Page 37 of The Alpha's Chosen Fate

Ha!The consequences of my captivity were my fault now?

Inside, Rieka whined and scratched, desperate to escape these confining walls.

We need to get out, Ivy.

I squeezed my eyes shut.I know, I'm sorry.Just hold on a little longer, okay?

She whined again.Please.

Guilt settled in my gut.Confinement was terrible for a human, but it was basically torture for a wolf.

Briggs's voice came again, softer now."It doesn't have to be for long.Rieka needs to be outside, even if only for a few minutes."

With an aggravated huff, I pushed up from my chair and marched to the door.

Rieka's relief momentarily doused my irritation.But when I yanked the door open to find Briggs waiting, something twisted painfully in my chest at the sight of him.

He looked so earnest, so hopeful, those piercing blue eyes entreating mine.

I hardened my expression and brushed past him without a word, thankful the stairs were close by.When I hit the bottom step, the scent of coffee, bacon, and something sweet made my mouth water.

Briggs cleared his throat behind me.“Would you like to eat breakfast with me before—”

“No.”

The front door was easy enough to find.Stepping out onto the porch, I took a deep cleansing breath of fresh morning air.

It helped.A lot.

It also helped that Briggs didn’t speak while I took it all in.

Huh.Maybe he wasn’t going to ruin every second of my time outdoors after all.

More relaxed, I hurried off the porch and headed straight for the nearest path.Tall trees loomed over its entrance, like an archway to welcome us into the forest.

I’d forgotten how much I’d loved wandering Darkwood.It had been my home forever.My home until …

Nope.Not going there.

My jailor caught up as I reached the trail.I looked around to see if any pack enforcers were nearby in case I tried to run off.

I didn’t sense anyone.It was just me and the Alpha.

I did nothing to acknowledge Briggs's presence beside me.But I felt it—felthim—like a soft current dancing along my skin.

Being out here, surrounded by the soothing scent of home, close to my mate, was soothing to my frayed nerves.That was, as long as I didn’t think too hard about things.

I’d been on guard all day every day for two years.Not having to worry about being attacked or defending my territory lifted my spirits.

It could always be like this, my wolf offered.

Rieka wanted to mate with Onyx and I didn’t blame her.All the blame was attached to the man who’d hurt us.

Lost in my thoughts, we walked on, winding our way deeper into the heart of the forest.Still, neither of us spoke.

Just as I was accepting the peaceful silence between us, Briggs had to go and break it."Ivy, I—"

"Don't," I bit out, my voice harsh even to my own ears."I didn't come out here to talk to you."

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