My Cursed Sadistic Alpha: Sebastian's Love

By Liz Barnet

"Well, he should be focusing on you, shouldn't he?" I forced a smile on my face, pretending that I didn't know my mate at all.

"Not really. Besides, I'd be happy to set him up with someone and get rid of my duty to reduce his loneliness for good," She snickered, "And, don't worry, I'm always in for a threesome."

"Cora, stop it." Sebastian decided to interrupt not wanting his girlfriend to spill more of his secrets than she'd already done.

"Calm down, Sebastian. Not everyone freaks out even over the tiniest little things and this beautiful lady over here, seems like the perfect match for you and I saw the way you looked at her," She cheekily nudged his arm, "She is hot, isn't she?"

"Shut up, Cora. Just shut up for now.”


*****


Athena, haunted by her past, seeks a fresh start in a new town. But as it resurfaces and, the very individuals she left behind six months ago, along with the nightmares she yearns to forget threaten to intertwine their lives with hers once more, she is forced to relive the past once again.

When with a twist of events, Suddenly, Beta Aaron, offers a loving hand and the one who once left no bounds to torment her, Sebastian, stands in front of her door, she must make a choice— Between the Beta who wants to give her a new life and the Alpha, who is willing to lay his life beneath her feet, to repent for the mistakes he made, even if it meant letting her go.

Where the boundaries between past and present are thin and the past echoes loud, she must choose a hand to lead her out of the darkness.

Especially when a lost treasure from the past once again knocks at her door— A rare case that seeks to return the most valuable gift for…..a mother.

What will she choose? Past or Present?

• Language: English
• Publisher: supernovel
• Release date: May 19, 2023

Book preview

CHAPTER 64: The Stalker

Athena

After the fulfilment of all the orders and finishing the work till the last bit, all the workers have begun to leave for their homes one by one. Even though today was one of those days where we had the most amount of work to be done, somehow, like some unmistakable sorcery it was also the day when we got all packed up within the least amount of time. Perhaps, it was our luck or just a bit more labour done than actually needed.

So it was kind of true that some people actually thrive under pressure— And every one of my co-workers could profusely relate to that.

Bidding goodbye to Shelly and being reminded for the umpteenth time of the pepper spray and knife she'd placed in my bag for the sake of my safety, I headed out of the bakery and proceeded to my apartment. It wasn't even night and still Shelly was concerned about my safety though the people here were as harmless as pigeons— Calm and quiet, minding their own business.

When I'd first moved to this small town, I did not have a place to stay for weeks and my first month was spent in Shelly's guestroom. But eventually, after getting a job in her bakery, I managed to rent a place to stay. It was small and not overly decorated or something too fancy with tons of extra facilities that many would prefer, but it was overall a good and comfortable place; At least, it was a safe zone for me where I wouldn't have to worry about anyone invading my privacy, or any unwanted arrival to deal with.

Things were at the right place for now. But the losses I'd endured in the past were so huge that I couldn't really say, I was happy— I was okay. Just okay. I didn't have any idea if I truly was content with staying just okay, or if I wished to be happy. But even if I wanted happiness, what was the place where I could find it?

Could I ever find it? Perhaps not. So taking off for a meaningless search would be foolishness and I wasn't going to repeat the same mistake and give the cruel cycle of life another chance to snatch everything away from me....even the last hope.

Shaking my thoughts away, I emitted a low sigh; Walking on the concrete footpath and hearing the sound of my heels clicking each time as I took quick steps, just to distract myself from getting dragged into the permanent darkness that existed somewhere deep in my mind.

The road wasn't that empty. There were numerous people around, and many of them included lovely old couples who were most likely to be out for an evening walk and enjoy the view of the sunset that has displayed itself like a canopy over the beautiful sky that blushed pink as everyone raved about its beauty.

So many things to get engaged in and forget the sorrow that lived somewhere, tying itself into knots I didn't have the power to undo but had the power to not feel, consider it invisible and walk ahead in life, yet I felt so alone in this crowd that didn't even surround me or asked me to stay submerged in it.

I proceeded walking, a bit faster than prior.

