ALPHAS CONUNDRUM

An Old Ally

ANNABELLA

He shifted the car into reverse and floored the gas. The tires screeched as we shot backward, out of the alley and onto the main road. Another sharp turn, and we were racing down a deserted stretch of highway, the city lights fading behind us.

The men scrambled back into their car, and the chase resumed.

“They won’t stop,” I said, panic rising again.

“They will if we lose them,” He replied, his voice calm as ever.

He turned off the headlights and veered onto a gravel path that cut through a wooded area. The darkness swallowed us, and I held my breath, praying they wouldn’t spot where we’d gone.

For a moment, all I could hear was the crunch of gravel under the tires and the blood pounding in my ears. Then the other car roared past the turn, their headlights disappearing down the road.

The driver pulled over, cutting the engine. The sudden silence was deafening.

“Stay here,” he said, reaching into the glove compartment and pulling out a small handgun.

“Wait, what are you doing?” I asked, grabbing his arm.

“Checking to make sure they’re gone,” he replied.

“You can’t just—”

“Stay here,” he repeated, his tone leaving no room for argument.

He stepped out of the car, shutting the door softly behind him. I watched as he disappeared into the shadows, my heart pounding so loudly it drowned out everything else.

Minutes felt like hours as I sat there, every creak of the trees and rustle of leaves making me jump. I couldn’t take it anymore.

I pushed open the door and stepped out, the cold air biting at my skin. “Driver?” I called softly.

He emerged from the trees a moment later, his silhouette illuminated by the faint glow of the moon. “They’re gone,” he said, tucking the gun into the waistband of his jeans.

Relief flooded through me, but it was quickly replaced by anger. “What the hell just happened?” I demanded and all the words that rushed to my head paused when I saw the driver’s face.

My heart caught in my throat.

“Sebastian?” I called out, cautiously. It was difficult trying to reconcile the man in front of me with the man from my memories. He had changed.

“Belle.” A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. “I was wondering when you’d finally remember me.”

“Seb!” I exclaimed, eyes widening and before I knew it I pounced on him, and like always, he caught me.

“Woah there! It's good to see you too.” He said amused before he pulled away.

“Are you okay, Belle? I know this must have been a shock for you given that you've always been in a protective bubble. This must have been so overwhelming.” His lips twitched and I nodded absently.

Sebastian was standing in front of me. More like towering. Gone was the boyish grin and features. His shoulders were broader, his hair tousling with the wind, and his lips... I wondered if they were still soft like before or had gotten more skilled like his hands with calluses on them to show for it.

Sebastian in all his glory had become hauntingly more handsome and if the Wild car chase didn't make me breathless, he certainly knocked the air out of my lungs.

“I’m fine, but who were those people? Why were they after us? If my father were here… he wouldn't have let this happen…” We weren't close, my father and I but he always protected me just like how he saved Seb.

Seb’s eyes darkened, rounding with seriousness. “About your father, Belle, there's something I need to tell you.”

There was a slight tremor in my fingers, as I asked, “What is it?”

“Your father…. He’s not a good person. He’s not-”

I gasped, eyes widening in shock. “How dare you!?” I pushed him away. “How f*****g dare you!? The man just died! The man who gave you a home and made you the Alpha of the Army pack! He saved you and gave you a life!”

“Belle, listen to me! Let me explain. It's not who you think he was. He was not-”

“You’re not who I think you are too! You’ve changed! I wanted to ask how you were but I see that's not necessary!” I shouted, tears threatening to spill from my eyes. He saw me and the first thing he says is blasphemy against my father.

“Belle, just let me talk for one second, you need to see that I just want to protect you. That's all I've ever wanted,” he spoke, whispering the last part.

I needed to get out of here. He was lying. “No! I can't do this with you! Not now!” I didn't wait for him to finish as I spun on my heels and made a run for it.