The Curse of The Alpha

Chapter 8- Time Alone with a Stranger

Ava & Oscar

Ava's eyes gently flickered open, the darkness of the room slowly giving way to the dim light that revealed her surroundings.

As her eyes adjusted, they met with the steady gaze of her mate, a comforting presence amidst the shadows.

The ache in her body yearned for his touch, a deep longing that seemed to pulse through her veins.

A newfound sense of desperation welled up within her, filling her lungs as she took in a breath.

There he was, her mate, watching her with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine.

She cleared her throat, the sound breaking the silence that hung between them, and found the courage to voice the question that had been haunting her thoughts. "Why did you come back to save me?" Her words hung in the air, heavy with curiosity and a mix of emotions.

Oscar ran his fingers through his unruly hair, a nervous habit that seemed to soothe his unease.

Drawing closer to Ava, he extended a hand, his fingers brushing against her skin in a gesture of comfort. "You're my other half," he spoke softly, his voice carrying a hint of regret. "I couldn't just run away, not when I sensed the pain you were going through."

Regret lingered in his words, a testament to the inner turmoil he had experienced. "When I first saw you, I panicked," Oscar admitted, his gaze momentarily shifting as if trying to find the right words. "I felt unworthy of someone as sweet and pure as you. But the thought of losing you, of facing a world without you, was something I couldn't bear."

Ava nodded, a mixture of understanding and gratitude washing over her. Yet, another concern tugged at her thoughts, a reminder of the complex situation they found themselves in. "But what about your father?" she wondered aloud, a slight crease forming on her brow. "What will he think when he discovers I'm here, in your room?"

Oscar sighed, his eyes reflecting the weight of the challenge that lay ahead. He ran his fingers through his hair again, a touch of frustration evident in his movements.

Taking a deliberate step, he lowered himself onto one knee in front of Ava, a gesture that held a mixture of determination and vulnerability. "I'll handle my father," he assured her, his voice laced with a newfound resolve.

A gentle smile curved his lips, his gaze locking onto the depths of Ava's captivating blue eyes. "And as for you," he continued, a mischievous glint dancing in his eyes, "has anyone ever taken the time to tell you just how incredibly beautiful you are?"

Ava's cheeks flushed with a shy hue, her heart racing as his words washed over her. The transformation within her was remarkable; just seven days ago, she had been engulfed in fear and uncertainty.

Now, here she was, her worries momentarily forgotten as she blushed under his gaze.

Ava

Yet, amid the swirling emotions and newfound connection, a fragment of memory resurfaced. The mention of Richard and a burner phone, the haunting reminder of their precarious situation. Ava's mind began to piece together the fragments, a mixture of curiosity and concern stirring within her. What had she overheard?

(Seven days ago- This is what Ava heard in her cell)

The Alpha will attempt to rescue our prisoner; its apart of the deal––because she has something I need. The sole possibility hinges on us capturing her," Richard's voice carried a venomous hiss, laced with determination. "I explicitly instructed you to ensure her return unscathed. If you desire a task executed with precision, you must undertake it personally––our prisoner will not die in our hands."

That bastard was talking about Aunt Chloe and I.

The realization hit me like a cold wave crashing against the shore. If Richard had intended to poison me and waited for the right moment, then Aunt Chloe might be unknowingly walking into a meticulously set trap.

It dawned on me that I could have been nothing more than bait in his grand scheme. He needed something from Aunt Chloe, and I was the lure, a pawn in his twisted game.

It struck me that his true aim might not have been my demise, but rather my capture, all while knowing that Oscar would swoop in to save me.

That conniving jerk was certainly more cunning than I had initially given him credit for.

"Earth to Ava," Oscar's chuckle broke through my reverie, pulling me back to the present. His knowing tone betrayed his awareness of my distracted thoughts. "Something's troubling you, and I can see it's causing you unease." With gentle intent, Oscar reached out, his warm hands finding their place on my shoulders, offering a soothing touch.

As his fingers began to work their magic, massaging the knots in my neck and upper back, I felt a mixture of tension and relaxation coursing through me.

Soft grunts of approval involuntarily escaped my lips, a testament to the effect his ministrations were having on me. I couldn't help but marvel at how this man, who was still somewhat of a mystery to me, had the uncanny ability to ease my turmoil.

"He knows nothing about me, and yet he knows how to calm me down," I mused aloud, my thoughts slipping out unintentionally.

Oscar's whisper brushed against my ear, teasing and intimate. "Now that you're thoroughly relaxed," he purred, his lips brushing my neck in a delicate kiss, "are you ready to share what's been gnawing at you, making you feel so miserable?"

Heat rushed to my cheeks, painting them a shade redder than I'd care to admit. I stammered, attempting to regain my composure. "Mmm, oh, that... I mean, I'm fine. Really, there's nothing to talk about."

Oscar nodded, his gaze full of understanding. He respected my choice to keep my concerns to myself. "Just remember, Ava, I'm here whenever you're ready to talk." With a sidelong glance to ensure I was listening, he added, "I'm heading to the kitchen to grab a snack. Do you need anything?"

Avoiding direct eye contact, I managed to respond, my voice soft. "I'll take whatever you're having and a glass of warm milk." Oscar left the room, his departure leaving me alone with my thoughts.

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