AellaOkay, I finally understand what people mean when they say their stomachs get twisted in knots.The entire day felt like some weird version of emotional roulette. I dressed up, even watched a stupid makeup tutorial on how to get that ‘natural, but like, also hot’ look. I went through my closet three times, wanting to wear something nice but not too desperate-to-impress kind of nice. I was so nervous the whole day. Like, the kind of jittery that has you overthinking everything. I tried doing my laundry, but even the noise of the washing machine seemed to mock me, drowning out the tick of the clock that was going way too slow. Hell, I even scrubbed the kitchen counters like they had offended me or something.Also, I stared at my phone a bunch of times, hoping he’d text. You know, something like, “Looking forward to tonight.” But nothing. It was as if my phone was on a strike, refusing to bring me any good news.My stomach was doing flips, so eating lunch was a no-go. I just kind
AellaSo the next day was wild. Lunchtime rush, orders flying, the espresso machine whirring like a monster—that kind of wild. I was knee-deep in the chaos, and then the doorbell chimed. My heart did this stupid little leap because I didn’t even have to look up because I have his earthy forest scent memorized. Jay walks in, and he has a rose in his hand. A single red rose. Could the guy be any more cliche? But deep down, I was kind of touched.He waits in line, his eyes catching mine every now and then. I try to focus on the coffee I was making, trying to keep my hands from shaking. Finally, he was at the counter. “A latte, please,” he said, sliding the rose toward me. “And this is for you. I’m really sorry about last night.”I take a deep breath, feeling everyone’s eyes on us. “Thank you for the rose, Jay. And the apology is accepted. But I haven’t changed my mind. You had your chance.”He nods, almost like he was expecting it. “Fair enough. Can’t blame a guy for trying, though.”I
AellaIt’s 6:45 PM and I’m pacing. My date with Jay starts in fifteen minutes, and I swear I’ve changed my outfit like three times already. Goddess, it’s like déjà vu— I just hope it’s not the same film replaying.My phone buzzes on the coffee table—it’s a text from him saying he’s on his way. A weird mix of excitement and nerves bubbles up in my stomach. OH MY GOD IT’S HAPPENING, ISN’T IT?When the clock hits 7:00, there’s a knock at the door and my heart literally stops for a few seconds. Deep breath, Aella. I swing it open, and there he is, looking... damn, he’s in a three-piece suit, and he looks like he walked straight out of a magazine.“Wow, someone cleans up nice,” I say, greeting him with a smile I hope doesn't show my discomfort or nerves.For a moment, he just stands there, his green eyes widening as they sweep over me from head to toe. The corners of his mouth twitch, as if fighting the urge to break into a full-on grin, yet he somehow maintains a composed demeanor.“You..
RomanThe door clicks shut in front of me as I step away from Aella’s apartment, the soft click echoing in the quiet hallway. My lips, still tingling from our kiss, and a smile creeps onto my face before I can stop it. I touch my lips with my fingertips, almost as if confirming that the kiss really happened; the taste of her still lingers on mine.What the hell is happening to me? As I walk toward my apartment, I pull out my phone and hesitate, my thumb hovering over Kaden’s contact. Fuck it. I hit the call button.“It’s me,” I say when he picks up. “Date’s over. It went well.”Kaden chuckles. “I didn’t think you’d be the type to ‘date.’”“I’m not,” I snap. “It’s part of the plan.”“All right, easy,” Kaden says. “So, how’d it go, really?”I hesitate, my eyes drifting back to Aella’s door up the hall. “She’s... interesting.”“Just interesting?”I frown. “She’s different, okay? She doesn’t act like the others.”“Ah, our little bird has some spirit,” Kaden muses.“Yeah, well, spirit or
AellaI wake up to the soft rays of morning light filtering through the curtains and or a moment, I simply lay there, my eyes closed, a smile stretched across my face. The memories of last night’s date with Jay—our laughter, the shared glances, and especially that electrifying kiss—floated through my mind like a sweet melody.Rubbing my eyes, I sat up, swinging my legs over the side of the bed. My feet touched the cool floor, and I felt invigorated, as if I were walking on air. I padded to the bathroom and splashed cold water on my face, meeting my own reflection with a grin.“Today is going to be a good day,” I whisper to myself.After a quick shower, I threw on a simple T-shirt and jeans, my usual work attire, but today it felt different, like I was dressing for a special occasion. I braided my hair to the side and even put on a bit of mascara and lip gloss. Why not? It was a day worth celebrating, even if it was just another Wednesday.As I got my things ready to head out, my pho
AellaThe blaring of my alarm clock was so loud, it felt like it was piercing through my eardrums. I groan, my head feeling like it was stuffed with cotton balls. The hours stretched on, and with every passing moment, the haunting memories and gnawing paranoia seemed to grow stronger. I dragged myself out of bed, my body aching for the rest it couldn’t have.The shower is cold that morning, jolting me awake. I need to get my head into gear right now, I can’t afford to be distracted at work.As I made my way to the café, each step felt like a marathon. My footsteps echoed through the quiet morning streets, with the sound of my headache pulsing in time with each step.The familiar chime of the café door greeted me, but even the comforting scent of coffee couldn’t lift my spirits. I ambled to the counter, where Sam gave me a concerned look.“You alright?” he asks, his eyebrows knitting together.“Yeah, I’m fine,” I mutter. “Just a rough night.”The morning rush began, and I found myself
RomanI’m standing at the entrance of my building, wondering what the hell was wrong with Aella this morning. She seemed so uneasy, distant even. But before I can untangle another thread of that thought, I see her. She’s running toward me like a spooked deer, her eyes wide and brimming with something that looks dangerously like fear. My heart doesn’t usually do somersaults, but it damn well does one now.“Ella, what’s—” I breathe out as she all but slams into me, wrapping her arms around me like a lifeline. Something unfamiliar coils inside me. It’s a strange blend of concern and an almost primal sense of possession.“Someone’s following me!” she says, looking behind her frantically before burying her head into my chest. I have to stifle a possessive growl as my eyes shimmer to Alpha crimson, peering into the darkness to try to make out if someone is truly behind her. But I don’t see or smell anything at all.It’s like a switch is flipped; not just concern, but something more raw. P
AellaAs I unlock my apartment door and step inside, I can’t help but feel an odd sense of relief mixed with confusion. Tonight was a rollercoaster of emotions—fear, vulnerability, and an unexpected comfort in the form of Jay.My fingers absentmindedly drift to the place on my arm where he held me, as if I could still feel the warmth there.“I’ll walk you home from now on,” he’d promised. Something about the way he said it felt almost territorial. As if he was staking his claim, making sure the world knew I was off-limits. But that couldn’t be right. This was Jay, the guy who always kept a safe emotional distance. Could he be the same person who’d held me tightly last night, his grip almost desperate?I shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts. I need to focus on the more immediate problem: someone’s been following me. Two nights in a row. And though it’s terrifying, the presence of Jay beside me on those nighttime walks makes it more bearable. Is this how I’m going to live now? L