The Rogue Alpha’s Claim

Ariel slumped on the bed as she got to her room, the rejection too much for her to bear. She wanted to bury herself in the mattress if it meant never to face him.

The rejection had stung so much that she couldn’t believe it.

But she had brought it upon herself.

This was the least she deserved after the way she had treated him, but that didn’t soothe the ache in her chest.

She began to replay all that she had said to him, her pity excuse to get him back, and she was cringing hard, but thinking of it now, therapy seems to be a good idea.

Their relationship was founded in lies and deceit; although she couldn’t deny their sexual chemistry, their bond was shaky, and there are so many things that were wrong, and if given the chance, she would want to start afresh.

With that determination surging in her veins, Ariel picked up her phone, clicking on the message app, and composing a short text to Maddie. The girl knew whatever was happening in the werewolf world, so there was no doubt she would know a werewolf therapist.

The only thing was convincing Kane that they needed therapy. Men always seem to hate going for therapy, believing it was a bruise to their elbow.

Maddie was quick to reply to her, sending up a long list of recommended therapists across the state and even her personal opinion, and Ariel wished she could give her a kiss.

She had been terribly wrong about Maddie; yes, she may have a tough exterior, but she was a sweetheart when you come close, and Ariel was happy that she and Toby were together.

Thinking of Toby brought a jolt to her heart. The man had also lied to her, but thinking of it now, there was nothing he could do.

Kane was his alpha and had instructed him to hide the truth. If there was anyone she was going to be angry with, it was with Kane.

But right now she was tired.

Ariel was tired of holding grudges in her heart; she had realized when she came back that there was nothing like home, and unintentionally, her heart has identified this pack as her home.

She just wanted to live in peace and enjoy all the benefits that the mate bond has.

And the first step was reconciling with Toby.

Ariel jumped out of the bed, and she walked towards the door, opened it, and went out, making her way towards Toby’s room.

She rested her fist on the similar-looking door, ready to knock, but Maddie beat her to it. “The door is opened; you can come in.”

Ariel smiled sheepishly, embarrassed that she was caught, but she held the doorknob and pushed it open to see Maddie naked, safe for the shorts she was wearing.

Apparently she was trying on some clothes, and Ariel immediately averted her gaze.

“Oh. I had no idea you were naked.”

“It is fine.” Maddie brushed her off with the wave of her hand. “I asked you to come inside. Can you just help me?” She stood in front of her, and Ariel helped her with the zip.

“I saw your recommendations. Thank you.” Ariel said in a level tone while trying to look at anywhere but her body.

“Of course.”

“I don’t think I have thanked you enough for the help you have given me when I needed it. Thank you so much.”

“You don’t have to thank me every time we meet Ariel. I would always help you if you need me.”

“I know, but I still want to thank you. To be honest, when you first came, I thought you were a stuck-up bitch.” Ariel noted, and Maddie burst into laughter.

“I am still a stuck-up bitch, but I am trying to be tolerable. Anyways, Toby isn’t in the room; he had something to do with Kane.” Maddie explained as they gathered her clothes from the floor, and Ariel’s eyes widened a little.

“How did you know I was looking for him?”

“A guess,” Maddie shrugged her shoulders. “You rarely come to our room. It had to be that.”

“Yea.” Ariel gave her a small smile, embarrassed that she had been caught, yet again. “I will leave you to it.” She turned on her heels and left their room. But she was taking the stairs when she bumped into Toby.

“Ariel.”

“Uhmm, Hy.” Ariel gave him an awkward smile, not knowing what to do. Toby had been her best male friend, and there had never been any awkward moments between them.

But now they stood observing each other, awkwardness much palpable in the air, until Toby broke the silence. “Welcome back; you look good.”

“Yeah, it is good to be back. You don’t look bad yourself.” Ariel mumbled under her breath, and it was the truth.

His skin was smoother, an almost porcelain-like canvas, and he had a healthy glow to him that was hard to ignore. Having a mate sure. makes a lot of difference.

“We need to talk.” Toby said, and Ariel nodded.

“Yea about that.”

“No, just listen to me.” Toby interrupted her before she could put any more words out. “I don’t even know where to start from, but I want you to know I am truly sorry about everything that has happened. The truth was, I knew about your background, about the lies, and everything that was happening. But I kept quiet all this time, even when I knew you were searching for the truth. I can’t even begin to tell you how sorry I am for everything that has happened to you. I don’t know if you even want me as a friend, but I need to apologize for everything.”Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

“Toby, it is fine.” Ariel began, but there was no stopping him.

“No, it is not fine. I have been beating myself up since you left the pack, and I had considered going to look for you until Kane said you were alright and I could finally sleep at home. I am truly sorry, Ariel.”

“Toby!” Ariel interrupted him before he continued his self-destruct. “It is totally fine; I forgive you.”

“But you should be angry with me. I lie to you and hide the truth from you.”

“Do you want me to be angry with me?” Ariel asked in a teasing voice, folding her arms, and Toby quickly shook his head, a big smile on his lips.

“Thank you so much, Ariel. Thank you.” And without warning, he picked her up and spun her around amidst her laughter.

“Toby!” Ariel shrieked in excitement, hitting his shoulders gently. “Let me down. Tobyy.”

“Killjoy.” Toby retorted as she gently let her on her feet. “Thank you so much; I think I can finally get a good rest.”

“Were you that worried?” Ariel asked, even though she already knew the answer.

“Of course, you were probably one of my first friends, and I thought I had lost you.”

“Well, you have me now, but no more lies.”

“Of course, no lie.” Toby said with a salute. “Friends?” He held out his hands for Ariel, and she looked at it.

“Friends.” She took his hands and followed him.

Everything seems to be working out well; all that was left was Kane.