Approaching Alpha Zeke Sterne

Chapter 7: My Mate

Carlos stood there, staring at Alexander with wide eyes. I doubted he had recognized me yet. “I'm sorry Mr. Merrick, I didn't mean to interrupt…"

Goddess, what did Carlos think was happening? But then, based on how close Alexander's face was to mine and his reputation, it wasn't hard to imagine what was going through Carlo's mind.

“Let go, you pervert!" I struggled to break from Alexander's hold, but failed this time.

“Mi-Mira?!" Carlos stuttered, finally noticing me. Alexander smirked, yet his grip on me was not loosening.

“Ah, Mira. What a beautiful name," he drawled, his voice dripping with insincerity as he nodded to Carlos, “Thank you for telling me that, my friend."

“Your secret is safe with me," I whispered through my gritted teeth, making sure that only Alexander could hear. “I promise I won't tell anyone. So now let go of me!"

“Not so fast yet." Clearly, Alexander didn't mind having Carlos as audience, “Well, now you owe me twice. How are you planning to repay my favors?"

What? Was this guy serious? I countered instantly, “I didn't ask for help. Both times were your own choices!"

Alexander's grin only grew wider. As I tried to wriggle free, he skillfully wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me tightly against his chest.

“Did you really think I'd let an angel like you get away from me two times in a row?" he asked teasingly. I was sure he intentionally said it loud enough for Carlos to hear.

My heart pounded in my chest as I struggled against his hold, feeling both frustrated and unnerved by his unexpected prowess.

“Let go of me," I demanded again. I could feel his breath on my neck, sending shivers down my spine but I just couldn't break free. The bastard was a master grappler.

Carlos finally snapped back and cleared his throat. “Mr. Merrick, your parents have sent for you. They said they need you to be ready for the big announcement."

For a split second, Alexander's grip on my arm loosened. I took the opportunity to elbow him under his ribs and finally was able to stumble away from him.

Although I was quite sure I had bruised him just now, Alexander didn't seem offended; instead, his intense blue gaze on me only deepened. However, this time he remained silent. He stepped back, turned around, and walked out of the room. It was only then that I finally let out a sigh of relief.

“Thank goodness he's gone!" I told Carlos, “You're my savior!"

Carlos leaned in, worry written all over his face. “So," Carlos began hesitantly, “Joshua... is Alexander?"

I shook my head.

“No?" He looked puzzled. “Then why did he…"

“I wish I knew, Carlos."

“But he acted like he knew you, didn't he?" Carlos pressed.

I didn't want to confuse Carlos further. Honestly, I was still trying to make sense of Alexander's behavior and his intentions myself. “Carlos, like you said, he's a playboy. You can't really apply your logic to someone like that."

“But what if he lays eyes on you? I heard that not many women can resist his charm, but they all ended up being heartbroken."

Like everyone else, Carlos saw Alexander as a playboy, but based on my interaction with Alexander tonight, the playboy facade may just be his disguise. I doubt he was the type to indulge in relationships just for fun.

I smiled reassuringly at Carlos, “Don't worry, I'm pretty sure he's not interested in me like that."

“But—"

He was interrupted by the noise that erupted from the dining hall.

“What's going on?" I asked. The loud applause and women shrieking in excitement made it difficult to converse with Carlos.

“Probably Alexander's fans. Or maybe that big announcement they mentioned. Do you know what it's about?"

I knew exactly what it was: Alexander was supposed to propose to Jane at the party. However, I had promised Alexander I'd keep his secret, so I shouldn't say anything. I shook my head and told Carlos, “No idea, but I bet we'll find out soon enough."

“True," he nodded. “Well, let's get back to the party. I don't want to miss it."

I nodded and followed him out. However, as we entered the dining hall, I couldn't shake the nagging feeling that something was about to go wrong.

Under the glittering chandeliers, Beta Allen took center stage, his voice booming across the room. “Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for coming."

The crowd quieted down as all the spotlights focused on Beta Allen. He continued, “Tonight, we have gathered here to celebrate my beautiful daughter's twenty-first birthday and her coming of age."

