Sexting With A Vampire
Chapter 21

Stella

Discomfort makes goosebumps prickle over my skin and back. Raphael's promise of soon being my alpha doesn't make me smile. For some reason, I don't want to have to look up to a leader. I'm a werewolf and know how the hierarchy goes, but I wouldn't enjoy following his orders.

I've been a servant all my life-how could I ever enjoy listening to alpha Raphael barking me orders?

For years, I haven't had a will of my own. I thought the local werewolf pack would eventually save me. But funnily enough, my life changed after I began sexting Evan-a vampire.

He came in like a storm and changed the game forever. I have much more freedom now, and something tells me everything will be okay if I stay by Evan's side.

But with alpha Raphael?

I think joining his pack would eventually make me miserable. I'm not sure where that gut feeling comes from, but something tells me that equality isn't something he values. And that's what I seek.

I want a mate and partner who respects me.

"You should also know that while it's amusing having you question my authority, I don't like it when women try to lead and tell me what to do. I'm the alpha, and every werewolf in my pack should listen to me, including the future member who happens to be my mate-you."

My eyes narrow, and I take a deep breath. "I might not join your pack; I'm not sure what is in it for me."

Alpha Raphael snorts and crosses his arms over his mighty chest as he peers down at me. "You would eventually die if you stayed with the vampires, Stella. At some point, they will stop tolerating you and wind up killing you. You need a pack and your mate." I'm not sure what to say. I open and close my mouth, but not a sound comes out.

It makes the alpha grin at me. Raphael walks forward, expecting me to surrender to him since he towers many inches over me.

But I'm tired of being a coward.

Despite the alpha being taller and more intimidating than me, I take a step forward to close the distance. "Is that so?"

Raphael seems confused about me being brave enough to glare back at him. I don't think werewolves often approach their alpha without showing any indication of fear.

But truthfully, I am afraid of alpha Raphael.

The only reason I'm glaring up at him is that... I don't know. I think Evan would swoop in if this fool tried to attack me.

Which he probably wouldn't...

I'm silly for thinking that.

"Look," Raphael inhales. "Joining my pack is inevitable since I'm your mate. You don't know it yet, but you and I belong together. The Spring Festival will show me as your fated one in those flames, Stella. And then you will join my pack without questioning it." I square my shoulders. "Joining your pack might be the safest option, but I'm not interested in becoming a member."

He blinks in shock. "Why? You're my mate!"

"That doesn't matter! I'm not looking forward to leaving my vampire master only to become a person without a voice in your pack. I've had enough of that shit." His eyes widen. "Oh, but you will have a voice!"

"But you just said-"

"I know what I said, but that rule only goes for me. You can't go against what I tell you to do. I'm your alpha, but the pack members will listen to you as my luna." "Luna?"

"Yes, that will be your future role. It's a high ranking, my dear. You will be the second in command. Your words will be the law, but you're not expected to ever fight." I stare at him in confusion. "Not ever?"

Raphael's face grows soft. "Women are delicate creatures, beautiful and meant to bear children. Not fight on the battlefield unless necessary. And your blood is too valuable to risk your life in battle, Stella. I expect many puppies from you." Puppies?

Chills creep down my spine for the billionth time since alpha Raphael arrived here. I'm not sure if it's normal for a werewolf to speak about children like puppies, but I dislike it.

I also don't like the idea of never battling. Today was my first day of shape-shifting, and it felt like freedom.

When I saved Evan's life, I felt more alive than I have in years. The only thing that could beat that invigorating emotion would be that warm feeling I get from being and touching Evan.

I flare my nostrils. "I'm still not sure if you're my mate, alpha. So please, refrain from speaking to me like I belong to you already."

Alpha Raphael freezes on the spot. He stares at me like I'm an alien, but eventually, his lips twitch into a sad smile. Even his thick eyebrows fold to give me a show.

"Stella, please, don't glare at me like that! I wasn't trying to anger you, but I keep forgetting that you don't know we are mates yet. I had that revealed and shown to me by a witch." Raphael tries to grab my hand, but I back away from him. I'm not a person with an attitude, but right now, I'm fighting the urge to tell him not to f*****g touch me.

Alpha Raphael feels too needy, or maybe his behavior is expected since he has seen a vision of us being mates?

Regardless, I keep giving him the cold shoulder.

I just want to go home and not meet Raphael until the Spring Festival. If he turns out to be my mate, then fine, I can try to give him a chance.

But not right now.

"Either way, I'm leaving," I announce. I then start walking away from Raphael without looking back. "Have fun in the woods."

"Leaving?" Raphael laughs behind me. "But honey, I plan on taking you pack to my place. You're staying the night, hopefully forever."

Forever?

I stop in my tracks when I realize I'm surrounded by werewolves. They are all glaring at me from behind trees and bushes. There is no escape, and one of them is even growling at me.

"Sch, I know she is a rogue," Raphael is talking to the growling werewolf in a sweet voice before walking over to me. "But Stella is my mate, and you will treat her with respect," he places a hand on my shoulder. "She will give birth to many future puppies, so don't you dare go and make her feel uncomfortable."

I shudder, but the reason isn't the werewolves are howling to show Raphael they heard his command. It's because alpha Rapheal is touching me, and I don't like it.

I feel trapped.

Like a bird suck inside a cage-I hate it.

Why can't he just let me go home? I don't want to visit his stupid home, and even less do I want to spend time with Raphael. His view on women is so warped it makes my chest feel heavy. Are all werewolves like this?