C16 Expecting The Unexpected

My eyes opened slowly, my mind drifting up from a foggy dream. I reached out, feeling the cool sheets beside me and I frowned. The bed was empty. I started questioning myself over what happened last night, was it a figment of my imagination? No, that can’t be. His lingering scent, I cannot mistake it for anything else.

I allowed myself to indulge in the memory of his touch. Despite everything, despite the chaos and confusion, I loved it. For the first time in my life, I felt safe in his arms and I believed at the time that no harm could touch me as long as he was with me.

With a sigh, I reluctantly pulled myself out of bed and headed for a bath. I sunk into the water and relaxed my nerves. As I shampooed my hair, I couldn’t help but replay the moment in my head over, and over again. His scent, his strength, the way his breath had been steady and reassuring against my neck. I bit my lips to stop from squealing.

Before I knew it, I was smiling. It was an involuntary reaction, something my mind couldn’t control. “ahh” I should seriously stop reading books because It feeds on my delusions. But you know the saying, delulu is the solulu. I finished my shower and wrapped myself in a towel, humming a tune as I went about my morning routine.

Descending the stairs, I found myself in an usually good mood. I practically floated into the kitchen, where Martha was busy at the stove. She didn’t hear me coming, so I took the opportunity to sneak up behind her, wrapping my arms around her in a playful hug.

“Good morning to the love of my life.” I chirped.

Martha jumped slightly, then turned her head to smile at me. “Oh dear, I’m growing old and my senses are weakening. I didn’t hear you dear.” She then raised her brows “Someone’s in a good mood today.”

I released her and took a seat at the kitchen table, still grinning. “Is it that obvious?”

“Like a beacon, “she replied, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “What’s got you so cheerful this morning?”

I shrugged. Trying to play it off. “Oh, it’s nothing. Yeah, nothing in particular. Just… because?”

Martha gave me a knowing look as she poured me a cup of tea. “Uh-huh. And it doesn’t have to do with a certain someone I believe?”

I felt a blush creeping up my cheeks. “Maybe, maybe not,” I admitted, taking small sips of the tea. “It was.. nice? Yeah nice”

“Nice huh?” she teased, returning to her chopping. “Looks like someone’s starting to soften up.”

I basically gulped the whole thing down, trying to hide my embarrassment. “it’s not…. It’s not like that. I mean, I don’t know what it is. It is complicated.”

She nodded wisely. “Sometimes it is ok to let things be and happen. Do not force it to be a certain way, or try to shut it off. Allow it to happen. Even if it doesn’t entirely make sense.”

“And what is meant to be…. Will be”

Her words struck a chord with me. Despite the chaotic circumstances that brought me together with them, I was grateful. Life works in a funny way. This Collateral was basically to sell off my life. to make my life go from bad to worse, but ironically, I found a place I belonged. I felt wanted because I was wanted. I found a best friend and a mother figure. The days I spent here were probably the best days of my life. I wanted to laugh at John’s face, to throw it on him that he failed miserably. He wanted to break me completely, but I was getting fixed slowly.

“you’re right. Thank you so much, Martha, for always teaching me something new.”

“That’s what I’m here for my dear.” She replied with a wink. “Now, how about some breakfast? You need to keep up with the strength.”

Afterward, I decided to take a stroll outside. The fresh air and the sight of pack members/ workers going in and about their tasks were a welcome distraction. I always watched them from my window, unable to show myself before them. I Didn’t know what they would think of me. Or even if they would like me at all because I was from another pack. Maybe they just accepted me because no one dared question the Alpha. As I wandered, I found myself bumping into a heavily pregnant woman. She smiled warmly at me.

“Hello, “she greeted, her hand resting on her waist. “I’m Zeina, the Gamma’s wife.”

I returned her smile. Nice to meet you, Zeina. I’m….”

“The Luna “she interrupted gently, dipping her head in a show of respect. “it’s an honor to meet you.” Her respect took me by surprise, but I tried to hide it.

“Likewise, if you don’t mind me asking, why are you here… seeing as you are heavy.” I was perplexed because it was an abomination to see someone this heavy work.

She chuckled. “I was bored staying back home all day, so I thought it’d be a nice idea to escort my husband here. he is busy with the Alpha though.” The word “Alpha” made my heart skip a beat, it feels strange how just one thing can make you change your view of someone.

We chatted for a while, talking about random things. It was nice to have a normal conversation. I haven’t thought of it much, but these days I feel like I am more normal. I don’t know how to explain it in words.

Eventually, I made my way back to the house.

Despite my attempts to ignore it, I couldn’t shake the curiosity gnawing at me. Where was he and what is going through his head right now? My soul misses him and I so badly want to blame the mate bond. I knew he was off doing his duty as the Alpha but his absence was like a shadow, always looming in the back of my mind.

As if he was summoned by my thoughts, the front door opened, and he walked in. His presence filled the room instantly, his scent wrapping around me like a warm, intoxicating blanket. My knees went weak and my heart raced.

He stood tall and strong with an effortless charisma. God send me to heaven, because the man standing before me is a Greek God. He was a man with an aura, there is no denying that. His intimidation was something I could write from now till forever without conclusion.

The way he moved, the confidence in his stride, it was impossible to look away. Our eyes locked, and my heart flew away from my body, emotions swirling within me. His gaze was intense, almost as if he could see straight and beyond my soul, uncovering secrets I wasn’t even aware I had. That is how intimate it felt.

I swallowed hard, trying to steady my racing heart. There was something in the way he looked at me that made me feel I would totally melt into him. It was maddening. The moment stretched on, thick with silence and tension. Just when I thought I couldn’t take it longer, Martha’s voice cut through the silence like a knife.

“There’s someone here to see you”. Me? I was confused because who do I know in this entire world? I looked at the Alpha and from his expression I knew he was very much aware of who it was because no one dared enter his land without his approval.

I tore my eyes away from him and looked towards Martha. The figure moved aside and a chill ran down my spine. My eyes grew large as saucers like I had seen the angel of death. What could she possibly want?

“Emily?” I said. My voice was barely above a whisper.