But soon as I crossed the bigger crowds, I felt something strange. Very faint footsteps follow me from afar.

Realization crossed my mind in the flash of a second — I knew who was it since it was happening for nearly three months; He was following me everywhere; Literally, everywhere I go at any hour of the day or night— From the bakery to grocery shopping, he was not leaving one single spot.

Indeed it has become a regular, and of course, it was not every day when he'd follow me, but he was there most of the time. And until today, I hadn't decided to confront him because all I wanted was to stay away from my dreadful past; his place too belonged to my past just like every other person.

But....

Now, I was unaware why I no longer wanted to keep acting oblivion about it. Perhaps I was tired of him following me every day and leaving me with the same question all over again— What did he want?

I kept waking up acting as if I hadn't noticed his presence just like all the other times, but today waiting for the correct moment to make the move. As I passed a row of cars, in the rearview mirror I saw the half view of his face that he failed to cover with the black hat he'd worn with his long black coat.

Indeed he was calm and taking slow steps that anyone would fail to hear if not paid the correct amount of attention. However, cautiousness was not there at all, and overconfidence was kind of sound.

He did not seem to doubt his skills of being a stalker, as he ironically failed to notice me looking at his reflection from the corner of my eyes.

Speaking to him was the last thing I wanted to do but again, I had to confront him. All these three months he'd been doing the same thing over and over again. And having someone watch each of your movements was certainly not the best thing in the world.

I wanted peace— Not distractions.

Soon as I reached the quieter side of the road, I slowed my steps little by little until I was standing still and as expected the sound of footsteps seized and just the moment I turned around, he took off in the opposite direction, turning his back to me soon as he could.

Wait! I spoke up, loud enough so that he hears me and judging by the way his legs were suddenly screeched to a halt and he froze on the spot, it went without saying that he heard me.

Even though he was partially locked at his spot, seemingly trapped, there was still no response that came from him.

I took a few steps towards him, fighting off my urge to skip all of these and head home straight but it was needed. I needed to know why was he following me and was for the fulfilment of an order from that one particular person I did not wish to face ever again in this life and maybe...even after death.

For a momentary period yet profusely, I had thought that I'd be needing to ask him to turn around judging by the way he made no sign of movement and stood dead still like ice.

The last thing I wanted was to wait for him to run away and from the next day do this regular duty of his in silence and too cautious for me to notice; If that happened, all I'd have left to do was to stress about it all day long and ruin the slight control I have gained over my mental state.

Ultimately it turned out that I didn't have to ask him for anything at all. He did the honours by himself and taking off his hat, he slowly spun around to face me.

His eyes were wary, I could catch the light rush in his breathing and see the barely noticeable tremble of his lips as he fought to say something. God knew what he wanted to say, but I didn't really wish to hear anything else than the answer to my question.

Just like he had done me a favour on me by turning around by himself without having to ask for it, I did one on him too and that was by letting the next question roll off my tongue, saving him from suffering under my judgemental gaze and fight the silence all alone.

What are you doing here, Aaron?

CHAPTER 65: A Talk With The Beta

Athena

What are you doing here, Aaron?

He stared at me, something weird crossing his orbs giving away the signs of hesitation he attempted to cover with his best shot at acting confident despite being under the red light— Maybe he had not expected to be caught or it could be the case— He'd not anticipated this particular question. Either way, I didn't care.

Sebastian's Beta following me could mean only one thing— It was Sebastian's command. And if that man could send his beta behind me, he, himself knew every detail of my whereabouts and that was dangerous for me. It'd taken me long enough to actually fit my life that I gathered piece by piece, in one place and now the last thing I wanted was to see Sebastian trampling this start of mine too.

Athena, I-I.... Aaron hesitated, seemingly drowning in the misery the lack of words has poured over him.

You are following me because of Sebastian's order, aren't you? Rage crawled up my insides at the remembrance of that man invading my world once again.

My wolf fell silent— Completely silent at the mention of my s0-called mate who fucking chose to stick to his demons at the expense of our lives— A life I'd once....dreamt for us.

His brows rose and eyes widened but surprisingly all of it screamed disbelief.

