The Alpha’s Substitute Mate

Isabella

Sometimes I was overcome with depression. I was engulfed in such heavy sadness that I thought I would get lost in it forever. And sometimes I would secretly think about Malcolm and the thoughts of seeing him were overwhelming.

How could I possibly feel a mate pull with two different men?

And of all the men in the universe, why would it be my husband’s brother?

Why is the moon goddess bent on making my life difficult?

Although Arden was ruthless and cold, Malcolm was different and the thoughts of him always lit up my dark world.© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

I was so bored and restless. I couldn’t endure the torture of being confined in my chamber, although the doctor had advised me to stay in bed for the rest of the week but I just can’t and it feels like part of me was slipping away.

I started going down to have my meals in the dining hall, though I was skeptical about seeing Arden but luck was on my side and he never made an appearance.

And it also allowed me to sit across the table from Malcolm. I didn’t know how to explain it but being physically close to him made me happy and his presence made me strong.

Though he avoided my eyes and I did the same, but when I thought he wasn’t looking I would steal glances at him and when he thought I wasn’t paying attention, I also felt his eyes on me. The sensation would make all the hairs in my body to be on alert.

What if he finds out I’m carrying Arden’s child, would he still look at me the same way? Would he still want the bond that was unfolding between us?

I sighed and left the dining hall after the meal and went to the pack nursery to play with the babies. I need to start learning all the vital stuff about caring for them, so I would be able to care for mine. When I got to the nursery, I found things that we could do from a sitting position in a chair. We played dress up with dolls and I drew some animals and we colored together though the coloring was messy from the way they scribbled all over the place but it was still beautiful.

I watched them and wondered if I would be able to protect my child from Arden. Would I be able to give him all the love in my heart knowing Arden is the dad?”

I left the nursery for the training ground, I couldn’t participate but I wanted to see him. So I sat down on the bench and watched the trainees go through the rigors of their morning instruction. I admired the way Malcolm coached his students. He moved among them, correcting and illustrating for them. And the way he dished out compliments and criticism in equal measure. His message ” You’re doing good but you can do better.” I love the way he encourages people despite his rank, he doesn’t discriminate and is always willing to help.

When the training was over, he approached me and I smiled at him ” Hello, Malcolm,”

“Hi, Bella. How are you feeling today?” I was glad he called me by name and not by my title. And the way he called my name was like music to my ears.

” I’m getting better and stronger everyday,” I answered

” I was wondering if I can ask you for a favor?” I need an excuse to get close or be alone with him since he had been avoiding getting close to me.

” Yeah, sure, go ahead please,” he raised his hand to scratch his hair and his shirt rode up a little I got a peek at his sculpted abs and I imagined what it would feel like to roam my hands on those and, to feel those hard coiled muscles beneath my touch, to let my hand dip further down and-

I shook my head as if to clear it from all the erotic scenes playing in my mind and I looked up and his gaze met mine. Those amber-brown eyes looked at me with deep emotions as he rolled his eyes lazily over me. His gaze took me in as my heartbeat went frantic but I tried to keep calm as his eyes roamed leisurely over me, slowly observing my body before his gaze settled on my eyes. And I felt I would pass out.

It felt like I was falling down a cliff and would probably crash against the stones but he had not even touched me. He had only looked at me and his gaze had been enough to make my heartbeat go haywire. I remembered I have not given my silly excuse.

” Can you please help me massage my ankle, I’m feeling pain around the joint.”

He considered it, tipping his head and glancing down at my legs. ” Okay, I would help, since it would be hard for you to do it yourself.” He agreed

“Aww, thank you,” I was really pleased. Finally, I would be having private attention from him, I was more than happy.

We took the elevator up to the fourth floor and I followed him down to a different wing to his bedroom. He opened the door and stood aside to let me in.

” Please, sit down,” he said, motioning to one of the arm-back chairs that were pulled up close to the dresser. I sat and he went to the lavatory and came out with some massaging serum and joint treatment. He set them down on the table next to me and knelt in front of me.

I knew I was in deep trouble when the mere sight of him kneeling in front of my legs practically turned me into jelly. He took a deep breath, ” Okay, it’s going to hurt a little, you sprained your ankle from too much pressure, so after the massage you need to rest,” he touched my legs and I had the urge to close my eyes. Warmth and tingling sensation spread from his hands to my legs and I tried to force myself to focus on what he was doing.

When he finished he leaned closer to examine it and nodded his head, but I didn’t want him to stop, I wanted to strain my ankle again so I would have an excuse for his warm and gentle hands to be resting on my body. I was melting in a pool of heat by the nearness of him, the power that rolled off him intermixed with the strength in his coiled muscles.

I thought I was the only one who was feeling the weird attraction but when I held his muscular arm and traced my finger into his handsome face, his amber-browns with flecks of gold were staring intensely at my lips. And I couldn’t focus on his eyes because my mind was focused on his plump enticing lips.

He leaned forward slowly, giving me enough time to back out and refuse if I didn’t want what he was offering but my traitorous body yearned for his touch.

Still kneeling on the floor in front of me, he cradled my neck softly in one of his big hands, and his thumb stroked my ears gently. It felt right, I felt safe and I wanted him badly.

I leaned closer until our lips met.

Kissing him was heavenly and it felt like the two of us were in an enchanted bubble filled with love and passion. He was so gentle, so sensual. He tasted my lips, tilting his mouth across mine and delicately nibbling on my lower lip. I felt myself melting into him like a wax candle. The feeling of pleasure exploded within me. I wanted it to go on forever.

I wanted him to devour me, to make love to me, to leave me high and dry as his mouth explored every corner of my body.

He pulled away with a sigh and leaned his forehead against mine and whispered, ” He doesn’t deserve you.”