Claimed by the Arrogant Alpha
.Chapter 11: mixed signals maybe?.“Jessica,” Tasha started but a pleading look from Kai and she stopped.Jessica gave Tasha a tight smile, I can handle it.This wasn’t Tasha’s problem, it was Jessica’s, and she had to fix it herself.“Fine. Fine!” the Beta snapped to herself more than anyone else. She gave Jessica’s shoulder a quick squeeze, making sure she really was okay, before spinning back to Kai, eyes grave. “But, I swear, if she comes back upset again I will –”“Alright, that’s enough you two,” Amir interrupted, taking Tasha’s hand as he tried to put into words the torture she had in store for Kai. “I think he got the message. Yes, I know, he’s a brat. Let’s go, Jessica will be fine.”Amir glanced over his shoulder at Kai and maybe it was because he was older, or his piercing stare, or something else entirely that Jessica couldn’t quite pinpoint, but she swore everything became tenser than before.The air seemed to get colder, too.Kai may have even cowered a bit.“Right, Kai?”Kai met Amir’s glare but his tone had changed when he replied; it was politer, less harsh. “Yes, I promise.”Tasha looked stunned (then smug) whilst Amir was satisfied with Kai’s response.He looked at Jessica and gave a small, almost encouraging, smile before hitting Tasha lightly on the back of the head.“And you, I told you to just leave it alone…”Tasha retorting something back after one last worried glance, still fired up, was the last Jessica heard of her before facing Kai.His strained expression relaxed as he faced Jessica, a hand on Jessica’s narrow shoulders. “Hey,” He sighed and brushed some of his hair back. He looked genuinely remorseful, looking away a few times like he was ashamed. “I’m sorry.”Jessica tilted her head back.Kai was at least a head taller than her.She wanted to reply with something smart, something angry to show Kai just how much he troubled her, but a shiver ran through her body and the chilly breeze whipped her bare arms. “I’m c-cold.”“Oh,” Kai said and after a brief pause he tugged off his hoodie, wearing a long sleeved shirt underneath. He gave the hoodie to Jessica who put it on without a second thought.The sleeves were too long, it was loose on her petite body but it was warm. And it smelt like Kai.“Weren’t you the one warning me about getting a cold before?”Jessica nodded dumbly before swaying and crashing forward into Kai’s chest, hitting his chin with the top of her head.Kai hissed but quickly balanced Jessica, holding her against him. “Whoa, how much did you drink?”“Not that much,” Jessica answered as she tried to count how many she had consumed, but the simple maths hurt her head and she gave up. She sighed into the warm material. “You smell nice.”Kai ran a hand through Jessica’s silver hair. Jessica couldn’t be bothered to try deny how much she liked the contact.“You smell like vomit and alcohol. And cologne. And Amir. And other people.”“What did you expect?” Jessica’s voice was muffled against Kai, still a bit of wit left to make the comment.Kai pulled the hoodie up over Jessica’s head, warming her numb ears and ignoring Jessica’s rhetorical question. “Are you feeling okay?”“I feel alone,” Jessica said, voice small.Her hands were clasped together (sort of – the long sleeves got in the way) and she was staring at the ground. She needed more alcohol – that ugly emotion was gradually seeping back.“You’re not alone,” Kai assured her, voice so soft and caring it caressed Jessica and eased her feelings of trepidation. Her wolf made a sound that could have passed as a purr.Kai cupped Jessica’s cool cheek and gently tipped her head back. “I’m here.”Kai leaned forward and kissed her, a mere press of the lips but it was so gentle, so sweet, so loving. When he drew back, the waves of emotion overflowed with a crushing force – anxiety, delight, fear, sadness, joy – and Jessica broke down in her hands.Kai made sure he caught every single piece.--Jessica snuggled closer to the source of heat, breathing in a delicious scent and unconsciously letting audible a clear sound of contentment.There was a chuckle, sweet and affectionate, and hearing it made her feel at ease. She tugged on a soft material – a blanket - and brought it up to cover half her face, eyes opening with great effort.The room was dim but she saw faint light peeking through the blinds; she guessed it was early morning, perhaps an hour after sunrise. She tilted her head back and squinted, making out a strong jawline and smooth neck which she was currently resting against, extremely comfortably.She yawned and felt her eyes closing again, too heavy.