No! Alpha hasn't ordered me to do it, He spoke up quicker than expected.

Oh cut the crap, Aaron, I spat, You don't need to lie to cover up for him. I know he is the one who has sent you.

It's not true, he has not sent me, Aaron stepped closer but kept an appropriate distance, In fact, he doesn't even know your location.

Oh really? You come up with these stupid, flimsy lies and expect me to believe them? I thought you'd at least be smart to present some reasonable false narration to prove your point, judging the fact that you are none other than the mighty Sebastian Valdez's beta, I laughed, venom dripping from my voice, But, no, You thought you could fool me just like your boss.

Athena, it's not what you think. You are mistaking it— His attempt to speak failed as I cut in, refusing to spare him a chance to speak nonsense.

I'm not mistaking anything. I am just saying what I see here and everything's very clear to me, I nearly shouted, unable to keep my calm and behave normally, Just get this straight in your head Aaron— I am not falling for your Alpha's ploys again. Just go back, tell me to respect my choice and the fuck of my life! I am okay at where I am, I don't need any more destruction or any false hopes, I have wanted peace and I have finally got it. If he tries to destroy my world again, I'll forget the fact that I once loved him and I'll fucking kill him.

With that, I turned around and began to walk away.

I was not going to let Sebastian enter my life again. He was the reason I lost everything that ever belonged to me. He ruined both of our lives and directly or indirectly he was the reason why I lost my......No! I wasn't even going to let his shadow get near me.

He was lethal just like venom— And any life that'd get close to him would get burned to ashes.

I know what you have gone through— I have witnessed it all. Just think once—If Alpha was the one to send me, don't you think in all these months he'd at the very least try to reach you or talk to you?

My feet halted, and every fibre of my body was suddenly nothing but stiff and cold just like ice. I didn't really turn around and the reason for my sudden hesitance was a mystery but the closest assumption my conscious reached was— The lack of courage that'd prompted upon his words; Each of them spoke nothing but the truth.

I couldn't do anything that time to help you because my hands were tied; I was helpless and to say it short— Forced to be silent because o my duties. I couldn't help you even though I wanted to, things were impossible at that time, He spoke, and I heard his footsteps getting closer, I know saying all of these to you now, may seem unreasonable to you, and it's obvious for you to doubt my intentions. I can understand why you can't just trust my words, but believe me....I just wanted to make sure you are safe because you and I, both know the fact that Alpha has changed but that has not done any change to the past he had and the lives he ruined—Some foes might have become his friends, but the enemies are still his enemies and they'd want to hurt everyone close to him. All I wished to do was to ensure your safety.

This was when my body finally allowed me to turn around. A flicker passed through his eyes and something crossed his expression, nonetheless, I could not read it since he was far too quick to wipe every trace off of his face and that too with such perfection that it was impossible for anyone to even notice a slight hint of its existence.

To say I was confused would have expressed my feelings the bare minimum. I did have one single idea about what did he actually want and how was I supposed to react to this?

Listen to him and walk off? Or ask him the questions that were stirring awake in my head with every sentence that left his mouth. Perhaps the second option was a wise choice. When has walking off from a situation ever brought anything?

Why? Why do you want to keep me safe? I asked, shallowing the sigh that was on the verge of leaving my mouth, And what is the point of telling me all of these now? You and I have barely talked. Well....in reality, we have never even talked. You were only a bystander and, to be very honest, I never expected anything from you, any favour or the slightest bit of help and even now, you have no responsibilities for me nor are you obliged to help me in any case or be held responsible for my safety. Your and my paths are different.....we are barely anything other than strangers. Then....why?

I did not know why my palms were getting all sweaty and there was a rush in my breathing— It was a dilemma to solve for another time but right now, the dilemma standing in front of me demanded more attention to being solved and unfortunately, I was unknowingly giving my absolute worst job in it.

He fell silent for a few solid seconds, perhaps trying to read through my questions and statements I let out right the way they came out of my heart. It was a mystery if it was hard for him to solve the puzzle, however, he could have the answers that could just fit in there and complete it.

