Chapter 8 In His Shower
Aurora's POV
I was startled when the door to the study got pushed open, and the scent that hit me had my core clenching in a way I hated but have no control over. My body is behaving like it doesn't belong to me since I arrived at this pack, and I need to check that before it embarrasses me further than we have already gone. Why the hell is my core tightening?
Enveloping and irresistible, his scent is a captivating blend of sandalwood, subtly infused with the essence of the woods he cherishes. This pure, masculine aroma possesses the power to command attention from any discerning nose. It makes females throw away their panties straight away.
But why is it that I am only getting the distinct smell now and not a few years ago when I used to come here all the time? What is so different now that I could feel his scent so much more than any other male in my life, and I have met many in the human world with different personalities? I have met my fair share of males, alright.
Being a werewolf, my nose is way more sensitive than others. I could smell something, and humans would never. The males over there have expensive but calming colognes they use that cost my entire lease for a year. Those billionaire kids that wanted tattoos and could pay any amount to get it done helped me through the rough first year.
I won't forget my first real client. He was a billionaire himself from the slums, and when he came to get a tiger tattooed around his biceps, he paid me enough to cover my rent, buy other supplies for my tattoo, and even rent a small shop where I could work. He brought his friends the next time, and that is how I became very important and have a long list of names waiting. Reservations for months.
Swallowing, I refused to turn to see the person I already knew was standing by the door. I already feel humiliated enough; I don't want to add more of that. He did what he had to, but I won't be entertaining him after what he has done. I don't care; he is still my alpha and, fucking hell, mate.
"I can't believe it too. I mean, he is still hot and all, don't get me wrong. Wait, he doesn't even look his age, but he is forty-two! Two decades older than we are." Eva said in my head, trying to sound angry, but she was excited; I know that.
"Stop wagging your tail if you want time to believe you are mad at him." I grunt, holding my face deep between my knees when I felt him start moving towards me.
He didn't stop walking until he was sitting on the stupid coffee table that hit my knee earlier. He folded his six-foot-five height on it, and his scent got stronger now that he was so close. I feel like sniffing him then gulping down the taste of his manliness, but that'll be downright stupid and weird.
Alpha Caden didn't say anything for the longest time, and I held my breath too because what else should I do? I cannot be cordial with him after what has happened. He has ruined whatever we had forever now. I can't think of anything else to do around him. It's so awkward, but I'm more mad.
I'm mad at him for thinking I took advantage of him while he was drunk and didn't think for a second that it could be the other way around. I'm mad at myself for allowing him to treat me this way even though I have no other option left since he locked the room, not that I can run anywhere without him finding me.
It is the curse that comes with the mark, and there is nothing I can do about it but take it like a good little girl. I want to make him pay for accusing me, choking me, and thinking he can make me work as his maid, but I don't have the power right now. I can't do anything to an Alpha. He is no human.
When I thought he was just going to sit there and watch me be pathetic for the next hours, he cleared his throat and stood up like he couldn't stand being this close to me. I grit my teeth at that, hearing his footsteps on the tiled floor.
"We have a meeting with your parents in an hour." He exclaimed in a gruff and emotionless way, like it was no big deal, and then he started walking towards me again.
"But… I cannot have them see you in this state. I don't want them thinking I am already a wicked mate when this is just the start. Now, Aurora, go inside the ensuite and shower." He said again, coming closer and closer.
I saw his hands before they touched me and flinched away from him while raising my head at the same time to see him grit his teeth. I didn't know what he was going to do, and after he choked me earlier, I wouldn't put it past him to do it again. I mean, he isn't the man I used to know, so everything is possible.
"I'm not going to hurt you," he said, his eyes flashing angrily like a poked bear.
"Yo-you don't expect me to believe that. Do you?" I say in a raspy voice after not using it for a long while and crying the entire time.
As his gaze intensified, his powerful hands closed in around me. There was no retreat this time; instead, he effortlessly scooped me into his arms, revealing the strength of his muscular frame. Attempting to wriggle free, I was met with the undeniable reality of his immense size, a sign of the robustness of his form that held me captive in its embrace. Not embrace captivity.
"You better stop wiggling around if you want us to reach the ensuite," he grumbled close to my ear, making me jump in his arms, and his muscles flexed beneath me. Fuck, so many muscles.
"I can walk!" I sputtered as he used one of his hands to push open the door to the en suite and didn't reply to me.
"Now shower. I will be back in ten minutes, and if you haven't done so yourself, I'll do it for you. Don't think I won't do it, Aurora." With that, he left me in the restroom and stepped out.
I clench my hands in fists and turn to look at the bathroom. The bathroom exudes a simple yet masculine vibe with neutral tones dominating the decor. Matte gray tiles line the floor, complemented by walls painted in a subtle shade of taupe. A sleek, dark wood vanity stands against one wall, topped with a straightforward white basin. The mirror above the sink is framed in matte black, reflecting the clean lines of the space.
A basic chrome faucet adds a touch of modernity to the utilitarian setup. The shower area is enclosed with a clear glass door, revealing white subway tiles within. A modest display of grooming essentials and neatly folded towels completes the understated masculinity of the bathroom.
I had no idea there was a bathroom inside the study, but here we are. And why the heck does he want me to shower just to meet my parents? I don't even know what to think. What is he going to say to them? What will they believe? What will they make out of all these?
Fuming, I stripped off my clothes and entered the shower because I needed it more than I had thought. I don't want my parents seeing what a mess I am, but nothing could hide the fact that I have been crying for hours on end. I don't know what they will think made me cry so much. God, this is awful.
I have never been more glad they didn't know about the fact that Lucas had rejected. What would they think of me? Rejected by a son and mated by the father?
The counter is filled with manly stuff all smelling like Alpha Caden himself, and I hesitated. I know I already smell like him with the night we had, but I don't want my parents thinking this was all right. That I was happy with, when I really am not. I want to be anywhere else but here. I hate this new Alpha Caden.
"Just use it, Rora. It won't change anything. But if you want him to give you a hand, please do be m—" Eva started, but I cut her off by blocking her from my mind.
I showered in record time in case he decided to work on his threat. I am not sure what to think of this new behavior of Alpha Caden. Has he always been like this, and was I too young to notice? Heck, I have been blind my whole life. Everyone has changed. First, it was Lucas, then Anne, and now even Alpha Caden. The whole alpha.