Torn Between Mates

#15 Decision

"Ella, you have to take part in the event," Loui insisted. "Just think, this is payback for the dress."

"I am not interested. Hell, I am not even fit enough." Ella explained for the umpteenth time, beginning to lose her temper. What was so hard to understand was that she didn't want to take part in it anymore. The event only brought her danger. Plus, she didn't want to get involved between the two alphas. She kept getting into troubled waters, no matter how hard she tried to stay aloof.

Loui scoffed in annoyance. This won't work. She had noticed how much Levi and Riven were paying attention to her. So, she had made a plan for her. She had bribed one of the wolves to take her on a date and make fake promises. On the last day, he would back out. It should be a proper lesson to keep her on the ground where she belongs.

"What is going on? Guests are everywhere." Levi intervened, looking a little suspicious. He knew Loui hated Ella. He didn't know why, but it was the case with everyone in his pack.

He had no right to stop anyone when he was the one who started it. When he hit puberty, he felt attracted to Ella outside of everyone. He dated other hot girls, but no one could stir his heart like her. Everyone hated her. Yet she blossomed into a strong woman. At first glance, it might appear she was meek. But he knew she could survive everything they put her to because she was strong like a rock. It only made him like her more in secrecy. But there was no way he could show his affections. No one would accept him as his alpha if he chose a lowly omega like Ella. So, he hid his feelings under a layer of hatred and pretension. And with time, the more he liked her, the more he bullied her. It was his way to suppress his feelings.

But since Riven started showing interest in Ella, Levi began to dwindle. He was jealous most of the time of the warmth and understanding the two shared. No one had ever spared a glance at Ella because of her past. No one wanted to get associated with her. But Riven overlooked everything and befriended her, despite her appearance and rank. It wasn't like Ella wasn't beautiful. She was the most beautiful girl in his school. Girls, especially Loui, got jealous of her even if she was an outcast. They started giving her more work, and slowly but steadily, she was made to take on more and more responsibilities, making her lean and undernourished.

Levi later assigned her kitchen duties of the packhouse, hoping she would eat healthily when no one was around. He even kept fruit and meat. But the girl was stupid. He shifted to the packhouse under the pretense of living closer to the wolves. He intervened whenever he saw wolves bullying Ella or making fun of her. He gave her some tedious work that would keep her away from everyone. It was his way of protecting her from hurtful remarks. But he didn't realize it was also scarring her. She began to feel aloof and unwanted.

Levi had assumed that no one would ever want Ella romantically. So he could have her under his control for his whole life. Once he becomes the official alpha and has a well-deserving Luna, he intends to take Ella as his mistress. But all his plans were shattered to pieces when Riven walked into her life. He knew something was blooming between them from how Riven looked at Ella when she wasn't looking in his direction. His eyes were full of admiration, confusion, and awe like she was the most precious thing. It is how a man looks at a woman he loves.

"Brother!" Loui pouted, sulking a bit. "Ella doesn't want to take part in the event anymore. She is no fun!" She purposefully told him so that he could stop having stupid ideas if he was having any.

"So? It was her wish. Isn't it better for her not to wander everywhere and bring more trouble? Because of her, the entire pack is in trouble. She keeps getting hurt, and somehow alpha Riven gets involved. Do you know how much work I have to do? And all I have to do is babysit her to save our pack's image." Levi grunted, venting out all his pent-up frustration. But on the inside, a sense of relief washed over him. It was the best decision Ella had taken. With this, he no longer has to worry about the event. He can sort his thoughts after the event. Maybe things will go back to how they were. He was convinced that Ella didn't like Riven. Or perhaps he said something too hurtful. Otherwise, why would she want to withdraw? Whatever the reason was, he didn't care. It served him fully.

It shocked everyone. Ella's jaws hung low as she gawked at him in shock. Wasn't he the one who was confusing her with his sudden actions? And now he has the audacity to say he was saying he did it out of pity? Who the hell did he think he was? Was she some plaything?

