Chapter 87: Chapter 87
The following day I woke up with a funny feeling in my stomach and a crick in my neck. It may be because of how I slept the night before with an extra pillow instead of my usual one. Also paired that with me overthinking about Aiden's behaviour turned my night into a long one. What was with his strange behaviour anyway?
Shaking my head, I stepped out of the room, freshly showered, closing my room door behind me. Aiden walked out simultaneously, wearing a thick black jumper, a bag slung over one shoulder. He had a pair of earbuds in and was scribbling in his notepad; the Alpha didn't even look up this time, not even when I knocked my feet loudly on the ground.
I sighed and slowly turned around towards the stairs. That's when Aiden rushed to my side, the cap of his pen stuck between his lips, and he pursed them, pulling it out. His face brightened, hands falling to the sides, his mouth opening and closing.
My body stilled, gawking at his awkward stance and speechless behaviour. That might be the first time I have seen him act in that manner. Ignoring the Alpha, I turned on the balls of my feet, suddenly aware that my training was shifted to ten in the morning. Ellen will be leaving in the evening to set up a meeting between us, so the omega trainer called us early.
"G-Good morning." He matched my pace, our shoulders almost brushing.
I grunted in return and walked past him into the lit hallway, the sound of Aiden falling in rank behind me quickly filling in the silence as we walked.
"Had a good sleep?"
"Fine."
"It was cold at night. You should have stayed in my room."
I gave him a look. "I managed."
"Too bad." He mumbled something along those lines under his breath. "So, what are your plans for the day?"
I chewed on my lips. There was no way he was suddenly interested in knowing about me. What was the Alpha upto? Did he plan anything in secret? As if! Pfft! I thought to myself, shrugging in reply.
He didn't bother asking questions this time, which I didn't mind, but the constant scratching of his pen was grating my nerves. Unable to take it anymore, I stopped in the middle of the hall and whirled around. The Alpha came within two inches of colliding with me when his feet stopped, squeaking softly on the ground, and he looked up with wide eyes.
"Am I suddenly so interesting you have to write down my answers?" I asked, my eyes moving to that notepad in his hand.
Aiden's eyes went wide, the smallest exhale of air between his lips, rushing to hide the notepad behind his back. "N-No, I mean this is for my work. I am making a list of things to do for the day."
"But I thought you did that on your phone." I quickly clamped my mouth shut, cheeks reddening as I realised I had said that out aloud. Another reason for the Alpha to think that I am too easy and gone for him. That's something he had said in the passing, and I have that useless information still stored in my mind.
His lips curled at that, a sudden glint in his eyes that made me want to curl in a tiny ball. "Oh, this is a new thing I am trying today."
"Okay", I sighed in relief at the fact that he did not bring up anything or tease me for remembering things about him. "I am making my breakfast then."
"No! Wait!"
I jumped at his sudden voice, my hand coming to rest against my chest, breath picked up. Exhaling, I narrowed my eyes at him; teeth gritted together. "What was that? You scared me!"
"Uhh...sorry about that." He nervously scratched at his neck, averting his eyes to the kitchen. I tried to follow the line of his vision when the Alpha suddenly tugged on my arm. My ears went red at his touch, a sudden electric zap shooting through my entire body.
"W-What are you doing, Aiden?"
"I made breakfast for you."
I strained my ears to confirm that those words were coming out of his mouth, jaw hanging open. Before my lips could utter a syllable, Aiden was tugging me towards the chair.
"Sit here."
I felt nerves grow in my stomach and creep through the rest of my body, coating the inside of my throat. Why would he make a meal for me? What was going on? The Alpha strode out with a huge tray, balancing on his one hand and walking with confident steps.
He revealed an assortment of jam, toast, cheese cubes, eggs, beans, a glass of orange juice and muffins. My throat went dry at that, stomach clenching tight.
"I know how you take your eggs and toast." The Alpha grinned. "I also baked some muffins. They might look crumpled, but they are edible, I promise you." His smile only lessened slightly, his lips closing over his teeth, so all that was left was a thin smirk, and then he stood back, slowly.
My eyes flicked over him as he did, and I tried to steel myself, legs pressed together. "When did you have time to make this?" I shook my head, biting my lower lip. "Why did you make this?"
"You used to do it all the time for me." He shrugged, rushing to take a step next to me, resting his face on his palm. "Hope you like it."
I don't know how can anyone mess up muffins, but they were salty inside for some reason. The Alpha had no reason to find out as I managed to stuff all of them. He did put a lot of effort judging from the proud smile on his face and the mess in the kitchen. No wonder he did not want me to step in. Hiding my smile, I swiftly walked out of the cabin, stomach full and cheeks heated.
***
My claws dug into the dirt dampened by the morning dew, a wind ruffling through my thick fur. Shifting into my wolf always made me forget my worries, especially when rays were streaming in. On the way, I stopped by a large stream and sniffed at the clear water and then lapped at it to quench my thirst. Just then, I heard a sharp crack to my right, and I lifted my head, ears twitching while trying to pick up more sound. However, there wasn't anything else to hear.
Shaking my head, I padded straight into the cool stream, my paws easily keeping me grounded against the quick current of the water. There was another snap, but I did not find anyone around.
Ellen had allowed us a small break after vigorous training, which I spent taking a stroll in the woods nearby. It always helped me get my thoughts in check. As I walked back to the training ground, my presence received a variety of reactions—various glances, loud sniffing, pointed fingers from pups.
The reason being my fur which shone brightly like a day, attracting attention from all wolves alike. I tightened my jaw and set my gaze on the destination ahead when someone let out a growl. An Alpha. They knew that I was affected by the tiniest of noises, and the potent scent rolling off them in waves did not help.
Ellen was quick to run towards me, using her mind link to communicate.
“Rose? Rose, are you okay?"
I made a noise of affirmation, forcing myself to ignore the wolf instinct - to succumb to the short, low growls of the alpha. This was where acceptable social behaviour and biological instincts came into conflict with each other.
“Let’s stop today.”
I preened and dashed inside to shift back in my human form, limbs aching from the pressure. Slumping on the bench, I wiped the sweat off my face, head lolling back.
“You did good today.” Ellen patted my thigh, coming to sit next to me.
“Thanks!” I groaned, unable to lift my head to answer, my entire body feeling lazy and heavy.
Slowly sitting up, I noticed a pup rushing to me, her toothy smile almost making my lips twitch. She was carrying a bouquet, halting in front of me.
“Luna!” The pup gasped for breath, thrusting the flowers in my direction. “These are for you.”
Confusion lines marred my face, a nervous smile taking over as I shifted to gauge Ellen’s reaction. She shrugged. I swiped my tongue on my lips, clutching on the stems. “Uh…thank you, pup.”
“Read the message!” The young girl pointed at the paper sticking out of the flowers, hiding her giggle. Before I could stop, she ran out of there.
Watched your wolf from afar. So proud of you, omega. I cannot wait to see you soon. Have a good day!
-Aiden
“Oh! It’s from your Alpha.” Ellen wriggled her brows, a teasing grin on her face while I tried to calm my racing heart. First breakfast now flowers? What was going on today?