Chapter 58 - The Tycoon Alpha's Temptation

ALPHA KING JOSH’S POV

I didn't make it to the door even though my mind was made up.

Richard has to die.

There was no need for sugarcoating or using fancy words. Alpha Richard just had to die. That was the only way I could punish him for his crimes and most importantly, have Rose to myself.

After all, this death would break the shitty alliance between them.

However, I didn't make it to my bedroom door. Rose’s whimper stopped me in my tracks. “Don't leave…”

Her voice was soft and her scent spread more of her current emotions to my senses, causing my legs to freeze.

I pitied her.

My heart ached for her.

But I still haven't forgiven her for hiding all of these from me. She had been suffering alone… Under my roof and under my nose. That was a huge slap in my face.

“I don't want to be alone, Alpha King…” Rose whimpered again.

I closed my eyes, fighting to keep myself from turning back to her, locking our gaze and pulling her into me… The only place she was meant to be.

She was scared. That was a first and if I wasn't so mad at her and the man that had been using her for his selfish interest, I would have acted on the urge to embrace her. One part of me was hurt that she didn't think I would stand up for her while the other part was worried as hell about her.

Max was practically steaming with anger.

I sighed without facing Rose, “You are safe in my room and I have to go to make sure you will be safer out in the world.”

“But I don’t want to be alone–”

I retorted harshly, “This isn’t about what you fucking want, Rose!”

I couldn't stop myself from snapping. It was obvious she didn't want me to leave because she didn't want me to confront and eventually kill Alpha Richard. I didn't understand why she would be protecting him despite all he had done but one thing was clear, I hate that with every bone in my body.

“Like it or not, this ends now. He will think twice before accepting a new life by the time I send him to hell.” I gritted, slowly turning to have a view of Rose’s face in the dark.

That move was a mistake.

It was one thing to perceive her pain and ignore it but it was a different thing to see that emotion on her face and embedded in her usually bright eyes.

I could feel an invisible twinge holding my legs in place after I looked into Rose’s eyes but that twinge pulled me to her when she blurted shakily, “I-I… I a-am scared.”

Her eyes were laced with tears, making it hard for me to breathe properly.

Rose muttered just as I reached her, “I am so scared, Josh.”

“There is no reason to be scared, Rose.” I etched. If only she knew I would do anything… any fucking thing to put the world at her feet.

She meant so much to me. So much more than she or even I myself could fathom. Whatever we have was a mystery but I do believe that as soon as Alpha Richard is taken out of the picture, what Rose and I have will become clearer and more explainable.

Clearly, I wouldn't have overlooked the reason she was sent to me if all I wanted from her was sex. I could get that from anyone and her in fact. I would have brutally shoved my member into her as a punishment before killing her if all I wanted was sex.

“Are you saying you have fallen in love?” Max queried in my head.

I scoffed, “I believe I have been in love with her for a while.”

My heart throbbed rapidly as I said those words to my wolf beast and as my hands settled on Rose’s shoulders. Her breath was harsh and her heart rate dropped. I assumed it was because she was scared. So I moved closer to assure her that I was still there with and for her.

“I am mad at you right now but this is the best time to trust me and be assured that I will keep you safe, Rose,” I uttered, seeing her face clearly thanks to the natural gifts of an Alpha King… plus I heard from my brothers that I inherited our mother’s impeccable sight.

“I don’t know why you will want to do that.” Rose whimpered. “I don't understand why you are being this lenient with me.”

I confessed with my whole heart and soul, “Because you are the best thing that has ever happened to me.”

Rose gasped audibly but I didn't stop there. I added. “Yes, I still haven't forgiven you but I still want and care about you, Rose.”

She went limp in my hands and I held her tight, keeping her balance. Rose breathed, “I am sorry, My King. Please forgive me and let me come with you too–”

“You can’t come with me, Rose.” I countered.

She was safer here.

Getting Alpha Richard would be dangerous and from the look of things, I had more than one enemy trying to get me down.

“But we have to plan carefully, Alpha King, and I have to avenge my… my everything that he took from me. I am not a princess in distress that can’t help herself.” Rose stated. My eyes furrowed as it sounded like she was having difficulty talking.

Rose’s hands clenched my arms tightly, her fingers digging into my skin. “You have to let me in on the plan and–”

“Are you okay, Rose?” I asked urgently.

She didn't seem okay. Her heart rate had dropped earlier but dropped even faster right now. I could hear her heart as it beat usual and I could see she was trying to hide what she was experiencing from me.

But she kept digging her fingers into my skin. That was a huge giveaway.

She stuttered, “Y-yes. I am ok-kay…”

But she wasn't.

Her legs gave out completely and this time it wasn't because butterflies were in her belly… it was because she was collapsing fast.

“Rose?” I called out, tapping her face lightly to get any sign of life.

Inaudible and painfully slow, Rose said her last words, “It’s hard to breathe… I br-broke t-the o-oath… I’m dying… dying..”

Dying?

Oath?

“Oh no!” Max exclaimed in my head just as Rose became motionless in my body.

The word “Lifeless” would have been a better description but I was in denial…

She couldn't just die like that. Right?

“She better not be dead!” I whimpered.

My mind went blank for a minute or two before I thought of getting a healer here. Even when the healer arrived, it was too late.

She has stopped breathing.

Is this where I scream, “Wake up!” or “I have forgiven you!” or would “I love you” do the trick?

Or could it be, “I need you... To live…”

Regardless of which I choose, Rose gave up on life… Right there in my arms and the very first night she entered my room.