Chapter 20- Fractured Defiance Chatred Delance pant gunes . The sorming know ho anns endins munculmons Aleander i perzing starts , and the unbeardG been waiting for the amber sharp as daggers hey locked on me . warding and surocuting u who coses encty com buch me with his Alpha authority not now , not ever org me off completely Broad shoulders squared Chin high amber eyes burned with anger , frustration , and acceaned like a prost , stepping just behind him . The Bets stiff posture tried to mask the urease flickering in his eyes . Like he knew this Well I asked myyy . Tome to beg me Alexanders jaw clenched . His hands fexed th just long enough for it to sting . At last , arched brow and tited my head mockingly . mething ? Or are you both just determined to waste my time ? his sides , and his energy pulsed thickly in the space between us . Enough , Scarlet he said frally his deep voice numbing with restrained fury . Youre under my protection until the marking ceremony . His words struck a nerve , but I dont finch . Cora stirred beneath my skin , her growl vibrating through my bones like thunder . She wasnt going to tolerate this . I wasnt going to tolerate this . Two steps brought me closer , close enough to feel the heat rolling off him like a furnace . My emerald eyes bored into his daring him to try harder . Protection ? I repeated , my voice dripping with venom . My lips curled into a smile cold , sharp , and anything but friendly . You think I need your protection ? Where was that protection while your pack tore me apart with their whispers ? While Grace cried into your shoulder , begging for your loyalty ? His nostris flared , a flicker of guilt crossing his expression . It was brief , but I caught it , and I hated it . I hated that it wasnt enough . Youre bound to me until the ceremony , he said again , histone firmer , heavier now , like repetition might make his claims more believable My laughter broke free like ice crackling under pressure . Sharp , cutting , and without an ounce of warmth . Bound ? I mocked . No , Alexander . Youre bound . Tied up in your own lies and split loyalties . But me ? I leaned closer , my voice lowering to a whisper but no less deadly . 1 dont belong to you . Not ever . Before I could step around him , his hand shot out like lightning and gripped my arm . His hold was firm almost brusing . His wolf Mason surged through his veins , pushing dominance into the touch , as if some primal instinct thought it could keep me in place . Cora rose in me instantly , heat coiling tight in my chest like a roaring furnace . My claws sharpened at my sides as I turned my gaze down to his hand Slowly , deliberately , I pressed my nails to his skin . He didnt release me . Take your hand off me , I said through gritted teeth , my voice low and calm dangerously calm . My emerald gaze met his , flashing bright as Coras presence surged stronger . Alexander glared back for a moment longer , his jaw tight , before releasing me . But he didnt step back This is for your safety he growled , his frustration clear in every word . Safety ? I neered . Coms power hummed through my veins as I pushed forward . From what ? You think Im afraid of rogues ? Of danger ? You dont even know me . Jason , standing to the side , shifted nervously . His Bets position might have demanded composure , but no amount of training could hide his unesse . Before Alexander could retort , his expression shifted . Briefly , his sharp amber gaze softened . His head tilted slightly , as though listening to something or someone through his thoughts . I recognized the flicker of a wolf bond immediately . And I didnt have to guess who was on the other end of it . Grace I said her name aloud like it was poison on my tongue . Alexanders face hardened , but he didnt respond , his focus clearly pulled elsewhere . I could almost hear her voice in my own head . Pleading . Crooning . Begging for him to come running , like she always did . Some distant part of me waited for him to ignore her . But much deeper , I already knew he wouldnt . His features mehed subtly . Not enough for Jason to notice , but I noticed . His hand , clenched at his side moments ago , opened sightly . His shoulders dropped by just a fraction . Soon This man was supposed to be an Alpha . A king in waiting . And yet here he was , crumbling at the sound of some omegas voice in his head Without severing the internal mindlink , he murmured softly , his voice barely loud enough for me to hear . know it hurts , Grace . Try to rest . Ill be there There . There it was Every ounce of his true loyalty bared for the world , or at least for me , to see . When he finally severed