ALICE
I sit in my room, lost in thought, as I reflect on the events of the past few days. It’s become painfully clear that my parents don’t truly care for me, their affection reserved solely for my brother. Even Lorenzo and Cameron, my supposed mates, have grown distant, their love for me no longer as strong as it once was. Cameron’s apology text days ago feels hollow, a mere bandage on a gaping wound. After the pointed questions he asked me, I know it’s only a matter of time before he turns against me completely. And it’s all that bitch Hannah’s fault. No one else is to blame for my misery but her.
I need to make her pay, to exact revenge for everything she’s stolen from me. Killing her is out of the question, but there has to be some way to make her suffer as I have suffered.
My vengeful musings are suddenly interrupted by the insistent ringing of my phone. An unknown number flashes on the screen, and I decline the call with an irritated huff. But the caller is persistent, redialing immediately. I decline again, only to have the phone ring a third time. Curiosity getting the better of me, I decide to answer, if only to give whoever it is a piece of my mind.
“Hello, Alice. How are you?” The voice on the other end is familiar, tugging at the edges of my memory, but I can’t quite place it.
“I’m good. Who am I speaking to?” I ask, my tone clipped with annoyance.
“Do I really have to introduce myself? I thought you were smart enough to recognize my voice immediately.” The condescension dripping from their words sets my teeth on edge.
I roll my eyes, already fed up with this stranger’s games. “I can see you don’t actually wish to talk. Goodbye.” I pull the phone from my ear, ready to end the call, but their following words stop me cold.
“If you hang up, you won’t get what you desire.” The promise in their tone piques my interest, staying my hand.
“And what is it you think I desire?” I ask a hint of challenge in my voice.
“Alex,” they growl, and suddenly, I know exactly who I’m talking to. A slow smile spreads across my lips, triumph blooming in my chest. I knew he’d come crawling back eventually.
“Collins, how exactly do you plan to give me what I desire?” I purr, twirling a strand of hair around my finger.
“Why don’t we meet and discuss it in person?” he suggests, his voice low and conspiratorial.
“Sure. I’ll send you an address and let you know the time.” I hang up before he can respond, giddy with anticipation. Something tells me things are about to get very interesting, and I can hardly wait to see how it all unfolds.
I spend the rest of the morning holed up in my room, carefully selecting a restaurant and time for my rendezvous with Collins. But as the hours drag on, boredom begins to set in, and I decide to pay Lorenzo and Cameron a visit at work.
I slip out of my loungewear and into an outfit that screams edgy seduction. The slinky black mini dress hugs my curves like a second skin, the sheer stockings making my legs look endlessly long. An oversized black coat falls past my knees, adding a touch of drama to the ensemble. Chunky black boots with serious attitude complete the look, making me feel powerful and untouchable as I strut out of my room.
I pull into the dimly lit underground parking garage, the hum of the engine fading into silence as I find a vacant spot. With a quick glance at my surroundings, I step out of the car and make my way towards the elevator, a catchy tune playing on repeat in my mind. As the doors slide open, I step inside, the soft ding signaling my ascent to Cameron’s floor. Lorenzo works in a different department, so I will see him afterward.
The elevator ride is brief, but my anticipation builds with each passing floor. Stepping out onto the polished hallway, my heels echo against the tiled floor. The hallway stretches before me, lined with closed office doors and the occasional potted plant.
Approaching Cameron’s office, his secretary is nowhere to be seen, probably out to lunch. I knock on the door, ready to surprise my mate with an impromptu visit.
“Come in,” Cameron calls from inside. I reach for the doorknob, but the door swings open before I can turn it, revealing a face I never expected to see.
“Mila,” I say, my eyes widening in shock as I take in the sight of Cameron’s ex-girlfriend standing before me.
“Alice,” she replies, a saccharine smile plastered across her face.
My features quickly shift into a polite, surprised expression. “It’s been so long. How are you?” I ask, determined to hide how rattled I feel by her sudden appearance. She couldn’t have picked a worse time to return home. Things between Cameron and me are rocky. The last thing I need is his ex-girlfriend; he was crazy about showing up and making a mess of everything. I need to play it cool. Show Cameron that I’m cool enough to take the return of his ex-girlfriend well.
