Chapter 34: ; The Beta

Cheska Macbride smiled contentedly as she arrived at the stream, feeling grateful for the rare moment of peace and tranquility in her life. It was finally quiet and peaceful, and she couldn't wait to soak in the soothing waters. With a sense of anticipation, she removed her clothes, relishing the moment of freedom and liberation. As she basked in the only sound of the buzzing insects and birdsong in the early morning light, Cheska felt like she was the only human present, lost in a world of her own.

She thought to herself that she would visit this place every night, grateful for the sanctuary it provided her. She had avoided the water the night before because it was too crowded, and she was tired from the day's activities. But today, Cheska was determined to make the most of this moment of solitude, cherishing the opportunity to reconnect with herself and nature.

After a few minutes of swimming, Cheska heard crackling sounds and felt the cool water around her, causing her to stop and look around, wondering if anyone was there. "Is anyone here?" she asked boldly, even though she saw nothing in the area. Her heart was racing with excitement, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of adventure and intrigue.

On the other side of the lake, there was a sound of crackling. Cheska could make out the shape of a person descending into the water, barely illuminated by the pale moonlight. "I know someone is there! Speak up, or you will be in trouble!" Cheska exclaimed, feeling nervous yet fearless at the same time.

"Am I in trouble? I didn't know that this lake had an owner," a teasing voice broke the silence of the night, sending shivers down Cheska's spine. She couldn't help but feel curious and intrigued by the stranger's presence, wondering who he was and what he wanted.

As the clouds obscuring the moon gradually parted, Cheska saw the face of the "intruder." The guy had viking-gold hair, brisk eyebrows, and sea rover-blue eyes that seemed to pierce through her soul. The aquiline nose he sported complemented his prominent cheekbones, and Cheska couldn't help but be mesmerized by his striking features. Handsome in an understated way, his basalt jaw and spartan shoulders spoke of strength, making Cheska feel both intimidated and fascinated.

"You're not a member of the Thunder pack! So who are you?!" Cheska asked coldly, though she couldn't help but be impressed by his looks. Her heart was beating fast, and she couldn't help but wonder what this stranger wanted from her.

"Ha ha ha, are you sure about that? As I remember, I am..." the guy responded and stopped one meter away from Cheska, his voice dripping with confidence and charm. "You're not a member of the pack, so who are you? You're trespassing on private property..." the man commented while looking at Cheska's forehead, causing her to feel self-conscious and vulnerable.

"You have a mark..." Cheska whispered as she noticed the mark on his forehead, feeling a sense of recognition and familiarity. She couldn't help but wonder what it meant and what significance it held.

"Mind answering my question?" the guy mockingly remarked, causing Cheska to feel both irritated and intrigued by his playful demeanor.

"I'm Cheska Mcbride, and yes, I am not a member of the pack... at least not yet..." Cheska answered confidently, knowing that she had nothing to fear from this stranger. She felt a sense of empowerment and liberation, knowing that she could handle whatever came her way.

The guy smiled, "I'm Leonel Adam, the Beta of the Thunder pack..." Cheska couldn't believe it. This handsome man was the Beta? She couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration and respect for him, knowing that he held a position of power and influence.

"It's nice to meet you, but I need to go," she said, still a little wary. Cheska felt a strange mixture of emotions, unsure of what to make of this encounter.

"Leaving right away? Don't tell me you don't believe me?" Adam responded when he saw Cheska dressing, causing her to feel a sense of unease and discomfort.

"I accept what you are saying, but I must be going now. Matthew is probably looking for me now..." Cheska said with a smile, trying to sound casual and composed.

Adam went up as well. "Then let me accompany you to the exit of the forest." Cheska felt a sense of obligation and gratitude, knowing that she couldn't refuse his offer.

"Please continue with your swim; I can take care of myself," Cheska declined his offer with a poker face, feeling a sense of independence and self-reliance.

Seeing her serious face, Adam did not insist. "Then take care, and see you tomorrow." Cheska felt a sense of relief and gratitude, knowing that she had made the right decision.

As Cheska walked away, she couldn't help but think about Adam. He was not her mate, but she couldn't help but compare him to Matthew, wondering what it would be like to be with him. She shook her head, knowing that Matthew was the one for her, but she couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity and intrigue.

As the moon was swallowed up by the thick, dark clouds, Cheska didn't notice the hands that suddenly grabbed her, causing her to feel a sense of panic and fear. She wanted to yell, but the person who had her cornered against the rough bark of the tree silenced her, causing her to feel a sense of vulnerability and helplessness.

"I finally found you..." the man whispered, causing Cheska to feel a sense of dread and terror.

Cheska tried to identify the man who captivated her. "Who are you? What do you want from me?" she asked when the man removed his hand covering her mouth, trying to sound calm and composed despite her racing heart.

"Are you a nitwit? I couldn't imagine my life without you! You belong to me now!" the man declared, before claiming Cheska's lips with haste, causing her to feel a sense of disgust and revulsion.

Cheska pushed the man away, but no matter what she did, she couldn't get out of his arms. She wished she had waited for Matthew, but it was too late to turn back. If she had heeded his warnings, she wouldn't be stuck in this mess. "No! I won't give up! Perhaps Matthew is on his way here to find me!" With this thought, Cheska gathered her courage and bit the man's lip before assaulting his manhood with her knees, causing him to feel a sense of pain and discomfort.

"Help! Matthew!" Cheska screamed when she got rid of the guy, hoping that her mate would hear her cries for help and come to save her.

"Let me go, you crazy bastard! Matthew will be here soon!" Cheska screamed as she tried to escape.

"In your dreams! The Alpha is in the lock-up meeting with the council, so he can't save you!" the unidentified man remarked while pinning Cheska to the ground.

This guy didn't know the bond Cheska had with Matthew, so he was comfortable that Matthew wouldn't learn she was in danger...