Mated To The Beastly Alpha
Chapter 49

Garrett turned his attention to Nicole, his expression serious and probing. The air seemed to grow tense as he fired questions at her, leaving her feeling cornered and unsettled.

"Nicole, what's going on?" Garrett asked, his voice laced with a mix of irritation and concern. "You know that you're not supposed to leave the pack as soon as we resolve the issue with the witches. Why did you disappear without a word, and what are you doing here?" Nicole's heart sank, guilt flooding her being. She had tried to escape the weight of her past to replace solace and acceptance within Liam's pack. But now, facing Garrett's scrutiny, it felt like she had betrayed herself.

"I... I didn't mean to cause any trouble," she stammered, her voice tinged with remorse. "I just needed some time alone to sort through my thoughts."

Garrett's annoyance seemed to deepen, and she couldn't fathom why. The tension was growing uncomfortable, and she struggled to replace the right words to explain herself without revealing the true nature of her relationship with Liam.

"I understand that, Nicole," Garrett replied, his tone strained. "But you have to understand that we're in the middle of a dangerous situation. Your actions affect everyone in this pack. We can't afford any distraction whatsoever or deviations from the plan." Nicole nodded, her eyes downcast, the weight of guilt intensifying. "I'm sorry, Garrett. I didn't mean to be a burden or cause any complications. I'll make sure it doesn't happen again."

Garrett's gaze bore into her, searching for something she couldn't quite discern. The silence hung heavy between them as he assessed the situation, his features a mask of unreadable emotions.

Finally, he spoke in frustration and disappointment, "Nicole, I thought I could trust you with yourself and your emotions. I believed you understood the right reasons, and you had started ignoring the pull of the mark.

You said it yourself that after earning enough, you would pay off Liam and be set free. And then you became a witch bane, so I figured that you would help us in our fight against the witches, then leave. But now, I wonder if you're truly capable of doing it." Nicole's eyes widened, her heart sinking further.

"I want you to heal, Nicole, but right now, I'm worried that you're too distracted and not committed to setting yourself free."

Nicole's conscience pricked her. She disliked that her actions had created doubt in Garrett's mind. The realization cut so deep that she struggled further to replace words good enough to defend herself without revealing the truth about her bond with Liam. "I am committed, Garrett," she pleaded, her voice laced with desperation. "I've endured so much, and being here has given me a chance at a new life. I want to help, to be part of something bigger than myself. I also want my freedom. I want to heal, too." Garrett's gaze softened momentarily, a flicker of understanding crossing his features. But it quickly dissipated, replaced by a hardened resolve.

"You have to prove it, then," he said firmly. "Actions speak louder than words, Nicole. Show me that you're willing to put your well-being above your personal desires."

Nicole's heart sank even further. She had hoped for acceptance and understanding, but instead, she found herself facing a daunting challenge-a test of her loyalty and commitment.

"I will," she whispered, her voice filled with determination. "I'll prove myself, Garrett. I won't let you down."

The tension in the room seemed to ease slightly as Garrett's stern expression softened, his gaze holding a glimmer of reluctant respect. "I just hope you're right, Nicole?" he replied, his voice tinged with a hint of uncertainty. "For all our sakes."

As they stood there, with the weight of their conversation hanging in the air, Nicole couldn't help but feel a pang of regret. She wished she could confide in Garrett, tell him what exactly happened, but she wasn't sure anymore.

The fear of the unknown and the consequences it might bring held her back. She had to protect their secret, their connection, even if it meant enduring the weight of guilt and the uncertainty of Garrett's reactions. Her wolf didn't trust him at that moment.

"I... I didn't plan for any of these," she stammered, trying to explain to him, her voice remorseful. "Things just... happened, and I found myself drawn to Liam. I didn't mean to cause any trouble."

Garrett's irritation seemed to intensify, his tone harsh. "You're putting yourself and the pack in danger, Nicole. You can't afford to let emotions cloud your judgment."

Nicole's gaze fell to the ground, a blend of shame and confusion washing over her. She hadn't expected Garrett's reaction to be so severe. It was as if he held some deeper resentment towards her, but she couldn't fathom why.

"I understand the risks," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "I never wanted to cause harm. I just... I didn't expect to replace a connection like this. It's complicated."

Garrett's eyes bore into hers, searching for something she couldn't quite decipher. His voice softened, but the undertone of frustration remained. "Nicole, we've known each other for a while now. I've always looked out for you. I just don't want to see you hurt again." Nicole's brow furrowed in confusion. She had always considered Garrett a friend, someone she could trust. But his words now held a hint of reproach, leaving her feeling vulnerable and uncertain.

"I appreciate your concern, Garrett," she replied cautiously, choosing her words carefully. "But I have to make my own choices, remember?"

