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Chapter 8 - Torn between brothers

Anne's pov.

As I lifted my gaze, I was mortified to see Alpha David standing before me. My face flushed with embarrassment and I couldn't help but think , 'must I continue to humiliate myself in front of him?' I immediately rose to my feet apologising for the mix up.

"It's okay Anne." he said calmly. "I can tell you're trying to avoid my cousin."

I bristled, "Who, me? Run? No way. This was just a... situation." I let out trying to cover up what was happening.

He raised an eyebrow, "A situation? Okay. Well, what if I told you Alpha Jackson is heading this way right now?"

My eyes widened in alarm, "What?! Where?! Oh no, where can I hide?!" I exclaimed, frantically scanning my surroundings for an escape route, my legs trembling with anxiety.

"Anne,"

He whispered, his voice low and soothing, as he leaned in close, his eyes locking onto mine with a deep, comforting gaze. A warm smile spread across his face, and he said, "Come with me," his eyes sparkling with reassurance as he gently pulled me along with him.

He pulled me, moving rapidly across the hall

until we reached his room. He ushered me inside and swiftly locked the door behind us

"Don't worry, he can't find you here." He let out with the same sparkle in his eyes .

Did he always have that sparkle in his eye's?' I stood dazzled. "Okay. Thank you Alpha David ." I let out composed.

"Do you mind telling me why your avoiding my cousin." He asked staring at me .

"I was rude to him in the morning and I fear he might fire me. I can't lose this job." I let out

"Okay. Bold! I like that."

He said as an unsettling stillness fell over the room, as Alpha David's gaze intensified, his eyes boring into mine.

He closed the distance between us, his movements fluid and deliberate. As he drew near, I lost my footing, but he swiftly caught me from behind, his grasp steadying me. With his warm breath whispering against my ear, he spoke in a low husky tone,

"Anne, come work for me. Your parents won't object..." His words trailed off, leaving an unspoken promise hanging in the air.

I felt a shiver run down my spine as Alpha David's warm breath whispered against my ear. His grip on my arms was firm, yet gentle, holding me upright. I tried to speak, but my voice caught in my throat.

"I-I'm an orphan," I stuttered, trying to wriggle free from his grasp.

Alpha David's hold tightened. "I know," he whispered. "That's why I'm offering you a way out. You have no one to rely on, no one to protect you. But I can offer you that... and more."

I felt a surge of fear mixed with a thrill of excitement. What did he mean by "more"? And why did I feel a spark of attraction towards this intimidating figure? I tried to shake off the feeling, but it only seemed to intensify as he pulled me closer.

I felt lost in his eyes for a moment, wondering if I was actually considering his offer. He seemed kind and genuine, and working with him would undoubtedly provide a better life than toiling under the rude and annoyingly handsome Alpha Jackson. But as I teetered on the edge of surrendering to the thought of betrayal, I snapped back to reality. 'Anne, snap out of it!' I mentally chided myself. Jackson may be a jerk, but he's my mate, and I'm willing to give him a chance and moreover the masked man that saved me, left me this flier so it must be for a reason. With newfound determination, I pushed the alpha away, breaking the spell that had briefly entranced me.

"Alpha David, thanks for this opportunity, but I will have to reject. I'm okay here, hopefully by tomorrow Alpha Jackson's anger would definitely subside." I said to him .

"Alas, Alas." He mumbled as he walked away,

I wondered if I had just imagined it - how did he know that phrase? It was something my mother always said, a family expression she claimed was unique to our lineage. But if that was true, then how did he know it?

A shiver ran down my spine as I recalled the tragic fate of my family and their families back in time, all of whom were killed in a brutal plot. The alpha's familiarity with our family's word sparked a mix of confusion and trepidation within me.

"How do you know that?" I blurted out.

"Know what?" He asked innocently.

"You just said something. Didn't you just say Alas, Alas?" I enquired deeper,

You must be mistaken Anne, Maybe you need to go rest" He ordered,

"Yeah! I'll be on my way now, thanks for today." I said trying to sound casual despite my inner turmoil.

I wondered if I was just hearing things - maybe my longing for my mom was playing tricks on my mind. In awe I made my exit, leaving the alpha and his unsettling words behind.

As I walked down the hall, my mind reeled from the encounter with Alpha I couldn't shake the feeling that he knew something. Lost in thought, I didn't notice Alpha Jackson standing in front of me until I bumped into him.

"Well, well, well. Look who's been avoiding me," he sneered, his eyes gleaming with amusement.

I tried to brush past him, but he blocked my path. "I don't know what you're talking about," I lied, attempting to sound nonchalant.

Jackson chuckled, his voice low and menacing. "Don't play dumb. I know you've been avoiding me. And after what happened this morning... let's just say I'm not in the mood for games."

I felt a shiver run down my spine as he stepped closer, his eyes burning with intensity. But before things could escalate further, Alpha David appeared out of nowhere.

"Jackson!" he called, his voice firm but polite.

"What is it, David?" Jackson growled, not taking his eyes off me.

"I would love you to fire her." David said, his gaze flicking to me for a moment before returning to Jackson. "She is quite interesting. And I think she'd be better off working with me."

Jackson's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in anger. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, wasn't that what you wanted to say? I thought I should hasten it since I would want to employ her."

Alpha David said boldly like he really meant what he was saying.

"Anne, why don't you come with me, as you can see, he really wants to fire you" Alpha David said sounding so convincing, I was moved to actually weigh my options. Was Alpha Jackson really not going to fight for me to stay? was he still going to fire me! and Alpha David's offer on the other hand was also very catchy, I got so confused.

"Maid! I'm still your boss and I command you to come here, Now!" he said pointing to his side in rage .

Alpha David also not relenting pulled me by my wrist giving me the eye smile. Alpha Jackson aswell wanting to protect his ego pulled me too, their glares piercing eachother, I stood frozen, unsure of what to do next.

How on earth was I going to escape this unharmed?