The Alpha's Prisoner

Chapter Five: The Cost Of A Lie.

Nyla's POV

I stay there for a moment, letting the plan settle in my mind, forcing myself to focus on the anger I feel.

But as I remain still, a heavy swirl of emotions crashes into me.The hatred that burns inside me suddenly fades, replaced by confusion—an agonizing, bittersweet mix of worry and longing.

Did he feel the mate bond?

Did he know who I am?

Would he reject me?

My thoughts race wildly. As much as I despise him, a part of me still reaches for him. He is the most beautiful man I have ever laid my eyes on.

His presence wraps around me, leaving a bittersweet ache that I hate… and secretly crave.

My body betrays me whenever he crosses my mind. Heat gathers between my thighs, pressure tightening until I feel the wetness build.

My heart races violently, each beat feeding the want growing inside me, fueled by every forbidden image of him.

I can’t bear the thought of being rejected.

No—I can’t survive it.

But does he feel the same pull?

The question strikes hard, sharp and merciless, sending a sudden wave of doubt through me that tightens my chest. He is too perfect for me.

Too handsome.

Too strong.

Too wealthy.

Too powerful.

Far beyond what someone like me deserves.

But he owes me. Yes—he does.

He betrayed my parents, and the least he can do now is not betray me.

That is… if he still has even an atom of conscience left in him.

“You know we can’t force him to accept us,” Mira murmurs.

“He wouldn’t dare!”

“I will make him pay,” I spit, my voice trembling with fear and anger.

“You really need to calm down, Nyla. I don’t even know if you hate him or love him, but you need to pick a side.”

“And before you make any rash decision, I advise you to ask him for an explanation. Things might not be the way you think they are,” she adds softly.

“I don’t need you to lecture me on what to do and what not to do,” I snap as I spring to my feet and head for the kitchen.

The meeting is still ongoing, but they are preparing to move into the inner chambers for private discussions—the kind of place that is heavily guarded, sealed off, where even whispers wouldn’t escape.

I lean closer, peering through the narrow crack in the door. I tell myself I only want to check if they have eaten the food served earlier… but that is a lie.

My real reason pulses painfully in my chest.

I want to see him. My mate. Even just a glimpse would be enough.

The plates are almost empty, with only a few pieces of meat and food left behind, as if they ate in a hurry.

Just then, footsteps echo through the room. I peer closer to see who's coming, and immediately my heart tightens, my pulse racing without caution.

Luna Elizabeth is heading toward the kitchen. Why is she leaving the meeting?

Fear crawls up my spine. I quickly straighten my dress and step away from the kitchen door, positioning myself so I won’t be caught—and praying she doesn’t notice someone was standing there.

The door swings open forcefully, and her voice fills the room.

“Do I have to tell people everything?”

“Don’t you know you’re supposed to clear the table?” she barks.

“We’re sorry, Luna!” we say in unison, our voices trembling as we rush into the dining room.

Plates clinking in our hands. My fingers shake as we hurry to tidy the room.

I force myself to stay steady, to remain calm so I don’t make a mistake that will get me punished.

Even though I heal quickly, the pain always lingers, and the bruises leave marks on my skin that can never truly be erased.

As dawn draws closer, the Alphas are finally ready to leave.

One by one, they head toward their luxury cars, each accompanied by their Beta.

Others linger behind, exchanging polite words and fake smiles. Luna Elizabeth beams from ear to ear as she bids her guests goodnight.

I scan the area, searching for Alpha Rowan—but he isn't anywhere.

Where is he? How can he leave his guests alone? That isn’t like him.

I hurry toward his study. He spends most of his time there. I need him to tell me everything he knows about Alpha Darius.

As I draw closer, the voices inside grow louder, sharper.

Alpha Rowan is in the middle of a heated argument with someone. His voice cuts through the air—hard, forceful. The other person sounds just as tense.

This isn’t a simple disagreement. It’s serious.

“A little birdie told me you found a pup at your borders nine years ago,” the voice says smoothly.

“Why didn’t you inform the council about it?”

“I—I’m sorry, Darius. I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Rowan’s voice trembles as he struggles to finish the sentence.

Darius?

As in Darius Velexy—the man who killed my parents?

Does that mean… they’re talking about me?

A cold wave runs through me as I grip the hem of my dress like a lifeline. A shiver races down my spine, and though every nerve in my body screams to run, my feet refuse to obey.

I press my ear against the door, my head pounding, my mind spiralling with what I might hear.

“I don’t know how you’ve managed to fool everyone all these years, Rowan,” Darius continues. “But you can’t fool me.”

“You were supposed to report it, but you didn’t. Why didn’t you?” he snaps.

“Do I have to report everything that happens within my borders?” Rowan snaps back. “I’m the Alpha here.”

“Ha… ha… ha… Alpha?” Darius mocks, his voice filling the room. “You really think that title will save her?”

My breath stutters. I clutch my dress, fighting to stay silent.

“What if the prophecy happens?” Darius presses, his voice thick with rage.

“Derick, keep your voice down,” Alpha Rowan warns sharply. “This is my house, and she lives here.”

“And so?” Derick barks. “You’ll have to choose, Rowan. Your pack… or the girl.”

“W‑what?” Rowan breathes. “You can’t be serious, Derick. You wouldn’t—”

His voice breaks.

My heart slams violently against my ribs.

Does Alpha Rowan know who I am all along?

What will happen to the pack?

What prophecy?

The questions rip through my mind. My heart pounds so hard it feels like it might burst from my chest.

Tears well up, blurring my vision, and a sharp, stabbing pain slices through my chest. My legs give, I stagger backward, my feet trembling.

Just as I’m about to collapse, a strong hand catches me.

My body stiffens. I turn sharply to see who it is…

Alpha Darius.