The Alpha’s Slave

AMELIA’S POV

“I’m sorry, Sebastian,” I firmly shook my head. “I can’t go back, even if I wanted to. My parents won’t let us leave this late.”All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

He went back, briefly closing his eyes and rubbing his forehead like he just realized a mistake.

In the castle, I addressed him as ‘Alpha Sebastian’. But in my house, he was Sebastian to me. More like my younger brother.

“Yeah, that’s true. I didn’t think of that. That means we’ll be leaving tomorrow morning then,” he placed his hands casually on his waist and huffed.

“Didn’t you hear before,” I stressed. But I wished I didn’t have to say it. “I can’t come back to the castle with you. Not to tonight. Not tomorrow morning.”

“Why…?” His black satin eyes showed the tortured dullness of disbelief and confusion. He wasn’t expecting those words from me. “Is this about Catherine firing you? Tell me,” he took a step forward, hungry for an answer. For the truth, I couldn’t feed him even if I wanted to. “How did it happen? She said you disrespected her… and that was why she fired you? Is that the truth, Amelia? Did you disrespect her? Or is there something more to this?”

I looked away from his intense gaze, clutching my forehead. I let out a deep sigh before taking in the fresh, chilly breeze that filled the surroundings, my heart beating a little too fast.

How do I tell him? Tell him that his wife threatened to kill me and my family if I said a word to him. If I opened up to him about everything that happened, no doubt he’ll go confront her in an attempt to defend me. And Catherine will end up calling the shots on my family. I can’t risk that happening. My family was everything to me. I lived for them and if anything bad happened to them because of me, I might die from a heart attack.

Sebastian was living with a dangerous woman capable of anything, and I bet he didn’t know. But I prayed that one day his eyes would open and he’ll see her for what she truly is.

“Yes,” I decided to take the blame, meeting his confused gaze. “I disrespected her. I said hurtful things…things I wasn’t meant to say to her. And I’m sorry for it.”

Honestly, I don’t regret a word I said to Catherine. I meant every part of it and more. I didn’t want her to die, I just wanted her to face a downfall. A tough, painful downfall she won’t see coming.

I wished Sebastian got married to someone like Brianna, who was sweet and didn’t have killer instincts in her.

“That isn’t an issue,” Sebastian shrugged. “Whatever the problem is, we can resolve it tomorrow at the castle. You can apologize to her and it will all be forgotten.”

I breathed put in frustration at his persistence. What’s his deal? He just doesn’t give up, does he? Can’t he get that I can’t go back to that castle with his dangerous wife there?

I had to figure out something that would make him give up on convincing me to come back with him.

“Can’t you understand that I can’t come back,” I said, firm but almost in tears. “I’ve spent most of my life serving you and my family. I don’t want that anymore. I have dreams too. I want to go to medical school, study hard, become a certified doctor, get married, and have my own family.”

I closed the space between us and held his arm comfortingly. I looked up to him, my gaze unflinching on his eyes which were now empathetic and calm like the night that enveloped us. It was working. He was understanding. After this, I was sure he wouldn’t insist on me coming back again.

“I appreciate all the time I spent with you and your parents. Appreciate everything you and your parents have done for me and my family. Those moments were some of the best in my life. But…” I paused, taking in a painful breath. “I want more out of life. I can’t keep working in the castle. I really do hope you understand.”

The medical school idea wasn’t a complete lie. I’ve wanted to go since learning basic healing from my parents. I just never dared to go through with the plan. But today, I did.

He pressed his lips together and nodded. “Yes, I understand perfectly. I won’t force you to stay. And I won’t be a barrier to you achieving your dreams.”

He placed his hand on mine on his arm and pressed it firmly, his gigantic fingers enveloping them. He smiled at me, even though I sensed it was hard for him. “Thanks for being like a sister, helper, and doctor to me in the castle. I appreciate your time and everything you’ve done. I’ve got something for you,” he said like he just had a lightbulb moment.

I let down my hand and stepped back a bit from him, wondering what he had for me. He took out a pen and chequebook from inside his suit pocket. Placing it on the pavement behind him, he scribbled something, tore it off and handed the paper to me.

“Here, take it.”

“No,” I placed my hand on his outstretched arm. “This isn’t necessary. I don’t need it.”

He let down his hand, sighed deeply and looked at me as though I was the most difficult person on earth.

“Don’t think I’m giving you this check as payment for all you’ve done for me and my family. Money isn’t enough for that. If you’re not going back to the castle, please accept this little favour. It should cover your medical school tuition and more.”

Reluctantly, I took it. Not because I wanted to but because he made me to. After he leaves tomorrow, I don’t know when next I’ll see him, so it won’t be nice if I don’t do him little favour.

I stared at it, my mouth dropping open when I saw two million dollars written as the amount. Sebastian surprised me. I didn’t expect to see such a big sum.

I thanked him as he put his pen back into his suit pocket. After that, the atmosphere was silent and a bit awkward.

He said goodnight and was about to go back inside when I called him back. “Sebastian…”

Oh, silly me! How can I forget?

I walked up to him, and held his hands firmly, my gaze not breaking away from him which made his brows furrow in confusion.

“Please promise you’ll protect Brianna. Promise you won’t let anyone harm her…Not even Luna Catherine.”

He took a moment before responding, trying to grasp the weight of my sudden words and the situation.

“I promise,” he looked unsure at first, but then nodded firmly, almost like a soldier following his commander’s orders.

“And get her out of that cell. She has gone through a lot already and doesn’t deserve to be locked up in there like some prisoner. You’ve got to get her out of there.”

He sighed and muttered, “I will do just that.”

I let down my hand and saw my mum peeping from the open backyard door. I jumped in fear. Sebastian was startled too, but didn’t react like I did.

“Oh goodness mum! You scared the hell out of us,” I said with my hand on my chest to calm myself down.

“And what are you two doing back here alone while everyone else is inside?” Her eyes narrowed suspiciously.

Who knows how long she’d been watching us? I know my mom too well. She must think Sebastian and I are somehow involved, but that’s not the case. It couldn’t happen. Even though he’s tall, broad, and charming, every woman’s dream, it couldn’t happen. He’s my king, my younger brother.

“Seriously, mum,” I stared at her in disbelief. “A little privacy would have been…”

“It’s nothing, Mrs. Harrison,” Sebastian chimed in with a smile before I could finish speaking. “We were just getting some fresh air and talking about how amazing the meal was. Thank you again for it,” he added with a polite bow. “You really outdid yourself.”

My mom crossed her arms, holding back a satisfied smile. Her cheeks blushed as she headed back inside. She enjoyed it when someone praised her cooking. It made her proud.

Sebastian’s words could have saved us, but only temporarily. Sooner or later, she’ll tell Dad about it and they’ll bombard me with questions. But I’ll brace myself up for it, ready to tell them I was no longer working in the castle and I’ll be going to medical school to further what they’ve taught me.