Chapter 121: Alpha's Forbidden Desire
Reika and Kael were finally getting into the rhythm and just fitting into this community of desert wolves. Reika was the darling of the household, fitting so well with the villagers, making a sweetheart with everyone because of the peace she had introduced and has tried to teach them to farm and raise livestock.
Soon Reika's beauty began to attract the alpha of sand werewolf: a beast by the name of Darius. Strong and broad-shouldered, he commanded a respected presence in his pack. The mention of his name upon their lips would silence the noisiest crowd. He was a man respected for his strengths, his wisdom, his loyalty to the people, and most especially to his wife, Zara, whom he held in high regard.
Darius watched her across his lair, her light melodious laughter; she worked right with the women, and there was that something within that drew him to her-a quiet strength.
He told himself that it was just a harmless appreciative admiration, but yet soon, in weeks he was already falling for Reika.
She was on her knees in the hot soil one afternoon, her hands placing seeds alongside the other women. Darius appeared beside her. His shadow fell across her and she lifted her head to look up, one hand rising automatically to shade her eyes from the sun.
"Alpha Darius," she said again with her formal tone.
Darius gave her a slight smile. "Reika, I can tell you have been putting in a lot of effort. Those crops are looking healthier now than they have in a while. You have a gift."
Reika wiped her hands on her skirt and rose to her feet, "Thank you, Alpha. I do have some experience with farming. It's a satisfying work."
"It suits you," Darius said, staring at her face."You bring life with you wherever you go."
Reika shifted under the weight of his eyes feeling quite uncomfortable. "That's very kind of you to say, but I'm just doing what I can to help."
"You're more than that," Darius said softly. "You're remarkable."
Reika cleared her voice and said. "That is very kind of you, Alpha, but I really do think that the people here are special tool-they have life within this desolate wasteland."
A low chuckle, Darius's eyes deceived the seriousness of his tone. "Perhaps. Still, not all do travel across wastes and selflessly act like you do. You've won them over, Reika. You've earned mine too."
But her heart wasn't fluttering, she said "I'm Grateful, Alpha, for your considerations; I just want only to live quietly and help when I can."
Darius nodded; a slight, arched smile tracing his lips, yet his eyes stayed on her."Of course, anything at all, Reika-anything you only have to ask."
"I appreciate that," Reika replied shortly.
One evening, as villagers sat around the fire for dinner, Darius joined Reika, seated with some women. His wife, Zara, was not present but was attending to a sick child in another tent.
"Reika," Darius said, settling beside her. "You have quite grown in favor among them. All speak well of you."
Reika forced a polite smile. 'That's kind of them. The people here have been nothing but welcoming to Kael and me."
Darius leaned slightly closer, his voice lowering. 'It's more than that. You've brought something special to this village. Something it's been missing."
Reika shifted slightly, maintaining her composure. 'I think the village was already special, Alpha. It's your leadership that holds it together."
There was the slightest edge in Darius's tone, that laughed low in his throat. "You are so modest. It is part of your charm."
Kael narrowed his gaze on the sight; only feet away. Kael watched day-to-day as one frustration piled in atop the other-while his weariness bore thinner and more tolerant. Releasing a seated lean, forward into a step in neutral on the face but unmistakable in place.
"Alpha," he said smoothly. "I would hate to be interrupting
Darius straightened, his smile thinning a little. "Not at all, Kael. We were just talking."
Kael's gaze flicked to Reika, his eyes with a protective glint. "Reika, could you help me with something in the tent? It will not take so long."
Relieved, Reika rose. "Of course." She turned with a polite nod to Darius. "Excuse me, Alpha.
As they walked away from them, Kael leaned into Reika and whispered, "He's getting bolder."
Reika blew a slow breath. "I know. But what is there to be done? He is the alpha. We dare not bring our faces under unwanted attention."
"We shall sort it ourselves," Kael asserted. "You don't have to deal with it all on your own."
The next morning, Darius found Reika near the enclosures holding the small stock, trying to feed a sickly goat. Conflicted, his face almost a battlefield against something inner, Darius neared.
Reika stood up and wiped her hands on a cloth. "What about?" Rare for him, Darius did seem to falter; his jaw clenched. "I. I don't seem to stop thinking of you. I know it's wrong, but I just can't help myself." Reika felt her stomach drop; she had feared this moment, though she'd hoped it would never come. "Alpha, I respect you and your position, but this has to stop. I'm here as a guest in your village, nothing more."
Darius leaned in closer, imploring, "You don't understand, there's something about you, something I cannot seem to ignore. I know I'm married, but-"
"Enough," Reika cut firmly into his bent head. "I won't betray your wife or the trust this village has placed in me. Please, Alpha, do not put me in this position."
Frustration clouded Darius's features, but before he could get his reply out, a voice cut through the tension.
"Alpha," Zara called, approaching from the path. Her face was impassive, but her keen eyes flicked from him to Reika and back again. "There's a matter that needs your attention."
Darius straightened up, his mask of command falling into place once more. "Of course," he said tightly, shooting Reika one last look before walking away with Zara.
She let out a shaky breath, her hands still in trembling. It was far from over, she knew, but for once she promised herself she would stand against the storm for her sake and that of the life growing inside her.