The Alpha's Cinderella

Chapter 32

Serena

After the announcement, Ashford hurried to secure a place for both Alexei and me. It was a cabin with a small kitchen and two rooms designated for us. After witnessing the unfolding events, we all agreed it was best to settle down for a moment and consider our next steps. The news of Tori's impending marriage to Alpha Roman had completely altered our plans.

Ashford gestured towards the cozy kitchen, attempting to ease the tension. "Make yourselves at home. I've stocked the kitchen with supplies, so you won't go hungry. Tomorrow, I will bring more supplies, such as clean clothes and toiletries."

"Thank you, Ashford," I said softly, trying to convey my gratitude. However, Alexei had something else on his mind.

"Yeah, thanks for thinking about our hunger and filth while my mate is about to marry your old fucking alpha!" Alexei exclaimed.

"Alexei!" I interjected, but Ashford signaled me to stop, showing his understanding of Alexei's emotional state.

"I know you're upset about your mate, but rushing to the pack house isn't that simple. Alpha Roman has numerous guards protecting the place. Blood Rose has a large army of men who would willingly die for Alpha Roman. You'd be running headlong into danger."

"I don't care if I die! My mate needs me!"

"If you die, it'll be for nothing. You'll only make things worse for your mate. Think about it!"

Alexei's jaw clenched as he contemplated Ashford's words. "I can't just sit here, Ashford. She's my mate, and I won't let Roman take her from me without a fight. I can't lose her like this."

Ashford placed a comforting hand on Alexei's shoulder. "We'll find a way, Alexei, but we need to be smart about it. Let's work out a plan together. All I'm asking is for you to be rational and not rush into things."

A heavy silence enveloped us as Ashford prepared a meal for us to eat. The small cabin served as our sanctuary for now, but the storm of emotions within Alexei was far from over.

After cooking a simple meal, we all gathered at the table to eat. Ashford updated us on his plan. "Let's call it a night and come up with a plan tomorrow. We won't be able to think clearly with our minds in chaos."

I nodded, finding logic in his words. Alexei seemed dissatisfied but surrendered nonetheless.

"I'll go to the pack house and talk to Damon to find out more about the situation," he announced, nudging my side and teasing, "Looks like your reunion with your prince will have to wait."

I could only nod in response. My thoughts were a whirlwind of disgust, not just for what Tori and Mathilde had done to me, but also for their sinister plan to gain control of the entire pack by seducing Damon's father. It was beyond sick.

After dinner, Ashford bid his goodbye and went to his house. As we entered the cabin to settle, I resigned to the chair and massaged my temples. Alexei managed to sit down beside me.

"Can you tell me more about Tori? I want to know about my mate, if that’s okay," Alexei asked eagerly.

I couldn't help but scoff as I began to recount the painful memories of my sister.

"Well, let me start by saying that my sister hates me," I replied bitterly, "She and her mother treated me worse than a maid in our fancy house. I never remembered her ever being nice to me. In fact, she contributed to making my life harder than it already has.”

Alexei turned silent, listening intently to my words. I continued.

“But the worst offense she did to me is when she conspired with her mother and my own father to deceive Damon. They locked me inside a room the day Damon and his entourage were supposed to take me to Blood Rose pack to be his bride. My sister agreed to steal the life that should have saved me from my misery. She took everything from me, like literally!”

Alexei's face fell, his eyes filled with concern. "I had no idea, Serena. That's terrible," he said, his voice filled with sympathy, "I'm so sorry you had to go through that."

I quickly realized I had been too harsh and hurt him with my words. As the mate bond was already kicking, Alexei would be offended by every bad word thrown at his mate, regardless if that was true or not. I offered a quick apology.

"I... I didn’t mean to offend you. Knowing that Tori was your mate, I should not have said those words," I stammered, regretting my bitterness.

"No, no, it’s okay," Alexei rebuffed, his voice soft and understanding. "I would never invalidate all the suffering you were forced to go through because of her. I won’t even ask you to forgive her. But..."

I gazed at Alexei intently as he finished his sentence.

"All I am asking is for you to give her a chance to make up for those mistakes."

I couldn't help but smirk and reject the idea, still harboring deep resentment.

"I find it hard to believe there's any goodness left in her," I replied, bitterness tainting my tone, "If she’s willing to steal another’s life that easily, what makes you think she is ever interested in making amends?"

Alexei's optimism remained unwavering as he expressed his belief in redemption.

"I believe in redemption, Serena. I want to help her find her way back to the person she should have been."

"You're too good, Alexei," I said, my voice tinged with reluctance, "But if that's what you want, I won't stand in your way. Just don't get your hopes up too high. You might end up being disappointed.”

Alexei fell silent, and both of us retreated to our respective rooms. As I reclined on my bed, I gazed up at the wooden ceiling, lost in thought.

Would there be a possibility for Tori to change? Could an evil person truly reform their ways?