A flicker of surprise crossed Garrett's face, quickly replaced by a mask of indifference. His voice hardened once again. "This isn't just about your feelings, Nicole. There are bigger things at stake. You have a role to play." Nicole's wolf clawed within. It was mad that Garrett was bringing up Nicole's insecurities.

"Nicole, you have to understand," Garrett continued as he spoke earnestly. "I've seen what you went through in your previous pack. I watched you suffer, and I don't want to see you go through that again. Liam may be the alpha, but love and care are not his strong suits."

Nicole winced at the mention of her past trauma, the memories threatening to consume her. She ached to defend Liam, to tell Garrett that he had changed, that he had shown her kindness and compassion she had never experienced before. But the pain in her heart silenced her, leaving her unable to replace the words to articulate her conflicting emotions.

Garrett's gaze softened as he noticed the hurt in Nicole's eyes, his tone milder. "Nicole, I'm sorry if my words hurt you. I truly am just looking out for your well-being. I don't want to see you hurt again."

Tears welled in Nicole's eyes, her voice trembling as she finally found the strength to respond. "I appreciate your concern, Garrett," she replied, her voice quivering with suppressed emotion. "But I think Liam has changed. He's shown me kindness, understanding..." Garrett's features hardened, his voice curt. "Nicole, you can't let your emotions cloud your judgment. You've been through trauma, and this is why sometimes it's hard to distinguish between true affection and the illusion of safety. Sometimes, people can change temporarily. It's important to think long-term, to consider the consequences."

Nicole's voice trembled as she tried to convey her feelings. "I know that. I know what I want, Garrett. My decision hasn't changed yet. Give me a break."

She had hoped for understanding, for support from someone she considered a confidant. Instead, she felt a growing sense of isolation and a gnawing ache of betrayal towards herself.

Nicole suddenly felt tired and drained. "I never intended to disrupt anything. I just wanted... a moment of happiness, some time away from the pain I've endured."

"Nicole, I understand that. But we have to think about the pack, about their safety and yours. You have a gift, a unique ability to withstand the magic of witches. It's crucial that you fulfil your purpose. At the same time, you shouldn't get too attached. It's temporary." Nicole's eyes welled with unshed tears, the weight of her choices, and the burden placed upon her shoulders becoming almost unbearable. She had always longed for freedom, for a chance to be her own person, yet it felt like she had betrayed herself and her convictions.

"I never asked for this power," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I also never deserved the pain and abuse I endured before. I thought... I thought....."

Garrett's gaze softened, his voice milder this time. "Nicole, I don't doubt your strength or your resilience. But sometimes, the choices we make have consequences we can't foresee. I just want to protect you, to protect the pack."

Tears trickled down Nicole's cheeks, her emotions spiraling within her. The conflicting desires to follow her heart and fulfil her responsibilities tore at her soul, leaving her feeling torn and broken.

"I appreciate your concern, Garrett," she managed to say, her voice choked with emotion. "But I need to figure this out for myself. I can't deny the connection I feel with Liam, no matter the risks."

Garrett's features melted just as he was beginning to see reasons and resignation settled upon his face. "I can't force you to do anything, Nicole. Just promise me that you'll think about the consequences, about what's at stake.

We're in the midst of a war, and the choices we make now can make or mar our future. As I said earlier, I don't doubt your judgment or your ability to make your own choices. But please, be cautious. Protect yourself. I can't bear to see you hurt again."

Nicole nodded, a mix of determination and sadness coursing through her. "I promise, Garrett, I will be cautious. I won't let my guard down completely. I'll consider everything and make the best decision I can. I have to give it a chance, for my own sake." Garrett's shoulders sagged as he spoke, getting weary of the conversation. "I understand, Nicole. I truly do. I just hope that you won't have to pay a heavy price for your choices."

Nicole's heart ached at the weight of his words. All she wanted was a chance at happiness, a chance to heal from her past and embrace a future filled with love and acceptance.

"I don't want to cause any harm, Garrett," she whispered, her voice expressing vulnerability. "But I also can't deny whatever this is. I hope you can understand."

Garrett's expression softened with a hint of sadness in his eyes, "I do understand, Nicole. I hope I'm wrong about Liam. I hope he can prove me wrong."

Nicole reached out, placing a hand gently on Garrett's arm. "Thank you for looking out for me, Garrett. I value your friendship and your concern. Just trust that I'll do everything I can to protect myself and the pack."

Garrett's expression softened slightly, a glimmer of compassion shining through his hardened exterior.

Nicole nodded, her tears now mingling with a renewed determination. "I promise, Garrett. I won't take this lightly.."

With that, the weight of their conversation hung heavy in the air, leaving an unspoken tension between them. As they exchanged one last glance, Nicole turned away, retreating back into the safety of Liam's chambers. The war in her head was waging greater than it did before.