As his gaze swept across the room, Albert was astounded by the grotesque display unfolding before him. The prisoners, treated like animals, were paraded in front of the crowd. It sickened him, but he maintained his composure.
"Bring them in," the Alpha's booming voice echoed through the hall.
One by one, the female prisoners were brought forth, their identities reduced to mere numbers. Bella, unfortunately, was the first to be called forward. The Alpha's disdain for Omegas dripped from his words, causing murmurs of excitement among the men in attendance. But their enthusiasm quickly faded as Alpha Albert gradually raised his hand, the others dropping theirs in response. No one dared challenge him, for his power and dominance were undeniable.
As the Alpha's gaze settled on Albert, a subtle nod of acknowledgement passed between them, silently acknowledging their shared status and authority. It was a delicate understanding that spoke volumes without a single word exchanged.
Without wasting a moment, Alpha Albert took Bella by the hand, their connection palpable. Together, they walked out of the arena, leaving Antonio seething with anger. To avoid causing a scene, he too made a swift exit, his fury barely contained.
Confusion filled Bella's mind as she walked beside Alpha Albert. The motives behind his choice to claim her remained shrouded in mystery. He hadn't given even the faintest hint that he recognized the bond they shared, the destined connection that bound them together.
As they moved away from the prying gazes of the crowd, Bella's thoughts swirled with questions. How could he not show any sign of recognition? The confusion weighed heavily on her, causing her steps to falter briefly. She dared to steal a glimpse of Albert, hoping to find answers within his gaze. Yet, his composed demeanor mirrored her own confusion, leaving her yearning for a glimpse of understanding.
"I know," Albert began to speak, bringing Bella back to reality. "That you have never seen a man as handsome as I am, but please, try not to stare too much. You will have ample time to admire me in my chamber." A soft, seductive tone underscored his words, eliciting a blush from Bella. She quickly looked away, attempting to hide her rosy cheeks.
The pair entered a waiting car, Bella struggling to resist the overwhelming urge to touch him. Her hormones raged, but she knew she had to ignore them, lest she lose herself completely.
Alpha Albert's bedchamber was a sight to behold. The opulence of the room was evident in every detail, from the exquisite furnishings to the rich fabrics that draped the walls. A grand, intricately carved bed took center stage, enticing comfort and indulgence.
Bella remained lost in her reverie when she suddenly felt a hot breeze against her neck. Her heart raced as the heat of his breath sent shivers down her spine, overwhelming her senses. She tried to step away, but an invisible force seemed to hold her in place. The scent of Alpha Albert enveloped her, clouding her mind with a primal desire. Every instinct screamed at her to surrender, to yield to his embrace. It took every ounce of willpower for Bella to break free from his magnetic pull.
Confusion and desire waged a battle within her, torn between what she should resist and the longing for his touch. Just as she was about to surrender to the inevitable, Albert's unexpected words shattered the haze. "Go take your bath and join me in bed," he commanded, a smug smirk dancing upon his lips.
Bella's eyes widened in shock. Not only had she missed the anticipated kiss, but another realization struck her like a lightning bolt. Had she heard him correctly? Did he just ask her to join him in bed? Confusion and uncertainty flooded her mind, leaving her wrestling with a whirlwind of emotions.
She stood frozen, swallowing her disbelief as Albert's words echoed in her ears. The idea of an Omega sleeping in an Alpha's bed was unfathomable, let alone being treated with such consideration. They were mere objects of pleasure, discarded once their use had been fulfilled.
Her heart raced with uncertainty, her mind grasping at the possibility that Albert might be different from the other Alphas she had encountered. As Bella hesitated, she couldn't help but wonder if this was a test, a cruel joke to further humiliate her.
"Go take your bath and join me in bed," he repeated, the words sinking in. Slowly, hesitantly, she nodded, accepting his offer.
Upon her return from the bathroom, Bella noticed that Alpha Albert was not in the room, but a set of clothes awaited her, neatly laid out on the bed. As she changed, a knock on the door startled her. "It's me. I'm coming in," Albert's voice announced, entering the room shortly after.
He had changed into fresh attire, indicating that he had taken his bath elsewhere. With a tender command, he gestured for her to sit, tending to her wounds with care. The gentle touch and attentive nature he displayed contrasted starkly with the harsh treatment she had experienced since her father's passing. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Bella managed to find her voice.
"Thank you," she spoke softly, her first words to him.
Albert playfully teased, "So she talks?" a smile graced Bella's lips in response. The tension in the room dissipated as they continued to exchange playful banter.
"Let's go to bed," Albert finally suggested, and despite her exhaustion, Bella's weariness seemed to fade as she climbed into the bed beside him. Albert enveloped her in a comforting embrace, tenderly caressing her as she drifted into a peaceful sleep.
As the morning sun cast a warm golden glow through the window, the room came alive with a gentle radiance. The soft light danced upon the walls, illuminating Bella's delicate features as she lay peacefully in slumber. Albert couldn't help but be captivated by her beauty, his heart swelling with a love he had never known before. Leaning in, he pressed a tender kiss upon her forehead, his love for her growing with each passing moment.
A deep growl rumbled within Albert's chest, his displeasure evident. Reluctantly, he untangled himself from Bella's side, his touch lingering for a moment before he left her to her dreams. As he made his way through the halls, a guard approached him, apologizing for the interruption.
"I'm sorry to disturb you, Alpha Albert, but you are needed in the study room," the guard informed him.
Albert's face relaxed, knowing this was the true purpose of his visit to the Nile pack. He had reached an agreement with Antonio to select and train a few promising pups. With a simple nod, he followed the guard to the study room, where Antonio sat at the head of a large wooden table. Albert took a seat opposite him, anticipation building in his chest.
"So, it's business time?" Albert asked, eager to delve into the task at hand.
Antonio didn't respond, his gaze fixed on Albert with a hint of irritation. But Albert remained unfazed by his presence, focusing on the matter at hand.
With a wave of his hand, Antonio signaled for the guard to bring in the young pups. Ten of them were ushered into the study room, their hopeful eyes filled with curiosity and potential. Albert relaxed in his seat, his attention fully on the pups as he began the selection process. Though it quickly became apparent that choosing would be effortless, Albert diligently asked questions to honor protocol.
After thorough consideration and lengthy discussion, the selection process finally concluded.