Chapter 9: Trust
1463 Words
Astria took a mental step back and recalled everything she knew about Lupine. Although Astria held back from the pack affairs for the past five years, it didn't mean she was completely clueless.
When Lupine rose up to an unprecedented glory, Astria was just born and her father was the new Alpha of their pack. Astria heard stories about Lupine as she grew up and the stories never dulled. If anything, for a person like Astria, the Lupine pack was always an interesting topic to talk about.
They were the biggest pack in the continent that held the others in a tight leash. They were the master and the other packs were simply obeying orders under them while not being aware of the fact that they were being openly controlled.
That was Astria's own deductions from what she learnt about Lupine but never said it out loud as it was a conspiracy that no one dared to think of. It was too bold.
Facing the Alpha of Lupine was the last thing Astria thought would be possible and being offered a proposal like this was even more of a daydream. Astria didn't dare believe it.
Besides, she also slept with this man so ....
"Are you trying to rope me into a scheme?" Astria asked with a grim face.
Bryce paused, blinking in confusion.
"What scheme?"
Astria crossed her arms ina. Defensive stance, her attitude of self preservation was clear and strong. "You tell me. I just slept with you the other night and you happened to be trailing me all this time. Suddenly you tell me that you are the Alpha of the biggest pack in the continent and I am expected to believe it? Show me your credentials at least."
"Just that? Never in my entire twenty four years of life did I ever think I'll have to show my identity card to prove myself..." Bryce mumbled and reached into his pocket.
Astria watched in amusement as Bryce sorted out the cards in his wallet and took out one.
It was a card issued by the Lupine pack that was unique to it's people. Every pack had one of their own kind and the Lupine was especially easy to recognise due to it's catchy purple design.
The darker the color, the higher the card holder's identity.
It was a card issued by the Lupine pack that was unique to its people. Every pack had one of its own kind, and the Lupine was especially easy to recognize due to its catchy purple design.
The darker the color, the higher the cardholder's identity.
The card in Astria's hand was a deep purple. Her fingers rubbed over the rounded edges as she went through the contents of the card.
The card read his personal information and title.
Bryce Christopher Lamont.
Alpha
That was enough for Astria to be stunned into a deep silence. She didn't have to look up to know Bryce was probably looking down at her with his chin raised and a haunted look in his charming grey eyes.
She got fooled by the Alpha.
She was roped into his life without understanding what was getting into. But it was good. She found herself a road. A road with pebbles but less rocks in her way. She didn't reveal it though. It was not the time yet. She was led into the game without her knowledge, but now she had to play carefully.
Astria raised the card towards him, "Alpha Bryce, why did you cheat me?"
Bryce truly looked offended by her statement, "Don't stick such a word me on. I never cheated you."
"You pretended to be an escort and even asked for money from me." Astria didn't give in to the pressure. She decisively took the upper hand and raised an eyebrow in question. Her stance was confident and conquering.
They were both Alpha blood.
Sparks flew between them.
Their eyes met, and Bryce smiled.
Yes. That's it. He liked it.
The sparks that flew between them.
Astria saw his smile and fell into a slight daze. She recalled the night they spent together. It was a night full of whispers and ambiguous blur. Her breath stalled for a moment.
Bryce snapped his fingers to bring the dazed Astria back to attention. He explained, "You were the one who assumed things. I just played along with it because I found it fun. It was never a long term plan to fool you."
"How can I trust you?" Astria asked.
"How can I assure you?" Bryce leaned back against the seat, one arm crossed over the other in a way that gave away the aura of an Alpha in power.
Astria couldn't stop herself from checking him out openly without any restriction. She couldn't stop herself from imagining what she saw that morning. What was under the heavy layers of clothing...
"We are talking serious business here miss Astria," Bryce stated seriously. Once he had Astria's eyes in him, he added scrumptiously, "You can look all you want once we are done with the serious talk. I'll even strip for your convenience."
The smirk of a hooligan was infuriating and also amusing. Astria was upset about being seen through, but she never intended to hide her thoughts either, so a small part of hers was even looking forward to it.
But he was right.
Now was the time to talk business.
"You don't expect me to give an answer immediately, do you?"
Bryce nodded, "Of course not. Take your time. Figure out a road you want to take and let me know your thoughts."
Astria nodded and touched the door handle to get out. Before she could leave, Bryce called her back.
"Astria," Bryce took her name with unprecedented gentleness. Astria's stiff body loosened automatically. It's been a long time she anyone took her name so gently.
In this world, she had no one who would ever call her that way.
Except for Bryce.
A small part of her was so helpless in front of him that it was frustrating.
"Yes?"
"Sorian is truly a storm. I am looking forward to the chaos she brings in her wake. Let me guide her to it's destination. I won't disappoint."
Astria turned back to leave without responding. Bryce watched through the window as she left and his body slumped against the seat.
Where Bryce couldn't see, Astria smiled as she finally saw hope in the darkness that had become her entire world. She grasped it gently in the palm of her hand, reluctant to let go.
Bryce quickly followed after Astria and they registered at the front desk to get two separate rooms. Although Bryce hinted clearly that he was fine with sharing a room, Astria's glare had him slide the card across the reception desk and ask for two.
"You owe me for this too." Bryce didn't let go of the opportunity to tease her.
"Yes, Alpha. How can I let you pay for a room when I am in my most desperate times?" Astria said half seriously and half joking.
Now that Astria was clear about his identity, her tone around him had changed without either of them realizing it.
It was more or less the same, but a hint of respect was to be expected from anyone when the Alpha of Lupine was around. Astria nearly bit her lips in the process of saying something stupid.
There was a lingering fear of offending not only the strongest Alpha in the continent but also the biggest support she had at the moment. It was crucial to keep the right attitude.
Bryce happened to notice the changes more than Astria realised. His observation skills were not something to take lightly. Despite knowing the small changes in Astria's behavior after his identity was revealed, he did not point it out in case Astria felt pressured.
He didn't want her to be guarded against him.
He was the last person on this earth she should be afraid of.
In order to do that, he had to be patient and tolerant.
Bryce took the two room keys and handed one to Astria. Astria took the key and followed after Bryce while deep in thought.
At first, Bryce was in front of her and within a few steps, without her realising it, Bryce was already only half a step ahead and almost walking next to her.
"Watch out!" Bryce suddenly grabbed her elbow and pulled hard.
The inertia was stronger than expected and Astria's entire body slammed into him like a truck at full speed without brakes.
Bryce wrapped his arms around her and flipped their positions. Astria was too busy worrying about her nose when she heard the crashing sound.
Huh?
What just happened?
- Writer
