Chapter 3 Confrontation and Revelation

Rage surged through me, hotter than a pot of boiling spaghetti. I'd always had a sense that Alec was off, but this was beyond anything I imagined. The realization that he'd followed me sent chills down my spine. "How did you find me? Have you been stalking me?" I demanded, feeling a mix of fear and anger. He responded with a lazy smirk that made my skin crawl.

"More or less," he replied.

Alec stood tall, over six-foot-three, almost resembling a Lycan. But his only power seemed to be his unrelenting sexual appetite.

"Don't act so surprised. Finding you wasn't that hard. Did you really think you could escape without me noticing?"

His grin widened, and he leaned in, his breath brushing against my ear, making me recoil in disgust.

"Get lost, Alec," I snapped, pushing past him.

Men like Alec think they can control women just because they're physically stronger or have more money. But he was wrong if he thought his threats scared me. I'd show him just how irrelevant he was.

"Oh, Aurora, you stubborn woman. I've missed you. Last night, I couldn't sleep thinking about bending you over."

His hands slipped around my waist, and I pushed him away, my skin crawling from the contact.

"Following me around is a sign you have a death wish. Get out before I call the cops."

Alec chuckled, licking his lips. "Need money? Just say the word, and I'll give you any amount. Trust me, baby."

My patience was wearing thin. My wolf, capable of taking down multiple men, burned with the urge to tear him apart. If only he knew he was messing with a Lycan.

"No amount of money will ever make me have sex with you. Next time I see you around, I won't be responsible for my actions."

I marched to the door and yanked it open. He laughed, his tone mocking.

"Oh, I'm scared," he said sarcastically. "Look at yourself. You're nothing but a cheap slut. No good job, no money, nothing. I'm offering you a better life, and you treat me like shit."

Fury boiled within me. "How dare you!"

"Truth hurts, girl. You're not special. I only want you because I'm addicted to you."

"You're sick," I spat.

"That's not what you say when I'm fucking you," he laughed.

"Ugh, Alec! I can't stand you. Your eyes are ugly, your breath is foul, and your tattoos are hideous."

"And you're a sex addict who needs help," he shot back.

I clenched my fists. Despite his perfect strokes, I was done with Alec Maddox. I'd rather die of sexual starvation.

"Leave before I make you bleed."

His eyes roved over me, consumed by lust. This was a problem I needed to end once and for all.

"Aurora, baby," he drawled. "I didn't mean half of what I said. Move in with me."

"I'm serious, Alec. Get out."

"Or what?" He grabbed my shoulders, shaking me. "I dare you to do your worst."

With narrowed eyes, he took a step closer. "Who owns this place? Your new boyfriend? Such a shame you settled for a pauper this time."

"It's none of your business, Alec. Leave before things get uglier."

"You'll regret this, Aurora," his tone turned menacing. "Tell your man to pay me back, or I'll make you beg for your life."

"If you threaten me again..."

Before I could finish, he lunged at me, pushing me to the ground. My wolf stirred, ready to kill. My nails turned to claws, and I struggled to control my transformation.

Alec didn't let go, yanking my hair and throwing me over his shoulder. Without thinking, I scratched his face, drawing blood. He screamed as his skin tore, and blood dripped onto his shirt. He dropped me, and I scrambled away, my heart pounding.

"You bitch!" he yelled, lunging at me. I dodged and ran for the door.

"Stop running away!" he shouted, chasing me.

I ran into the street, Alec close behind. A car sped past, splashing water and obscuring my view. The driver jumped out to help me, but Alec grabbed my arm. He froze when he saw a gun in the driver's hand.

"Back off," the driver commanded, aiming the gun at Alec.

"Who the hell are you?" Alec snarled.

"I'm Mark," the man replied calmly. "Now leave the lady alone before I blow your head off."

Alec hesitated, eyes darting between us. Finally, he backed away.

"I'm not done with you, Aurora. You don't know what's coming."

I watched him disappear, feeling relief wash over me.

"Are you alright?" Mark asked. "Do you need me to call the cops?"

"It's fine," I panted. "I'll handle it. Thank you for stopping him."

Mark smiled, his eyes crinkling. He was handsome, with sleek chestnut hair and an expensive-looking jacket. Everything about him screamed "CEO."

"Anytime," he replied smoothly. "But maybe next time, think twice before befriending such a fool. No one deserves to be treated that way."

I nodded. "You're right. I appreciate your help."

"Or you can hire me as your bodyguard," he chuckled. "I didn't catch your name."

"Aurora," I said.

"Beautiful name. It suits you," he winked. Before I could respond, I noticed a figure in the car. The door opened, and a man stepped out. My wolf stirred, and a familiar scent filled my nostrils.

My mate.