The Alpha's Cinderella

Chapter 21

Serena

I heard Ashford's words and my heart skipped a beat. Damon was looking for me? The shock hit me like a sudden thunderbolt, and I couldn't believe it.

I thought he was clueless about my stepmother's deceit. Does this mean that Damon knew about Tori’s lie? I’m confused.

"Wait, Damon knows?" I asked, my voice tinged with disbelief.

Ashford nodded solemnly. "Yeah, he knows, Serena. But he's been playing along, just waiting for the right moment to find you and bring you to Blood Rose to expose the schemes of your so-called family.”

“But how? How did you all find out?” I pressed more, eager to learn how everything came to light.

“Damon was the first one to notice. I guess something happened between you and him that prompted him to figure everything out.”

My cheeks heated remembering that passionate encounter I had with him. But this was not the time to dwell on that. There were a lot of things left unanswered.

“Although he knew that your sister was fake, he still didn’t know what happened to you. That’s why he sent me to Goldenridge to look for possible clues about your whereabouts. That’s when I found out about what your family did. And then, we were attacked. Most of your people fell, including the Alpha and the rest of the council members and warriors.”

I bit my lower lip remembering my Dad and Uncle Craig. Although my father never treated me fairly, he was still my dad. I still mourned for him, including Uncle Craig, who despite not interfering with what my family was doing, still showed me some kindness especially when he allowed me to spend some time with Shey.

“I am sure that Damon would be glad to hear that you’re safe. I can’t wait to recover and bring you to Blood Rose—”

“Who says I’m coming with you?” I no longer allowed him to finish as I showed no interest in his next words.

“Wait, what? I don’t understand. I thought you guys had some mutual feelings for each other. Wasn’t that the case?”

“It was,” I answered frankly, “Until he left me hanging and decided to ride my sister’s betrayal.” I scoffed, a mix of anger and hurt bubbling inside me.

Damon leaned in, his eyes holding mine. "Serena, there's more to it. Let me explain."

I listened intently as Ashford revealed the deal Damon had with his father, and it hit me like a punch to the gut. My heart ached as I realized his true motivation for getting close to me that night during the mating ritual.

"What? Are you saying Damon only approached me because of some deal with his father?" I asked Ashford, my voice trembling with a mixture of shock and hurt.

Ashford took a deep breath. “It’s not like that. The Alpha pressured Ashford to look for a bride the night of the ritual. It just happened that amongst all the she-wolves present, it was you who captured his attention.”

Tears welled up in my eyes as the truth sank in. "So, it wasn't because Damon cared for me? It was all just a part of some twisted plan to secure his future?"

"No…Yes…Serena, please. Try to understand." Ashford replied, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "I can assure you, Damon’s feelings for you is real. If not, will he bother asking for my help to find you? Things just became complicated since he was the Alpha’s heir.”

Anger began to replace the initial hurt. "How could he do this to me? To us?"

Ashford sighed, his gaze filled with regret. "Damon's been under immense pressure from his family. He thought this was the only way to secure his future as alpha."

I clenched my fists, struggling to contain my emotions. "Well, he's made his choice, and it's clear where his priorities lie."

As I said this, I turned away, my steps measured and deliberate as I walked away from the scene. The sound of my footsteps echoed through the tense silence of the room, each step carrying a weighty message that I couldn't put into words.

Disappointment and understanding warred within me as I moved further away. It hurt to see the pain etched on her face, to witness the shattering of something beautiful that had once held so much promise. But I also understood the pressure Damon had been under, the impossible choices he'd faced

I didn’t know what to think. For I was so confused. A part of me wanted to curse him as I felt betrayed, yet another part of me wanted to come to him and make things right. For now, I guess a little space to think wouldn’t hurt. There were so many things to process in one night. I needed some air to think as the world felt suffocating.

That wouldn’t hurt, right?

The next day, I found myself back in Ashford's room, a sense of regret weighing on me. It had been rude of me to walk out on him like that, and I knew I needed to apologize. Uncertainty gnawed at me as I contemplated the choices before me. I was still in the midst of it all, unable to fully weigh the options.

"Ashford," I began, my voice tinged with remorse, "I'm sorry about last night.”

"It's okay, Serena," he answered with a gentle understanding in his eyes. "I understand."

A faint smile crossed my face, grateful for his forgiving nature. "Also, I need more time. There are so many things that happened, and I can't make a decision on whether I'll come with you to the Blood Rose Pack to face Damon just yet. But don't worry, I'll give you my answer once you're fully recovered."

Understanding washed over Ashford's face, and he nodded in agreement. Then, I remembered one more important detail that I needed to discuss with him.

"Another favor, if you may." Ashford smiled and nodded his head, prompting me to continue.

Before leaving his bedside, I leaned closer to Ashford and whispered, "Please, keep my real identity a secret here. No one knows about my troubled past. Call me by my pretend name, Katniss."

Ashford's eyes held mine, full of reassurance as he replied, "Of course, KATNISS. Your secret is safe with me."