But was he going to choose to be honest? Or did he not know what to say himself?

I can't really explain it, Athena, He let out a sigh of relief, for a moment proving my second assumption right but then again, that was not it, It's just that....I have seen you suffer and I don't want you to go through something worse. I'm not a cold-hearted man or a servant loyal like a dog who'd ruin someone else's life just to gain the favour of his superior. I don't want to see people suffer, I don't want to see lives getting destroyed and if I could save even one person from the gruesome intentions of someone, or the cruel ways of this world, I'd be absolutely thrilled even if it is done at the expanse of my life.

So sympathy? That is it, right? The question left my mouth on its own, the bitterness seeking its way out, You think I need your sympathy to survive in this race? You think it's your help that'd save me and I wouldn't be able to protect myself without you being around?

He looked shocked by my sudden outburst. Obviously, he made it too obvious with his expression that he hadn't expected this reaction of mine.

You are taking it the wrong way again. Sympathy is not where all of these are coming from, He spoke, having much more control over his voice and the mastery to stay calm, What I am trying to say is that..... He hesitated for a second, and in that short period that was no more than a heartbeat, he decided to keep his sentence unfinished for the best— The contemplation and introspections all were done in his mind, far beyond my understanding, not that I wished to comprehend any of it.

He looked at me, taking another attempt to read something even I did not know about. I had mixed feelings about this entire conversation, I was shocked, confused, and bewildered the most and trying to get through the unrest curving like a giant curveball. Yet none of it felt bigger than the weight on my shoulders— The memories that have come back attacking me like a destructive wave at the shore which resided just right there, around the boundaries I have built around myself, chaining my spine to the cold walls, only so that I never get the chance to walk there, by myself, deep into the storm.

I did not let out a single word. I wanted him to speak, to say out his reasons loud and save me from this confusion— The last I wanted was to get any hint that he could actually be lying and was here solely to fulfil the order of that man, whom I have thrown out of my life.

Aaron was about to say something and a bunch of people walked past us, a few of them sparing us side glances that held curiosity and unnecessary speculation one usually has for two strangers.

But then again....there was not much space on the table to question their move cause right now, both of us looked anything but near normal. The dismay shrouding the face of the man standing opposite to me, at a distance of a few feet and the coldness shading on mine was just unmistakable.

Listen, let's just go and talk somewhere else, Aaron spoke, taking the initiative to step closer to erase the awkward space between us, he glanced around to check if there were a few suspicious stares fixated on us but when he found none he turned his attention back to me, Please.

No, I'm not going anywhere with you, I shook my head, immediately denying his polite request that was partially harmless if I let go of my doubts.

You don't have to go anywhere with me. It's just the cafe beside the river, you have already been there a couple of times.

So you have followed me there as well? My voice came out accusing, just like it should.

He let out a sigh of defeat, Please, Athena. Try to understand. I am not your enemy...

Nor are you my friend, Aaron.

I know, I am more aware of it than you are. And Trust me I'm not going to do anything that'd cause you any harm. I just want to talk, that's it. He added as if he'd my mind, or I could say the suspicion in my mind, It's just a conversation and I promise to take not more than ten minutes of your time.

He didn't seem like he was lying......

His intentions were genuine, at least, that's how it seemed.

And before I even knew it, my mouth decided to do the grace and open itself without my permission just like it has always done and brought nothing but a bunch of problems for me.

Okay, only ten minutes— Not even a second more than that.

You have my word.

CHAPTER 66: Rescue At The Void

Athena

The soft Mistral winds blew, making their way here with the waves and disappearing into nothingness every time they came in contact with my skin. I released a low sigh, relief flooding in my veins as if the surreal warmth I could find in these cold breezes was the only thing soothing the emptiness inside me.

When Aaron brought me here, I'd thought, maybe it was just for a mere second, still I'd this assumption that he'd have a lot of things to say but, it turned out that he was yet to overcome his problem to find the right words.

But it seemed more as if his choosing silence for these few moments was not done for the sake of himself but for....me.

Well, I couldn't complain.