“Go back to sleep,” the person said, drawing circles on Jessica’s back through her shirt with his thumb. “It’s still early.”“Mm, ‘kay,” Jess mumbled, words sounding unclear to even her own ears.She was about to do just that when she realized I am in bed with somebody else.What.She shot up, fast – too fast because her head throbbed in pain. Sleepiness ebbed away as she came face to face with a startled but amused Kai. They were both clothed (thank goodness), and it didn’t feel like anything happened…“Please tell me you haven’t forgotten everything,” Kai teased, that goddamn eye-catching half smile on his handsome face. “You weren’t that drunk.”Jessica paused and thought back, flushing in embarrassment.‘Oh God, I cried in front of him.’Kai had held her to his body, arm around her waist, and walked her to the hotel where he was staying at. They hadn’t talked much after, just a comment here and there, and Kai let her shower and gave her a spare change of clothes, which Jessica was wearing right now.She looked down at her attire meekly. The pants were long and loose, just like the shirt – it slipped down a shoulder and, Jessica blushed furiously as she realised Kai was staring at the exposed pale skin, eyes inviting.Jessica huffed and tugged the sleeved up which only made the neckline sink low, exposing her chest because Jessica’s frame was far smaller than Kai’s. She adjusted the clothes and Kai shot her a look of deep disappointment.“Pervert,” Jessica snapped and Kai chuckled, before trying to piece back the rest of her night. After getting changed, she had sat down on the bed, intending to talk it through with Kai once and for all, clearing up whatever it was that was between them when… Jessica frowned.“Did I, uh, pass out?”“Yes. Almost immediately,” Kai replied, sounding entertained yet doting. “It was very cute how quickly you fell asleep.”Jessica glared as she felt heat rising up her neck. She hated how flustered Kai made her. And with no trouble, too. “So, nothing happened?”Kai raised an eyebrow in suggestion, but Jessica could tell he was serious. “No. I wouldn’t do anything whilst you were in an intoxicated state.”“Oh,” Jessica nodded and didn’t know why she felt a bit saddened.She was happy that Kai didn’t take advantage and it definitely spoke to his character, but she felt disappointed that nothing at all had progressed.“Oh, thank you.”Their eyes met and Kai looked like he wanted to say something, but he didn’t.Jessica got up slowly, sliding off the bed. “I guess I should go.”Kai sat up, hair ruffled from sleep and it only added to his boyish good looks. “You don’t have to.”His response set free thousands of butterflies, but Jessica didn’t welcome the feeling with ease.“If I stay, then what?” Jessica sighed, confused.They were just going around in circles.What were they doing with each other?“What are you trying to do?”The other swallowed and glanced down, and something popped into Jessica’s head without consciously thinking about it.He’s shy.Jessica’s fingertips grazed the edge of the bed as Kai shifted, uncomfortable… or nervous? She had to admit he looked adorable like this – like a little puppy.Jessica’s wolf on the other hand snarled, not liking it one bit.‘He’s not shy. He’s trying to save his own ass.’“I can’t do this with you,” Jessica finally said and Kai’s gaze snapped up, almost alarmed.Jessica sat on the edge of the bed, the distance between them feeling like miles.