Wanted By Two Alphas

Chapter 3

Aria

"I am not interested.” My words sliced through the living room.

The smile on the strange man’s face faded and Beta Rafael let out a ragged chuckle, as he turned to shoot me a sharp look, like I had just thrown something precious away.

I didn’t care.

Beta Rafael exhaled a thin thread of air, before gesturing for me to follow him to the kitchen. With a frown on my face, I did.

The moment we arrived at the kitchen, I turned to my uncle. “It doesn’t matter what you say, I’m not marrying him.” My words hung with resolve.

He leaned on the counter of the kitchen. “And why is that?”

I scoffed. “Why?” My voice strained as I tried to keep it low. “Isn’t it obvious? He is not my mate. He’s a complete stranger. I just can’t get married to a man that I had just met once.”

“Does that matter?”

I stared at him, long and hard. “I don’t even know his name from crying out loud.”

After the man had muttered that word that night, he turned around and walked away. No introduction. Nothing. I almost forgot his existence.

Beta Rafael folded his hand, and with a tone that seemed too tired to argue. “His name is Ravish Hawkins,” he said. “He’s the Alpha of the Crimson pack.”

The name hit me. Crimson pack. The one known for its status. And the Alpha of the pack was known to be rich, and powerful. So powerful he influenced human politics.

It didn’t change anything.

Beta Raphael softened his voice. “Aria, you know I care about you, and I would never do anything to hurt you.”

I let out an exhale. I knew he did, that's why I didn’t feel he was selling me out.

Ravish emerged at the kitchen entranceway and cleared his throat. Beta Rafael and I paused before turning to him.

“Sorry for putting you in a position like this,” Ravish said to me before turning to Beta Rafael. “I didn’t mean to ear drop, but I have other matters to attend to.” His voice flat, and practical like being here was another business deal for him.

I finally took a good look at him. That night was quite too dark to notice any of his features.

Ravish was tall, about Talon’s height. His shoulders were broad, making the well-tailored suit look powerful. His dark brown hair was messy like he always ran his fingers through the strands, but it made him look beautiful. Beautiful in a way that challenged Talon’s presence.

“One week.” Ravish's voice drew my attention. “That’s all I need to prove myself.” His lips twitched into a bare smile.

I had no words to say, so I stood still, gazing hard at him like it was a staring contest.

Ravish turned, and Beta Rafael followed him out.

As the door shut, I marched to my room and sank on my bed, my breath heavy and face flushed hot.

I didn’t want to marry anyone. To be anything to anyone. All I wanted to do was be locked in here forever.

Everything was a s**t show. First Talon, now this.

My mind slipped—does he know I am the daughter of a rogue? My stomach twisted. Would he still want me? Won’t he reject me just like Talon did?

The day passed in a blur, as I remained locked in my room, with Beta Raphael never bringing up the discussion.

*******

The next morning came. Already dressed for work, I descended the stairs.

Beta Rafael looked up as I entered the kitchen. “I didn’t have time to make breakfast, but I made tea.” He pushed the cup towards me.

I nodded, bringing the cup to my lips, the steam curling up and warming the tip of my nose.

The scent was stronger than usual—the floral scent, now acrid, a burnt tone.

“I burnt the herb. Didn't feel like making a new batch.” He shot a quick smile. His tone shifted to something more serious. “Have you thought about what we discussed last night?”

My stomach clenched. Perhaps the horrid taste of the tea, or the uneasy feeling of the topic. It was both.

“I don’t want to talk about it.” I dropped the cup on the table with a sharp thud.

He let out a long sigh. “Aria, I have always thought of you as a daughter,” his voice calm, but tight. “You don’t have to be Ravish mate, for him to claim you.”

“I’m not marrying him.”

A pause and the air shifted as his eyes darkened. “Aria, you haven’t had a mate in twenty-two years. What if you go feral?”

A shiver ran down the static of my hard spine.

I already knew what my end would be. Other wolves—strong and respected—could teeter the edge of ferality and no one would bat an eye. But not me. The daughter of a rogue, who almost brought the pack to its ruin. I’d be banished.

But people don’t just go feral.

Beta Raphael pressed on. “Ravish is a good man. Powerful. Wealthy.” His eyes glued on me. “He knows you’re a daughter of a rogue but he still wants you.”

My gaze collided with his, a tingling feeling growing in my chest. “Why would he still want me?”

No one wanted me, because of my father. Talon rejected me. But why did this man still want me?

“You should go on a date with him and ask him that question.” Beta Rafael smiled and gulped down his tea. “Now, drink up.”

His gaze tightened on me—fixed and intentional—as I gulped down the tea till its last drops, before leaving for work.

.

.

The moment I stepped into the dark wooden inside of the apothecary, all eyes locked on me. I stiffened, confusion nibbling at my chest.

I gaze down at my outfit—nothing out of place, my usual monochrome shirt and skirt.

As I got to the counter, just before the shelves that house jars of herbs, a co-worker approached me.

Alison’s eyes glistened. “Is it true Alpha Ravish proposed to you?”

My eyes flew wide. Time froze.

“How?”

Alison cut me off, rambling about how the news had spread far and wide—everyone had heard about it. How lucky I was.

Lucky? My thoughts drowned the rest of her words. How was being urged to get married to a stranger, lucky? All I wanted was Talon, now I didn’t know what I want.

The bell rang as the door opened and a familiar scent filled the room. The hair on my body rose before I even turned.

Talon.

His dress shirt clung to his frame. His broad shoulders were rigid, his jaw tight and his dark gaze pinned on me as he stalked forward.

Then he stopped before me. “I need to talk to you, now.” His voice was low. Dangerous.

I swallowed and my pulse hammered.