Book Two: Rejecting My Ruthless Alpha Mate

ROXIE

“Achoo!”

I’m arranging flowers when the sneeze hits me. I grab a tissue quickly and cover my mouth. “Are you okay? Coming down with something?” Mom asks, pulling out a tissue for me. “No, someone must be thinking about me,” I joke as I take it.

“You guessed right!” A bright, familiar voice rings out from outside.

Before I can place it, the hospital door swings open and a small girl in a stylish punk leather skirt comes running in, arms wide. “Roxie!”

My face lights up. I set everything down and crouch with open arms. “Nina!” She throws herself into my embrace.

“Nina! Didn’t I tell you not to be so reckless?” Mara follows her in, frowning. “Roxie’s health is fragile right now.”

Hearing that, Nina quickly backs up. “I’m sorry, Roxie. I just missed you so much.”

“It’s fine, really,” I say, ruffling her hair. “She’s just a little girl. How much damage could she do? Don’t be so tense.”

“We still need to be careful,” Mara insists. “Even though you’ve got the surgery scheduled, you still need to take precautions before the operation.”

Mom nods in agreement. “Mara’s right. Listen to her. Your health comes first.” “Alright, alright.” I relent with a smile and pick up a toy to keep Nina occupied. Meanwhile Mara brings out health supplements for Mom and me both.

“Thank you, Mara. You’re so thoughtful,” Mom says, taking her hand. “You arranged this hospital, took care of everything so perfectly. We feel terrible for troubling you so much. We don’t even know how to repay you.”

“Please, let’s not talk about thanks between us,” Mara says earnestly, patting the back of Mom’s hand. “Seeing you and Roxie doing well is the greatest reward for me.”

Mom nods, then glances over at me playing with Nina. Something complicated moves through her eyes.

She covers Mara’s hand with both of hers and says quietly, “Mara, actually — there’s something else I’d like to ask for your help with...”

Outside, the deep blue sky slowly turns gold with the setting sun. Evening light filters through the leaves of the trees.

Nina tires herself out before long and settles on the hospital bed with Mom, the two of them bent over a picture book together.

I want to join them, but Nina’s markers have run dry, so I slip out to buy new ones. Mara falls into step beside me, our arms linking naturally.

“How have you been feeling lately? Still getting morning sickness?” she asks.

“Not anymore. Since coming to Harrowfell, the baby’s been much calmer,” I say, shaking my head, my hand resting lightly on my stomach.

I have a feeling this is going to be a daughter.

I’m surprised by how I’m feeling. When I didn’t know about the pregnancy, my symptoms were brutal—throwing up constantly, dizzy spells, the whole nightmare. But after finding out? They’ve actually gotten better. Especially since leaving Seaville Harbor.

When I was pregnant with Kai, morning sickness landed me in the hospital more times than I can count. And later? He kicked so violently in my womb it felt like he was trying to break through. After seven months, I basically lived in bed, unable to move around without pain shooting through my body.

By comparison, this baby’s been gentle. Peaceful. Calm. It has to be a girl.

Mara agrees—she didn’t suffer much when she was pregnant with Nina either.

“She already cares about her mother,” Mara says with a smile, her gaze dropping to my still-flat stomach.

After a brief pause, she leans closer and asks quietly, “Such a sweet little pup, just like a little angel. Are you really going to give her up?”

No matter how casual Mara’s trying to sound, I see right through it. “My mom sent you to convince me, didn’t she?”

Caught, Mara doesn’t bother pretending. She nods. “Yeah. She doesn’t want you all alone. And this baby seems like she’s going to be adorable.”

I understand Mom perfectly. She wants me to have someone to rely on, wants to help me move past everything that happened.

“But...” My eyes reflect my inner conflict. “I’m afraid of history repeating itself.”

I’m terrified this child might become another Kai. Another heartbreak waiting to happen.

“Not a chance,” Mara objects firmly. “Kai was raised by the Lanes from the start. Luna Celine probably talked bad about you constantly—that’s why he drifted away. If you’d raised him yourself, it would’ve been completely different.”

I know she’s right. Back then, I’d lacked the courage to fight back. Still loved Ravi too much. I could only submit to Celine’s control, let her take my son, let her poison him against me.