I'd rather spend hours looking at the view of the river than go through the conversations that only reminded me of my past and somewhat tried to push me back into the same pitfall.

I wanted to move on. I really did....

But everything in this universe was pushing me back to the same spot all over again.

Why couldn't I just wipe Sebastian Valdez off of my mind? Learn to live and be free of the invisible weight on my chest that stung each time I took a breath.

Speak up, Aaron, I finally spoke up, my gaze not moving from the scenery of the sky that engulfed a dark blue hue while gradually letting go of the brighter shades, If you can't speak now, you can never.

The coffee on the table remained untouched, except for the part where I took the favour of the cup to warm my hands. I did not know why I no longer cared about how much time Aaron was going to take to put his reasons on the table and prove the point he was trying to make; All I knew was that this weather was a comfort— Like a companion, though it was ephemeral alike a few fleeting seconds that pass with the blink of an eye, still, I had something that did not force me to dive deep into my thoughts and look at the broken fragments over and over again.

I felt Aaron's gaze roaming over my face and I didn't really bother to pay much attention to read what he wanted to figure out.

I only wanted to hear what he had to say and then that'd be it; Fortunately, it took only a few more seconds of a wait before he finally opened his mouth.

Tell me something, Athena. If there was someone else at my place, wanting to offer you help or support, would you doubt that individual's intention the same as you are questioning mine?

A question— Yes a question what I'd expected the least. But it came from him anyways.

If this question is all you have on your side, something that'd get you a response out of me to which you can put your agreements or get a place to stack the weight of your disagreements only to cover up the relevance, I would better head to my home, I let out, sparing him a glance before I attempted to gather my stuff and leave.

No, wait, He spoke up, a bit louder, partially losing his patience, How would I put my point on the table if you are not willing to listen to me at all?

I am all ears. I'm willing to listen to you as long as you speak the truth and don't go off the topic, that's the bottom line. But I'm not gonna answer any of your questions that I don't think are important to the situation.

He let out a low sigh of defeat, I'm not here to beat around the bush, nor am I here to prove you wrong or prove myself right. But ask it yourself, would you doubt if there was someone else at myself? Whether you agree or not, I know— You wouldn't.

Listen...

No, please let me speak, He interrupted, softly, keeping his voice calm and collected contrary to mine, All I am trying to say is that— There's absolutely nothing wrong if I want to help you. Yes, I know you might not need my help, and you are a strong individual but if I get the satisfaction by making sure that you are safe and sound, then what's wrong with that?

I don't get it, Aaron...why would you want to keep me safe? I was beyond confused, to the point where I couldn't even wrap my head around the things he was saying, Besides, I don't want the help that comes out of sympathy, I am better on my own.

And I have already told you, sympathy, is not why I wish to help you, He countered, There are many reasons behind why I want to help you and keep you safe and sympathy is not one of them.

Then tell me what are they? Why have you got the sudden urge to be my protector and act like the kindest person on the earth?

Trust me, I am not the kindest person on the earth nor do I have the intention to act like one, His tone dropped a few octaves, I have got a fair share of sins hanging off of my shoulder that I don't even have the wish to repent for. But not everything has to have a specific reason, some urges come on their own and there's no explanation for that.

You don't have any explanation, you don't have any answers, you are not aware of the reasons why you wish to help me but then again you say it's not sympathy—I can't even get what the fuck are you even saying?! Are you fucking confused? are you trying to play with my mind with these sick word games?!

I lost it. I completely lost the last string of my patience and he seemed to be on the same boat as mine judging by the way his whole facial expression went from calm to frustrated real quick.

I am clear about what I want. I know why I'm neglecting my fucking duties and trying to protect you, I know why your safety is my priority, I know why there's nothing important to me other than keeping you out of the hands of Sebastian's enemies who are ready to cross any extent just to get to something close to him and destroy it, He slammed his hand on the table and stood up, causing my eyes to widen ever so slightly, And I fucking know what would give me relief. Every cell of my body knows it. And right now, all I care about is that I want to see you safe and sound and not pay the price for someone else's deeds just like your child did!

He didn't even know but, with his last words, he took a dagger in his hand and