Page 29 of Stalked By the Alphas

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NOAH

I arrange some sad-looking cushions on the sofa, trying to make it look homely as I process this new development. Carter’s impulsiveness has thrown a large pigeon amongst the cats of our carefully laid plans, but I’ve anticipated this possibility. The alpha in him was always going to struggle with the clinical approach we’d agreed on. Seeing Hazel in person, vulnerable and needing protection, was bound to trigger his baser alpha instincts.

But where Carter sees an opportunity for redemption, I see a chance to refine our strategy. Hazel’s deteriorating mental state offers a unique angle we hadn’t factored in before. Her increasing paranoia and hallucinations provide the perfect cover for what we need to accomplish.

Stepping back to admire my handiwork, my mind ticks through potential scenarios. Hazel’s fragile mental state could work to our advantage in ways I hadn’t initially considered. With the right manipulation, we could use her paranoia to isolate her further, making her even more dependent on us.

I pull out my phone, scrolling through the detailed files I’ve compiled on Hazel over the years. Her psychological profile, her fears, her weaknesses - all meticulously documented. A small smile tugs at my lips as I consider how to best utilise this information.

“What are you thinking?” Zach asks, eyeing me warily as he enters the room with the last bag of miscellaneous items.

“Just considering our next steps. Carter may have changed the immediate plan, but our end goal remains the same.”

Zach shifts uncomfortably. “And what exactly is that end goal now? Because I’m starting to think we’re not all on the same page anymore.”

I fix him with a steady gaze. “The goal, Zach, is to bring Hazel back where she belongs—with us. How we go about that may need to adapt, but the destination hasn’t changed.”

He nods slowly, but I can see the doubt in his eyes. Zach has always been the softest of us, the most likely to waver depending on what mood he is in at any given minute of any given day.

“You with me?” I prompt when he doesn’t say anything.

He nods. “I think Carter wants us to stay out of the way for now.”

“That’s fine. We can do that. Let him make some headway with Hazel first before we all descend on her and overwhelm her. We can keep up the minor upheavals in her life; in fact, it will probably be easier now that she is here.” My words are perfectly reasonable, and he knows it. He wants to fight it, but he won’t win with me. I have an answer for everything. I always have. I’m quick on my feet, and I pivot when necessary. It’s why I finished top of my class and have more offers than I know what to do with every single day from every institution that even remotely offers any course on psychology. Everyone wants to work with me, to learn from me. But what they don’t get is that I’m not like them. I don’t feel what they do. I am apathetic towards everything except where Hazel is concerned. Then it’s the exact opposite. She is, and always has been, the only one to make me feel anything. Rage, lust, love, frustration... always and only her.

Zach carefully processes my words. His internal conflict is written plainly across his face. The desire to protect Hazel clashes with his loyalty to our pack and our plan. I need to tread carefully here. He is spiralling. I can see the signs as clear as anything.

“Look,” I say, softening my tone, “I know this situation isn’t ideal. But we have to adapt. Carter’s change of plans doesn’t have to derail everything we’ve worked towards. In fact, it could work in our favour.”

“How?”

“Think about it. Hazel is already vulnerable, her mind fracturing. She’s seeking help, stability. Carter swooping in to rescue her plays right into that. We can use this to our advantage.”

“By manipulating her?” Zach asks, his tone sharp.

I shake my head. “By helping her. She needs us, Zach. She just doesn’t realise it yet. We’re giving her what she truly wants—a pack, a family, security.”

I can see my words having the desired effect. Zach’s shoulders relax slightly, the furrow in his brow easing.

“A pack,” he murmurs.

“Exactly. Let Carter establish himself as her protector, her safe haven. We’ll keep up the pressure from afar - nothing too overt, just enough to keep her off-balance and reliant on Carter. Then, when the time is right, we’ll step in as the cavalry, her long-lost friends coming to support her in her time of need.”

Zach nods slowly, his expression thoughtful, so I press on.

“Her fragile mental state makes her more susceptible to suggestion, more likely to doubt her own perceptions. We can shape her reality, bit by bit.”

“That sounds dangerous,” Zach says, a note of concern in his voice.

I wave away his worry. “We’re not going to harm her, Zach. We’re going to heal her. Sometimes, the process of healing can be uncomfortable, but the end result will be worth it. Hazel will be whole again, part of our pack where she belongs.”

Zach seems to accept this. Some of the tension leaves his body, but he is still like a cat on a hot tin roof. Any sudden moves and I dread to think what will happen. “Okay. I can work with that.”

“Good man,” I say approvingly. “Now, let’s finish getting this place ready. Carter and Hazel could be back any minute.”

Carter may think he’s changing the game, but he’s just given me new pieces to play with. In the end, the outcome will be the same. Hazel will be ours, body and soul, and this time, she’ll never leave us again.

I glance at my watch, noting the time. Carter should be bringing her here soon. Time to set the stage for the next act in our little drama.

“Zach,” I call out. “I think we’re done here. Let’s clear out before they arrive.”

He nods, and a thrill races through me. Everything is falling into place, albeit not precisely how we had originally planned. But adaptability has always been one of my strengths.

I give the living room one last sweeping glance, ensuring everything looks suitably lived in yet not too perfect.

“Remember,” I say to Zach when we head for the door, “for now, we stay in the background. Let Carter establish himself as Hazel’s primary support. We’ll make our move when the time is right.”

Zach nods, his expression a mix of resignation and determination. “And when will that be?”

I smile, patting him on the shoulder. “Trust me, we’ll know. For now, let’s focus on maintaining the pressure from afar. We can come up with some ideas and maybe have a bit of competition while we’re at it?”

The fire blasts into Zach’s eyes like a comet. The thought of making this into a competition for Hazel’s attention, however sinister, has sent a rocket up his arse. “Yes, let’s do this.”

I take a deep breath of the warm afternoon air. The street is quiet and peaceful. No one would suspect the elaborate game being played behind these ordinary walls.

“What now?” Zach asks as we walk outside.

“Now,” I say, sliding into the driver’s seat of my car as Zach hovers by the rented van, “we wait. And we watch. Always watch.”