Alphas' Proud Mate novel Chapter 29

Chapter 29

“Finish what we started earlier?” I repeat, my voice strained as I try to sound nonchalant–like my stomach isn’t doing wild flips, like my thighs aren’t clenching involuntarily at the memory.

Jack’s eyes gleam as he steps closer, his heat already invading my space.

“Yeah,” he murmurs, his voice rough and smoky–like silk dragging slowly across bare skin. “You remember… how your legs trembled when I touched you. The way you moaned my name like it was the only word you knew.”

I swallow hard.

The memories come rushing in, uninvited. The way he’d held me like I was something precious and wild at the same time. My skin flushes, and I silently curse myself for feeling anything.

Control, Kali. Get it back.

“I’m not sure what you’re talking about,” I lie, lifting my chin defiantly. “I don’t remember anything.”

Jack lets out a low chuckle. It sends a ripple of electricity across my skin. “Don’t play coy with me, Kali,” he murmurs, another step forward. “I can see the way you look at me. I felt the way you clung to me. You’re not fooling anyone–least of all me.”

I force a tight laugh, ignoring the heat pooling between my legs.

“All I remember is falling asleep in the bathtub,” I say with a shrug. “Then waking up in bed. Alone.” I blink up at him with feigned confusion.

Jack’s brows knit together. He doesn’t like that. Good.

“Oh wait,” I add with mock realization, raising a finger as if something just occurred to me. “Did something happen between us? Did you kiss me or something?” I tilt my head and smile sweetly. “Huh. Must not have been that special. Or memorable.”

The lie tastes bitter on my tongue, but I spit it out anyway, hoping it smothers the fire building between us.

His jaw tightens. A low growl rumbles from his chest. “Kali…”

I cut him off before he can finish.

“Don’t get me wrong–I get it. Women probably throw themselves at you all the time because you’re the big, bad Alpha. But let me make one thing clear -if something did happen, it clearly wasn’t enough to leave an impression.”

His eyes flash–wounded pride and something far darker swirling in them. He steps closer, and the air between us tightens.

“Then let me help you remember,” he growls, his voice low, dangerous, and full of promise.

Before I can react, he pins me back onto the bed in one swift movement, his body caging mine. I try not to panic. Try not to let him see how much his closeness is messing with me.

I hold my breath.

His nose brushes against my neck as he inhales deeply, almost like he’s trying to memorise me.

“How long are you going to keep fighting this?” he whispers. “Your body wants this. You want this.”

I grit my teeth, refusing to move, refusing to let him see the truth in my eyes.

His lips graze my ear as he speaks again, seething with heat and frustration.

“Stop fighting the bond. Stop lying to yourself. You crave me–even when you claim you don’t.”

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Chapter 29

I snap.

“Fine!” I hiss, eyes locking with his. “You want the truth? You want me to admit it?”

Jack stills above me, clearly not expecting that.

“Yes,” I spat. “I’m attracted to you. I crave your touch. No–screw your touch–I want you to fuck me senseless. I want your hands all over me. I want your mouth on every inch of my body.”

His pupils dilate. His breath stutters.

“But so what?” I continue, my tone now laced with venom. “That doesn’t mean I want your mark. That doesn’t mean I want to be your perfect little Luna -playing house and popping out heirs like some obedient mate.”

Something shifts in his expression-as if I’ve just pierced him straight through the chest.

I don’t know if it’s the confession or the rejection that stings more, but he stares at me, stunned and silent.

Then slowly, he lifts himself off me.

I exhale for the first time in what feels like forever, sucking in air like I’ve been drowning.

Jack stands there for a long moment, looking down at me, his chest rising and falling like the weight of the world is pressing against it. I can’t read his face completely, but his eyes… they’re no longer just burning anymore. They’re bleeding and empty in a way that makes my chest tighten. Then, wordlessly, he turns and walks to the door. His hand touches the knob and twists it.