Page 28 of The Alpha's Chosen Fate

“More than you know.You have no idea what I had to go through to do it.”

“Whatyouhad to go through?Oh, poor Alpha.Did your mate rip your heart out of your chest?Did your pack look at you like you were a walking disease?Were you so distraught the only thing you could do to save yourself from the pain was to run from everyone and everything you’ve ever known?To live a solitary life, fighting tooth and nail for years just to survive?”

“Ivy–”

"I hate you.I hate you so fucking much."

Briggs's gaze drilled into mine, unwavering.Then he uttered a single word.

"Liar."

Something inside me snapped.I raised my hand and slapped him across the face.The sharp crack echoed into the night sky.

Adrenaline pumped through my veins, making me tremble.I expected him to retaliate, to put me in my place.

I’d just struck the Alpha of Darkwood.No one would ever get away with something like that.There was a very good reason Emery didn’t treat him like she treated the Beta and the Luna.

But Briggs just stood there, a red mark blooming on his cheek.His eyes glittered in the moonlight.

My chest heaved with ragged breaths.I wanted to hit him again, to make him feel a fraction of the pain he'd inflicted upon me.

Without a word, Briggs grabbed my arm in an iron grip and hauled me up the stairs to the porch.I stumbled, my bare feet catching on the wooden planks as he dragged me behind him and into the cabin.

I didn’t bother looking around.I had no plans to stay.

We reached the second floor and he shoved me towards an open doorway.I barely had time to get my hands out before I went sprawling onto the hardwood, pain lancing through my wrists as they absorbed the impact.

I lay there for a moment, catching my breath.Nothing felt broken, thankfully.Just a mild sprain that would heal quickly, one of the perks of being a shifter.

Rolling onto my back, I found Briggs looming over me, blocking the light from the hallway.He was staring at the wrist I was holding against my chest.

"Ivy.”His deep voice was suddenly soft.Almost tender.As if he actually gave a damn.

“Don't you dare pretend to care now.”

He took a step inside the room and I scrambled to my feet, ignoring the throbbing pain.I had to get away from him, from his suffocating presence .

I darted into the adjoining bathroom and slammed the door shut, flipping the lock with shaking fingers.Not that it would keep him out if he wanted inside.

Sinking to the cool tiled floor, I hugged my knees.Sobs wracked my body as the build-up of pent-up grief poured out.

I cried like I hadn’t cried in years.Cried until I was spent.Until I was empty.Hollow.

When I finally lifted my head, hiccupping and swiping at my damp cheeks, I realized I didn’t sense him.

I cracked open the door and peered out cautiously.The bedroom was empty.

Briggs was gone.

Relief and disappointment warred within me.I didn't want to see him, but having my mate, even one who rejected me, close by still brought a measure of twisted comfort.

"Asshole," I muttered bitterly, emerging from my temporary sanctuary.

I needed to pull myself together and figure out my next move.

Chapter 9

Ivy

---