Chapter 24

My blood surged with even more intensity as his question reached my ears. I never expected him to show any interest in the tragic demise of my parents.

"Why did your parents die?" he inquired, his tone serious.

Curiosity danced in his eyes as he continued, "Elias told me that your parents were killed by someone. What was the motive behind it? Did you live among humans?"

"They were ruthlessly murdered right before my eyes. They pleaded for mercy, but their pleas fell on deaf ears," I responded firmly, fighting back the tears threatening to escape.

He moved closer, his hand gently caressing my back. I took a deep breath, attempting to calm the storm of emotions raging within me. Suddenly, the realization hit me that the man embracing me was the very person responsible for my parents' death. Without hesitation, I pushed him away.

"What's wrong, Anastasia?" he asked, clearly taken aback by my actions.

"Nothing. Let's go," I replied, my tone serious.

As we exited the Cave, we heard a rustling sound and gasps coming from a distance. He held my hand tightly, his gaze locked with mine.

"Don't be afraid," he said, his voice filled with sincerity.

To our surprise, a woman appeared before us. Aryana's smiling face greeted us, much to my annoyance. What was she doing here? Was she following us? Wouldn't the Alpha put a stop to it?

"Aryana?" Alpha Ashton uttered, his voice laced with surprise.

"Hi, Alpha. Did I catch you off guard?" she asked, a smile playing on her lips.

"Why are you here?" Alpha Ashton questioned.

"Well, I was searching for you earlier, and the guards informed me that you were here. I just wanted to bid you farewell before I return to Deovir," she explained, her smile unwavering.

"Ohh! Thank you, Aryana. Take care on your journey," Alpha replied, returning her smile.

I was taken aback when she suddenly embraced Alpha before departing. Alpha Ashton seemed equally surprised by Aryana's actions. However, he didn't react with anger, which only served to annoy me further. But I pushed those feelings aside, not wanting him to think I was jealous. I took a deep breath, exhaling to regain my composure.

"Are you alright,Anastasia?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.

"Of course!" I responded, my answer direct.

"He's always so strong," I thought to myself. "But I'll break him eventually."

As we walked through the halls of Woundwoods, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. My plan was working perfectly, and Alpha was falling right into my trap. I knew that I was playing a dangerous game, but I couldn't resist the thrill of it all.

"Are you sure you're okay?" I asked him again.

"I'm sure," he replied. "But I'm more worried about you. You're the one who's in danger."

I smiled at him, knowing that he had no idea what was really going on. "Don't worry about me," I said. "I can take care of myself."

And with that, I left him to his own devices. I knew that he would be back by my side soon enough, ready to do whatever it took to protect me. But little did he know, I was the one in control now.

"I don't want to see you hurt, Anastasia," I said softly, hoping he would understand.

"I will protect you, no matter what," he insisted, his determination shining through.

"But I can't bear the thought of you in danger," I replied gently, my concern evident.

"That's why it's best for you to stay here in the castle. You can explore the entire Castle and be safe. Besides, I can't be by your side all the time, so please, stay here," he calmly pleaded.

"You know I can't do that, I love the freedom of the forest," I said seriously.

"Even if it means risking your life? Even if you've come close to death before?" he asked, his voice filled with worry.

"If you force me to stay here, I'll feel imprisoned, and I won't accept you as my mate," I threatened, my words laced with determination.

"Anastasia!" I abruptly turned and left the room, feeling conflicted about my own plan to test his loyalty. But his unexpected words had caught me off guard.

"Anastasia, I understand that you want to protect yourself, but please know that I only want what's best for you. I care about you deeply and I don't want to see you hurt," Alpha Dior said in a gentle tone.

I looked at him skeptically, wondering if he was being genuine or if he had ulterior motives. But something in his eyes made me believe that he truly cared.

"I appreciate your concern, Alpha. But I can take care of myself," I replied, trying to maintain my guard.

"I know you can, but that doesn't mean you have to do it alone. I want to be there for you, Anastasia. Please let me," he pleaded.

I hesitated for a moment, but then I realized that maybe it wouldn't hurt to have someone by my side. Someone who genuinely cared about me.

"Okay, Alpha. I'll let you help me," I said, surprising even myself.

Alpha Ashton smiled at me, and for the first time, I felt a glimmer of hope that maybe things could be different with him. Maybe he could be the one to break down my walls and show me what true love really was.

As I spoke, he grinned and extended an invitation to dine with him. I eagerly accepted and we strolled down the hallway to the dining area. He kindly assisted me in taking a seat before joining me. The table was adorned with a plethora of dishes and bottles of blood, a necessity for us wolves. I had already come to terms with my identity as one of them since I made the decision to enter their world.

The evening was delightful, but one woman in particular caught our attention - Dylan's wife, Romania. She had been widowed at a young age, losing her mate on the same night they were together.