the link and turned back to me , his expression was tighter than before . That golden amber glint in his eyes didnt sparkle . It dulled , weighed down by whatever guilt or worry he carried for her . Youre unbelievable . The words left my mouth before I could stop them . Alexander stiffened , his muscles coiled tight like he wanted to react but couldnt decide how . You think any of this works ? That anything you have to say carries even a glimmer of meaning while you crawl back No , I interrupted . Dont even try . to her every time she calls ? Shes hurting Alexander said instantly , his voice rising fractionally Do you think Im just going to ignore her suffering ? Shes- Shes your true mate ; I said bluntly . The words stung as they passed my lips , but I didnt let it show . Own it , Alexander . Stop hiding behind excuse We both see right through your act . Tension rippled between us , thick and nearly suffocating . And then , just like that , something in him snapped . Im offering you ald , Scarlett His words lashed out like a whip . His hands gestured roughly as though trying to make me see something I refused to acknowledge . You know what I have access to , he pushed . Supplies that could triple what your healing center has . Connections that could elevate the whole- Stop , I said coldly . My tone was sharp , slicing right through whatever plea he was about to make . His frustrations mounted , flickering in his gaze as he stared down at me . You think I care about your bribes ? I asked , taking another step closer . Save that act for someone who needs rescuing . Like Grace . She seems to like being saved 2/3 His eyes flickered again , guilt flashing just briefly before his wolf surged stronger . His next words carried the growl of Masons frustration . Chapter 20 Fractured Defiance The marking ceremony , Alexander began firmly , will proceed as planned Think carefully , Scarlett . You dont know the consequences of rejecting this alliance . I tilted my head , a twisted little smile tugging at my lips . Youre worried about me ? The smile vanished as quickly as it had come . My emerald eyes blazed dangerously as I took yet another step forward . Hurry back to Grace , I whispered darkly , enjoying the way he froze at the words . With silver poisoning spreading so rapidly who knows how long she has left ? The intent behind my words was clear . He knew exactly what I was implying . The tension between us peaked . His wolf growled ferociously beneath his skin . Mason surged forward , his amber gaze brighter than before , burning with barely controlled dominance . But I wasnt waiting for him to act . I turned on my heel sharply , deliberately , and began walking past him . My head didnt turn once , ignoring Jasons cautious shuffle as he tried to decide whether to stop me . Alexanders roar followed me across the courtyard a sulking , furious sound filled with fire and power . It rang out behind me , echoing across the stone pathways and into the night . Cora huffed in satisfaction , her energy mingling with mine as the Amber Packs boundaries came into focus ahead . Title: Accidentally Pregnant, Forever Spoiled Author: CrushReel Genre: Romance, CEO, Sweet Romance, Modern, Romantic, Hidden Feelings, Mansion, Office, Glow-Up Status: ongoing In "Accidentally Pregnant Forever Spoiled" by CrushReel, Ella's journey unfolds amidst the complexities of family dynamics. Raised by her remarried mother and stepfather post-divorce, Ella grapples with a history marked by indifference and mistreatment. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when a twist of fate leaves her facing an unplanned pregnancy that intertwines her path with unforeseen consequences. Exploring themes of resilience and self-discovery, this tale delves into Ella's transformation from a past shrouded in shadows to a future illuminated by newfound strength and determination. Against the backdrop of a modern setting blending elements of romance and corporate intrigue, the narrative weaves together the threads of hidden emotions and personal growth. As Ella navigates the challenges of balancing her evolving circumstances with her own desires, readers are drawn into a captivating story that transcends traditional boundaries. What sets "Accidentally Pregnant Forever Spoiled" apart is its poignant portrayal of inner conflicts and external pressures in a world where love and ambition collide. Offering a fresh perspective on the complexities of relationships and identity, this novel invites readers to immerse themselves in a tale that resonates with authenticity and emotional depth. Discover Ella's journey for yourself; available to read online at CrushReel.