The Alpha's Abandoned Mate

Chapter 21

Chapter Twenty-One

Elena

It was dark by the time I got back to the rental house.

I carried Anya inside and set her on the couch. She'd fallen asleep in the car, her little head tucked against my shoulder, breathing steady. I laid her down gently, pulled a thin blanket over her, then sank onto the cushions beside her and leaned back against the couch. My eyes slid shut.

My wolf stirred inside me. It had been restless ever since the car ride, pacing back and forth, tail lashing with agitation.

I knew what it wanted.

It wanted Lucifer.

Sitting in his car earlier, the scent of cedar and amber had wrapped around me so thick I could barely breathe.

In that moment, my wolf had gone wild—wanting to leap at him, to nuzzle against him, to be held.

The bond's pull felt like it had never left, like it was still there—an invisible thread stretching from my chest straight to him.

But that was an illusion. The bond had snapped five years ago when he declared I wasn't his Luna, and what I felt now was just my wolf.

Even after five years apart.

Even after he threw me out.

My wolf still craved him.

I didn't understand. I really didn't. Why, after he rejected me, after he hurt me, did my wolf still tremble at his scent? Still want to get closer?

And my body was reacting too.

Sitting in that car, he'd been so close. I could see the line of his throat, the sliver of collarbone peeking out from his collar. When he said "please," his voice had been soft, almost shaking—that vulnerable tone made something in my chest twist.

Then he'd reached for me.

I'd pulled back, but my body had gone rigid in that instant. Not from fear. From something I didn't want to admit—desire. I wanted him to touch me. I wanted his fingers around mine, wanted him to pull me into his arms.

My wolf had whimpered.

So I'd bolted from the car. I couldn't—I couldn't just give in that easily. I was scared. Scared I'd fall into the same trap again.

I took a deep breath and opened my eyes. Anya rolled over on the couch, clutching the blanket, mumbling "Mommy" in her sleep. I smoothed her hair, and she settled, drifting deeper.

I stood and walked to the window. Outside was Reserpine's nightscape, bright with lights—same as five years ago. I wrapped my arms around myself. Elena, I told myself. You and Anya can have a home. You don't need Lucifer.

My phone rang.

I picked it up. One of my business contacts.

"Ms. Windsor, good evening." The voice was polite. "About the collaboration we discussed—would you be available Monday evening? We could go over the details."

I hesitated. "Monday evening?"

"Yes. If that works for you, we could meet at Maple Hotel. Seven o'clock."

Maple Hotel.

The name made me freeze. That was where I'd first met Lucifer. Where everything between us had started.

"Ms. Windsor?"

"Oh. Yes." I snapped back. "Monday evening, seven o'clock. Maple Hotel."

"Perfect. See you then."

I hung up and stood at the window, staring out at the night. For some reason, I sighed.

Monday evening, I stood in front of the mirror, studying my reflection.

I wore a women's suit—the waistline tailored just right, fitted without being tight, paired with matching trousers. My hair wasn't pinned up, just loose over my shoulders with a small clip tucked behind one ear. Makeup was light—just a touch of lipstick.

"Mommy, you look so pretty!" Anya sat on the bed hugging her bear, eyes bright.

"Thanks, baby." I turned and kissed her forehead. "Mommy has a business meeting tonight. You'll stay home with Amy, okay?"

Amy was the nanny I'd hired a few days ago—a human woman in her thirties with experience, soft-spoken and patient even when Anya got fussy at dinner. She was in the living room now, picking up Anya's toys.

"Okay." Anya nodded obediently. "Come home soon, Mommy."

"I will."

I grabbed my bag—inside were sample vials of my fragrance oils, different scents, and product brochures. I checked everything, made sure nothing was missing, then left the bedroom.

"Amy, I'm leaving Anya with you."

"Don't worry, Ms. Windsor." Amy smiled. "I'll take good care of her."

I nodded and left.

The taxi stopped in front of Maple Hotel at six-fifty.

I paid, got out, and stood at the entrance, taking a deep breath.

I hadn't expected to come back here. I pushed through the doors into the lobby.

The crystal chandeliers were just as bright, the carpet just as plush—everything exactly as I remembered.

I walked to the front desk, gave the room number, and a waiter led me upstairs.

The elevator climbed slowly. I watched my reflection in the polished walls. My heart was pounding. My palms were damp.

