Chapter 9 His Sexy Stubble
Aurora's POV
Done with my shower and now enveloped in the lingering scent of Alpha Caden, I wrap a fluffy white towel I found inside one of the cabinets. It looks new, which means no one has used it. Carrying my clothes in my hands, I walk back to the study, thinking it might be empty, but stood shell-shocked when I found Alpha Caden inside.
He stands there, next to his desk, a small black object in his hand that swiftly disappears into the pocket of his sweatpants as soon as he realizes I'm in the room. Slowly turning, his face remains expressionless, but his eyes move up and down my body, sending an involuntary shiver down my spine.
Damn it, the intensity of that gaze sparks a myriad of emotions within me, creating a moment pregnant with unspoken tension and curiosity. I hate that he has this effect on me, and there is nothing I can do about it. Why can't it be the other way around? Why isn't he even feeling the least bit attracted to me when I feel this much attraction for him?
Doesn't he feel the mating bond, or is there something really wrong with me, and I'm seeing things I shouldn't see? I wish I never returned to this pack. Nothing would have happened. I should have just called to send in my condolences, but I thought coming here would be much more appreciated, and I miss my parents and Lilian.
Now I haven't met any of them, but I got stuck in the deepest shit I have ever known. If this isn't the worst day of my life, I don't know which one is. Not even when Lucas rejected me had I felt this hurt, humiliated, and broken. Or the next day when I found him with my best friend in bed, ready to mark her.
"Good. Get dressed and wait for them like a little good girl," he said dismissively and turned away from me, my eyes glowed with my mate, but I didn't bother acknowledging him.
He left the room alone for me, and since he's already seen me naked, I don't even care if he stays back. I didn't waste a second getting dressed in my old clothes though it feels so tacky doing so. I don't have any other choice since my suitcase is still inside my car, not that he will go get them for me.
I smile, remembering a certain scene where Alpha Caden was a very nice man, unlike this man I am meeting right now, the one that used to make me smile when I'm sad. The one that reprimands Lucas whenever he decides to hide my toys away from me.
I find myself at the tender age of ten, deep in our playful antics with Lucas and Lilian. The sun paints a warm glow over our youthful faces as laughter echoes through the air. I smile, recalling a particular scene etched in the canvas of my childhood – a time when Alpha Caden was nothing but a kind Alpha.
The Alpha I remember is vastly different from the stern heartless figure I now confront. The Alpha of my childhood was the man who effortlessly brought joy to my world, the one who, with a gentle smile, could turn my frowns upside down. He wasn't the imposing presence I face today, but rather a caring soul who, despite his responsibilities, took the time to ensure my happiness.
I vividly remember the days when Lucas, my former mischievous best friend, decided it was amusing to play hide-and-seek with my beloved toys. It was in those instances that Alpha Caden, with unwavering patience, would intervene.
His voice, a comforting rumble, would reprimand Lucas, emphasizing the importance of sharing and kindness. "Lucas, we don't hide Aurora's toys. Let's play together and include everyone," he would say, his words carrying the wisdom of a leader and the compassion of a father.
It was a scene where the Alpha, not defined by authority alone, exhibited a kindness that resonated with the innocence of childhood. That Alpha, the one who made me smile in times of sadness, remains etched in the core of my memories, a stark contrast to the complex man I now confront in the present.
Or maybe because he was with Luna Flora, and she is the kindest woman to ever grace the earth. The woman that gives with no second thoughts. Simple. Brave. Amazing woman. And he wasn't my mate then. He didn't know he was going to be.
After I got dressed in my old clothes, the door was pushed open again, and I expected to see Alpha Caden with my parents, but he walked in all alone with a tray of food in his hands. I didn't acknowledge him, just sat down on the couch nervously waiting for my parents to show up. God, this feels awful. Like I did something wrong in high school and they sent for my parents.
But Alpha Caden was all alone when the door clicked shut behind him, and he started walking towards me. He stopped mere feet away and dropped the tray on the coffee table in front of me. I stare at the content of the tray for a split second then look away fast. Why the hell were they all my favorite stuff inside? What is he getting at?
"Have this before they arrive. I don't want them to think I have already started starving you when that is not the case." With a Cheshire smile, he stood back up to his full height.
Instead of giving him my attention, I face away from him and the tray. My eyes stayed fixated on the window on the other end of the room where the sun is shining brightly. I think this is around twelve noon with the way the sun is shining outside. How beautiful. Canada is always very cold and cloudy. This is a breath of fresh air.
When he saw that I wasn't going to entertain him, he shifted the tray a little bit and sat down beside it. I could see him from my peripheral vision, but I still haven't shown him any attention. If he thinks I am going to be an obedient little girl, then he must be sickly mistaken. He hasn't met the new Aurora Woods.
But then he did something I didn't expect but waited. Why am I even surprised? He used his thumb and forefinger to force my face towards him, so we are seeing eye to eye. I swallowed at the proximity because I could see his growing stubble on his cheek, which looks really sexy on him, by the way. Wait, what? Fuck. Focus, Aurora!
"I'm not going to repeat myself, Aurora; eat the fucking damn thing and don't leave a single crumb. Hear me?" He rasped in that deep baritone, his eyes holding mine captive.
I swallowed but didn't answer nor look away from him. The way he keeps calling me Aurora and not Rora or Ro is getting on my nerves, but what do I expect from someone that choked me out of anger? Someone that blamed me for raping him, for goodness sake. As if I can force him to mark me.
"Answer me!" He gritted out in that Alpha way that forced me to lower my eyes to the floor.
"Yes, Alpha," I say, and his grip tightened around my jaw for a second before he let go of my face and stood up, sticking his hands into his pockets.
"Now eat up." He turned his back to me and went to the ceiling-to-floor window to stare outside.
I did as he said and started wolfing down the food before me because I am fucking starving after long hours of driving and surviving with just french fries, then getting marked the next minute after drinking the most expensive whiskey I have ever tasted. Yeah, I could take down a cow right now without knowing I did so. Don't ask me.
Aromatic waves rise from the tray, carrying the delectable scents of my favorite foods, a delightful blend of savory and sweet notes that swirl in the air, creating an ambiance of culinary delight. The ensemble includes savory delights such as perfectly grilled meats, exquisitely seasoned vegetables, and an assortment of flavorful side dishes.
The tray boasts a culinary masterpiece, featuring a succulent medley of dishes, each meticulously prepared to perfection. I have always liked the food from Alpha's house because it is abundant and too good to turn down. The grilled meat is made the way I like it. Spicy yet a little bit sweet.
I wolfed down the food in no time and gulped the coffee beside it. Also made with so much cream I could barely taste the coffee inside, but I knew it was there. The thought that he still knew what my favorite is and brought it to me made tears gather in my eyes. He is still Alpha Caden but with a different personality.
I don't think I can deal with this without depression. I cannot become his personal maid when I am truly his fated mate whom he has marked. This is unfair.