THE BET
918 Words
Chapter TEN
The Bet
LIAM'S POV
As soon as I got home, I headed straight to my room, slamming the door behind me, I let out a roar of frustration, the sound bouncing off the walls. My hands gripped the edge of the dresser, knuckles white with tension. The anger boiled inside me, relentless. I began to toss things around—the chair hit the wall with a loud thud, the lamp followed soon after, crashing to the floor in a mess of shattered glass.
My chest heaved with every breath I took, but as the room grew silent, the rage started to fizzle out. I ran my hand through my hair, pacing for a moment before stopping by the window.
Never has it been heard that a woman would avoid me as if I were diseased. But that’s how Elena treats me. Every time I try to get close, she pushes me away. All I want is for her to be mine. My mate. But it seems she’s built an impenetrable wall around herself—one I can’t seem to break through no matter how hard I try.
If only she could put her past behind her. If she could just see what I see, feel what I feel... I’d cherish her like no other. But she’s stubborn, and my patience is wearing thin.
The door creaked open behind me, pulling me from my thoughts. I didn’t need to turn around to know it was Derek. His scent was familiar, always laced with the fresh forest air. He stepped in with that casual confidence he always carried.
"Why the brooding look in your eyes?" he asked, coming closer to where I stood. "Is it because of Elena?"
I turned, glaring at him as his lips curled into a mocking grin. He always found humor in situations that frustrated me, especially when it came to Elena.
I'd unfortunately admitted to my worst competition, Derek that Elena was my mate to him after he saw us chitchatting by the river bank, one thing I would never do with other and most especially a stranger, who isn't a member of the pack just yet.
"Wipe that silly grin off your face," I snapped, my voice laced with irritation.
Derek laughed, the sound infuriatingly loud in the quiet room. "It's such a shame you couldn’t get her attention," he said, shaking his head mockingly.
I clenched my fists, fighting the urge to launch something else across the room. "I can always get whatever I want," I sneered, my voice low and dangerous. "Elena included. It’s just a matter of time before she’s mine."
Derek raised an eyebrow, amusement still flickering in his eyes. "From what I can see, that young woman isn’t interested in you, Alpha. So why keep wasting your time?"
I felt a surge of anger at his words. Elena could continue ignoring me for now, but one thing was certain—she was mine, and I’d do whatever it took to make that happen.
Before I could respond, Derek smirked, his tone turning even more challenging. "How about we place a bet?"
I paused, intrigued despite my anger. "A bet?" My eyes narrowed. "On what exactly?"
"Not what," Derek grinned wider. "But who. If Elena becomes yours in a month, I’ll do whatever you want. But if she doesn’t fall for you, you’ll do whatever I want. Deal?"
I considered his words, a slow smile spreading across my face. A challenge. I’ve never backed down from one before, and I wasn’t about to start now. Getting Elena to fall for me in a month? How hard could that be?
"I accept," I said, confidence dripping from my voice. "I can’t wait to emerge victorious. I never lose a bet."
Derek chuckled, shaking his head. "We’ll see about that. From where I’m standing, it looks like you’ve already lost."
I shot him a glare. "You underestimate me. Elena will be mine, and I’ll enjoy watching you do whatever I want when I win."
"You really think it’ll be that easy, huh?" Derek folded his arms, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "You’re in for a rude awakening, Alpha. That woman’s tougher than you think."
"I’ve faced tougher challenges," I shot back, my jaw tightening. "This is a piece of cake."
Derek shrugged, though the grin never left his face. "Alright, we’ll see how it goes. But I have to admit, this is going to be entertaining to watch."
"You can sit back and enjoy the show, Derek," I said, crossing my arms. "But don’t get too comfortable. This is about to get a lot more interesting."
With that, Derek gave me a final smirk and turned toward the door. He paused before leaving, throwing one last mocking glance over his shoulder.
"Good luck, Alpha. You’re going to need it."
I watched as he left, the door closing softly behind him. My mind was already racing with thoughts of Elena. The way she looked at me earlier—there was fire in her eyes. She could try to fight it all she wanted, but I knew deep down she felt something. That connection between us, the pull... it was undeniable.
The problem wasn’t getting her to feel it. The problem was getting her to admit it.
A slow, determined smile crept onto my face. I’d make Elena mine, no matter what. And now, I had an even bigger reason to make it happen.
The bet was on. And I never lose.
- Writer
