Word Count: 1607

~Kezziah

I didn't tell Alden about my dream the next day.

Part of me feels uneasy, after being told not to put trust in any one. Was that a warning about Alden, or another who I have no yet encountered? Either way, I've concluded it was just a dream. A very realistic one, but no one can get into my head and mess with it, therefore, I should stop worrying.

So when I skipped down the stairs after readying for the day, I didn't pay it no mind. I didn't even let it touch my expression, allowing Alden to believe everything is fine.

When I walk into the Great Room, he is pulling a waterproof coat over his shoulders. He turns to look at me, trying to steal my gaze away from the mess behind him, but it's all I can see. Pieces of balled up paper are strewn everywhere, mixed with pencils, other flattened paper with scribbles all over it.

What the hell am I looking at?

"Good morning," he says breezily, as if the lounge area is not an utter mess. The fire is blazing, plenty of ash buried beneath the logs. He's been writing things and throwing some of it into the fire.

I blink a few times, trying to make sense of all of this. "Is this your doing? Did you stay up all night doing this?"

At that moment, I look back at him, and he's rubbing the back of his neck. Guilty. And the bottom of his eyes are stained with dark shadows, a suggestion of how late he has spent up, getting next to no sleep. I'm not exactly sure what any of this is, but it's been perplexing him.

"I know how much you want this mate bond thing solved," he says gently, brushing a hand back through his hair. I watch each strand slip through his fingers, finding themselves fall into their usual place. "So I tried to work on it, but can't say I got very far."

I'm so stunned, I dont' know what else to say, I'm left gaping. Was he really so kind to stay up all night trying to help me?

"You didn't have to do this."

"Well, I think I did need to. No one deserves to be forced into a mate bond with such a monster. I could never forgive myself if he came back for you, and dragged him into whatever hole he lives in up in that immortal world," Alden tells me, looking around at the mess he's made across the room.

The fact that Alden did this for me almost has me flushing bright red. I want to thank him for his contribution. It might make a difference, despite the fact that I know it can only be dealt with by me confronting Time. And I will. Soon, hopefully.

"Thank you," I say softly. "You didn't have to try, so I thank you for doing so. It's unbelievably kind of you."

Alden casts his gaze to the floor. I can tell he's used to helping people, especially after that note I found. Does he worry I'm going to pine after him for his service to me? I truly hope not, because my plans still stand to leave as soon as this as over. As soon as there is no more brand on my back of bond in my veins.

I watch as he claps his hands together and looks at me, keen to change the subject. "I thought I would take you out onto the boat outside. The cabin has good heating and there will be a stunning view of the lake. If that interests you.

"Sounds good."

Part of me wants this over with, while the other is enjoying the time away from the institution. Plus, Alden hasn't been the worst company, despite my embarrassment when I walked in on him half naked.

It did leave me wondering however, who he managed to obtain such an incredible body. Does he work out often or is this something Alpha's are blessed with? Just thinking about it makes me want to slap myself. He's my Alpha doing me a favour. I shouldn't be drooling over his body...Disrespecting him with my insatiable thoughts, and all.

After eating breakfast, I joined Alden on a rathe rocky boat, that did not lie about the warm cabin. It blazed with so much heat, I began to question whether or not it was magic, as he pulls away from the dock, gliding onto the lake.

It's rather spacious inside, decorated nortically. I lounge on a sofa connected to the front end, staring out the window at the blue expanse that surrounds us.

It's stunning.

We find a spot right in the middle of the lake. Alden sets up all his supplies on a table, and I take my clothes off. At this point, I'm comfortable exposing myself to him. It might only be my bare back, but it still feels scandalous for the Alpha to see me like this. Especially when I could slip and he could see anything.

"We are making great progress. I should have the entire brand exactly traced very soon," Alden reassures me.

I'm grateful. One step closer.

I begin to speak on what has been getting in my head for quite some time now, making me wonder if this is all worth it. "What if this doesn't find a cure? What if I'm bonded to Time forever, and he forces me-"

Alden makes a sound of disapproval. "That won't be happening. I won't let him take you away."

A smile blossoms on my face. I can't help myself. Only Avia has ever ensured I was cared for and protected. So to know someone as powerful as an Alpha extending their hand to help me makes this all feel worth it. Maybe Time won't be able to come for me, and Alden will find this cure.

"Thank you," I breathe, and not for the first time today.

"Do you have a real mate? A bond created by the Moon and not by an immortal? If so, I can bring them here for you," Alden kindly offers, but his tone is strained. Does he truly want that, or is he being kind?

I sigh deeply. "No. Not that I've discovered at least. I feel sorry for whoever they are, considering their mate has been claimed by an Immortal like Time. Personally, I would want to be as far away from me as possibly. Even with the mate bond fully working, you couldn't convince me to get through it.

"I wouldn't worry about that," Alden says softly. Almost as softly as his pen on that paper. "Anyone would be lucky to have you."

My heart flutters. He couldn't possibly extend a compliment like that to anyone, right?

"I don't know about that."

"I think if it were me that were your mate, I would do anything to get that mate bond out of your system. I know I technically am, but I would probably kill Time," Alden admits, much to my surprise. "There is no way I would allow any other male to have you."

The way he speaks, with a tone low and sultry, almost - if my mind isn't playing tricks on me - as if in a seductive manner. It sends chills up my spine, and I pray Alden doesn't notice the fine hairs on the back of my neck rise.

Sitting up slightly, I look over my shoulder at him. "You know you don't have to say things like that to make me feel better."

When I try catch his eyes, I notice he is looking past me, and out the window. Then he quickly tears his gaze away, shaking his head and chuckling slightly. When I look back, I'm staring at my topless reflection, on full show to whoever may be behind me looking.

Oh great.

Quickly, I cover my chest, reaching for my shirt. Alden allows me to tug it on with no protest. When I turn around, cheeks burning, he's smiling slightly at me.

"We never speak of this," I mutter quickly.

"No never, of course not," he says dismissively, but I catch onto the slight tinge of amusement in his tone that he fails to conceal. "You look beautiful. Or is that foolish of me to say?"

I ignore him, too mortified to look behind his words to see if there is any further meaning. I can't believe I just exposed myself to the Alpha like that? I'm meant to respect him, not flash my chest at him. Either he doesn't mind, or he has had a good laugh about him. There is no doubt he has seen this all before, and I'm being over dramatic.

That night I joined him for dinner to not seem affected by this. He had a knowing smile on his face the entire time. Damn him.

When I went up to my room that night, it didn't stop my mind from wandering.

Alden seemed so focused on removing my mate bond, and mentioned how dedicated he would be to it if we...No, I'm stupid for thinking that way. I need to concentrate on getting out of here, not falling for the Alpha.

But it does make me wonder.

🖤••💙

If you guys want more of Alden, the rest of available now on Radish (:

Sinful's own story is up now on Radish! I wanted to make it apart of the Seven Sins series (which will have stories involving Cian and other characters you've seen before)

Instagram: Sophie_Midika

~Midika 💜🐼