Page 100 of Her Destined Alpha (Alpha #3)

Delsanra

I was whisked around by Rose and Raihana, meeting different people. But I just wanted to sit in the corner and play with Dante and Azura Rayne. They were so cute. I was curious as to why Rayhan had abruptly turned and left, but Raihana assured me that he’d be back soon.

“So pwetty,” Dante said, holding my hand.

I looked down at him, wondering if he saw my demon form. I knew he held a lot of power, a power that was suppressed by an amulet given to Kiara and the King by Janaina, but I did wonder if he could see my real form way before we even knew of it.

“Thank you, my handsome little prince,” I replied. He gave me a small smile while holding my hand tightly.

“Oh, Rayhan would be so jealous.” Raihana laughed. I didn’t miss how her eyes kept flittering to Chris.

Just then, Alpha Marcel approached us.

“Delsanra,” he said, smiling slightly.

“Alpha Marcel.”

“Marcel is fine. Congratulations on everything you have accomplished,” he said.

“Thank you,” I said, brushing my hair back. “Did Leo not come? I don’t see him.” He frowned, and I could sense worry from him.

“Ah, no, you know how young boys just want to play, and they hate these types of parties. He didn’t want to come,” he said nonchalantly.

I nodded, but there was only partial truth in his reply.

I wondered what it was, but his next words made me forget everything.

“But I brought someone else, a surprise for you…”

He stepped aside, and I looked at the woman before me. It took me a few seconds to realise who it was…

“Jo…”

“Del…”

We weren’t really friends, but I had been in the cells next to her as she began forming into a wendigo, the only person I could call somewhat a friend. She closed the gap between us and hugged me tightly.

“I am so, so, so glad you are alive,” she whispered.

I hugged her back. Were there really people who wanted me alive before I met Rayhan?

“I never got to thank you for everything you did for me… your support when I was drowning in fear of turning into a wendigo…” She moved back and took my hands, much to Dante’s annoyance.

“I’m glad you are safe,” I told her. She nodded.

“Alpha Marcel told me you were actually asking about me,” she said, smiling happily. Her gaze flickered to my neck. “The mark of Alpha Rayhan Rossi… he is a heartthrob.” I looked at her, surprised, and I couldn’t help but wonder if it was awe or envy.

“You’re mated…” I said, not missing the mark that was on show from her strapless black dress.

“I am, but that doesn’t mean I can’t admire the alpha who is known to be a heartthrob,” she said, smiling. I smiled, feeling a little possessive of my Yum Yum.

“He is…” I said.

“I’m glad. You deserved the best,” she said proudly. I smiled.

“Can we exchange numbers?”

“Yes!” she exclaimed, reaching into her dress from the top and taking her phone out, making Dante blink as he tilted his head. We exchanged numbers before I made sure to thank Alpha Marcel for his kind gesture. We didn’t get to chat for long as more people came over to greet me.

A short while later, I was curious where Rayhan was… I needed to find him. Excusing myself from the rest, I began searching for him. I asked a few people, mostly those who looked approachable. A few girls were giving me envious looks, so I decided to avoid asking the entire female population.

Finally, I was directed around the side, and I soon picked up on him and the King talking. The music faded away as I made my way toward them. My heart ached at Rayhan’s words, and I stopped in my tracks…

I didn’t know what memories Magdalene had probed in my mind, but whatever he had seen was affecting him. My heart ached at that, and I stayed back, masking my presence, but his next words made me unable to stop myself.

“I don’t want her to know how I feel… she’s been through so much. I don’t want to add to her burden,” he said from where he was sitting, head lowered, his hair curtaining his face. My heart broke seeing him like that. He was so strong in front of me, but my pain caused him pain.

“It’s not a burden,” I said, stepping out from around the side of the mansion. Both men turned and looked at me, but my eyes were on my alpha.

“Kitten.” He stood up to his full height. God, he was gorgeous. Yet when I was in pain, why was he suffering so much at my cost?

“Yum yum,” I replied, blushing lightly, realising I had just said that in front of his uncle, who snickered.

“I’ll leave you two to it,” he said, standing up.

I looked at them both standing there, thinking once upon a time I would have run for the hills if I saw these two deadly men standing there, but now… now I knew that they wouldn’t hurt me.

The King walked towards me, stopping in front of me. He looked down at me.

“You’re a brave one, spitfire, and we will get revenge on all those fuckers who hurt you,” he said quietly.

I didn’t know how to respond, so I simply settled for a nod. He didn’t seem phased. I could sense his pain, and it still shocked me. How could they all be so loving? Because this was my family, they considered me family.

“That’s our promise to you,” he added. He gripped the back of my head, pulled me closer and placed a kiss on top of my head, much to my surprise. I looked up at him, and he gave me a slight smirk. “Now, go cheer up your ‘Yum Yum’,” he mocked, snickering. I smiled at that.

“Well, you’re a burrito…” His smirk vanished, and it was my turn to smirk.

“A fucking what?”

“A burrito,” I said, walking past him and towards Rayhan.

“The fuck…” the King grumbled as Rayhan chuckled.

“Be proud,” he said as I reached him. Our eyes met, and he pulled me into his arms.

“Yeah… don’t go saying that shit to anyone,” the King muttered before he walked off, leaving the two of us alone. I inhaled Rayhan’s scent before looking up at him.

“Don’t be sad, and don’t try to hide your emotions from me, Rayhan… I’m stronger than-”

“You’re stronger than everyone I know. I just don’t want to bring you down. You’ve been through so much it fucking hurts,” he said. His eyes held so many emotions that I felt like crying myself. My pain was his pain… and I could see it.

“Rayhan, I’m happy. Being with you makes all my pain mean nothing, and I’m sorry that you had to see all that.”

“Fuck, Kitten, don’t apologise. In a way, I’m glad I did. The extent to what you’ve been through at the hands of werewolves... it’s a miracle you even gave me a chance,” he said. I tiptoed and he leaned down, allowing me to kiss him, kissing me back softly yet passionately.

“I think the food was very tempting, so I had to stick around for it,” I said with a slight pout. He smiled sexily.

“Oh yeah? Then how about we go get some more food to keep you happy?”

“Sounds good,” I agreed as he lifted me bridal style. “I can walk!”

“I never said you couldn’t.”

“Rayhan! I think my thong is on show,” I mumbled, trying to pull my dress down fruitlessly. His eyes flashed green, and I blushed.

“Oh yeah? Maybe I should take a look.”

“Rayhan!” He chuckled, walking back around the house, the music once again becoming louder. “Don’t worry, I’ll place you down before we get to the gathering. So, what do you want to eat first?”

“My Yum Yum…” I said without thinking. Our eyes met, green against blue, our hearts racing before I hugged him tightly. “I’m serious. You don’t need to always be strong around me. Rayhan… if something is upsetting you… please share it with me,” I said softly. He touched his forehead to mine.

“I promise I will. My baby girl is strong, and I’m so fucking proud of the woman you are.”

My heart swelled at his words, and for a moment, I was proud that I had remained strong despite everything that I had gone through.