Chapter 67: Chapter 67

The glare of the morning sun streamed through the window, making me squint my eyes. Yawning, I sat up and shook my head to clear out the last of my sleep, eyes feeling heavy. That’s what happens when you cry for hours to no end. A sharp voice inside reminded me.

With a sigh, I pushed the duvet away, my eyes landing on the jacket I was wearing. Caden had so kindly lent me, but Aiden ripped it at the seams, my cheeks turning red. How was I going to explain that to him? Peeling it away from my body, I examined the damage, teeth sinking in my lower lip.

I could sew it.

With that thought in my mind, I slid out of bed, gasping as my bare feet came in contact with the cold floor. For a moment, I was tempted to return to the warmth of the bed, but quickie thought against it. There was no way that I would let Aiden have the pleasure of knowing he hurt me again by staying in.

Through the open window of my room, I could see the bright blue of the sky and marshmallow clouds moving softly, a gentle wind flowing through. The sight before managed to lift my spirits a little, a rush of excitement coursing through me.

After last night I made a promise to myself that I would start new. Focus on developing myself and stop thinking about people who had no care for me.

I took a warm shower and rushed towards the wardrobe, my hands stilling. The racks of coats took up half of the space, a bitter reminder of the relationship I imagined with Aiden. Staring at them, I was terrified, how my heart was so overcome by emotion that all rationality ceased to exist.

I had to get rid of them.

By the time I dressed myself and packed all the coats neatly in the bags, and repacked the phone, my stomach rumbled loudly, reminding me that I had not had a full meal since the abrupt meal last night.

Stepping down the stairs, I found the Alpha sitting on his usual spot, a plate full of scrambled eggs and toast in front. His hand was merely gripping the fork, eyes focused on the wall by the side.

My face turned red as I imagined how he had me pressed up against it while I was still in a robe. Shaking my head, I dragged the bags along with me and placed them in front of his chair. No words escaped past my lips, a lump lodging in my throat.

At the sound of bags hitting the floor, Aiden jerked, his head tilting to meet my eyes. I swallowed as his eyes bore into me.

“Rose”, He breathed, and then his eyes went towards the bag. “What’s this?”

The Alpha asked with a soft hum, lips pursing for a brief moment.

“I –” I stumbled over even the most straightforward word, licking my bottom lip. I am usually not flustered in front of others, but Aiden could render me illiterate. It was disturbing and frustrating, and I needed to get a hold of myself. “I-I am sure you can see it for yourself.”

And a moment after I expressed those words, I wished I hadn’t. Because Aiden, who had up until this point mirrored a  careful distance, suddenly got on his feet. The Alpha shuffled close, so close that the lapels of our coats brushed, our shoes touching. It’s the same position we were in last night when I had foolishly thrown caution into the wind and argued.

“What is the meaning of this, omega?”

My heart started pounding almost painfully when he breathed on my face, his hand reaching out to get a hold of my arm. He had it in his grasp and bought it upwards, staring at the baggy sleeves.

Blood started rushing in my ears. At the moment, I was aware that it wouldn’t take much, won’t take more than a bit of push, and I could fall forward and drown in his eyes. My breath came shorter at the thought; for a second, I was terrified that Aiden might tilt my head up and slot our lips together again.

I took a step back, placing much-needed distance between us. “It means that I have no need for them anymore.”

Aiden huffed. I did not understand what was going on inside his mind, peering at his profile from under the lashes.

“It’s a gift. I don’t take back once I give something.”

A laughter bubbled out of my lips. Did he think before he spoke those words? The Alpha had taken back every bit of his gifts with those cruel words and actions.

“What’s so funny?” Aiden gritted his teeth, his fingers curling into fists by his side.

“It’s the way you said it.” I shook my head. “You can give it to someone else. I don’t care.”

“Why are you acting like this?”

There was a slight waver in his voice, or maybe I am imagining things again.

I mustered a weak smile. “That’s how I act with the strangers. You will get used to it.” With that, I walked out of the cabin, aware of his gaze following me but did not bother turning out.

***

Beth was in the kitchen. She hugged me as soon as I stepped in, the action causing tears to spring in my eyes. Hopefully, the housekeeper didn’t question about last night, skirting around the topic and instead made me breakfast. For that fleeting moment, I missed having a mom.

The Senior Pack Alpha called all the members for a meeting in the living room. He had an important announcement to make for which Aiden stepped through the doors as well. My mood dampened when I saw Ria trailing behind him. As expected, she had to be around the Alpha.

Caden and Ellen saw me standing by the kitchen, and they hurried towards me. I exhaled softly, knowing that I had someone on my side for once.

“Hey.” Ellen nudged my side, standing against the wall. She looked pretty in her short hair curled at the ends and clad in an abstract pattern tracksuit.

“Hi.” I smiled at her.

“Rose.” The Alpha trainer smiled at me. “Did you get to the cabin safely last night?”

I pulled my lips together at the reminder of last night but managed to bob my head. “Yes. Thank you for lending me the coat.” My toes curled around. “I have washed it today so that you will get it tomorrow.”

Caden laughed. “There’s no hurry.”

I could feel an intense gaze on me, so I looked up and caught Aiden staring at us. He quickly looked away. What was his problem?

Alexander cleared his throat once all of them stood in the living room. “Welcome, everyone. This is an announcement for the hunting party that's scheduled this weekend. We will have a winner in each category this time who will later compete with each other for the final prize.”

Hunting party. I murmured the words to myself, looking around and watching the excitement on the pack members faces.

“You all know the rules, but for the new members, I will make it clear.” The Senior Alpha raised his hand and waved. “All the members who participate must be able to shift during the party. You will hunt in groups first, and then the competition will commence. The three categories are Alphas, Betas and Omegas. The one who hunts the most prey will be the winner in each category and compete against each other. If anyone cheats by shifting into human form, uses special herbs or any weapon, they will be disqualified.”

“I hope the rules are clear for everyone.” Alexander raised his brow, pointedly staring at the Alphas in front. “So, who wants to participate?”

My body froze, my heart thumping loudly in my chest. This was my chance to prove my wolf powers to the pack.

Caden hummed next to me. “This will be fun. Rose, you should participate with us this time.”

Ellen nodded along. “I will train you a bit harder this week if you want.”

Without thinking twice, I immediately raised my hand in the air.

***