Chapter 17 negotiable Conditions

~Anna~

“This is my home,” I said proudly.

I was born and raised here. All my years I had only known a life that revolved around here. Though it was all about to change, I would still consider this my home, not this pack, not anymore, but this house which bore witness to my Father’s life, my Mother’s, and mine.

There was no going back in time to relive those moments. Nostalgia lingered in every corner of these four walls, but it was still home. I refused to merely call it a house.

“If you say so,” he said. “There’s really nothing here but us and posts with walls and a roof.”

“That’s called a house. It means more to me than that and I would like to leave now,” I snapped and made an effort to stand, but he wrapped an arm around my thighs and pulled me closer to him, cradling me like a baby, preventing me from getting up and stepping out that door.

My head hit his chest. I could feel his breathing down on me. So warm, and much as I hate to admit it, comfortable. To close my eyes and rest, forget about the stressful events that were wreaking havoc on my plans - it was tempting, but I couldn’t. This Anna wouldn’t let her guard down over a bond that almost killed her.

“I want to stay with you like this,” he said, looking down at me with a smile. “Don’t you?”

“No,” I said flatly, but I couldn’t look away from his gorgeous eyes that seemed to look right through me. “Maybe?”

My eyes widened as soon as I said the word. I shouldn’t have said that; it’d give him the upper hand.

“No,” I corrected. “Definitely not.”

He held my gaze, smiling as he brought his face closer to mine. I held my breath in anticipation, somehow expecting him to kiss me again, but as those sweet lips were only millimeters away, he moved past my face and whispered into my ear in a sexy voice, “Were you expecting a kiss?”

My cheeks instantly heated up from shame and I wanted the earth to swallow me whole. His amused laughter rang in my ears. I looked down on my lap, my hair falling to the sides of my face to hide my embarrassed self. That was just… mean.

He knew the bond affected me. That even if I tried, I couldn’t help but feel a strong attraction towards him. And yet he took advantage of it and played me.

It was this easy for them, huh. They were Alphas after all. They could casually walk in a room full of women and not one would refuse whatever they should wish. Who was I anyway? I was just a disgraced Gamma who was treated lower than an Omega. Even Omegas got respect, I didn’t get an inkling of it.

I bit my lower lip. I was tearing up from the realization.

“Anna?” he said. I didn’t notice that he had stopped laughing. His hand cupped my cheek, and I turned my head to avoid his touch. I tried to move again to stand, but he wouldn’t free my legs.

“Let go,” I said weakly. I just wanted to be left alone, with the memories of my Father around me and no Alphas to think about.

“No,” he said, and he had the nerve to wrap his arm around my thighs, locking them close to him.

I shot him a look, and his smile dropped. I was about to cry. I was mad at myself for letting him play with my feelings, at him for his arrogance, and at Carson for leaving me alone with this jerk! My hands were balled into fists, and if he dared smile at my current state, I would gladly punch him square on the jaw.

He sighed. This jerk had to nerve to sigh!

Oh, that is it.

My fist went flying, and he caught it before it connected. My legs were freed! I hurriedly got up from his lap, but he wouldn’t let go of my fist. His grip tightened, hurting me, and I think he realized it for he suddenly let go. I took a step back to balance myself.

I threw a side glance at the door and prepared to sprint towards it. He was hunched forward, his head down, looking at the floor. I felt bad for him but squashed the emotion. In my mind, it was an opportunity. I turned to the side, ready to hightail it out of here when he spoke.

“Don’t go,” he said, in a pained voice that instantly made me feel guilty.

I had what I needed, except for one thing, but I was alright. I was lucky enough to actually get them back without him noticing. My hand tightened around the pen like a military-grade flashlight. I knew the woods like the back of my hand and could throw him off my path by heading to where the wolfsbane propagated.

“Please,” he added.

I found myself thinking about it. It would be unfair to him – he was my mate. If I was going to leave, I might as well reject him, but I couldn’t let myself go through that again. Once was more than enough for me, and I was yet to know of his real intentions.

Maybe I was just overreacting about him playing with my feelings. Still, I didn’t have it in me to break this bond without any valid reason and have him feel that pain and emptiness – such would simply be cruel.

Sighing, I walked over to the door. Looking back at him, he made no move to stop me. He remained seated in the same position, giving off an air of abandonment.

I hope I’m making the right decision.

I pushed the door close, and upon hearing it, he sighed then slowly stood. Turning, he saw me standing in front of it. His eyes widened slightly for a moment.

“You’re here,” he said, sounding relieved.

Yes, I’m here, you big sulking baby.

In the blink of an eye, my back knocked at the door and I found myself caged by him. Both arms to my sides, his body pressed on mine, and his face centimeters away from mine.

“You’re here,” he repeated, his minty breath fanning my face.

I rolled my eyes at him, looking to the side because I knew those beautiful brown eyes would be my undoing. My body was acting weird again, and I had to keep reminding myself to breathe.

His arms wrapped around my waist. Then he pulled me to him. His head rested on my left shoulder, and he said, “Thank you,” which sent my heart racing. “Thank you, Anna.”

I love the way my name rolls of his tongue. But… not the time.

Clearing my throat, I tried to sound imposing as I said aloud, “Let go or I’m leaving for real.”

It worked. He even took two steps back to give me some space. I missed his closeness but pushed it aside. This wasn’t the right time to address these emotions. For now, I had to make myself clear.

Crossing my arms, I stated the truth. “I didn’t say I’m coming with you.”

He frowned. As he was about to speak, I raised a hand to stop him.

“But-” I continued, keeping it together, then adding, “-I might change my mind.”

He nodded, and I continued. “Everything I know about you is from rumors, and you obviously don’t know much about me either, so we’re basically strangers. If you think you could do whatever you want just because you’re the Alpha and I’m your mate, think again. Keep in mind that I can, and I will leave you whenever I wish, no matter what it takes. So, if I’m going with you, there are certain conditions.”

I paused to make sure he was listening.

“First, no more of this touchy-feely stuff unless necessary. I need my personal space. Second, you’re going to have to win my trust. As I said, we’re basically strangers. And third, I can do whatever I want in your territory. I won’t cause you any trouble. I just want my freedom to take a run or a stroll or whatever whenever I want. Are we clear on this?”

“You said you’re my mate,” he said, smiling.

Look who’s instantly in a good mood. So cute.

Seriously, of all that I said, that’s what he heard?

“I’m guessing there’s no room for compromise?”

“None.”

“What exactly do you mean by ‘necessary’?”

“Like when I’m in danger and you have no other choice but to get close to me?”

He smirked. “So, you want me to court you.”

“That’s… not what I meant.”

“It’s alright, babe. You can be honest with me.”

“Do we have a deal, Alpha?” I asked, sounding annoyed.

“Deal,” he replied. “I do enjoy a good challenge. This will be fun.”