Chapter 15 I Got You
I took in a deep breath, feeling more relief as I walked slowly beside Alpha Warren as we made our way to the car. Thanks to the conversation I had with Cora, I felt much more different from how I felt in the morning. This was the exact way I usually feel whenever I'm with Layla.
But she always had somewhere to go, and now staying away for two weeks… that was going to be a whole lot of lonely days for me.
As we got close to the car, I stepped forward and reached to open the door for him as I always do, but the moment I grabbed the handle, my pulse quickened as a warm hand pressed against mine.
I retracted my hand from the knob when I realized it was Warren. The sudden warmth at the back of my hand felt appealing, and a sudden tension settled within me.
"I'm sorry, Alpha," I muttered without looking at him as I reached for the door again. I opened it and waited for him to enter the driver side so I could close the door.
“Diana,” he muttered in a low, soft tone that made my heart tingle. I looked up to meet his eyes, and it was like my whole body was set on fire. The feeling in my gut, the way he looked at me, made me suddenly forget how to think. “I’ll appreciate it if you don’t always add Alpha whenever you’re talking to me.”
He clicked his tongue, his eyes never leaving mine, and I couldn’t tell if it was out of disgust or longing. “I know I’m an Alpha, but it feels weird when you always call me that.”
I looked away from his gaze. Was it even proper to call your boss by his name? “Okay, sir,” I replied, looking away from him.
He stepped closer, and I instantly stepped back, but embarrassment made my cheeks flush when I realized he wasn’t trying to come close to me.
I closed the door and walked over to the car, my heart hammering in my chest as I sat on the driver side next to him. I watched as he turned on the car, his hand moving against the steering wheel as he pulled out of the parking lot.
Silence settled between us as he drove down the road. I took a deep breath, finally calming myself down. I forced my gaze to the window, pretending to find the sight of the blurry passing woods amazing just so I wouldn’t have to look toward his direction.
And it seemed to be helping until the car hit a bump and my head hit the window. I winced at how much it hurt.
“Are you okay?” Warren asked softly, his gaze partially drifting toward me before returning to the road.
I nodded, rubbing my hand against the spot that ached. “I’m fine,” I replied.
But surprisingly, he slowed the car to a stop along the road and turned to me. “Let me see.”
My heart jumped to my throat as my eyes widened. I was starting to feel uncomfortable with the way he was behaving toward me, and then I blamed myself for the way my body responded to his presence.
I hesitated, muttering, “I’m fine, it’s just a slight hit.”
“Then let me see,” he persisted. Before I could refuse, he cupped my cheek and turned my face to see the side of my forehead. I almost melted in my seat.
“Well, you’re right about it,” he muttered, looking at the spot on my head as if staring at it would make the pain disappear. “There isn’t a visible bump. Glad about that. But don’t rest your head against the window again.”
I nodded numbly, like I was hypnotized by his touch. With his hand still resting on my chin, I didn’t know what to do. I looked up slowly to meet his gaze, and I saw his eyes lingering on my lips. That made me jolt.
“Yes, my bad,” I said with a chuckle, and he went back to gripping the steering wheel. I took in a deep breath, the part of my chin he had held suddenly cold.
I watched as he started the car without a word, and none of us spoke until we got to the estate where the apartment was. He pulled into the driveway and stepped out of the car, and I did the same.
The man who wanted to buy the apartment was standing at the front of the building with Jane. The sight of Jane made my gut twist when I remembered what Cora had said about her. When she saw us, she made a slight bow to Warren before stepping forward.
“I’m sorry, Alpha, for the stress of making you come here,” she apologized, her gaze drifting toward mine in disgust. “It’s just that the man said he wouldn’t buy the apartment until he sees you. Something about trust.”
Warren gave Jane a slight nod and walked over to where the man was standing. “Alpha Warren, and you?” he asked, his hand stretched out toward the man.
The man gave him a bright smile. “Noah Andrew. It’s a pleasure to meet the Alpha of the Moonlight Pack.”
Warren smirked. “The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Andrew. I heard you wouldn’t take the apartment until you saw me.” He turned, looking at the building. “Shall we?”
I walked in behind him, my pulse quickening at the thought of exploring the house.
The moment we stepped inside, I couldn’t help but gasp softly. The house was luxurious, the kind I had only dreamed of. Marble floors reflected the soft golden lights, and the high ceilings made the rooms feel endless. Velvet curtains framed tall windows, and modern chandeliers hung elegantly above. I moved forward instinctively, drawn to the beauty of the space.
Warren noticed and nodded toward me. "Go ahead," he said. "Tell him more about the apartment."
I took a deep breath and stepped forward. "This is the living room," I began, walking confidently now, my knowledge of the property guiding me. "The flooring is Italian marble, and the layout gives plenty of natural light throughout the day…" My voice gained strength, and I felt a flicker of pride as Warren glanced at me, subtly assisting when I stumbled over a few details. Together, we walked room by room, moving fluidly through the house.
We reached the top floor, and Jane lingered behind us, like a shadow hovering just out of reach. I caught her staring, and a chill ran down my spine, but I forced myself to focus on the apartment.
Warren showed Noah the kitchen, pointing out the countertops and appliances. I stepped forward to elaborate, but suddenly, my foot caught on something. I lurched forward, my balance gone.
"Ah!" I yelped, the world tilting as I fell forward.
In an instant, strong arms wrapped around me. I froze, shocked at the raw strength holding me upright. Warren’s eyes were blazing red, his grip firm and protective. My breath hitched.