The Alpha's Rejection

CHAPTER 6

MILLIE

I stare out the window for hours. Leander is long gone. My eyes find the moon, our goddess. I wonder why she gives all the luck in the world to a man who disrespects her. Leander captured both the Alpha title and me, but shows no gratitude to the goddess. Meanwhile, I've always prayed to her, but have only found misfortune.

Someone is cooking dinner downstairs. I can hear the clanking of pots and splashing of water. I know it's not Leander. He hasn't returned.

I always enjoyed cooking, but I guess that's something I have to give up now that I'm Leander's captive. I shouldn't enter the kitchen where many knives twinkle under the light, beckoning me to grab one and lose it inside Leander. The man has a tendency of making me murderous.

The clanking stops, and minutes later a knock comes to the door. By the time I reach the door and open it, there's nothing but a tray with covered plates on the floor. I pick up the tray and mutter a thank you to my ghost chef.

I eat the juicy steak and potatoes and go downstairs for a glass of water. I hear the dishwasher running, and there's nothing out of place on the counters.

"This is a diligent ghost," I mutter.

My eyes catch a knife, and a few crazy thoughts roll around my head.

The front door opens, and I hope Leander doesn't appear. I turn to look at the arrival, and the empty glass in my hand shatters as it hits the ground.

"Mom!"

She runs, throwing her arms out. "I'm here! Oh, baby. What has he done?"

It has been a long day. A day of pretending to be made of ice just like the Alpha of the Mockingbird pack. A day of frustration and anger. I break in my mom's embrace, my eyes tearing and my nose sniffling.

I only got to see her every two years when I was on the run, because we feared that Leander would track her. It took weeks of coordination to ensure it was safe to meet. But she's here unexpectedly. The best gift I've ever gotten.

I scan her from head to toe, checking her condition. She looks healthy.

"Leander called you?"

"He did." She nods eagerly, wiping my cheeks. "Your dad couldn't make it. But he's coming, honey. I'm so sorry that he found you. Has he hurt you?"

"Only my pride and blood pressure." I force a chuckle, not wanting her to worry. "What about you? He told me you were sick!"

She shakes her head. "It was a leg infection that is nearly healed. I've been taking medication and doing well. My only worry is you."

I glance down at her legs, still paranoid. I was expecting to hear the worst, but perhaps the goddess heard my prayers. This was a false alarm, but I doubt Leander had information about my mother's recovery. My parents have wanted nothing to do with him since I left the pack.

Knowing that guards are listening to our conversation, she lifts her hands to sign. We were so dedicated to separating me from Leander that we learned sign language years ago.

You're the one that needs to be saved from that parasite of an Alpha. I'll get you out of here. Don't worry.

I quickly sign back.

No. Don't try anything. Don't get involved. I've got this.

I look out the window, wondering if Leander is nearby. If there's a price tag attached to this act of kindness. What the hell does he want from me in exchange for seeing my mother? There's always something. He's a businessman.