“You’re too confusing. You act like you want me, but you say you don’t. I don’t get you, and even though I like you, I can’t keep waiting for you to give me some sort of indication that this isn’t a game for you. It’s not fair. It hurts. It’s not fair that I’m the only one hurting.”Jessica stared at the generic white bed sheet, pads of her fingers running across it to distract herself from the gaze of the other.Her stomach was in her mouth but she praised herself for having gotten through it. Kai licked his lips, and he was back to looking obscure.Jessica wondered if his close friends and family could see past it, see what was really underneath his cold façade. She felt jealous. She wished she could too. She wanted to be able to see Kai behind the cold exterior he created, she wanted to know Kai for all that he was and wasn’t, his deepest fears, his biggest dreams.Jessica swallowed a lump in her throat at the fact she wanted so badly to continue waking up beside him, be able to be close to him, to love him; the possibility that she may never have that, couldn't have that, upset her.Is this what it felt like to just know when you wanted someone as your mate?“I never said I didn’t want you,” Kai spoke, voice low and it sounded like he had decided to pick his words carefully this time around..TBCClaimed by the Arrogant Alpha .Chapter 12: you are perfect (as my mate) .“I’m sorry.”It wasn’t enough to excuse his behaviour, it wasn’t enough to convey what Kai really felt, but it was enough for Jessica to meet his eye. She had a moment of contemplation, before she suddenly trembled violently. “I’m c-cold.”“Oh,” Kai murmured and it wasn’t a sound of surprise, it was one of adoration. Gosh, she was too much. And then he mentally kicked himself for not seeing the way Jessica’s small frame quivered. He pulled the hem of his jumper over his head, careful not to turn it inside out, and handed it to the Omega. Truthfully, he would have liked to help her put it on, but he didn’t think that would be proper, yet. “Weren’t you the one warning me about getting a cold before?” He teased softly, trying to break the ice.Jessica gave a slight nod, but Kai was completely raptured by how endearing Jessica looked wearing his jumper. It was far too big on her – her hands disappeared in th
Claimed by The Arrogant Alpha .Chapter 13: newly mated wolves .Oh. He does want to mate with me. Jessica felt indescribably, unbelievably, immeasurably happy. Tears started to form in her eyes and her mind was unable to grasp anything except that he wants to mate with me. Her wolf was deep in thought, contemplating Kai’s words, but secretly pleased. Jessica bit her lip. “N-Now?”Kai’s eyes crinkled at the corners as he laughed. So beautiful. “That depends on you.” He brushed back a stray tear, fingers gentle against her cheek. “If you want to be my mate, that is. If you know you won’t regret it in a few days. If you’re sure you’re doing this for the right reasons.” Jessica heard the trace of worry Kai tried to disguise.Right reasons?Jessica dropped her gaze to Kai’s collarbones, unable to handle the Alpha looking so vulnerable. Without his good looks, without his status, Kai would still make Jessica’s heart race. He was understanding, and patient, and respectful. He was t
Claimed by the Arrogant Alpha.Chapter 14: Meeting her parents . When Kai finally marked Jessica, he sunk his canines into the curve between her neck and shoulder, it had felt like something deep inside him, a part he didn’t even know about, was complete.And because of their mating bond, every kiss, every touch, every smile they shared afterwards felt more intimate, they felt closer than even when they had been pressed right against each other. Jessica shifted in his arms and leaned her head back, satisfied at the red mark she had left on the base of Kai’s neck. Jessica made a tired sound. “Everything hurts so much.”Kai’s gaze darted to the healing mark which he had finally managed to apply some antibacterial cream and a small wound dressing to. “Still? I thought it would be okay by now.”“Not the bite mark,” Jessica chuckled and ran a hand up Kai’s toned stomach, muscles shivering at the contact. “Everywhere else.”“Oh,” Kai blushed, and then smirked. “And here I was hoping we
Claimed by the Arrogant Alpha.Chapter 15: A white lie never hurt . “Jessica,” Natasha clasped her hands together and pretended to brush away a tear. “Oh gosh, I can’t believe it, your parents accepted Kai as their son in law. I feel like a proud grandmother.”Jessica looked up at her best friend, suddenly feeling very shy (and a little creeped - why 'grandmother?'). Not because of Natasha’s dramatic reaction, but because Amir was beside her. Jessica thought back to the horrible impression she must have given Amir days ago– all drunk and clingy and whiny. She and her wolf cringed. They’d definitely have to apologize and thank him for dealing with that later. Saint had reacted like Jessica’s mother, squealing and fussing over her, whilst Saint’s father, the mayor talked quietly with Kai. His father wasn’t a scary or terribly strict person, but she was sure he would say something about treating Jessica well. Yves and Amir had acted as if they’d already suspected as such.“All