Don't be nervous, I told myself. This is just a business meeting. Your fragrance is good. That's why they want to work with you.

The elevator doors opened.

In that instant, I caught a familiar scent. Amber and cedar. My heart lurched. No. It had to be a coincidence. I followed the waiter down a long hallway, stopping at a door. He knocked and pushed it open.

"Ms. Windsor is here."

I stepped inside. Cedar and amber crashed over me.

My wolf shot to its feet, tail rigid.

There was only one person in the room.

Lucifer sat at the head of the long table in a black suit and white shirt, every button fastened. When he saw me, he stood. His gaze landed on my face.

The waiter had already closed the door. I stood there, unsure how to react.

"You—" My voice was tight. "What are you doing here?"

"The company asked me to handle negotiations with you." His tone was calm, like this was perfectly normal.

My fingers tightened on the bag strap.

"They asked you?" I repeated, then gave a bitter laugh. "Lucifer, you did this on purpose."

He didn't deny it. Didn't defend himself. He just looked at me with those gray eyes full of something I couldn't read.

"I wanted to talk to you," he said. "About the collaboration. And other things."

"We have nothing to talk about." I turned to leave.

"Elena."

He stopped me. I froze but didn't turn around.

"At least look at the contract," he said. "The terms are good. You'd regret passing this up."

I stood there, hesitated for a few seconds, then finally turned back. Lucifer smiled faintly and picked up a document from the table, holding it out. I walked over and took it. Opened it.

The wholesale price was twenty percent lower than what I'd been quoted before.

Shipping costs covered by the buyer.

First payment deferred.

And a string of other favorable terms. These conditions were... too good. Suspiciously good.

I looked up at him. "What are you trying to do?"

"Help you." His voice was serious. "Elena, I just want to help you."

"I don't need your help." I bit out.

"But you need this deal." He took a step forward. His scent grew stronger. I stepped back instinctively. "You're opening a shop in Silver pine. You need a stable supply chain. Good prices. This contract gives you that."

I stared at him. That tightness in my chest started up again.

He was right.

If I refused this contract, I didn't know if I'd find anything better. There weren't many suppliers in Silver pine, prices were high, and they weren't friendly to new businesses.

But if I accepted...

"Think it over." Lucifer stepped back and sat down again. "Take your time. No rush."

I closed the contract and put it in my bag. "Keep the original pricing. Don't lower it."

"Elena—"

I dodged his outstretched hand and bit my lip. "I don't want to owe you."

"If that's everything," I said, "I'm leaving."

I turned toward the door.

"Elena." He grabbed my arm, forcing me to face him. Lucifer stared at me, gray pupils contracting. "Do you hate me that much?"

His warmth seeped into me where he held me, heat spreading from that spot. My wolf was already reacting. I tried to pull away, but he only gripped tighter, fingers digging into my shoulders.

"I don't hate you." I tried to keep my voice steady, but my breathing was coming faster. "I just don't want anything to do with you—"

"But we do have something." He leaned in, warm breath hitting my face. "Elena, we're mates. We have two children."

My legs were going weak. Heat pooled low in my belly. Damn it, why—why did my body still react to him like this? Lucifer noticed. His eyes darkened. He pressed me against the door. "Elena," he breathed against my ear.

I couldn't help but shrink back, and in the next second, his lips closed around my earlobe. I gasped. He sucked harder. I whimpered, nearly collapsing, but his arm came around my waist, hand gripping my hip to hold me up.

He pinned both my wrists above my head with one hand, voice rough. "You need me. Even when you try to refuse me."

My wolf let out a low whine inside me. I glared at him, clinging to the last shred of my sanity. "So what? I can find another man—"

The rest of my words were swallowed by his kiss.

His scent surrounded me. Cedar, amber, and something I couldn't name—something that belonged only to him. My heart pounded so hard I could barely breathe. Lucifer's kiss was deep, urgent. His tongue tangled with mine, and just as I was about to suffocate, he bit down—punishment—then pulled back.

"Another man?" His voice was low. His grip on my wrists tightened. "Who? That Alpha from Rivervale?"

I froze. "You investigated me?"

Lucifer seemed amused by my shock. His nose brushed my cheek. "I wanted to know what my mate has been through. Is that so wrong?"

Mate. The word made my lower belly clench. My wolf cried out in pleasure.

