Page 45 of Stalked By the Alphas
I can see my words having the desired effect. Zach’s shoulders relax slightly, the furrow in his brow easing.
“A pack,” he murmurs.
“Exactly. Let Carter establish himself as her protector, her safe haven. We’ll keep up the pressure from afar - nothing too overt, just enough to keep her off-balance and reliant on Carter. Then, when the time is right, we’ll step in as the cavalry, her long-lost friends coming to support her in her time of need.”
Zach nods slowly, his expression thoughtful, so I press on.
“Her fragile mental state makes her more susceptible to suggestion, more likely to doubt her own perceptions. We can shape her reality, bit by bit.”
“That sounds dangerous,” Zach says, a note of concern in his voice.
I wave away his worry. “We’re not going to harm her, Zach. We’re going to heal her. Sometimes, the process of healing can be uncomfortable, but the end result will be worth it. Hazel will be whole again, part of our pack where she belongs.”
Zach seems to accept this. Some of the tension leaves his body, but he is still like a cat on a hot tin roof. Anysudden moves and I dread to think what will happen. “Okay. I can work with that.”
“Good man,” I say approvingly. “Now, let’s finish getting this place ready. Carter and Hazel could be back any minute.”
Carter may think he’s changing the game, but he’s just given me new pieces to play with. In the end, the outcome will be the same. Hazel will be ours, body and soul, and this time, she’ll never leave us again.
I glance at my watch, noting the time. Carter should be bringing her here soon. Time to set the stage for the next act in our little drama.
“Zach,” I call out. “I think we’re done here. Let’s clear out before they arrive.”
He nods, and a thrill races through me. Everything is falling into place, albeit not precisely how we had originally planned. But adaptability has always been one of my strengths.
I give the living room one last sweeping glance, ensuring everything looks suitably lived in yet not too perfect.
“Remember,” I say to Zach when we head for the door, “for now, we stay in the background. Let Carter establish himself as Hazel’s primary support. We’ll make our move when the time is right.”
Zach nods, his expression a mix of resignation and determination. “And when will that be?”
I smile, patting him on the shoulder. “Trust me, we’ll know. For now, let’s focus on maintaining the pressurefrom afar. We can come up with some ideas and maybe have a bit of competition while we’re at it?”
The fire blasts into Zach’s eyes like a comet. The thought of making this into a competition for Hazel’s attention, however sinister, has sent a rocket up his arse. “Yes, let’s do this.”
I take a deep breath of the warm afternoon air. The street is quiet and peaceful. No one would suspect the elaborate game being played behind these ordinary walls.
“What now?” Zach asks as we walk outside.
“Now,” I say, sliding into the driver’s seat of my car as Zach hovers by the rented van, “we wait. And we watch. Always watch.”
29
HAZEL
I lookup at Carter with a stiff smile as I unlock my front door. I’ve never had anyone in here before, so this feels intrusive of my personal space. When we step inside, I close the door and lead him into the lounge.
He looks around with a soft smile before he returns his gaze to me. “I love this. It’s very you.”
“Thanks,” I mutter. “Uhm, feel free to grab a drink or whatever from the kitchen while I go and pack.”
He nods but doesn’t move as I move quickly away from him and his damned alpha scent that is affecting me in ways it has no right to. Shaking my head as I open my wardrobe, I pull out the small suitcase on wheels and fling it on the bed. I throw in some clothes for work, some pyjamas, some casual clothes for hanging around in, and then move to my dressing table. Pulling open the underwear drawer, I grab some knickers and a couple of bras and throw them in as well. I pause, chewing my lip and then open the drawerfurther to reveal the sexy lingerie I have never worn at the back. I only bought it to make myself feel good, but the opportunity never really presented itself. I grab a pair of black lacy knickers, wondering what on earth I’m thinking when I stop dead. They are folded and stuck together. Frowning, I pull them apart and then drop them.
“Eww. What is that?” I mutter, staring down at the crispy white flakes stuck to the fabric. Picking them up gingerly, I throw them in the laundry hamper, wondering when I will even get a chance to wash them.
“Need any help?” Carter asks from the doorway.
I jump a mile and shake my head. “No. I’m just contemplating that I need to do some laundry.”
