Chapter Six

Aiden

Driving always helps me clear my mind but not this time. Her scent is permeating the interior of my car, and I can feel the anxiety vibrating off her. It feels like I am drowning in her scent in the enclosed space and even opening the window doesn't alleviate the feeling.

"Will you relax?" I ask harshly. "Your emotions are only making your scent stronger."

I know it has been a lot for her to take in but what's done is done. She needs to make peace with the situation so we can move forward.

"Where are we going?" Bella asks, an edge to her voice.

"Don't act obtuse. It doesn't suit you."

"You don't know what suits me, Aiden. You don't know me," she huffs, folding her arms across her chest. "Why are we going to my apartment?"

I hold back my retort because she isn't wrong, but we can get to know each other. It's good to see she has some backbone, though. Perhaps she isn't as soft as I thought.

"You need to get your belongings," I reply. "And I have a medical team meeting us there to assess your mother before deciding the best course of treatment."

She sucks in a loud breath before turning away to look out the window.

"Why are you doing this?" she asks softly.

Stopping beside the building she lives in, I kill the engine and turn toward her. "Look at me." I wait with as much patience as I have until she complies. "None of this is for you. Don't ever think I am a knight in shining armor, come to rescue you. I'm a greedy man and that greed has taken me far in life. I wanted you and I took what I wanted. Now that you are bound to me, I have an all-access pass to as much omega pussy as I could ever want."

She gasps, opening her mouth to say something, but I continue speaking.

"And with your mother getting the care she needs it will put you in my debt and keep you in line." I know my words are harsh but they are true.

I don't wait for her to say anything as I step out of the car and walk around the hood to open her door. This is my show, she just needs to play her part.

****

Bella

I am looking at our apartment through someone else's eyes for the first time. The worn-out carpet, the ratty couch, the fading paint, it all makes my stomach hurt. We have been doing everything we can to survive but my father died five years ago, and my mother got sick shortly after. The diner I all but live at as a waitress is barely keeping the lights on.

So many nights we have gone to bed hungry only to keep the heat on through the harsh winter nights.

Anger rolls off Aiden in waves as he looks around the tiny apartment.

"Bella," my mother calls out as she walks her frail body from her room to the lounge. "Is that you?" Her gaze is locked on the floor, ensuring she doesn't stumble and fall.

"Yes, Mama," I call back, watching her struggle to take each step.

"Who is this?" she asks once reaching us and seeing that I am not alone.

"Aiden Black," the Alpha introduces himself. "Pleased to meet you."

My mother assesses him with eyes that are sharper than they should be in her condition. It seems she is having one of her better days. I know she hasn't had her medication today because I still need to get to a pharmacy.

I see her sway before grabbing her arm and leading her to her favorite chair. "Sit, Mama. Before you fall over."

"Why are you here?" my mother asks Aiden ignoring me completely but still sitting down.

"Do you know where you daughter was last night?"

I feel a blush burn on my face. "I do," my mother replies, squaring her shoulders. It doesn't matter what anyone says or thinks, she won't feel ashamed of me for doing what needed to be done to keep us alive.

Aiden nods. "The Sanctuary is my business. Bella and I have come to an arrangement. Both of you will be living with me from now on and I will be taking care of all your medical costs. Bella is worried for your health and well-being, and I can afford the best doctors in the world."

My mother's eyebrows lift into her hairline. "And why would you do such a thing?"

Aiden smiles widely and if I didn't know better, I would think he likes her. "Because your daughter is now bound to me. She is mine and the things that matter to her, matter to me."

My mother chuckles rolling her eyes. "You're one of those."

"One of what?" he asks.

"An Alpha who thinks an omega is just another possession. You'll learn."