"Our bond is broken," I said through gritted teeth. "Remember? You rejected me!"

The air went still.

I stared at him. Tears welled up. "You had them throw me out. You made me walk away in the rain—" I couldn't finish. I turned my face away.

A few seconds later, Lucifer's tongue traced my cheek, slowly, gently, kissing away my tears.

"Elena," he murmured in my ear. "I didn't have anyone throw you out.

But I know—I did banish you. That's because I thought you were involved with the Butcher Squad.

You hid being a half-blood. I thought you weren't honest with me, didn't trust me.

And I was afraid the Elder Council would kill you—I know I didn't trust you.

I hurt you. Elena, that's why I want you to give me a chance to make it right.

I can't lose you, Elena... I finally found my mate.

How can you be so cruel and just leave me? "

I turned. My gaze crashed into Lucifer's gray eyes—full of emotions I didn't want to see. That tender pleading crumpled my heart almost instantly.

"Elena." His voice was strained. "Please. Give me a chance."

I shook my head. "I told you. I don't need you in my life." Even if he had his reasons, I was truly scared. Being rejected by my mate, abandoned by my mother—those blows one after another had scarred me. And these five years I'd gotten used to living alone. I didn't dare start over.

"Then what do you need?" He pressed closer, warm breath washing over my face. I had nowhere to hide. "Tell me what you need. I'll give you anything."

"I need you to stay away from me." I could barely control my voice—it was about to turn into a moan. My body was surrendering to him without my permission.

"Really?" He tilted his head. His voice dropped lower, more dangerous. "You really want me to stay away?"

"Yes," I said, but my voice was shaking.

I was barely holding on, and he could tell—or he'd known all along, because his eyes were locked on me, traveling from my face to my chest, my hips, my thighs, then back to my eyes.

I felt like his gaze had licked every inch of me. The thought made me even more unsteady.

"Then why are you trembling?"

I could see the collarbone peeking from his collar, the line of his throat. Damn it. Damn it.

"I'm not—"

"You are." He dipped his head and kissed me. My wolf surrendered completely. His forehead nearly touched mine. "Elena, your body's more honest than your mouth."

My breathing came faster. All I could do was repeat uselessly.

"Let me go." But it came out as a whimper.

"If I let you go, you'll leave," he said quietly. "And I'll never see you again."

I was furious. "That's what you deserve—"

Before I could finish, he kissed me again.

His lips pressed against mine, hard, with something close to desperation.

My body went rigid. My mind went blank. My wolf let out a low moan, and my entire body went limp.

The sensation... like an electric current flooding in from where our lips met, racing down my nerves, burning through my chest, my belly, every corner of me.

I could kick him. Slap him. Tell him to get lost.

But I couldn't.

My hands fell limply from above my head. His hands settled on my waist. Through the smooth fabric of my suit, I could feel the heat of his palms. His kisses trailed from my lips to the corner of my mouth, down to my jaw, finally landing on my neck.

"Elena..." His voice was hoarse, breath spilling across my skin. "This suit... looks so good on you... I've never seen you dressed like this before..."

My hands finally pushed against his chest.

"Don't..."

But my voice was so soft it had no conviction. He lifted his head. Those gray eyes fixed on me, full of raw hunger. I trembled. The tension and thrill of being on the verge of conquest wrapped around me, leaving me unable to speak clearly.

"Tell me to stop," he said, voice shaking—he was holding back. "Elena, tell me to stop and I will."

I opened my mouth. My wolf was going crazy inside me, tail wagging furiously, howling—"Don't stop, don't let him stop." I felt his heartbeat syncing with mine. I felt his body heat melting into my own temperature.

We belonged to each other.

Even if I didn't want to admit it.

Even if he'd hurt me.

Even if the bond... had broken.

We still belonged to each other. That sense of belonging between fated mates—without my realizing it over the years—had seeped into our very bodies. The Moon Goddess's joke was always this cruel. We were already bound tight.

My silence, my hesitation—he read it as permission. He kissed me again. One hand slipped beneath my jacket, circling my waist but going no further. His breathing was ragged. I could feel him hard against me, but still he held back, only biting my lip and murmuring.

"Elena..."

I hadn't forgiven him. But my body was sinking anyway. I bit down hard on his lip—punishing, vengeful.

This time I didn't push him away. I closed my eyes and let myself drown.