Chapter 172

Mitchell POV:

I  paced back and forth in my chambers, my mind racing with worry. I had written to Malachi, pleading with him to respond, to give me some sign that he was safe. But there was only silence.

I had even sent my most trusted spy to gather information, to see if Malachi was indeed alive and well. But the spy had returned with nothing, no news, no whispers, no rumors.

My heart was heavy with fear. Something was wrong, I could feel it. Malachi would never ignore me like this, never leave me in the dark.

I stopped pacing and slammed my fist on the table. "What is going on?" I muttered to myself. "What has happened to you, Malachi?"

I knew I had to keep trying, to keep reaching out to him. But the silence was deafening, and my worry was turning to despair.

I thought of finding out what happened from Alpah Ashir. I had to try even if he pushed me away.

I stood outside Alpha Ashir's door, my heart racing with anxiety. I had tried to speak with him before, but he had been...less than receptive. To say the least. I had been met with a growl and a slammed door.

But I had to try again. For Malachi's sake, I had to try.

I took a deep breath and knocked on the door. The wait felt like an eternity, but finally, the door opened. Alpha Ashir stood before me, his eyes...smiling?

"Mitchell," he said, his voice warm. "Come in. Come in."

I hesitated, expecting the usual anger, but he stepped aside and gestured for me to enter. I did, my eyes scanning the room for any signs of danger.

But instead, he offered me a glass of wine. "Sit, Mitchell. Let us talk."

I took the glass, my hand shaking slightly. What was going on? Why was he being so...civil?

"Thank you, Alpha," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

He smiled again, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Ashir, please. We are not in a pack meeting, Mitchell."

I nodded, still wary, but I sat down, my eyes fixed on him. What did he want? And why was he being so...nice? And I couldn't help but ask why. 

“I just have to, I have to" he nodded.

"Mitchell, I apologize for my behavior last time. I was...out of line."

I nodded, my throat tight. "You were."

He smiled wryly. "Yes, I was. But I promise, no harm was intended. I just...get passionate sometimes."

I raised an eyebrow. "Passionate?"

He chuckled. "Okay, maybe that's an understatement. But I promise, Mitchell, I mean no harm. Now, tell me...what brings you here today?"

I hesitated, unsure if I should trust him. But something in his eyes seemed...different. Softer.

"Have you heard from Malachi?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Alpha Ashir's expression turned serious. "Ah, Mitchell. Don't worry about Malachi. He's...preparing for battle. He's been busy."

My heart skipped a beat. Battle? What battle?

"What do you mean?" I asked, my voice shaking slightly.

Alpha Ashir's smile returned. "Don't worry, Mitchell. Malachi can handle himself. He's strong, capable. He'll be fine."

I nodded, trying to believe him. But the worry still gnawed at my gut. Something was off. Something was wrong.

I  couldn't help but be drawn to Alpha Ashir's captivating presence. As I sat beside him, I felt my worries about Malachi melting away, replaced by a deepening attraction to the alpha.

Ashir's soft voice was like music to my ears, his words gentle and soothing. I found myself leaning in closer, my heart racing with excitement.

My thoughts were no longer consumed by concern for Malachi's safety, but by the desire to be close to Ashir. I felt a flutter in my chest, my pulse quickening as I gazed into his eyes.

Without thinking, I reached out and touched his arm, my fingers sending shivers down my spine. "Ashir," I whispered, my voice husky and seductive. "I've been thinking...about us. About how we could be together, how we could rule this pack together."

My words hung in the air, and for a moment, Ashir's expression was unreadable. But then, his eyes locked onto mine, and I saw the spark of desire ignite within them. I knew at that moment, I had him.

I continued my seduction, my words dripping with honey and promise. But to my surprise, Alpha Ashir's expression remained unchanged, his eyes lacking the spark of desire I had hoped for.

He apologized, his voice gentle but firm. "Mitchell, I know you have feelings for me, but I'm afraid I don't feel the same way."

I tried to understand, my mind racing with excuses. "It's because of the bond between you and Adara, isn't it?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Alpha Ashir nodded, his eyes filled with a deep sadness. "Yes, Mitchell. My bond with Adara is unbreakable. I hope that in the next life, we can be bound together, you and I."

But I wouldn't accept that. I couldn't accept that. With a fierce determination, I turned to Alpha Ashir and pressed my lips to his, forcing a kiss on him without hesitation.

For a moment, he was taken aback, his body stiff and unresponsive. But then, he gently pushed me away, his eyes filled with a deep sorrow. "Mitchell, please understand…”

I  stopped the seduction, my face burning with embarrassment. "Thank you, Alpha Ashir," I whispered, my voice barely audible. I quickly turned and fled the room, my thoughts a jumbled mess.

As soon as I was out of the room, my mind raced with conflicting emotions. My love for Alpha Ashir had grown stronger, but I knew I couldn't have him. Yet, I couldn't bear the thought of him being hurt, even if it meant he wouldn't be mine.

I thought about the risk of Malachi finding out about my feelings for Ashir. He would be furious, and our friendship would be ruined. But I couldn't help the way I felt. I had to follow my heart, no matter the cost.

With a newfound determination, I made a decision. I would protect Alpha Ashir, no matter what. Even if it meant facing Malachi's wrath. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what was to come. I would face Malachi, and I would make sure Ashir was safe, no matter what it took.

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