Chapter 5 Curious

Chapter 5

Alpha Stephen, Antonio's father, couldn't believe his ears. The mere idea that Alpha Albert would express interest in purchasing the omega that Antonio had spent the night with was shocking. The room was filled with a mix of confusion and curiosity as everyone desperately wanted to understand why.

Antonio furrowed his brow, trying to make sense of this peculiar situation. "Why do you want to buy her?" he asked, voicing the question that lingered in everyone's mind. "She's nothing and..."

"How much are you willing to sell her to me?" interrupted Alpha Albert, his voice betraying no emotion or intention.

Bella's eyes widened as she stared at the man she had once thought was different. As an Omega, she had long been conditioned to believe that she didn't deserve happiness. First, Antonio rejected her, and now her second mate, the one with whom she had a undeniable bond, was acting as though he didn't even sense their connection. She couldn't deny the way her heart fluttered whenever he was near, but now it seemed that he wanted her only as a slave. Was that why he wanted to buy her?

"Alpha Albert, as I have previously stated, this woman is a thief. She stole my precious jade, and I refuse to let a thief roam free," announced Alpha Stephen, his tone both intimidating and authoritative. However, he knew that his powers as an Alpha held no influence over another Alpha.

"If you insist, then I suggest you train your warriors yourself," Alpha Albert retorted, the threat hanging heavily in the air. Antonio scoffed at the perceived arrogance of Alpha Albert. He despised the fact that his father had sought assistance from the Black Heart Pack, which only served to inflate their ego and make them feel superior to him.

"Is there something you wish to say, Antonio?" Albert taunted, his voice dripping with animosity.

Antonio's nostrils flared as he struggled to keep his composure. "Is that a threat, Alpha Albert?" he hissed, anchoring himself to the ground to resist the urge to charge at the man who stood before him, smirking arrogantly.

"I don't know. Is it?" Albert taunted, pushing Antonio over the edge.

"You come here, acting all high and mighty, trying to claim what isn't yours," Antonio declared, taking confident steps toward Albert, his chest held high in a challenging manner.

Albert's lips curled into a sinister smirk as his fists clenched at his sides. "That's because I am," he growled.

Antonio's anger reached its boiling point, all restraint lost. But before he could act, Alpha Kevin intervened, knowing that his son's life would be in grave danger if a brawl were to ensue. If Albert chose to spare him, he would ensure Antonio was left in a battered mess on the floor.

"If you want the girl, you can have her," Alpha Kevin conceded, though he couldn't care less about the omega herself. He made a mental note to have a conversation with his son, questioning his behavior towards an Alpha.

"But I must remind you, she is not to be trusted. Remember, she stole from us," Alpha Kevin warned, wanting to make sure Albert was aware of the potential danger.

"I suppose that will be my problem now, won't it?" Albert smirked, completely unfazed by the warning.

"Since everything is settled, why don't you join us and have a seat?" Alpha Kelvin invited, attempting to diffuse the hostility permeating the room.

"Not to worry, Alpha. I think it would be best if I take my leave," Albert dismissed, throwing a taunting smile at Antonio, who couldn't hide the loathing in his eyes. "I have a slave to attend to," he added, purposefully projecting his voice to further provoke Antonio.

Alpha Kelvin attempted to insist, but Albert's unwavering determination and concise response made it clear that he had no intention of staying. "Very well then, if you say so," Alpha Kelvin relented, waving a goodbye as Albert nodded and walked towards Bella, who had remained silent throughout the whole ordeal.

"Send my regards to your father," he bid, before calling upon the three young wolves he had brought along. They began to make their way toward the convoy that would lead them to the Black Heart Pack.

~~~

As they traveled miles away from the Nile Pack, drawing closer to their destination, Albert abruptly broke the silence and turned his attention to the woman sitting beside him. "Come closer," he commanded.

Bella hesitated for a moment before replying, "If you don't mind, I'm more comfortable sitting here." She immediately realized the potential rudeness of her response and bit her tongue. But how could she feel any differently towards a man who was her mate yet seemed completely unwilling to acknowledge their bond? It was time for her to accept her destiny and learn how to be alone, even though she had felt alone her entire life.

Albert chuckled, a deep rumble that filled the air. "I do mind," he declared, forcefully pulling her closer and settling her into his lap. Bella froze, not daring to move on his lap. She sat still, her body tense with uncertainty.

"Now, isn't this better?" he murmured.

His scent enveloped her, intoxicating her senses. Bella stole a quick side glance at him, trying to study his profile. Last night, she hadn't had the opportunity to see the man who was supposed to be her mate clearly. In fact, she knew so little about him. But one thing was certain: he was incredibly unpredictable. One moment, he acted kind and caring towards her, and the next, he acted as if she didn't even exist. Did he even realize they were mates?

"What's on your mind, mate?" she asked, turning to look at him directly. Mate. He had referred to her as his mate, yet he acted as though he didn't know who she was.

"Does my presence bother you?" he questioned, interrupting her train of thought.

"Not at all," she responded. "It's just that I would prefer to sit on the chair rather than on your lap," she whispered.

Albert stared at the enigmatic woman in confusion. The moon goddess must be playing some sort of game by assigning an omega as his mate. He let out a sigh, realizing that having an omega for a mate was better than having no mate at all. He had waited long enough to find the one destined for him.

"Why? I'm pretty sure my lap is more comfortable than that damn chair," he growled. Shaking his head, he couldn't help but feel irritated that his mate showed such disinterest in him. He had expected her to be grateful for his intervention, saving her from the clutches of those foolish murderers. Instead, she had hardly acknowledged him.