Approaching the Arrogant Alpha novel Chapter 8

"Tell me why you're really here," I hiss quietly, while Baden's eyes slip past me to spy on the interior of my room. His gaze focuses on my paintings and his eyes widen... I think he appreciates my art work... that frankly wouldn't exist if he didn't make a deal to have his Guardians force me into my dorm for a whole week.

"I..." Alpha Baden has to tear his gaze away from my art work to meet me icy glare, and he pauses before putting on a professional, cool tone, "Grand Tower is hosting a Mating Event. A ball - for everyone. Will you, kindly forgive me... and be my date?"

I can barely comprehend the question.

One week hating me.

Now, one week later seducing me. In plainer words... something was off.

I didn't know if it's because Baden didn't sound completely genuine, or he was just uncomfortable, or if he was forced to seek me out and he was barely holding his vile self inside, just beneath the surface?

When I say nothing, I see his cheek twitch and I can't help but smile a little.

"Come to the ball with me?" he asks again, this time, with fully forced joy, "Please?"

"No," I answer, shaking my head, "Before you ask again... no... and before you ask a third time... no. But, I will say yes - if you tell me the truth."

"What truth?" Baden asks, his eyes appearing guarded, his tone unsure.

"You're unbelievable," I whisper, in a hiss.

"A lot of girls say that to me," Baden smirks, a true emotion finally shining through as he replies too quickly.

"I didn't mean it in that way," I snap, "Tell me what's going on. Tell me why I was forced to be isolated in my dorm for seven days. Tell me why you're pretending to be sweet to me now... you might not know me and I might not know you, Baden... but I'm not stupid. I know you're hiding details from me. Tell me what I want to know, and you've got a date."

Alpha Baden pauses, he almost opens his mouth to tell me what the issue is but then he shuts his lips.

"There's a Head Guardian rounding up every student, to make sure they go to the ball, they'll be at your dorm in twenty minutes. I'll see you there, Maia," he answers dismissively, while he turns from me and puts on his shirt.

After he ignores my question, I watch him casually button up the white material before grabbing his blazer.

I was impressed he remembered by name, but I was unimpressed that he didn't seem to think I was worth engaging into conversation with.

I mean, let's give him the benefit of the doubt here. I was his mate but I was also a stranger.

Clearly, being a stranger was more important in regards to how much he could trust me.

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