Sold as the Alpha King’s Breeder

Chapter 42: I Killed Him

*Lena*

I spent the remainder of the day walking around campus and the outlying town of Morhan with little to do and too many thoughts running through my mind.

I was graduating, that was clear, and in less than a week I'd be on a flight to Avondale to reunite with my family. My phone call with Oliver had been brief. My aunt and uncle wanted nothing more than to talk to me, and we didn't have much privacy. But it was obvious he was starting to crumble under the weight of his situation.

We both knew fleeing the scene entirely wasn't the answer. We'd have to grit our teeth and get through Winter Solstice and the events surrounding the wedding of who he still believed was the love of his life and his brother.

And then there was that strange woman standing in as the dean and her questions about Xander. I couldn't have answered even if I tried. I barely knew him. I realized that more and more with each passing day.

I had no idea when he was coming to fetch me from my apartment and what we'd be doing or even talking about.

Reeling, that's what I was. I was reeling, and nothing was helping.

I stopped in front of a shop sometime in the late afternoon. The sun was starting to set, golden light flooding between the buildings and casting long shadows over the snow piles lining the sidewalks. I looked at the dress that was on display; long and modern, with an empire west and deep burgundy organza fabric trailing to the floor. It had a full shirt, an off-the-shoulder neckline, and long, loose sleeves that tapered at the wrists.

I could think of nothing else but the dress for a moment and sighed with relief as I pressed my hand to the frosted window. There was even a tiara to match, but the gems were likely fake. Thick, oval-shaped rubies were set in gold, and I imagined the tiara on my head, my hair woven through the star-shaped notches on the base of the crown.

I walked inside the shop, looking at nothing but the dress as a woman walked to my side.

"Try it on," she said. "I know that color will look perfect on you."

"I don't need to try it on." I replied, starry eyed as I ran my fingers over the fine fabric. Red. Blood red. Blood red at my cousin's wedding. Why the hell not?

The shop girl was surprised but didn't question me as I reached for my wallet and pulled out a handful of paper bills. Her eyes were wide as I paid in full, probably wondering how a college student dressed in a three-season old parka and faded flannel could afford such an expensive dress. A few minutes later the dress was packed into a box, and she slid it across the counter, arching her brow.

"Would you like this shipped anywhere? Or are you taking it home-"

"Shipped, please, if it can reach its destination in a week's time."

"That won't be a problem," she replied, but her pen paused as she took down the address I provided, then my name. She looked up at me, sudden understanding flickering across her delicate features. She curtsied low, bobbing her head.

"I didn't realize-"

"It's alright," I said lightly, giving her a soft, genuine smile as she straightened to her full height. She was a little pale. She nodded, looking as though she was about to burst into tears.

that people ran into the

hadn't been seen in

***

dinner and a bottle of wine. I was making my way back to my apartment when I noticed the shadowy figure standing beneath the streetlight on the corner

it was Xander. I

But it wasn't Xander.

as I approached, and my throat tightened into a knot. Adrenaline rushed through me,

little shopping spree?" he hissed,

wine over his head, I thought. I could push him into

planned-" He attempted to grab my arm but I shoved past him. He grabbed the hood of my parka, yanking me backward, the top of the zipper cutting into my throat as I

screeched, but it was too

hand came over my mouth as he dragged me into an alleyway, into the dark, where we couldn't be seen from the street. "We

skin between my teeth, and he stifled a scream. I bucked against him until he loosened his

the street light. I looked at the wine stain as Slate dragged me further into the alleyway, panic tightening my chest and making it almost impossible to

hand. He tripped on something buried in the snow and I fell on top of him, his hand temporarily leaving

closing in on my

me.

me? That he couldn't always be around to finish my

pulled me to my feet, cursing under his breath as I let

I'll drag you. I don't

in my fingertips. I knew what was happening and tried to fight it like usual, but only for a second. What

cradling me like a child, his fingers

to the ground. I watched it, my head lolling on

unforgiving. From far away I heard Slate scream, his voice mingled with a

didn't know how long I'd been lying in the alley, alone. Fresh snow blanketed my body, and my cheeks

It was full dark, and the groceries I had dropped where thickly covered with snow. I rose to my knees, flexing my hands and running

feeling of dread washing over me. What had

didn't deserve it, but still. I might

the alleyway was empty, no sign of violence or struggle. He was just...

and walked through the alley toward the sidewalk. I was dizzy, and placed my hand against one wall of the alleyway for support as I trudged through the snow. So much snow. It

to move.

with effort. There wasn't a sound around me; even the buzzing neon lights were shushed into silence as I looked around then crawled forward and brushed the snow from my fallen

and snow had already piled up in front of the