“Good, and you?” Her smile doesn’t reach her eyes, the insincerity of it grating on my nerves.
I part my lips to respond, but she cuts me off with a wave of her hand. “Wait, don’t answer that.” Her eyes glitter with malice. “Probably still stealing people’s boyfriends, right? Or is it just mates now?”
A dark chuckle escapes me as I shake my head in disbelief. This bitch really thinks she can rile me up and make me lose my composure while Cameron is just feet away. No, I’m not going to let her win that easily. Two can play at her little game.
“Oh, Mila, why would you say something so hurtful?” I gasp, placing a dramatic hand over my heart. Fake tears spring to my eyes, and I let one roll down my cheek for good measure.
“Because it’s the truth, you conniving bitch,” she spits, venom dripping from every word.
“No, it’s not!” I cry, my voice trembling with feigned distress. “How could you be so cruel?”
Right on cue, Cameron bursts out of his office, rushing to my side. His arms wrap around me protectively as he glares at Mila. “What the fuck did you do to her?” he demands, his eyes scanning my body for any sign of injury.
I let out a choked sob, sagging against him as if overcome by emotion. Mila’s jaw drops, her gaze darting between us in utter disbelief. I fight the urge to smirk, instead burying my face in Cameron’s chest.
“She hurt me, Cameron,” I whimper, my lower lip quivering. “She said such terrible things.”
Cameron’s grip on me tightens, his fury palpable. “Why the hell would you do that, Mila? Don’t insult my mate just because you’re still bitter about our breakup.”
Mila reels back as if slapped, her hand flying to her chest. I peek up at her through my lashes, letting her see the triumphant gleam in my eyes. She shakes her head, a harsh laugh tearing from her throat.
“I thought the slap I gave you the other day would’ve knocked some sense into you, Cameron. But I guess I was wrong. You never fail to disappoint me.”
Her words hit their mark, and I feel Cameron stiffen against me. Something flickers in his eyes, a hint of doubt that has my blood boiling with rage. I can’t let this bitch get under his skin, not now, not ever.
“Mila, there’s no need to be so bitter just because Cameron ended things with you,” I say, my voice dripping with false sympathy. I place a comforting hand on her arm. “The best way to move on is to forgive and forget. Let go of that grudge, honey.”
She jerks away from my touch as if burned. “Don’t you fucking dare touch me,” she snarls, her eyes flashing with hatred.
I give her a small, understanding smile. “It’s okay. Take your time to heal,” I coo, playing the role of the magnanimous victor.
Mila ignores me, turning her attention back to Cameron. “I’m not bitter, just disgusted that this fool” -she jabs a finger in his direction- “is too blind to see you for the manipulative bitch you are. It’s sad because he’s a good person, and you sure as hell don’t deserve him.”
“And you think you do, honey?” I ask, arching a brow in challenge.
Mila falls silent, her gaze locked on Cameron’s. The air between them crackles with unspoken history, and I feel a flicker of unease in my gut. After what feels like an eternity, she sighs, her shoulders slumping in defeat.
“He doesn’t deserve me either,” she says quietly, the words heavy with resignation. Then, without another glance in our direction, she turns on her heel and walks away.
I let out a shaky breath, spinning to face Cameron. “Please, just hold me,” I plead, wrapping my arms around his neck. “I was so scared she was going to hurt me. Thank the moon goddess she didn’t.”
He pulls me close, but I can tell his mind is elsewhere, Mila’s parting shot still ringing in his ears. A sickening unease settles in the pit of my stomach as I realize Mila’s presence could very well unravel everything I’ve so carefully constructed. This can’t be allowed to happen – not after I’ve come this far.
Steeling my resolve, I refuse to let this temporary setback dampen my spirits. Not when I have my dinner date with Collins to look forward to. Something tells me that tonight, the tides will turn in my favor once more.
And when they do, Hannah had better watch her back. Because I’m coming for her mate, and this time, I won’t stop until I have Alex kissing the ground I walk on.