Chapter 21
The apartment was quiet except for a lone voice carried through the space by speakers of the laptop perched upon Amelia’s lap. Popcorn crunched between her teeth as her blue eyes were absorbed into the scene before her. Images of wolves in various acts of daily life moved across the screen. The narrator’s voice, enticing and hypnotic, went about explaining different events as they played out.
Amelia decided when she got home that she would watch the documentary that she had been putting off. Seeing as Jasmine was not due home for about four more hours, it was plenty of time to watch the whole thing in one sitting, while also giving her time to pause and take notes. However, at the moment she looked like someone in the middle of a binge watching session on her favorite streaming channel.
The narrator explained how the Alpha wolf, alongside his mate, were leaders of the pack. An image of a large gray and black wolf walking along a trail took up the screen.
“He is the protector, usually the largest and strongest of the group. Keeping the pack safe from those who would intrude upon their territory, as well as the leader, guiding them through hunts,” the faceless voice of the commentator explained.
Immediately, images of Marcus began to flash through her mind. His mannerisms, the way he coordinated the security officers, and the way he checked on Garrett. How he had been cold and dominant in front of Dalton.
“The Beta wolf is second in command.” An equally stout brown wolf with gray highlights became the focus of the footage, as the wolf moved to stand next to the canine pointed out as the Alpha. “He, or she, will take the place of the Alpha while he is away or if he dies.” This time her memories of Jackson played in her brain.
The video then went on to explain the rest of the hierarchy, going into detail about how the pack runs smoothly as each individual knows their place and station, showing submission to the Alpha—though the leader does not use force to show dominance, instead using a form of puffery. Amelia replayed the scene from when she first encountered Dalton Marrow, and how Marcus and Jackson had seemed to increase in size and stature to ward off the ‘threat’ to their people. Then again, when he addressed the gossipers in the break room, how all he had to do was stare them down. There was no conflict.
She was awestruck. Pausing the video footage, she pushed the laptop away, letting the information seep in. It all seemed to make sense, albeit in a weird way. Quickly snatching the laptop back, she opened up her research board to add her new findings to it, delicate fingers flying almost excitedly across the keyboard, then sat back and observed her work.
Then her heart did a somersault and landed firmly in her stomach. If this was true, what would it mean for her and Marcus? Her mind mulled this over as she searched her heart and feelings. Slowly she closed the laptop and slid it towards the middle of the coffee table.
“I’m going to need more evidence,” she thought to herself, “but it's so hard to think standing next to him.” Her mind jumped to the kiss. How tender it was, how right it felt. Heat rose up her next and encompassed her ears.
“He might very well be a mythical creature only thought to exist in the realms of imagination. Even if he is, from what I can tell he is nowhere near the horrific animals described on the dark parts of the web. He might be a little gruff and broody sometimes, but he seems to have a good heart. A good human heart.” The crazy train of thought continued to run circles in her mind.
A small, dull pressure began to form just above her temple, as a headache made its presence known. Sighing, she leaned back on the couch, rubbing at the aching space with her fingers.
“Who knew being in a relationship could be more complicated than normal?” she voiced aloud and closed her eyes. “What am I going to do?”
“‘Going to do’ about what?” Jasmine questioned as she pushed the front door to their apartment open fully to step through. Amelia nearly jumped out of her skin, and a good six inches off the couch—which in turn caused Jaz to burst out laughing as she shut the door.
“You alright?” the curvaceous woman asked after she finally stopped laughing long enough to look into the scowling face of Amelia. “Little jumpy aren’t we?” Jasmine giggled again.
Dropping her belongings by the doorway, she proceeded further into the apartment, flopping herself down on the couch next to Amelia.
“Now what’s eating at my bestest friend, huh?” Jasmine’s brown eyes softly gazed at her friend, knowing enough to wait for Amelia to answer rather than badger her.
The blonde curled up into herself, so she was now seated with crossed legs. Anxiously, she fidgeted with her fingers in her lap.
“You were right.” Amelia paused before nervously continuing, “A-about Marcus and me.”
“Oh?” Jaz raised a brow and leaned closer, nudging Amelia in the arm. “Well, come on, girl, I need details!”
Amelia told the story of the day, from the kiss to the conversation in Marcus’ office. Jasmine’s jaw hung slightly agape by the end of it, but quickly turned into a coy smile.
“Giiirl. Sleeping with the boss! You gold digger! Any office desk rendezvous’?” Jasmine teased as she wiggled her eyebrows up and down.
“NO!” Amelia squealed as her face turned a beet red. “I-I am worried, though. I’ve never been with someone like this.”
“Emmy, you worry too much. Just enjoy the ride, no matter how long or short it is,” Jasmine encouraged her. Amelia sighed deeply, before nodding her agreement.
“I think I’m going to bed. I saved leftovers in the fridge for you.” Standing up, Amelia gathered her laptop. “Night, Jaz.”
“Thanks, and nu-night,” Jaz replied.With that, the blonde disappeared down the hall.
Jasmine pulled out her phone, and began texting away.
[Me: suspicions confirmed]
It took a few moments, but a reply came through.
[???: great. meet you tomorrow?]
[Me: I’ll see you after work *muah*]
A ghost of a smile appeared on her features, but quickly faded as brown eyes gazed down the hall. A little piece of her heart broke. She would just have to keep reminding herself that this was all for Amelia’s own good. That, in the end, everything would work out.