“My Alpha” When Max and Robert entered his study, they discovered Cayden sitting on the floor, leaning against the fireplace with his knees bent and his arms resting comfortably on the floor. He turned to face his reliable betas.
“What is it, Max?” The flames cast light and dark shadows across his face as he sat broken before the fire. His agony was made more intense by the shadows around his eyes and mouth, and his power was highlighted by the strength of his forehead, cheeks, and jaw.
“We’ve been permitted to attend the auction. It occurs next month,” said Max.
At that, Cayden’s brows furrowed thoughtfully. Robert believed he noticed a very slight tightening of his body, his jaw clenched in control.
“It took less time than I had expected.”
“Yes, I think the group agrees we can’t go unnoticed for too long.”
Cayden curtly nodded, “Ok.”
Max remained while Robert quietly departed.
“You seem upset,” Max commented while sitting next to Cayden.
Even though Cayden had let out his rage toward Selena, he was aware of her innocence.
“I’m fine. Selena is in heat. She needs to be looked after and given some sedatives.”
Max arched his brow. “Heat? Being in heat so soon after losing a mate is unusual.”
“She was not Gerald’s true mate. She was his breeder.” Cayden answered.
“Despite that, it’s strange.”
Cayden remained silent and stared at the flames.
“Cayden, she’ll be dead in 10 days if you keep acting that way.”
Cayden retorted, “More like five.” His breathing was laboured, not from the effort, but from rage.
“So, are you trying to kill her? Is that your intention?” Max inquired.
“Why are you concerned about her, exactly?” With annoyance in his voice, Cayden responded.
“I am concerned for you. Do you have a reason for sitting here in this position, on the floor?”
“I’m just exhausted; controlling a female’s heat is tiring.” Cayden rubbed his temple and muttered.
“I never thought she would tire you. I would be happy to help.” Max grinned.
Cayden resisted the urge to lash out at his friend.
“It’s nothing I can’t handle.” Cayden’s voice was steely.
“Is this what you want, Cayden? taking your revenge on an innocent girl?” Max suddenly asked.
Cayden had tried for years to forget that night, but it was always fresh in his memory, constantly lingering, resurfacing, and keeping him chained to the anger and sadness it provoked. Eventually, he refused to keep trying to forget and learned how to use the memory, contorting it to fit and excuse his agenda.
***********************
10 years ago -
“My son, you must hide for a little while,” his father spoke softly but sternly as multiple sets of headlights began filling their living room.
“But you said we were going to watch a movie-” Cayden was cut off by his dad’s quick and tight embrace. The sounds of car doors slamming shut caused him to flinch and release Cayden.
He gripped his shoulders, making sure he had Cayden’s full attention.
“Look at me and listen carefully. You need to hide in the attic. You do not come out of hiding, no matter what you hear. Do not come out until you see red and blue flashing lights. Do you understand?” Rudolph’s voice was steely but beginning to falter.
“Yes Dad, I understand.” Cayden tried to sound calm and strong for his father, but he knew something was very wrong.
“Promise me you will do as I ask.”
“I promise, Dad.” Rudolph grabbed Cayden and hugged him tightly in his arms.
“I love you. You have grown into a kind and caring young boy. I couldn’t have asked for a more wonderful son. You make me so proud.” Rudolph squeezed him tighter and smelled the top of his head.
“I love you too, Dad.”
“Everything will be okay”. But Cayden knew it wouldn’t be.
Because of that little bitch’s father. The fucking hawk’s daughter.
“I was also innocent. So were Natasha and countless others,” Cayden said aloud. “She carries his tainted blood. She must pay.”
************
Selena slept sporadically because she was both too exhausted and too afraid to rest soundly. She was hungry and thirsty, and the pain in her body had somewhat lessened, so it must have been some time before she heard the key turning in the lock of her prison again. Though she knew it wasn’t the best idea, she wanted to remain in the bed in the fetal position.
She expected Cayden, but she was mistaken. When Natasha entered, Cayden was still missing.
She asked, smiling sadistically at the state of her appearance, “I trust you slept well?” Although Selena was clean, she was hurt. He had lost some of his heat.
“Why do you care?” Selena enquired.
“Oh, I couldn’t care less, but I do care for Cayden. He has treated you far too civil.”
“Civil?” With a disgusted expression on her face, Selena repeated. “Look at me!”
She retorted, “Nothing that won’t heal in a few days. That’s something we can easily change; let’s cut you open leaving scars. Taking out components you would miss... Such a messy approach would disappoint Cayden, but I’m sure we can persuade him. If necessary.”
Unless the messy method was going to kill her, Selena didn’t think Cayden would be in the least bit disappointed. Though he would be left without a plaything to torture if that happened. Natasha sat on the bed. She dragged her hand down between the valley of Selena’s breasts. Selena lowered her eyes as her face burned.
The woman muttered, “Ah,” as if she had noticed something about Selena’s reserved behaviour. Selena was compelled to look directly into the woman’s eyes. “Tell me, Selena, did you like the way his big cock filled your pussy?”
Selena’s nostrils were filled with Natasha’s sweet, cloying scent as she whispered, leaning in close as if sharing confidence. “Quite a lover he is, don’t you think?”
Was it possible that Natasha was Cayden’s mate? Selena was horrified at the thought. Had she been intimate with another woman’s husband?