Alpha Alexander’s POV
Vanessa’s eyes locked onto mine, a tumultuous mix of shock and indignation in her expression. I maintained my cool demeanor, my features a mask of nonchalance that belied the turmoil beneath the surface.
"You're here. What a parasite," she spat, her voice taut with restrained anger. "What are you doing here?"
I arched an eyebrow, a sardonic smirk twitching at the corner of my lips. "I could ask you the same question. Running away, Vanessa? I didn't take you for the fleeing type."
Her jaw clenched, the muscles working visibly beneath the surface as she squared her shoulders, her defiance palpable. She had always been like this, but around her late teenage years, she became milder, probably due to her parents.
"I didn't run away," she shot back, her words laced wi
