It's Either You, Alpha, or the Rogue

005: Big Announcement

Chapter 5:

~Xander~

I stood there, watching Aria with a mix of confusion and anger. I could see it in her eyes. She was scared, and I knew deep down she was telling the truth. Collins’ accusations felt off, like they were coming from a place of malice rather than honesty. But I was the Alpha, and I couldn’t show weakness by believing an Omega over Betas. Not in front of my pack.

The guards were ready to carry out Selena’s orders, but I couldn’t let that happen. I raised my hand to stop them. “Stop,” I commanded, my voice steady. They froze, looking at me, waiting for my next words. I had to think fast. “I’ll handle this in my own way,” I said, making sure to sound authoritative.

Selena stepped forward, clearly unhappy with my decision. “Alpha, this is a small issue,” she said, trying to take control of the situation. “We’ll handle this, and she will never try to steal again.” I could hear the annoyance in her voice, and it made my blood boil.

But I wasn’t going to let her dictate what happened next. “No,” I said firmly, locking eyes with her. “I said I’ll handle it.”

I could see the surprise on her face. She was used to getting her way, used to being in charge. But this time, she was going to have to step back. I wasn’t going to let her turn Aria’s life into a living nightmare.

Collins stood in the corner, his face pale. I could tell he was worried about how this was turning out. He thought he had everything under control, but now the tides were changing, and I didn’t like the way he was looking at Aria.

I turned my attention back to Aria. She looked so small and frightened, standing there with tears in her eyes. My heart ached for her. She didn’t deserve this. She didn’t deserve to be treated like a criminal, especially when I sensed her innocence...

I couldn’t shake the feeling of confusion swirling in my mind. Why was I suddenly caring for her? It didn’t make sense. I barely knew her, and yet here I was, standing up for her against Collins and Selena. I didn’t want her to think it was because we were mates... Was that even the reason? An Omega like her, mated to an Alpha like me, felt so out of place.

I could feel my expression hardening. "I would punish Aria myself, but it would be on my terms." I said. I don't want them to belittle her or put her in danger. I needed to find a way to protect her.

“Leave here immediately,” I said to Aria, my voice firm. She looked up at me, surprised, and nodded slowly. “Prepare to be among the people who will serve at the upcoming feast celebration tomorrow.”

I turned my attention to Selena and Collins, who were still standing by the door. “Try not to cause any trouble,” I warned, my tone serious. “Because I have a very big announcement to make at the feast celebration.”

“Alpha, this is ridiculous. She’s a thief. She deserves punishment, not a place at your feast.”

I met her gaze, unyielding. “You don’t get to decide what she deserves, Selena. I will handle this.”

"But Alpha, it’s not fair to let her off like this. She should face consequences for her actions.” Collins eyes darted between me and Aria, clearly uneasy about how this was unfolding.

I took a step closer to him. “You’re in no position to lecture me about fairness. Your actions have consequences too, Collins. If I find out you had any part in this... I will deal with you personally.”

“Go,” I said again, softer this time. “Prepare for the feast. You will be serving, but you will not be punished. I promise.”

She nodded and turned to leave, and I watched her go, feeling a strange mix of protectiveness and frustration. I didn’t understand why I felt this way, but I knew I couldn’t let anyone hurt her.

Once she was gone, I turned back to Selena and Collins, my expression hardening again. “Don’t test me. I won’t tolerate any more nonsense.”

~Aria~

As I walked away from the office, my heart was still racing from everything that just happened. I felt relieved to escape Collins, but my mind couldn’t stop wondering about Alpha Xander. Did he save me on purpose? Or was there something else going on?

I was among the people chosen to serve at the feast tomorrow. Not all Omegas got this opportunity. Most were kept away from the big events, but here I was, about to serve alongside others. Was this his plan all along? Maybe he wanted me close by so he could keep an eye on me. But why?

My thoughts went to what he said... as I wondered what announcement he planned to make. What if he announced that I was his mate? Everyone would stare at me, and I would feel so exposed. It was terrifying to think about being thrust into the spotlight like that. But worse, what if he rejected me in front of everyone?

My heart sank at the thought. Rejection would be the worst thing I could imagine. I would be humiliated, standing there in front of everyone, feeling worthless. My mind raced with possibilities, and I couldn’t shake the fear gripping me.

What if he said he wanted nothing to do with me?

As I made my way to the preparation area for the feast, I saw other Omegas busying themselves with decorations and setting up tables. They laughed and chatted, but I felt disconnected from them. I was scared, thinking about what the Alpha might say, and it felt like I was on the outside looking in.

I caught sight of the grand hall where the feast would take place. It looked beautiful, filled with colorful decorations and long tables set with elegant dishes. But I felt a knot in my stomach. The hall would be filled with pack members, and I would be serving them while trying to hide my anxiety.

Xander would definitely reject me, wouldn’t he? I felt like everyone could see the fear etched on my face. What if that was the big announcement?

The thought of standing in front of the pack, exposed and embarrassed, made my stomach churn. I couldn’t bear the idea of hearing him say those words, that he wanted nothing to do with me. I would be humiliated, a laughingstock in front of everyone.

Suddenly, an idea flickered in my mind. What if I just escaped? What if I ran away from all of this? I could leave the pack, start fresh somewhere far away. I could find a new life where no one knew me, where I wouldn’t have to face the shame of being rejected. The thought was tempting, a way to dodge the pain and humiliation.

But where would I go? I didn’t have a plan, and the thought of being alone was daunting. Still, it felt like a better option than standing in front of everyone.

Maybe I could slip away unnoticed during the feast. I would find a way to blend in with the crowd and slip out the door, leaving everything behind.

“Aria,” I heard Xander’s voice call softly, pulling me from my thoughts. My heart skipped a beat. I turned to look at him, my pulse racing. What did he want? Did he know what I was thinking?