Ascension of a Gamma

Chapter 17 if Non-negotiable Conditions

This is my lieme,” I said proudly

I was born and raised here. All my as I had only known a life that moved around here. Though it was all about ta change, I would still consider this my home, not this pack, not anymore, but this house which bare witness to my Father's life, my Mother's, and mine

There was no going back in time to relive those moments. Nostalgia lingered in every corner of these four walls, but it was still home I refused to merely call it a house

“If you say so,” he said. “There's really nothing here but us and posts with walls and a rool.”

That's called a house. It means more to me than that and I would like to leave now,” I snapped and made an effort to stand, but he wrapped an arm around my thighs and pulled me closer to him, cradling me like a baby, preventing me from getting up and stepping out that.

T his ihale toimit, comfortable T

doe my n da, lorpet alasit the Sie m ents that we wreaking war on my plans — I was lempting, but Touldn't. This frin wouldn't let her Kuand down over a bond that almost kill her

“I want to stay with you like this,” he said, looking down at me with a smile

“No,” I said flatly, but I couldn’t look away from his gorgeous eyes that seemed to look right through me “Maybe?”

My cyes widened as soon as I said the word. I shouldn't have said that; it'd give him the upper hand. “No,” I comitted “Definitely not.”

He held my gaze, Smiling as he brought his face closer to mine. I held my breath i n anticipation, somehow expecting him t o kiss me again, but as those sweet lips were only millimeters away, he moved past my face and whispered into my ear i na sexy voice, “Were you expecting a

Mycheeks instantly held up from she and

Indir jos TH whole. His Annused laughter angin m yurs. I looked down on my lap, my halt falling to the sides of my face to hike my embrassed sell. That was just... THAT

He know the bond alinted me. Thateeni f I tried, I couldn't help but feel a strong attraction towards him. And yet he took advantage of it and played me.

It was this easy for them, huh. They were Alphas after all. They could casually walki na roon full of women and not one would refuse whatever they should wish. Who was I anyway? I was just a disgraced Gamma who was treated lower than an Omega. Even Ornigas got respect, I didn't get an inkling of it

I bit my lower lip. I was tearing up from the realization.

“Anna?” he said. I didn't notice that he had stopped laughing His hand cupped my cheek, and I turned my head to avoid his touch. I tried to move again to stand, but he wouldn't free my legs. Halone, with the meimaries of my Fatherarounni me and no Alphus to think about

“No,” he said, and he had the nervelo wrap his arm around my thilphs, locking them close to him.

I shot him a look, and his sinile dropped. I was about to cry. I was mad at myself for letting him play with my feelings, at. hinn for his arrogance, and at Carson for leaving me alone with this jerk! My hands were balled into fists, and if he dared smile at my current state, I would gladly punch him wuare on the jaw. u

He sighed. This jerk had to nerve to sigh!

Oh, that is it.

My fist went flying, and he caught it before it connected. My legs were freed! I hurriedly got up from his lap, but he wouldn't let go of my fist. His grip tightened, hurting me, and I think he realized it for he suddenly let go. I took a step back to balance myself.

I threw a side glance at the door and

THind , liishia din. iddin at the fluar. I felt bailorhim

was

nity. I thened in the side, tedy to hightail it out of her when the

"Det go,” said, inained volte that instantly made me ich guilty.

I had whatinned, except for one thing. but i was alripht. I was lucky enough to actually ret them back without him noticing My hand tighted around the pen like military-grade flashlight. I knew the woods like the back of my hand and Could throw him off my path by heading t o where the wolfsbane propagated.

Please,” he added.

I found myself thinking about it. It would be unfair to him — he was my mate. If I was going to leave, I might as well reject him, but I couldn’t let myself go through that again. Once was more than enough for me, and I was yet to know of his real intentions.

Maybe I was just overreacting about him.

have it in a link his hit without Any vid

have him that pinind empines — wth would simply

Sighing. I walked or to the door. Looking luck at him, he made no mome to slop me. He remained seated in the same position, giving offan air of abundanten.

I hope I'm making the right decision.

I pushed the door close, and upon hearing it, he sighed then slowly stood. Turning, he saw me standing in front of i . His eyes widened slightly for a moment.

You're here,” he said, sounding relieved

Yes, I'm here, you big sulking baby.

In the blink of an eye, my back knocked at the door and I found myself caged by him. Both arms to my sides, his body pressed on mine, and his face centimeters away from mine

“You're here,” he repeated, his minty breath fanning my face.

but we wild hmy in

My

kup reminding myself to breathe

His as Wappearind my walk. Then he pulled me to him. His head reste en mi ya shulder, and he said, “Thank you.” which sent my heart rating” Thank you, Anna.”

I love the way iny numbe rolls of his tongue Eut_not the time

Clearing my throat, I tried to sound imposing as I said aloud, “Let go or I'm leaving for real.”

It worked. He even took two steps back to give me some space. I missed his closeness but pushed it aside. This wasn't the right time to address these emotions. For now, I had to make myself clear. Crossing my arms, I stated the truth. “I didn’t say I'm coming with you.”

He frowned. As he was about to speak, I raised a hand to stop him.

*But-" I continued, keeping it together,

Hena, nd I com

e rything I am 3A aHHat you is from rurors, and you aliviously don’t know much about me either, so were basically strangers. If you think you could do whatever you want just because you're the Alpha and I'm your mate, think again. Keep in mind that I can, and I will leave you whenever I wish, no matter what it takes. So, if I'm poing with you, there are certain conditions.”

I paused to make sure he was listening

First, no more of this touchy-feely stuff unless absolutely necessary, I need my personal space. Second, you're going to have to win my trust. As I said, we're basically strangers. And third, I can do whatever I want in your territory. I won't cause you any trouble I just want my freedom to take a run or a stroll or whatever whenever I want. Are we clear o n this?

“You said you're my mate,” he said, smiling

Look who's instantly in a good mood. So

Grousity of all that I said, that'what he hend

“To pesing there's no room for

"None

"What exactly do you mean by alsolutely necessary

“Like when I'm in danger and you have in o other choice but topel clase to me?”

He smirked, “So you want me to court

That's. not what I meanit.”

“It's alright, babe. You can be honest with me.”

“Do we have a deal, Alpha?” I asked, sounding annoyed.

“Deal,” he replied, “I do enjoy a good challenge. This will be fun.”