Chapter - 7

"What do you mean take me there?" I asked, determined not to let his woody scent or smart words deter me from getting answers this time around. 

"With me. When I leave here. That was the deal we made, wasn't it?" He remarked casually as he lay the towel across one of the sofas to dry before picking up his book. 

"But... but you told Alpha Adrian that...." I struggled to form any words, or thoughts, for that matter. 

Alpha Evan tsked, shaking his head at me. "You, my kitten, are dumber than you look," he said, pivoting around on his heel and walking towards the bed before laying down. 

His words made anger flare anew in my chest, and I glared at him. 

"Think before you get catty with me," he warned before I could say anything. He then opened his book back again, going back to reading as if he hadn't just insulted me. 

But, I paid heed to his words and did think before speaking this time. For the first time since the incident back at Alpha Adrian's room, I considered the possibility that what had transpired in there could have been an act. It was obvious if Alpha Evan had asked to simply buy me off of him, Alpha Adrian would've denied it like he had done in the evening. The only way he would've let me go, would be if he thought I was going to be hurt and ridiculed. And that was exactly what Alpha Evan had told Alpha Adrian he would do. 

Embarrassed at having figured it out so late, I peeked at Alpha Evan from underneath my lashes. He was focused on reading, his lips moving silently as his  eyes skimmed the page.

But could you really blame me? The man had given me little to no warning before doing all that he had. Not to mention, I barely knew the guy, at least not enough to trust that he wouldn't turn on me like that. Still, he had given me his word back at the lake. I should've been more trusting. 

But I also knew I wasn't completely at fault here. So I wasn't going to apologise. At least not until he did first. He should've told me. And ruse or not, he hadn't treated me kindly back there. I cleared my throat, suddenly feeling awkward. "So, um, back at Alpha Adrian's room, that had all been an act?" 

"And she finally figures it out. B plus for effort," he muttered dryly, still focused on his book. 

"You could've told me!" I raised a finger accusingly, narrowing my eyes at him. 

He raised a single brow, finally looking up. "And risk you blowing it all up with your ridiculous acting?" 

I gasped, indignant. "I'll have you know, I can be a pretty good actress when need be."

"I can read you like an open book, kitten," he waved me off, as if it wasn't even worth a discussion. 

It wasn't. I was the worst actress ever. But he did not need to know that. Like a kid, I huffed, folding my arms across my chest with a pout. 

"As cute as you look pouting like that, I'd prefer it if you slipped under the covers or you'll probably catch a cold," he said, not once looking up from his book. 

I gaped at him. I couldn't share a bed with him! My cheeks flamed at the thought. That was just....no. I couldn't do it.

"I can hear your dirty thoughts all the way from here, kitten. Get your mind out of the gutter and get in. There's plenty of space for us to sleep without even touching each other," he said with a smirk, making my cheeks heating up even more. 

The man really could read me like an open book. That too without even so much as looking at me. 

I sighed, slowly making my way to the other side of the bed and getting under the covers. 

Then, I let out another sigh, a content one, marvelling at how soft the mattress was. It was almost as if I was floating on a cloud. I groaned softly at how good it felt as I settled deeper under the covers, loving how relaxed I felt. This was pretty much the first time I'd laid down on something this soft. 

"Refrain from making such noises, kitten," came Alpha Evan's slightly strained voice as he himself settled under the covers, securing them around his waist, his book still in hand. 

I froze at his words, realising a little too late what it could have sounded like. "Sorry," I squeaked out as my cheeks flamed yet again. I wasn't usually someone who blushed so much, but this man had a way of making me heat up. 

He didn't say anything in reply, turning the lights off, keeping only his bedside lamp on, enough to illuminate what he was reading. "Sleep well," he muttered into the stillness of the night. 

"You too," I replied, careful not to make any sounds as I turned on my side. It was because of him that I was sleeping in such comfort tonight. Or else, I would've been back at my small room on my lone cot, a shivering mess under a mound of blankets for the room I was given had no heating or electricity for that matter. Heck, I heated up water on a small stove I had for a bath in my small bathroom that had barely enough room to move around in. Tonight had been the most luxury I'd seen in my entire life. And I had Alpha Evan to thank for that. 

Rolling over so I was facing him, I whispered, "Thank you, Alpha Evan."

He looked towards me, the light from the lamp illuminating his features. "What for?" 

For bringing me to this room? For providing me the comfort none of my pack members had ever provided me with? For my first bath? For promising to take me away? For some reason, none of that felt like the appropriate answer. And I had a feeling I would end up crying if I tried to explain any of that. Instead, with a voice full of gratitude, I simply repeated myself, "Just thank you."

He stared me for a moment, his eyes roaming over my face before settling on my eyes. I noticed he had a habit of looking right into my eyes when he spoke. "You're welcome, Melody. Sleep now," he said before going back to his. 

Hearing him say my name made me a giddy feeling bloom in my chest. I smiled to myself, for once not questioning what I was feeling and why, before closing my eyes and letting sleep take over.

***

When I woke up the next morning at the crack of dawn like I was used to, I had half expected yesterday to be a complete dream. 

But it was Alpha Evan's sleeping face inches away from mine that made me realise that it all been true. I couldn't help the smile that pulled at my lips as I stared at Alpha Evan's sleeping form. This was the most peaceful I'd seen him look ever since I'd met him. There were no frown lines marring his forehead, no smirk in place. Just him and his relaxed as ever beautifully sculpted features. 

"It's rude to stare, kitten," came his deep yet husky, morning voice, making me gasp.

A small, amused smile graced his features as he slowly opened his eyes. They looked clearer than ever, making me loose my train of thought momentarily. 

Embarrassed at having been caught staring, I cleared my throat. "Can the guy see in his sleep or something," I muttered to myself, getting up from the bed, instantly regretting my words when I heard him chuckle. Geez, I didn't think he'd hear me. 

"Go freshen up while I call for someone to bring us breakfast," he said from behind me, making me turn and look at him. 

The fact that someone else would bring my breakfast was a foreign concept to me. All my life, I'd been the one bringing breakfast to others, eating leftovers only once everyone else had had their fill. So the mere thought that I would be eating just as others did was something I hadn't even considered, not even in my wildest dreams. And now that it was actually happening, I had no idea how to feel. 

"This is the first time someone else is going to be bringing me breakfast," I admitted, my voice a mere whisper. For some reason, I felt as if I said it any louder, it wouldn't happen. 

But I knew Alpha Evan had heard me for his gaze softened. "It's one of the many firsts I'm going to take away from you, kitten," he said, and much as I knew he could've put a double meaning twist to it, he didn't, his voice full of sincerity- a gesture I appreciated greatly. 

I simply nodded at him in response before making my way towards the bathroom, hopeful that life would take a turn for the better soon.