Loui felt like a wave of relief ushered through her. She suspected her brother's sudden change in behavior. He was unnecessarily attending Ella. But now that she understood his reason, she could apprehend it. He was the new alpha. Of course, he can't let an injured wolf be unattended, especially with Riven's involvement. It was all a facade. Loui twisted her lips, smirking at Elise to mock her.

"Since you don't want to take part, there is no reason for you to cause more trouble. I don't want you to leave the packhouse. It seems like you are some danger magnet." Levi hailed.

Seir's eyes widened in shock. He was back to his usual self, hurting her pride and making her feel like she was a sheer nuisance. It made her even more hurt. She had begun to believe he had some unwarranted emotions for her, which had stirred her heart even without realizing it. She knew she had an inclination for Riven too. Of course, they were both unattainable. What was she thinking?

"Of course!" Ella boomed, looking him in the eye for the first time while replying to him.

It startled him, making him restless. There was so much hurt and pain in her unique purple orbs. It made a vacuum in his heart. He wanted to take back his words or tell her how much she meant to him. But he couldn't do it either. He can't afford to lose his position because of Ella. No one will respect him if he chooses her. After all, she was an orphan found near the dead bodies of the rogues.

But that didn't mean he had control over his feelings. It tore him apart when he realized Ella was no longer afraid to show her emotions to him. She must have felt something when he was openly showering her with attention. It must have led her to this. It was his fault that he could not control his emotions because of jealousy. How was he supposed to handle himself when another alpha male carried her in his arms twice in an unconscious state? He should be the one to save her or touch her. How was he supposed to let another man share a dance with her when she looked heavenly? It was beyond his imagination.

"I am going to my room now that it is decided!" Ella whined, walking past Levi, frowning, almost breaking into tears. She wanted to go for a run. But she can't do it, especially in a dangerous situation in the forest. Everyone was prohibited from going inside the forest before the final chase. They patrolled the area to ensure safety before the concluding day. Riven had even ordered some of his wolves to help Levi.

Ella was on her way out when everything came to a standstill except for a few faint murmurs. Everyone was eyeing in a particular direction. Ella scoffed. She was done with the event. She wouldn't let anything make her curious and falter. She didn't want to see whatever they were all looking at and gossiping about. But it amused her when Loui let out an audible grunt, storming off, pushing her a little in anguish. Ella gawked in annoyance, looking at the line everyone was watching. A few other girls were standing in front of her, blocking her view.

Ella pushed her way to see it. Her jaws hung open, a pang of pain poking into her heart when she saw Riven with Chloe. She linked her arms with his, looking at him dreamily. They were laughing about something. The way she moved around him was enough of a warning to other unmated female wolves that he was her man. No one could dare to walk that casually with Riven and laugh without a care. She was confident in whatever she was doing.

Ella could clearly see Riven's face. He had a faint smile. But he didn't stop Chloe from doing whatever she was doing. She felt betrayed. He, too, was a player.

Ella froze in her place in stupefaction when Riven's eyes connected with her out of the blue. He looked much more handsome, like a Greek God, in person. Better than the magazines and photos flooding the internet with his photos. It bewitched her when their eyes locked, even for a brief second. Her heartbeat rose when she drowned in his deep, dark eyes. His messy, raven black hair accentuated his casual look. The black shirt fitted like a second skin to him, roughly showing his chiseled torso and spectacular build. He was extraordinary. Ravishing. But that moment of admiration lasted only for a few seconds. Chloe ruffled his hair, laughing brightly at him. Riven shifted his gaze to her, giving her his full attention. Ella felt like a sharp knife stabbing her heart. She turned to leave in agony. But her eyes fell on Levi. He was staring at her. Why? Didn't he say she was a troublemaker? Was he ensuring she wouldn't do something stupid?

She groaned. She really was stupid. Why was she rejecting her opportunity of finding a mate because of those two assholes? They were only thinking about themselves while playing with her feelings. She looked up, taking a deep breath. She walked up to Levi and looked him in the eye, making him falter. He fell for her again.

"I changed my mind. I am still participating in the event." Ella didn't wait for Levi to respond. She ran. But she was determined to come back better. She would make these two feel regret because of their choice.