The next few days pass by, Theo continues to try to make progress with me but I shut down all his efforts claiming I'm tired or I want to be alone. Physically, my wounds are almost fully healed. Emotionally, I've been able to keep myself calm enough that I don't end up having another breakdown. I'd be able to make a run soon enough, my interactions with this pack have shown that they deserve better than to be destroyed.

Currently, I sit in the living room skimming a book but as soon as I smell Theo's scent approaching the room I take my leave. Being around him only makes it harder, my confidence in my decision wavering every time we interact, therefore I've been avoiding him like a coward. Unfortunately, I'll have to pass him at the doorway. Keeping my eyes down, I try to pass but find a broad chest blocking my way.

"Alexandra." Theo's voice is stern and I don't dare to look up.

I see his hand come up and I can't help but to flinch away from his touch, a habit that's hard to break, backing away. Glancing up at him, the hurt is obvious in his eyes.

"Alexandra, you've been avoiding me."

"I don't know what you're talking about." I reply scanning the room to see if there's any other way to make my escape.

I hear the sound of the door closing and look up in alarm, "You're not leaving this room until you explain to me why you've been avoiding me Alexandra. We both know you have, as soon as I enter a room you're leaving and making excuses for one reason or another."

"I don't appreciate being trapped. And you've known since the beginning that I don't want a mate." my words are harsh but they need to be to get the point across. I need to make Theo not want me, no matter how much this pains me. Moon Goddess please forgive me.

"You're lying, you're scared." he shoots back, his voice having an edge to it.

"No Theo, I don't think I can phrase it more clearly than I already have. I don't want you. I don't want a mate. I want to leave and the only reason I'm not gone already is because you won't allow me to reject you. I'm a prisoner here just as much as I was before." my eyes widen as the last sentence slips out of my mouth.

"You were what?" Theo grits out, his anger barely reigned in.

"I-You're ignoring my main point, just al-allow me to reject y-you." I stutter as he strides towards me until there's barely any space between us.

"Alexandra, explain what you meant right now."

"No!" I yell shoving Theo away from me and bolting towards the door. Stumbling backwards, he's momentarily caught off-guard. I race through the packhouse and as soon as I make it outside, I shift. I take off at a breakneck speed as I hear Theo's yelling turn to an anguished howl. I need to get off his territory if I wish to successfully escape.

Unfortunately, luck is not in my favor and a patrol intercepts me. I try to outrun them, not wanting to fight these wolves, but instead I find myself pinned to the forest floor with the Beta's jaws around my throat. A repeat of what had happened only days prior. I let out a whine but he just growls in warning, my offense towards his Alpha being serious.

Moments later Theo arrives and shifts, a pair of shorts are thrown at him and he quickly pulls them on. The rest of his wolves, circle around us making sure I'll be unable to run. The Beta removes his hold and moves back.

"Shift." Theo orders calmly as he stalks forward, but I resist the order.

"SHIFT." he roars and I can't ignore the command, my body shifts forcibly and I can't help but to let out a cry of pain. Forcibly shifting is never a painless process, no matter the situation. I lay on the ground panting, a sense of hopelessness washing over me as a shirt is thrown at me.

________________________________________________________

Oh shit, well that just happened. Alex is being difficult although it's only because she's trying to protect people, but running from the Alpha...was that smart? From the situation she's currently in I would say no. We're definitely seeing a more aggressive side of Theo, is this his true alpha-self showing?

As always, thank you for reading! Comments appreciated!

xx.