Claimed by the Arrogant Alpha.Chapter 16: a mother’s anger .***Mane Yves and Saint***The buzz of the crowd scurrying about the airport rang in Yves’s ears still sore from the long flight. Wheels of his heavy luggage rattled behind him as he coursed through the bustle. The faint whiff of sweet vanilla trembling around him gave him a great sense of security and belonging amidst the sea of strangers.Curled up in Yves’s neck as they walked together, his fluffy ball of warmth snuggled deeper, purring complaints as his eyelids fluttered open only to squint shut again in seconds. “I know, baby, I know, we’ll be home soon.” Yves tried to soothe his mate by scenting him, leaving tender kisses and nuzzles on his curly head, but to no avail. Saint only shrugged it off leading Yves to believe it must be the tiredness from the flight. One of the plethora of similarities the two of them shared was the stinging earache all the constant flying gave them. After so much traveling around the
Claimed by the Arrogant Alpha.Chapter 17: actions are better than words .Yves tilted his head towards Saint’s direction as a response and Valentino nodded immediately understanding.“Ahhhh so that’s why.” Valentino chuckled as he shook his head. Saint didn’t notice the exchange between the brothers as he stared out the window in awe at the moving buildings.“I called Chanel after landing.” Yves said after the short silence. “Is she home?.” “No she’s not, still at work but she called me after,” Valentino laughed, “yelled at me the whole time to drive faster. Which I was doing, I'll have you know. The paparazzi are a little too pesky to get rid of. Last thing we want is an ugly scandal on your first day back home with your mate.” Yves chuckled at that, hiding behind the smile, his paralyzing fear, that of some unfortunate rumor, some vile scandal involving him and Saint to be thrust into the media by the press. “Don’t worry, pup. I’ve already talked to all my teams, nothing will
Claimed by the Arrogant Alpha .Chapter 18: another mated pair .******18+ actions ahead involving mating sex... skip if uncomfortable *******NATASHA AND AMIR* . Tasha smells him before she hears or sees him. The scent of burning honeysuckle and pine, overpowering the smell of the sweet dough still sticking to Tasha’s fingers, a scent that could only mean one thing: Amir has just entered the first stage of his medically induced rut. She busies herself by shoving the cake into the oven, checking the heat and setting a timer - anything to make her appear nonchalant, even as she feels the blood in her veins humming in excitement. A four-legged creature comes barreling into the kitchen, a few twigs and autumn leaves still tangled in its dark fur, the hare it caught on its hunt twitching pitifully behind the wolf’s gleaming teeth. “Amir?” Tasha calls out uncertainly, feeling every bit like the animal’s next prey. It’s mostly for show. They both know that Amir would never act
Claimed by the Arrogant Alpha. Chapter 19: family benefits, I guess? .“You know I feel so sad that we left Tasha and Amir behind.. .” Jessica said as they came out of the chartered taxi which stopped them in front of the airport. “I came together with Yves and Amir doesn’t mean we should all go back home together too. Besides Amir and Natasha need all the privacy they can get to mate each other because they are definitely not touching each other like that at our family house.” Kai responded as he shuddered at the thought of walking in on the two having sex. Jessica furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. “Sex isn’t allowed in your family house?.” “I feel like I should warn you and not sugarcoat the whole thing,” Kai started talking as they grabbed their bags out of the trunk of the taxi. “About what?” Jessica asked, taking her bag. “I’ve actually taken an airplane before, I know how shitty long flights can be, but I have my switch and I’m definitely going to fall asleep on your sh