The Alpha's Rejection

CHAPTER 22

MILLIE

Leander and I sneak out through the tunnel connected to the basement, arising a mile later. We stay nearby, sitting on a log a few feet from the entrance.

"Don't get any ideas about the log," Leander says as we sit on it. "I'd hate to explain to Octavius why you sexually assaulted his tree."

I groan. "Oh, fuck off."

He chuckles, and then we sit silently for a few minutes, listening to an owl nearby. Goosebumps erupt on my skin when a cool breeze engulfs me. My eyes lock on glowing fireflies.

I missed this peace dearly.

"What did you do when hiding in the neutral territory?"

"Hmm, where is this coming from? You never asked about my past."

"I didn't have the opportunity. You were always trying to bite my head off."

I nod. "Damn right, and you're still not safe. Anyway, I worked in an office, managing records. Didn't have much time or space to make friends other than with the children because my scent was always a burden. The kids were wonderful. So energized."

"I am not good with children. They don't like me."

"Well, you're either beating people or threatening future beatings. Of course, children would fear you. Your resting psychopath face also doesn't help your case."

He shrugs. "Can't do much about that."

"Why is that?" I ask. "Why were you so distant from your pack members? It's so different from Alpha Richard's nature. He ruled the Mockingbird pack with much warmth. He ate dinner with pack members, knew every kid's birthday, and enjoyed hobbies with his people. But you...just treat everyone like workers instead of family."

"I could not get close because I knew this day would come. My secrets would come to light, and many would feel betrayed. I did not want to worsen the blow by entering their homes and befriending them. It was better this way."

"Hmm..."

None of this would have ever crossed my mind. I thought Leander was just cold and disinterested. Too busy calculating how to protect his empire to actually care about its citizens.

"Do you have any more secrets?" I ask him. "Is there anything else that will blindsight me? A hidden lover? Extra toes?"

"No," he replies. "Well, I suppose I should tell you Leander is my middle name."

"What!"

"Anderson is my first name. Anderson Leander."

I whistle. "Wow. We will have to stick to Leander. I already committed to it by stitching it onto your voodoo doll when I stabbed it full of pins."

His booming laugh sends birds flying from a nearby tree.

I can't help but appreciate his laugh. It's free. Uncaring of how many heads in a room turn to look at him. There's something naturally noble about Leander. He doesn't work for anyone's approval because he knows the blue blood coursing through his veins is ancient and powerful enough to deserve respect. He doesn't have to work for approval. The submission of others is biologically guaranteed.

I sigh into the night. "I wish I could go fishing right now. Would give anything for a bucket of fish, a string on a stick, and one of the push pins on the voodoo doll."

He nods. "I own a couple of boats. I can take you sailing one day."

"You used to have boats. You're homeless now, sir."