MATED TO MY ALPHA MATE
The first light of dawn crept over the horizon, illuminating the aftermath of the night's chaos. Bloodied bodies of rogues littered the ground, the metallic scent lingering in the air. Derek stood in the clearing, surveying the scene with a grim expression. His warriors had managed to drive the rogues away, but the cost had been high.
Behind him, Diva stood with her arms crossed, her face pale but determined. She turned to Mikael, her voice low and firm. "Take me back to my house. I need to be alone."
Mikael hesitated, glancing at Derek, whose sharp ears had caught every word. "Diva, are you sure? It's not safe—"
"I said take me back, Mikael!" she snapped, her voice cracking. "I can't stay here. Not after everything that's happened."
Mikael sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Alright, fine. Let's go."
But before he could move, Derek's deep growl cut through the air like a blade. "She's not going anywhere."
Diva spun around, glaring at him. "Excuse me?"
"You heard me," Derek said, his tone cold and commanding. "You're coming with me to the mansion. I'll have you locked in the safest room until this mess is dealt with."
Her jaw dropped, and for a moment, she couldn't find the words. Then, fury took over. "Locked up? Who do you think you are, ordering me around like this?"
Derek's gaze was unyielding, his golden eyes boring into hers. "I'm your mate. And as much as you hate it, it's my job to protect you—even from your own stubbornness."
"I don't need your protection!" she shouted, her voice trembling with frustration. "I just want to go home and figure things out for myself."
Derek stepped closer, his towering presence making her feel small. "Do you even realize how close you came to dying last night? Those rogues aren't done with you, Diva. They'll come back, and next time, I might not be there in time."
Mikael raised a hand, trying to mediate. "Look, maybe we can find a compromise—"
"There is no compromise," Derek growled, his voice low and dangerous. "She's coming with me, and that's final."
Diva clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. "You can't just decide that for me. I'm not some property you can lock away whenever you feel like it!"
Derek ignored her protests, turning to two of his warriors who were standing nearby. "Take her to the mansion. Make sure she's put in the largest room and guard the door. No one gets in or out without my permission."
The warriors nodded, stepping forward to escort Diva.
"You can't do this!" she yelled, struggling against their grip. "Let me go!"
"Derek, this is too much," Mikael said, his voice edged with concern.
Derek didn't reply. His expression was set in stone, his resolve unshakable.
---
The ride to the mansion was tense and silent. Diva sat in the back of the car, her arms crossed tightly over her chest as she glared out the window. The two warriors flanking her said nothing, their stoic expressions only fueling her anger.
When they arrived, the grand doors of the mansion swung open, and she was led inside. The interior was as imposing as the Alpha himself—vast, cold, and unwelcoming.
"This way," one of the warriors said, guiding her up a sweeping staircase.
They stopped in front of a set of double doors, which were pushed open to reveal a massive room. It was beautifully furnished, with a four-poster bed, plush rugs, and elegant furniture. But to Diva, it felt like a gilded cage.
"Make yourself comfortable," the warrior said gruffly before stepping out and closing the doors behind him. The sound of the lock clicking into place made her stomach churn.
She paced the room, her mind racing. This wasn't protection—this was imprisonment. She couldn't believe Derek had the audacity to do this to her.
"I won't stay here," she muttered to herself, her resolve hardening. "I don't care what it takes—I'll find a way out."
---
Meanwhile, Derek stood in his study, his hands clenched into fists as he stared out the window. He could feel her anger through their bond, a simmering heat that matched his own frustration.
"Was that really necessary?" Mikael asked from behind him, his tone cautious.
"Yes," Derek replied without turning around.
Mikael sighed, leaning against the doorframe. "You know this is only going to push her further away."
"She doesn't understand the danger she's in," Derek said, his voice low. "The rogues were after her, Mikael. If I hadn't gotten there in time…"
"You're trying to protect her. I get that. But locking her up? She's not going to see it that way."
Derek finally turned, his expression conflicted. "What else am I supposed to do? She's my mate, and the bond won't let me stand by while she puts herself in danger."
Mikael shook his head. "You need to talk to her. Not as her Alpha, but as her mate. Explain why you're doing this. Otherwise, you'll lose her trust completely."
Derek didn't respond. He knew Mikael was right, but the thought of being vulnerable, of showing his true feelings, was something he wasn't sure he could handle.
---
Back in the room, Diva sat by the window, staring out at the sprawling forest beyond. Her anger had simmered down, replaced by a deep sense of helplessness.
She thought about the events of the past few days—the attack, Caleb's betrayal, Derek's unwavering dominance. She hated him for what he'd done, but at the same time, she couldn't ignore the way he'd fought for her, the way he'd looked at her when he asked if she was hurt.
A knock at the door startled her, and she turned to see Mikael slipping inside.
"How did you get in?" she asked, surprised.
"I have my ways," he said with a small smile. "I came to check on you. Are you okay?"
Diva shook her head, tears threatening to spill over. "I feel like a prisoner, Mikael. I don't know what to do."
He sat beside her, his expression gentle. "We'll figure something out. Just… don't lose hope, okay?"
As they sat together in the dim light, neither of them noticed the shadow that lingered outside the door, listening.
To be continued.....