Chapter 8X
BELLA
I rolled my eyes, feeling annoyed again.
“You’re desperate, much?” I replied. “I’m so done.“%
Brad didn’t respond, but I knew he wasn’t going to give up easily.
When we reached Bermuda and got off the ship, Brad texted me again.
This time, he sent me an invitation card with him and Lydia.
My heart twisted with pain, but I pushed the feeling aside.
His caption was “Mom gave her blessings for my union with Lydia.“2
I replied back dryly, “I give my blessings too. You two deserve each other.”
As I looked up, I saw Dax’s best friend, Theo, waiting for us.
He was intimidating, ridiculously handsome, strong, and smelled of power.
Dax and Theo shared a brotherly hug, and then Theo turned to me. His eyes locked onto mine, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. “Oh, hey there, Bella,” he said, his voice deep and smooth. “It’s great to see you again. Welcome to your new home.”
As I stepped into Theo’s large mansion, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe.
The high ceilings, the marble floors, and the intricate chandeliers all screamed luxury and opulence.
I was ushered to my room, a beautiful space with large windows that overlooked the gardens.
The room was decorated in a chic, modern style, with a dominant theme of lilac, my favorite color.
I felt a sense of wonder as I looked around the room. Had Theo somehow known my favorite color? I pushed the thought aside, telling myself it was just a coincidence.
After showering and dressing in fresh clothes, I felt revitalized and ready to face whatever lay ahead.
Just as I was about to sit down and relax, I heard a light tap on my door.
“Come in, I called out.
The door opened, and Theo walked in.
There was something unnerving about his presence, something that made me swallow hard.§
“Hey, settling in nicely?” he asked, his eyes scanning the room.
I nodded, feeling a bit awkward. “Yeah, it’s a really large space, but very chic. And I love the lilac theme. Did you know it was my favorite color?.”Z
Theo’s expression was neutral, but I sensed a flicker of something in his eyes. “Just coincidence, of course,” he said, his voice smooth. “You’re not that special.”
I felt a little jab of hurt, but I forced a smile. “Of course, I said, trying to sound nonchalant.
Theo cleared his throat awkwardly, and I sensed a change in his demeanor. “So, how does it feel to be a free woman?” he asked, his eyes fixed on me.
“Liberating,” I said, playing with the end of my hair. “But I don’t think I’m completely free yet, judging from the fact that my ex–husband followed me to the ship and texted me with a new number after I blocked the last one.”
Theo’s expression turned thoughtful, and he nodded. “That must be a desperate husband. Alpha Brad, right?”
I nodded, feeling quite uneasy. “Yes that’s the one.”
And just out of curiosity, what did you see in him?”
Theo asked, his eyes piercing.”
I was caught off guard, and I hesitated before answering. “Well, uh…I loved him…even when I knew what an asshole he was. And we were arranged together by the elders in the first place, and I thought he could grow to love me over the years.“}
Theo’s expression turned skeptical, and he snorted. “Bullshit. Men don’t grow to love; they immediately love you when they see you or not. And if you knew he didn’t love you the first time, nothing was going to change that.”
I felt a surge of defensiveness, but Theo’s words struck a chord. Maybe I had been a fool to think that Brad could change.
“Maybe I was a big fool then,” I said, feeling regretful.
Theo’s expression softened, and he smiled. “Not entirely, at least you knew when to wise up.“}
I was quiet for a few second staring at him. I couldn’t help but wonder how long I would be staying with him.
“How long am I going to be around?” I asked, calmly.
Theo’s expression turned thoughtful, and he hesitated before answering. “Well, I’m not sure. As long as the mysterious attacks aren’t solved, I’m afraid.”%
I nodded, understanding. “What happens after?” I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.”
“That’s up to you. I’m willing to make you a member of my pack permanently.”
I felt surprised, but Theo continued before I could respond. “I have to ensure your safety forever if you’re willing to help me on something as serious as this.“%
1/2 50.0%
3:47 PM da
“I never want to return to Brad’s pack,” I said, my voice firm.
Theo’s expression turned warm, and he smiled. “Well, that’s a good thing then. You can focus on being that marketing specialist you wanted to be after all this is over.”
I gave him my best grin. “Well, I’d really like that.”
Theo nodded. “Later tonight, I’ll introduce you and Dax to the pack, and we’ll do the necessary rituals. I’m positive they’ll love you.”
“I hope so.“”
His expression turned serious, and he asked, “Hope you blocked your ex–husband’s new number, though?”
I smiled and shook my head. “I might have to get a new SIM, though. I think he’ll still try to reach me.“}
Theo raised an eyebrow. “I don’t get it, though. Isn’t there some other chick he loves? Dax mentioned it… Laura or Lana?“}
I corrected him, feeling irked at the mention of that mistress. “Lydia. And yeah, so I don’t understand why he wants me back.”
“Maybe his ego was bruised, and he didn’t think you’d rebel against him like that. Controlling men like him hate when things change.”
“It was so suffocating to be with him. I never want to be in that position again.“}
Theo’s eyes locked onto mine, and he smiled. “You won’t be. I promise.”
I smiled back, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Theo.
There was a warmth I felt from him, a sense of kindness and understanding that I had never experienced with Brad.
Theo broke the silence, his voice smooth. “Alright, enough of the sad stories. Let’s go have dinner and celebrate your coming.“}
As we walked out of the room, I felt a sense of hope, just maybe, I had found a new beginning.”
2/2
