Alec’s

“What?” Alec asks, almost stammering the words.

“I’m sure you don’t have a hearing problem, Alec” I drawl, rolling my eyes at him.

They all looked at me like I’d lost my mind. Like I was an alien from out of space. Honestly, they are the ones who’ve lost their minds. Did they think I would easily accept Alec? Tuck my tail between my legs and bow to him as if I should count myself lucky for having him as my mate? They were dead wrong if that’s what they really thought. N don’t bow down to anyone anymore.

“You can’t do that,” Jason yells once he’s gotten over his initial shock.

I once again lean back, relaxing in my seat, “Says who, exactly? I can do whatever the f**k I want, Jason. The survival of your pack is in my hands.”

“Great call,” Nyx gives me a wolfish grin. “This will ensure that we all get what we want.”

I simply acknowledge her words with a nod, then focus on Alec.

“You’re’an Alpha and a businessman. You know how negotiations go,” I link my hands on my desk and smirk. “We both want something from each other, so let’s reach an agreement.”

Something akin to desperation passes through his eyes, but he masks it before I can get a reading of it. His normal

mask of indifference slips back on, hiding anything he may have been thinking.

“Can you reconsider?” his voice is gruff when he finally asks.

“No, that is my term.” my reply is immediate. “Let’s be honest, you never really wanted me as a mate to begin with. You’re interested in what I can do for your pack. I’ve agreed to help you and in return I want you to accept my rejection. After that, I can go on with my life, and you can continue your search for Lola,”

I ignore the pain that slashes through my heart. What I said was true. Alec doesn’t want me, he needs me. I remember how he looked at Lola, with so much love and adoration. Even if he hadn’t done me wrong, I don’t think I can handle being in the shadow of the love he had for his first love.

+would always wonder if he loved her more. It would forever haunt me and probably slowly kill me. That’s not the kind of mating I want. I want a man that has eyes only for me. A man whose heart beats for me. A man who is with me for me and not because of what I can do for him.

Even if I push and ignore our history, I doubt Alec will ever be that kind of mate to me. His heart was already claimed by Lola. His reaction when he first saw me when he came to my pack is proof enough.

“Given the s h i t you and your pack have put me through, I don’t have to help. In fact, I would gladly watch all of you

“Say something,” Alec says, an almost pleading edge to his voice.

I turn and face him, ignoring the pull of the mate bond. “I’ll help you one condition.”

His brows furrow as he asks, “What condition?”NôvelDrama.Org exclusive content.

This was my chance to get what I want.

“Once this is over, you’ll accept my rejection.”