Hate, Love, and Revenge

The Best Decision

Michelle

This morning, my day started off with pain and hurt because of Brandy, which put me in a rather difficult emotional state right from the beginning. However, as the day progressed, things began to improve. Alpha Raymond took the time to show me around the pack's various operations and explained what he is involved in throughout the week. Being with Raymond makes me feel more at ease, though I am not entirely sure why I feel this way. His presence and the insights he shared seemed to bring a sense of comfort and reassurance that I hadn't experienced earlier in the day.

After Raymond asked me how I was holding up since I discovered that Brian had been cheating on me with Brandy, a wave of pain and betrayal flooded back into my heart. Initially, I was reluctant to respond in anger or retaliation, as Nama had suggested, choosing instead to hold my feelings inside and process the pain quietly. However, after my interaction with Brandy this morning, which was filled with tension and unspoken accusations, my resolve shifted. I realized that I could no longer suppress my hurt and anger, and I decided to confront the situation head-on, no matter how difficult it might be.

When I find myself compelled to express my feelings and a desire for retribution towards those who have hurt me, Raymond advises me not to react. However, I struggle with this guidance, especially considering that both Brian and Brandy have taken away what I have always wanted in life. Their actions have deeply affected me, making it incredibly difficult to remain silent or passive in the face of such pain.

Love for a mate and pups remains in your future, Raymond said. "How can that be, Raymond? A second-chance mate is rare," I replied. "I know better than anyone that love is possible after rejection or losing your mate. You can always find a chosen mate," he suggested. "If that is possible, then why haven't you chosen a mate for yourself? You've been without a mate for over a decade, almost two decades," I stated.

Raymond paused briefly, his gaze drifting contemplatively as he gathered his thoughts before speaking again. "The reason I haven't yet chosen a mate is because I had yet to find a woman who truly embodies beauty both inside and out," he explained sincerely. I hesitated for a moment, then stated with a hint of concern, "If you haven't been able to find a chosen mate in such a long time, then what hope is there for me to find one?" "There is so much more to you than what meets the eye, and many people recognize and appreciate that about you. Any man would be fortunate to call you their mate." His voice carried a mixture of hope and apprehension, reflecting the depth of his longing and uncertainty.

I felt my heart flutter in a way it never had before, a strange and unfamiliar sensation that both confused and intrigued me. As I watched Alpha Raymond with a mixture of admiration and uncertainty, Nama eagerly voiced her thoughts: "Alpha is so nice and handsome. Having him closely by our side would be ideal—also, it might be a way to get back at Brian and Brandy." I immediately dismissed that idea. The very thought of hurting Alpha Raymond in such a way was entirely out of the question. I would never consider using Raymond as a mere tool to irritate or harm his own son—that would be wrong and entirely unlike me. Deep down, I knew my feelings for Raymond went beyond mere convenience or revenge. They were genuine, and I had to find a way to navigate these complicated emotions without compromising my integrity.

"Thank you for your kind words, Raymond. It truly means a lot to me," I told him warmly. We continued our conversation, sharing light and casual remarks. After we finished eating, the staff came back to clear the used dishes. Raymond then suggested, "Since it's getting late, would you like to stay here at the pack house tonight instead of going home? I know you’re uncomfortable going back, especially with Brian spending more time there than at his own home."

I paused for a moment to consider his words, and Raymond couldn't be more right. "I would love to stay here for the night," I replied sincerely. Raymond smiled and reassured me, "You know you’re always welcome to stay here as long as you like." My face lit up with gratitude. "Really, Raymond? That would be wonderful and very helpful," I said with a bright smile. He then mentioned, " Tomorrow is Saturday, so enjoy the weekend. Then, on Monday morning, we’ll have a talk about the details of you being my assistant." I nodded happily and said, "Okay, Raymond." We exchanged goodnight wishes as I prepared to leave his suite, feeling a sense of comfort and anticipation.

Allow me to walk you to your room. I will feel better knowing you got there safely," he said with a gentle tone. "Sure, that would be just fine," I replied politely, feeling a bit reassured. We then proceeded to walk the short distance to the guest room Raymond had kindly allowed me to use, the quietness between us reflecting our mutual understanding. Once we arrived at the door, I immediately reached out and opened it, eager to step inside.

