Alpha Malik (Published)✔️

Chapter Ten

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Word Count: 2162

~Aria

Without moving a single inch, I watch as Malik pulls a chair out from under the reading table, before he slumps down on it, although, he manages to make it look graceful, regardless. With closer observation, I can see the beginnings of dark circles under his eyes.

He's tired? Maybe it's from all the traversing after me in the depths of night he enjoys.

"Punishment," I echo his last statement, trying to make the word sound a little more real in my ears. I should have suspected a repercussion for all this sneaking around; especially after Brynn's incident with him earlier today. She got away with a strict warning, while I managed to obtain a new nickname and the title - still unknown to everyone-of the first competitor to meet the Alpha.

The soft curves of Malik's mouth tilts up. "This could entail whatever you would like it to."

We stare at each other, blue on a slightly less impressive blue, before I catch a grasp on what he truly meant. Our expressions morphed into complete contrast, as a frown etched into my features, and he laughed animatedly. I hated to admit the sound of rapture and warmth in that sound was congenial.

"Those are words for private," I snap, dismissing his unconventional thoughts.

The gleam of his expression didn't falter for a single second, as he continued to milk the situation, and the colour of my cheeks.

"What's more private than a library?" he asks, motioning with his hands to insinuate the extent of this room. With the high ceilings, shadowed by darkness, this baronial room would echo our voices if we were to speak any louder. I'm envious just looking at it, and a part of me wishes I could simply build something like this in my own home.

Problem is, I'm not obscenely rich, or an Alpha of any kind.

"I don't know," I say flatly, giving him a look to match. "Solitary confinement, maybe?"

"Giving me ideas on what to do with you, when you keep breaking the rules?" Malik asks, still looking untroubled by this entire situation.

His threat is clearly empty, and probably said to rile me up, however, I couldn't help but see some kind of truthful undertone there. Either I'm like a jester giving the Alpha's entertainment, before he cuts off my head, or he's letting this slide, because for whatever reason, he likes me. Well, likes me more than he liked Brynn.

"Brynn," I cut in suddenly, veering the conversation back to something I can handle. "She broke the rules, and you got mad at her."

Malik paused, and I could see the conflict in the way his jaw ticked. Not once does his eyes stray from mine, while he considers how to answer. For a moment I think he won't admit me to me how he is feeling, because maybe he isn't allowed to just yet. Are the rules still applying during our conversation.

"You and her are very different," he says carefully.

I peer had him between my lashes, trying to figure out what the means are behind his cryptic words.

"How so?" I question, my eyebrows naturally furrowing. I suppose that's a stupid question, considering we are stark different. She is bold, confident and extremely charismatic to the point where she doesn't mind that she embarresses herself. I can be sure of myself most times, and I know what I want, but I would never taunt a girl to the extent she did today.