He raised his wine glass and gestured to Jane, “Happy birthday, Jane!"

The guests went along with him.

“Happy birthday, Miss Allen!"

“Happy birthday, wish you longevity and prosperity!"

Beta Allen waited until the wishful murmurs quieted down before he spoke again. “In addition to that, we also would like to share some exciting news with all of you!"

The anticipation in the room was palpable, the guests murmuring amongst themselves. My senses were on high alert and I felt a tight knot form in my stomach.

“Without further ado," Beta Allen smiled, and gestured towards the crowd, “I'd like to invite our beloved Mr. Alexander Merrick to the stage!"

As if summoned, Alexander emerged from the crowd, his gaze sweeping the room before fixing on me with an unreadable look. When our eyes met, he let out a meaningful chuckle, setting off another wave of screams from the women.

“Thank you, Beta Allen," Alexander began, his voice smooth and confident. “Today, I indeed have an important announcement that will surely surprise everyone here."

He paused dramatically, and the crowd held its breath. I looked towards Jane, who wasn't too far away from the stage, and saw her cheeks slightly pink as if she was shy.

Then Alexander stepped down from the stage. “Excuse me," he nodded to the crowd, which parted automatically for him.

My eyes widened when I realized that he wasn't walking toward Jane. He was…walking toward me?!

Before I could react, he had strode over, grabbed my arm, and was pulling me toward the stage.

“What the hell are you doing?" I hissed, struggling to break free to no avail.

“You'll find out soon," he smirked and added, "Mira Forest."

“How did you know my full name?"

“Isn't it obvious? It's because I'm fond of you," he replied in a low voice that only I could hear.

“What?" I paused for a second, couldn't quite get what he meant. But I quickly realized that wasn't important any more. My gut told me the most important thing right now was to stop him from whatever he was planning.

The guests were staring at us, their expressions a mix of bewilderment and curiosity. Before I could protest further, we were standing before the expectant crowd.

He took the mic again and announced loudly, “Ladies and gentlemen, I've been waiting for twenty-seven years for my true love! And finally, I've found her!" He turned to lock eyes with me. “This girl, Mira Forest, is my mate!"

The room erupted into gasps and whispers, the guests exchanging stunned looks.

I could hardly believe what I was hearing. How could Alexander make such a false declaration in front of everyone?!

Some people were in shock, others envious, and some sneered at me. Amongst the different gazes, I also sensed furious ones. Those were from Beta Allen, Alexander's parents, and... Jane.

What about Joshua? If he were here...what would he think?

I tried again to pull away from Alexander's grip, but all my efforts were futile. Where I was from, only the elite among the elite could confine me like this. Who on earth was this Alexander guy?

“I'll love her, cherish her," Alexander continued, his voice rising above the din.

“Stop it!" Alexander's mother shouted, while Beta Allen directed the sound and lighting crew. “Stop them. Turn off the mic and spotlight!"

But Alexander pressed on, his voice carrying even after his mic was cut. “And I will never give her up!"

All eyes were on me, sizing me up. Before I could react, Alexander wrapped an arm around my waist, pulled me close, and pressed his lips against mine. Just then, the lights went out.

The room fell silent for a brief second, and then a wave of shock rippled through the crowd and the birthday party turned into chaos within moments. It was so loud that Alexander's words would have been lost to anyone not standing right next to him.

As I snapped out of my shock, I summoned all my strength and finally managed to shove him away. My cheeks burned with humiliation and rage.

“How dare you?" I spat out, my voice quivering with barely restrained fury. “You f*****g asshole!"

Alexander, clearly not expecting such an intense response from me, raised an eyebrow, but I wasn't done yet. In one swift motion, I raised my hand and slapped him across the face.

“Stay the hell away from me, scumbag!"

I dashed off the stage and out of the banquet hall, still trembling with anger and disbelief.

My entire being was boiling in fury, not only because the f*****g bastard just took my first kiss, but also because knowing Jane, she would undoubtedly unleash her anger on me.

I knew for a fact that the upcoming few weeks would be hell for me.

Goddess, I just wanted this day to be over.