Now? I don’t love Ravi anymore. And I won’t silently endure unfair treatment.

Besides, I’ve already left Seaville Harbor and the suffocating Lane pack. I’m embracing a new life.

Maybe this child is a gift for my fresh start.

I press my lips together, my eyes showing both attachment and conflict.

After all, keeping this baby means more planning. I can’t act impulsively just because I want her. There’s still so much to handle.

Mara notices my hesitation and pats my shoulder. “Don’t worry. I’ll arrange doctors for your mom’s full recovery. Just do whatever you need to do. I can handle the rest, no problem.”

Hearing this, I stare at Mara, my throat tightening. “Mara, you’re too good to me...” I’m worried I’ll never be able to repay her kindness.

Mara’s expression turns businesslike. “Hold on. I have conditions, you know. I’m the godmother, right?”

“She can call you Mom if you want,” I laugh through the tears threatening to spill.

Mara breaks into a genuine smile, linking arms with me as we stroll down the street. It’s the most relaxed I’ve felt in ages.

Her newfound peace vanishes the second she spots a black Bentley parked in the distance. Her grip on my arm tightens.

“What’s wrong?” I stop walking and look at her with concern.

“Um, Roxie, I’ve got something urgent to take care of.” Her voice sounds noticeably strained.

Given Mara’s profession, I assume it’s important. “Oh, alright. I’ll go buy the markers for Nina myself.”

“Could you also take Nina home for me? Don’t let her come out, okay?” Mara grips my hand, her expression serious. “You know how scary some obsessed fans can be. If they found out I have a daughter...”

“Don’t worry, I understand.” I nod. “I’ll take Nina home and keep an eye on her. She won’t leave the apartment.”

The security in that apartment is even tighter than the hospital’s.

“Thank you.” Mara turns and walks away, deliberately heading in the opposite direction of the hospital.

I watch her go, confused by the sudden tension in her shoulders.

MARA

I need to get him away from Roxie. Away from the hospital. Away from Eleanor.

My heels click faster against the pavement as I put distance between myself and where I left Roxie. The Bentley’s still there, idling like a predator waiting to pounce.

I’m almost running now, my heart pounding. But two legs can never outrun four wheels.

The black Bentley speeds past me, engine purring, then makes a sharp turn and stops directly in my path. Blocking my escape.

My wolf stirs uneasily beneath my skin. I force her down.

The driver’s window rolls halfway down, revealing a handsome face with silver-rimmed glasses that give him a refined, scholarly appearance.

I know what powerful muscles lie beneath that perfectly pressed suit. I also know the mischievous heart lurking behind his gentlemanly exterior.

“Why are you running?” Elias looks up at me, his glasses catching the light. “Am I some kind of monster? Heartless, Miss Celebrity.”

I instinctively step back, but the hospital’s behind me. I can’t go that way or I’ll lead him directly to Roxie.

I take a deep breath and flash a seductive smile, forcing my racing heart to slow. “Of course not. Just wanted to see if you’d chase me. I like that feeling.”

I give him a flirtatious look and walk around to the passenger side, opening the door. The second I sit down, Elias leans over, grabs my chin with one hand, and kisses me.

I can barely breathe from his forceful advance and try to push him away. “Stop, not here...” “Where?” Elias asks between heavy breaths, deliberately drawing out the word.

We’re in the middle of the street.

I shoot him a glare. He’s shameless and eager.

Elias smirks and holds my jaw, about to continue kissing me. A car behind us honks its horn.

Elias frowns slightly and pulls away from the curb, driving toward a hotel.

I know exactly what he means. My fingers twist the hem of my shirt. “Um, could you not leave any marks on my neck? I have an audition tomorrow.”

“You’re going back to work already?” Elias frowns, his hands steady on the wheel.

My last project just wrapped. Jumping into the next one this fast probably looks suspicious. “Yeah.” I nod, my eyes briefly darting away.

Suddenly, Elias hits the brakes.

I jolt forward against the seatbelt. “Mara, are you avoiding me?”

During the red light, Elias turns to stare at me, his deep eyes scrutinizing me from behind his glasses. His Alpha presence fills the car, oppressive and demanding.

“You’re not planning to ditch your promise to have my pup once you start filming, are you?” He leans back, crossing his arms, watching me like he’s trying to read my every move.