The Alpha

Chapter 12

Scarlet's POV

Three days later, I am going completely stir crazy. I haven't been outside the penthouse for even a

second. All the balcony doors have been locked so that I don't have access to them. Ethan spends his

days working, leaving before I wake and returning after I've gone to bed. I hate it. My wolf has been

going crazy too. All she wants is to be around her mate, but he is never here. I don't have a phone or a

keycard or anyway of getting ahold of him while he's away. That is, unless I asked one of my guards to

mind-link him for me. But that just seems weird to me.

Instead, I try to distract myself. I've been using the personal gym the last few mornings. And I've

already finished reading a couple books. Every day I shower and get dressed just in case I'm finally

allowed to go out, but so far I've not been that lucky. A couple days ago Alex had shown up with a

bunch of groceries to stock the kitchen so that I could make myself something to eat whenever I'm

hungry. The silence was too much that I gave in and started making small talk with my guards. Every

single one of them has a mate. I'm sure that's not a coincidence.

"Levi, can we go outside?" I ask as I lean against the wall of windows, watching the city below forlornly.

"Sorry Scarlet. Alpha doesn't want us leaving the penthouse," the guard named Levi answers.

"What if we just go for a short walk? Or up to the roof?" I bargain desperately. Levi shoots me an

apologetic smile and I let out a sigh, deflated. "How much longer is he going to keep me locked away?

I'm going out of my mind."

"I'm afraid I don't know. Maybe you should ask him when he returns," he replies.

A puff of air leaves my lungs. "That would require him to actually come home early enough to face me."

He chuckles before looking down at his feet. "Well, if you really want to get out you may want to plan on

speaking to him no matter how late he shows up. When my mate Amy wants something she says so

and she doesn't take no for an answer. She is always getting her way."

I smirk at him and shake my head. I should have known that Levi was just a big teddy bear. "You

should bring Amy over sometime. It'd be nice to have some company or even make some friends."

"I'm sure she'd like that," he responds with a smile. I grin at him before letting my gaze wander back to

the bustling city.

Hours pass just like any other day until it's time for me to get ready for bed. I bring a book with me, From NôvelDrama.Org.

planning on staying up until he gets home. Unfortunately, I have no idea what time that will be. I'm often

already asleep by the time he comes in to join me. By the time I hear footsteps coming down the

hallway, I'm struggling to keep my eyes open. The door swings open and Ethan's eyes widen in

surprise to see that I'm still awake as I immediately sit up on my knees with my feet tucked under me.

"You're still up," he states somewhat gruffly before clearing his throat. He peels his shirt over his head

and walks to the bathroom. I wait somewhat impatiently until he comes back out.

"I wanted to talk to you about something," I explain cautiously. He looks at me and narrows his eyes as

though he thinks I'm lying.

"Okay... I'm listening," he remarks as he climbs into the bed next to me and I turn to face him, my

hands resting nervously in my lap.

"I'd like to leave the penthouse tomorrow."

"You want to leave?" he asks angrily, his features instantly turning hostile.

"Yes...err...no... I mean," I stammer before letting out a sigh and trying to collect my thoughts. "What I

mean is that I can't continue being cooped up here. I haven't been outside in days. I just want to get out

and get some fresh air. Maybe explore a bit. Maybe visit my friends and catch up with them..."

Ethan's gaze seems to be locked on an unknown target as he thinks about what I've said. When he

looks up at me his expression is determined. "You can go out—" I instantly squeal and clap my hands

before jumping on him to give him a hug. A laugh escapes his lips at the sudden attack and he returns

the embrace before I pull away. "But... you will have guards with you at all times," he begins and I nod

eagerly. "You will not go anywhere near The Scourge."

"But—" He instantly holds up his hand to stop my objection. I close my mouth again with a frown.

"You will not go to The Scourge," he repeats sternly and I nod, disappointed. "If you run off or anything

then I will not agree to an outing again so easily. You understand?" My head bobs up and down in

understanding. I will take whatever I can get at this point. "I'll have Isa take you shopping. The Silver

Shadow Pack is coming to visit and you'll need a formal gown. Alpha Lucien is a celebrated artist and

while he's here he wants to show off some of his pieces at a gala."

I stare at him for a moment as my brain tries to comprehend what he's telling me. "So... you're going to

let me go?"

"Yes. You'll be going with me. As my date."