Chapter 3: The New Pack and Alpha

I decided to have a hot bath since I wanted to sleep. Mom said she’ll be with his Mate on a business trip. She insisted that someone should look after me. I told her I didn’t need one, but Mom was worried, so I accepted it. 

I spent a good half hour soaking in a bathtub before getting out. I grabbed the towel and wiped myself up before wearing a bathrobe. This kind of routine has been present since I started to live with Mom’s pack. It was kind of relaxing, and it gave me peace of mind for a bit. 

As I exited the bathroom, I was greeted by a man sitting on the couch. He was probably playing on his phone since he was focused on his little device. The worst part was, I didn’t even know him!

“Who are you? What the hell are you doing here!?”

The man looked at me and smiled. He has this Alpha vibe, and I thought he must be Frank’s son. Mom told me Frank retired from Alpha duties last year and that his son, Derick, has taken over. I only saw him once; I was twelve years old. He was in  Alpha school, and he rarely went home. 

“My name is Derick, and I am currently the Alpha here,” he said. “Mama told me to look after you since you’re broken, and all that’s why I’m here.” He said, not even looking at me. 

“What? I don’t need a babysitter, okay? I’m capable of my being. Please leave,” I said, unsure if this Alpha would listen to me.

“It’s Alpha to you, Carrie,” he said before looking at me and putting his phone down. “I don’t want to disappoint Mama since she entrusted you to me. I get it; you were rejected and need someone to look at you.”

If I’m not wrong, Derick is seven years older than me. I’m currently twenty, and he’s probably around twenty-seven. 

I heard he had already given up looking for his mate. That’s why he was focused not only on the pack but also on their other business. 

Derick is a handsome man, no doubt about that. He has long black hair, bluish eyes, and dimples when he smiles. 

“Okay, I got you too, Alpha. Please leave. I want to be alone,” I said, not really wanting to have someone looking out for me. 

Yes, I know I’m still in pain, but I’m not suicidal or anything. I just want some time to be alone. Did he not feel this?

“I already put your bags that arrived this morning in your room,” he said, like he hadn’t heard what I said. “And also, I bought you a car. Use it when you start attending Clinton’s. I heard you passed the entrance exam of that prestigious business school. Congratulations,” he added. 

“How did you-”

“Mama Isa has been talking a lot about you. She was so proud that her only daughter passed the school’s extremely difficult entrance exam.”

There was amusement in his voice.

“Oh, mom did that?” I said. 

“Yeah,” he said. “And also one more thing,” he added, fishing something inside his jeans pocket. “Here.”

I looked at his hand and saw a brand new phone. 

I stared at the phone and back at him.

“Your family’s contact numbers are already saved. I need you to give me your phone.”

I was speechless. Is he for real?

He cleared his throat. I couldn’t believe it! I couldn’t even say anything. 

“Mama explained to me your situation. I get it you were rejected. If you still remember your old pack, you will not move on. It will be harder for you and your wolf, especially if you are still attached to those  memories.”

I got him, but did he think I would be able to forget Jace with this kind of setup? 

“You’re going to have it back once I’m sure you’re fine and moved on,” Derick spoke soothingly.

“I can’t just do that,” I said. “Jace is my mate! He’ll take me back once he has time to think. My wolf and I were still hoping. Why are you trying to make things difficult for me?”

“Do you even hear what you were saying, Carrie? You were rejected, and there’s no way a bond would be restored after it was severed, Carrie. Give up. Jace won’t take you back because he already chose a mate over you.”

My tears fell from my eyes. My wolf and I don’t need a face-slapping reality. We just need something to ease our pain. Was it too much to ask for?

 With a heavy heart, I gave him my phone. If this meant helping me to move on, then so be it. 

“That’s good,” he said. “And also go out. The pack wanted to meet Luna, Melissa’s daughter. They were all excited to meet you.”

“I’ll go out when I want to,” I replied before slamming the door of my room on his face. The bastard acted all Alpha to me when like I’m part of his pack. 

He can have my phone, but he will never understand the feeling of rejection. Sure, he gave up on his mate, and I don’t know how it feels, but shouldn’t he mind his own business instead?  

 The truth was, I wanted to go home and begged Jace to take me back instead of Megan. My wolf was crying desperately, telling me to return and claim what belonged to us. She was clawing within me, trying to come out. But she knew home was too far away from us, and I doubt if Jace would accept us after he rejected us. 

Jace and Megan were my friends; we grew up together, but I didn’t expect the two of them to cause me this pain. 

I closed my eyes and tried to breathe to soothe the pain in my heart. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to move on, but I truly wish that this pain would end someday and that I could return to my old self and continue dreaming of becoming a successful businesswoman one day.