However, before I could pass through, Raymond cleared his throat softly to get my attention. "I thought you might spend more time at the pack house, so I brought you some clothes and toiletries you might need," he explained thoughtfully. Surprised by his kindness, I instinctively jumped and threw my arms around him in a quick hug. Realizing what I had done in the moment, I quickly released him and stepped back, feeling a little embarrassed. "Thank you for the gifts, and sorry for the hug," I said, trying to compose myself.

There's no need to be sorry, Michelle. It's pretty all right," he said with a gentle smile. I couldn't believe I had just hugged my Alpha like that — it felt so natural, yet strangely embarrassing. Probably, he thinks I'm weird now. The awkwardness made my cheeks flush. I was lost in my thoughts until Raymond's reassuring hand rested lightly on my shoulder. "Get some rest, Michelle. I'll see you later," he said softly.

After he left, I got comfortable in the bed and I drifted into sleep, waking up the next morning feeling unexpectedly at ease. Since it was Saturday, I had no clear plans for the day. Maybe I should start with breakfast, I thought. "That's a great idea," Nama chimed in. "We should prepare breakfast for Alpha and show him how much we appreciate everything he's done for us so far." Her suggestion didn't seem like a bad idea at all.

I got up from my bed, feeling a bit groggy but ready to start the day. I headed straight to the shower, letting the warm water wash over me as I scrubbed away the sleep. Afterward, I took my time brushing my teeth, ensuring every nook and cranny was clean. Once I finished, I applied moisturizer to my skin, feeling it soften and glow under my touch.

Looking into the walk-in closet, I was greeted by a vast array of clothes hanging neatly: a row of elegant dresses, stylish skirts, blouses, boots, shoes, and handbags—all arranged meticulously. "Alpha brought us so much stuff. He must really like us," Nama said. I didn't dwell on her words too much, choosing instead to browse through the selection to decide what to wear.

My eyes landed on a stunning green dress with spaghetti straps—simple, yet eye-catching. I quickly grabbed it and slipped it on. As I looked in the mirror, I was surprised to find how amazing I looked in this dress. I had never worn anything like it before, and I couldn’t help but feel a surge of confidence. The dress stopped just above my knees, a perfect length that added a touch of elegance. To complete the look, I paired the dress with some black heels, about two inches high, which added just the right amount of height and sophistication.

Now that I was fully prepared and feeling confident, I made my way upstairs to Raymond's suite. Carefully, I stepped inside quietly to avoid waking him or creating any disturbance. Once inside, I moved into the kitchen area to gather a variety of ingredients: eggs, bacon, butter, milk, and bread from the refrigerator. Afterward, I looked up into the cabinet to select some spices and seasonings, including cinnamon, sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, and parsley. With all my ingredients in hand, I began the cooking process. Over the next half hour, I meticulously prepared a delicious breakfast of french toast, scrambled eggs, and crispy bacon, hoping Raymond would love it. By this time, it was already 9:35, and I figured Raymond would have woken up by then.

We should wake Alpha up," Nama said softly. I nodded silently and made my way upstairs, my mind preoccupied with thoughts of our next move. As I reached the top of the stairs and approached the door to his room, I hesitated for a moment, taking a deep breath before gently pushing it open. Instead of finding Alpha still asleep, my eyes locked onto an unexpected sight. Suddenly, the door swung open further, and I walked straight into Raymond's strong, solid frame.

The surprise caused me to stumble backwards, nearly losing my balance, but Raymond quickly caught me, his arms wrapping securely around my waist. "Are you okay, Michelle?" he asked in a concerned tone, his brow furrowing slightly as he looked at me with genuine worry. I couldn't help but stare, taken aback by the scene in front of me.

Raymond was only wearing a towel wrapped around his waist, clinging to his toned, muscular frame. His arm muscles were visibly flexed as he held me close, and I could feel the hard, defined contours of his eight-pack pressing against my body. His body was like that of a sculpture—rigid, toned, and seemingly perfect. His damp hair was slicked back, with some locs hanging over his forehead, giving him a slightly tousled yet attractive look. His scent enveloped me, a warm, woody aroma that seemed to draw me in closer. I felt my cheeks flush and my heart race as a strange, unexplainable feeling washed over me. What is happening to me?