The Alpha's forbidden omega mate - Chapter 175: Chapter 175

Carson POV:
“Just one more thing, Derek. I need your opinion on these revised budget projections.”
Isabelle’s voice, crisp and efficient, echoed through her office.
I stood by the window, pretending to study the blueprints for the new hotel wing.
But my gaze kept drifting back to them, to Isabelle and Derek, their heads bent over a stack of papers, their scents mingling in the air – lavender, vanilla, pine, and leather.
It was a heady mix that made my wolf growl, a low rumble of jealousy. I knew I had no right to feel this way, but I couldn’t help it.
“She’s not yours, Carson. She’s the Alpha. And he’s… He is a Magnus.”
My wolf’s voice was a bitter reminder of my place, my duty, my unrequited love.
It was a thorn in my side, a constant reminder of the hope I’d keep for so long, the foolish belief that maybe, someday… she might see me, might return the love I felt for her.
But lately, watching them together, seeing the easy way they talked, the shared laughter, the way their eyes met… It was like a spark between them, a connection that went beyond business, beyond pack matters.
It catch fire of jealousy inside me, a possessiveness I knew was irrational.
“He’s not worthy of her, Carson.” My wolf snarled, his claws digging into the polished wood floor.
His eyes, a reflection of my own, were fixed on Derek, a silent challenge, a warning.
He’ll only hurt her. He’s not capable of real love, not like you are.
“Those projections look good, Derek,” Isabelle said, her voice softer now, a hint of amusement in it.
It made my wolf bristle. He was jealous of their closeness, of their easy familiarity.
“You have a good head for business. I’m impressed.”
“It’s not all about numbers, Alpha,” Derek replied, his voice a low rumble, his emerald eyes meeting hers.
I could feel the tension between them, a heat that made my blood boil.
“Sometimes… you have to trust your gut. Take a leap of faith.”
He’s playing with fire, the arrogant fool.
My wolf growled, wanting to intervene, to protect Isabelle from the danger she couldn’t see.
“He’ll break her heart, Isabelle. He’s not capable of the loyalty and devotion you deserve.”
“You’re right, Derek,” Isabelle chuckled.
Her laughter, a sound that usually calmed my wolf, now felt like a torment.
“Sometimes… the numbers don’t tell the whole story.”
She leaned closer to him, her dark hair brushing his arm, her scent filling the air.
It was a fragrance I’d memorized, a scent that I longed to claim as my own.
“She’s too close, Derek. Back off. She’s not yours.” My wolf snarled, a warning rumbling in my chest.
But even as he growled his disapproval, I felt a sinking feeling in my gut.
A premonition of a future where everything I’d hoped for, everything I’d believed in, would crumble.
“She’s choosing him, Carson. She’s drawn to him”. My wolf whimpered, his voice echoing my own heartbreak.
“Well, Derek Magnus,” Isabelle said, her voice regaining its usual crispness, her smile fading as she put her Alpha mask back on.
“I think we’ve covered everything for today. Thank you for your… insights. They’ve been… enlightening.”
She stood up, her movements graceful and fluid, her long hair shimmering under the office lights.
She seemed so untouchable, so far away.
Derek rose from his chair, his eyes lingering on her with a hunger that I recognized all too well. It was the same hunger that burned in my own wolf’s heart.
She’s mine, Derek. Step aside.
“My pleasure, Alpha,” Derek said, his voice low, his gaze holding hers. “Until next time.”
I watched as Isabelle swept out of the office, her scent lingering, a painful reminder of the desire I couldn’t act on, the love I had to keep hidden.
“She’s walking away, Carson. And she’s not looking back.” My wolf howled, his voice a mournful lament for a love that was lost, a future that would never be.
“Carson? Are you still here?”
Isabelle’s voice, sharp and impatient, snapped me out of my thoughts.
I looked down at the blueprints in my hands, my face flushing as I realized I’d been staring blankly at them, lost in my own thoughts.
“Yes, Alpha. I’m here,” I said, a little too quickly, a little too loudly.
I had to hide my emotions, maintain the facade of the loyal Beta.
“I was just… admiring the… architecture,” I lied, looking away, unable to meet her eyes.
They held a warmth, a spark of something… something I’d witnessed between her and Derek, something that excluded me.
“It’s… impressive, Alpha. The new wing… it’ll be magnificent.”
“Yes, I’m sure it will be,” she said, her voice a little colder now.
There was a hint of suspicion in her tone, a distance that hadn’t been there before.
“… Because this is where my marriage ceremony will be held.” Her voice was flat, emotionless.
So that was it. The reason for her sudden shift, the coldness in her eyes.
It was clear she didn't want to marry Rowan. But her duty as the Mondragon Alpha came first.
Her father had promised her to the Magnus pack before he died, and she wouldn’t back out, not even for her own happiness.
“But I’m afraid I don’t have time to admire the scenery right now, Carson. I have… important matters to attend to. Pack business.”
She turned to leave, her scent a lingering torment, a reminder of the forbidden desire that burned inside me.
And as I watched her go, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I’d lost her. The bond we’d shared, the loyalty, the trust… the love… it was gone.
Replaced by a dangerous game, a forbidden attraction, a dance with the Alpha’s brother that could shatter us all.
“She’s gone, Carson. And she’s not coming back.” My wolf howled, his voice full of despair.
I had pushed her away with my own actions, my own misguided attempts to protect her. And now, I was paying the price.
A loneliness I’d never known before settled over me, a shadow that threatened to consume me.