Held Captive by the Alpha: No Escaping Destiny

Chapter 4: What to Do With Her (Part 1)

HUNTER'S POV

I did everything I could to get some rest, but I couldn't get a wink of sleep. The sun is just setting, that's how I can tell that it's still early. Giving up on the idea of sleep, I stepped out of my room, went down the stairs to the kitchen.

There, I found Rosalie, our Head Cook, carefully wiping down dishes and putting them away. She glanced up and smiled when she saw me.

"Welcome back, Alpha Hunter," she greeted me warmly.

I nodded in greeting. Rosalie had that warm, motherly presence that made everyone in the pack adore her. She was naturally caring and nurturing, always looking out for us. But like any good mother, she wasn’t afraid to call people out on their bulls**t—including me.

"Grab a chair, I'll fix you something to eat," she said, already firing up the stove and moving with practiced efficiency as she chopped and sliced. I hadn't realized how hungry I was until the aroma of sizzling steak filled the kitchen. When Rosalie set a plate of perfectly seared steak and creamy mashed potatoes in front of me, my stomach clenched in anticipation.

Yet another reason to love this woman, she makes a mean steak.

"You've outdone yourself again, Rosalie," I said after taking a bite, savoring the rich, flavorful steak.

She beamed at the compliment, her grin warm and full of pride. "Of course I did," she quipped.

I was fully immersed in my meal, savoring every bite, when a pair of arms wrapped around me from behind. A cloyingly sweet perfume filled my senses. Too strong, too overwhelming for my liking.

"Hunter, you're home. I missed you," a woman whispered in my ear.

Even without turning around, I knew exactly who it was. Tiffany.

I ignored her and focused on my dinner, letting the savory flavors ground me. Tiffany, however, wasn’t one to be dismissed easily. She began massaging my shoulders, and to my annoyance, I didn’t mind. It actually felt good. My body instinctively relaxed under her touch.

But then, I felt it. The soft press of her lips against my neck.

Every muscle in me tensed instantly, a wave of unease washing over me. Goosebumps prickled along my skin—but not in a good way. Without thinking, I yanked her hand away, gripping it tightly, my patience snapping like a frayed thread.

"What the f***k do you think you're doing?" I spat, my grip tightening around her wrist.

"I'm just trying to help. I know you need it. We both need it," Tiffany said in a small, trembling voice.

She even conjured up a fake tear, balancing it just enough to look pitiful—but it didn’t fool me.

"I'm not in the mood, Tiffany," I snarled, shoving her hand away with enough force to make my point clear.

I stood up, signaling that I was done with whatever game she was playing, but Tiffany, as always, refused to take a hint. Before I could step away, she grabbed my arm, her grip desperate.

"Hunter, please. It's been a long time since we..." I grabbed her by the neck so hard, which made it impossible for her to finish whatever nonsense she was saying.

"Touch me one more time, and I'll snap your neck. Are we clear?" I growled.

She nodded her head before I pushed her away. She stumbled backwards. Before she could do or say anything else, I spoke once again, letting out a strong aura which put her to her knees. "And it's Alpha to you. Call me by my name one more time, and you'll be spending a week in the dungeon." Once again, she nodded.

"Scram!" I ordered her.

This time, with real tears in her eyes, she stood up from kneeling and sprinted away. I, on the other hand, walked back to my room.

I had slept with Tiffany a handful of times—just on nights when I needed an easy release. Nothing more. I had been crystal clear from the start: no strings, no expectations. She agreed.

So why was she suddenly acting like a clingy girlfriend?

Tiffany was effortlessly beautiful. There was no denying that. Her long, straight blonde hair framed striking blue eyes, and she carried herself with the kind of confidence that turned heads. Tall and slender, she had the poise of a classic beauty.

She's a good fighter, too.

I could have chosen her as my Luna. She sure looked the part. But there's something about the way she conducts herself that does not sit right with me. Plus, the way she speaks irks me. Aside from the fact that her voice is too sharp and nasal, she could not really hold a meaningful conversation. All she could talk about was petty, superficial things I didn't have an iota of interest in.

She seemed sweet on the outside, but on the inside I could feel that there was cruelness in her. Ever since I slept with her, she started acting like she is above everyone else. And I find that repulsive.

I decided to take another cold shower since my blood was still boiling from the little incident in the kitchen, and the fact that Tiffany's too strong perfume still lingered on me.

As I stepped under the icy spray, I recalled the fresh, refreshing scent of that human girl from earlier this morning. Just thinking about it makes me relax.

Before my thoughts ran away with me, I willed myself to snap out of it. I will not entertain the idea of being with her. I will not accept a human as my mate. For centuries, I have searched everywhere for a mate. Now that I have completely given up on the idea, I find out that I'm fated to have a human mate. What a fu****g, sick joke this is.

I had always been led to believe that a mate could make you stronger, that without one, my wolf would grow weak. But how could pairing me with a human possibly enhance my strength? If anything, it felt like a liability waiting to happen.

Humans were weak and slow, unable to heal themselves, and the thought of having a fragile Luna by my side was utterly unacceptable. I refused to accept the idea of a mate who could only drag me down.

I had already achieved so much without a mate. I had earned a reputation for being ruthless, conquering and defeating all my enemies. My subjects respected me and feared my power. I was strong on my own, and I had no intention of jeopardizing that.

If word got out about a human mate, it could damage not only my standing but also my pack’s security and reputation. I couldn’t afford to be seen as weak or vulnerable, especially not in a world where power was everything.

I would never allow anyone or anything to dictate my fate. Not this mate bond, not even the Moon Goddess herself.

My decision is final. I would wait for her to wake up, and once she did, I would reject her without hesitation and kick her out of my land once and for all.

I turned off the shower, got dressed, and headed straight to the mini bar in my room. Reaching for a bottle of whiskey, I didn't bother with a glass. I simply opened it and downed its contents in one go. I hoped the warmth of the alcohol would finally dull my thoughts and help me find some semblance of sleep.