Chapter 16
Aveline blinked in surprise. What were the odds? How did he end up in the very car she thought she’d booked?
Even Alistair looked mildly taken aback, his one brow lifting with quiet curiosity.
Without thinking, she blurted out, “What are you doing here?”
Alistair raised a brow, his tone dry and just slightly amused. “Ms. Russell, if you needed a ride, my driver would’ve been happy to take you. But climbing into my car like this? A bit bold, don’t you think? Or is this a habit of yours–confusing cars… or people?”
Meeting his deep, unreadable gaze, Aveline finally realized her mistake–she’d entered the wrong car.
At that moment, her wolf stirred from its slumber, pacing excitedly within her. “Mate. Our mate.”
Aveline clenched her jaw, fighting the overwhelming urge to close the distance between them.
This was bad. She hadn’t checked the plate–just saw the same model and color as the one she’d booked and got in without thinking. She never expected to mess up like this.
Still, did he have to be so sharp–tongued about it? Then again, thinking back, she did owe him an apology.
Taking a breath, she composed herself. “I’m sorry, Mr. Briggs. I didn’t realize this was your car. My mistake. I’ll get our
But just as her hand touched the door handle, Alistair’s voice stopped her.
“Wait.”
She turned, puzzled. “Yes, Alpha Alistair?”
She’d already apologized. Surely he wouldn’t dwell on something this minor? His gaze carried a quiet weight–so intense it felt suffocating, even though he hadn’t raised his voice.
Iler wolf grew more restless, but she maintained what little composure she had left. Watching his expresion, she couldn’t help wondering–was be actually upset? Just because of this? Or was it something more?
Alistair spoke in his usual calm, deliberate tone. “I saw the note in the jacket you returned. Frankly, since I gave it to you. I was expecting it back Ms. Russell, I think you know perfectly well that you’re my fated mate, but that changes nothing in my eyes. Tid rather yona focus on yuaT responsibilities. The least you can do is show some professionalism.”
His words caught her off guard. Did he really think she’d left her number in some desperate attempt to flur? That she got into his car today on purpose?
She opened her mouth to explain, but he had already stepped out of the car, leaving her in silence.
Heat rose to Aveline’s cheeks. How could she even begin to explain that night?
Even though the mate bond had drawn them together, she had to admit it was still reckless behavior on her part.
Better left forgotten. Some things just couldn’t be talked away. She slipped into the correct car this time and slumped into the back seat with a heavy sigh.
When she arrived at the research institute, she got straight to work, sorting through her things
Maren, who was helping nearby, swung a cabinet door open and accidentally whacked the back of Aveline’s head.
Alarmed, Maren gently pulled her hand aside to take a look.
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Betrayed by Her Ex, Marked By the Alpha King
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Chapter 16
The area was red, already swelling, with a few spots of blood seeping out–even with a werewolf’s enhanced healing, it looked worse than expected.
Maren gasped. “Oh no, Aveline! That looks bad. We have to get you to a hospital now.”
Aveline winced but waved her off. “It’s okay, really. No need for the hospital. I’ll be fine. And it’s not your fault.”
Not her fault? Maren hesitated, then remembered Aveline had said she was going to see Jaxson earlier.
Her expression darkened. She grabbed Aveline’s shoulders. “Tell me the truth. Did that scumbag alpha lay a hand on you?”
Once Aveline had regained her balance, she quietly explained what had gone down at Jaxson’s company. “Maren, don’t stress. I promise it’s not serious. I’ll be fine in a few days.”
But Maren wasn’t pacified. She was fuming. “Unbelievable! You’re his mate–how dare he hit you over some other woman?”
Watching Maren rage, Aveline’s lips tightened.
Yes. Because of that woman from Stormwasteland Pack, her mate had actually shoved her.
When had he turned into this kind of man?
Or maybe… he’d always been like this, and she’d just been too blind to see it.
While she stood lost in thought, her phone suddenly rang. Maren glanced at the screen and scowled. It was Jaxson.
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