furrowed my brow and gave them what I hoped was a 'what is wrong with you' look. Alex suddenly moved his focus to me, and a grin spread over his face. He raised one of his hands, and I recoiled as quickly as I could. He gave me a surprised look, but then he grabbed my chin as before, forcing me to look in his direction.

"A pole huh?" He said with a seductive grin on his lips.

At that time, I genuinely contemplated coming clean. Whatever they were planning, it didn't seem like you'd want to be me at the time...

"Yes exactly, a pole," I said, pushing myself to remain calm and truthful. Who claimed I was a brilliant kid? Alex smiled and added, "Well, this is your last chance to tell us the truth." "I'd take it if I were you."

I narrowed my eyes even more and remained mute. Why did they want to know about my bruised face so badly? They didn't even know me for Christ's sake.

"Have it your way then," Alex said and was ready to reduce the gap between us when I heard footsteps coming. Alex turned his head towards the sound, and my hopes rose.

Maybe there was someone who might assist me get away from these lunatics!