Chapter 6 You Want Me to Become Your Whore?

Arabella's POV

I carefully placed my sleeping Alice in the makeshift crib. Her tiny chest rose and fell with each peaceful breath, completely unaware of our chaotic situation.

Two years ago, I'd sworn never to return to Blood Moon territory. Now here I was, in Alexander Harrington's house of all places, seeking his protection.

Every nerve in my body remained on high alert. Alexander's presence, making my wolf both nervous and, disturbingly, somewhat comforted.

I checked my phone again. Still no call from Asher. Would he call back in the middle of the night? Would I even be able to sleep tonight?

My neck throbbed where Wesley's mate mark burned like a hot brand. The further I'd driven from him, the more intense the pain had become. I touched it gingerly, wincing.

Movement caught my eye. Alexander descended the stairs, his footsteps nearly silent despite his massive frame. He'd changed into a tight black t-shirt that hugged his muscled chest and loose gray sweatpants.

Damn it, the bastard looked even stronger than I remembered. The way the fabric stretched across his broad shoulders made my stomach flutter. I quickly averted my gaze, disgusted with myself for noticing such details in my desperate situation.

He headed straight for the kitchen, pulling out two glasses and a bottle of liquor. He poured two generous servings and approached, offering one to me.

"For the pain," he said, nodding toward my neck.

Our fingers brushed as I took the glass, sending a strange electric jolt through my body.

Alexander suddenly glanced toward the doorway. "Johnson, Charles," he called, his voice barely raised but carrying undeniable command.

Two male wolves appeared instantly, standing at attention. I tensed, protectively stepping in front of Alice's crib.

"Move the crib to the guest bedroom," Alexander ordered them. "Carefully."

My protective instincts flared. "What are you doing?" I demanded, blocking their path.

Alexander fixed me with those amber eyes. "Unless you want your daughter sleeping in the middle of our conversation? Don't worry, little puppy. I won't harm her."

I reluctantly stepped aside, watching vigilantly as they lifted Alice's crib with surprising gentleness and carried it to the adjacent bedroom. I wanted to follow, but I forced myself to stay put. I needed to talk to Alexander alone.

I took a sip of the booze, the burn hitting me fast. Shit, it took me back to college—getting wasted at Blood Moon Club, not giving a fuck about anything. Now look at me, jumping at shadows, second-guessing every damn word.

Alexander settled into the armchair across from me, his eyes studying me like I was a puzzle to solve. The silence stretched between us.

"Tell me, Puppy," he finally broke the silence, using that stupid nickname that always got under my skin. "Why was your card declined? I remember that asshole was fucking rich. Why can’t you afford basic medicine?"

I lifted my chin defiantly. "Wesley believes mates shouldn't handle financial transactions. That's for servants. I just... forgot to tell him I needed extra funds."

What a fucking pathetic excuse. Who would believe that? Should have just said the bastard controls every penny.

Alexander's eyes narrowed. He wasn't buying it. "Your phone? You could have unlocked your card with that."

"Left it in the car," I answered quickly. "If you're worried about the money, I can—"

A low growl interrupted me, rumbling from deep in his chest. "You know damn well this isn't about money. I don't like liars, Puppy. I just want to hear the truth from your pretty lips."

I can’t believe him. I can't tell him what Wesley did.

"I'll go get your phone from the car," he offered in a tone that was clearly not a suggestion.

"That's not necessary. Tomorrow is fine. It's late," I insisted, feeling his Alpha energy intensify in the room, pressing down on me like a physical weight.

Just when I thought I'd deflected him, Alexander moved with shocking speed. Before I could react, he was in front of me, his large hand grasping my chin firmly, turning my face to expose the bruise I'd tried to conceal.

Damn it, he was still that same asshole two years before. I'd been stupid enough to think he might change. What a joke.

"What are you doing?" I asked, my voice trembling despite my efforts to sound strong.

"Seeing what that son of a bitch did to you so I know which parts of him to tear off first." His voice was filled with rage.

I started to deny it, but he grabbed the collar of my shirt and yanked. The fabric tore with a sharp ripping sound.

"Goddamn it, Alexander!" I gasped as he exposed the blue-purple bruises across my collarbone and upper chest.

This felt like jumping from one controlling situation right into another.

The room filled with his furious scent as he unleashed a string of vicious curses about Wesley.

After a tense silence, I knew I couldn't hide anymore. "Please don't tell Asher," I said quietly. "He'll do something reckless."

Alexander's expression shifted to something dangerous, that evil smile I knew too well spreading across his face. "Would you do anything to keep me quiet, Puppy?"

I eyed him warily. "What do you want?" Though I already had a sinking suspicion.

"One fuck," he said bluntly, his gaze traveling shamelessly over my body. "With you."

"You've got to be fucking kidding me," I laughed without humor, the absurdity of his demand hitting me like a slap.

Alexander leaned in close, his breath hot against my ear. "I told you on your wedding day, if his little dick couldn't satisfy you, to come find me."

"You bastard!" I shoved him away, fury igniting inside me. "You want me to become your whore?"

The thought of Alexander putting his filthy cock inside me made my stomach turn. It must be the new opportunity that he found to bully me.

"Either you bend over my couch and present that ass to me, or I call Asher right now. Your choice." His gaze hardened, all traces of humor gone.

My mind raced in panic. If Alexander contacted Asher, he'd immediately confront Wesley and possibly get himself killed. I desperately needed somewhere safe for Alice and me, even if it cost me my dignity.

Do I really have to let myself be fucked like a whore to keep Alice safe?

"Tell me, Puppy," Alexander's voice echoed in the quiet room. "What's it going to be?"