Chapter 7

Jessica Lewis

My bare feet padded gently on the cold floor, curiously following the sound of clattering noise of pots. I yawned, rubbing my eyes sleepily as my legs led me into the kitchen.

I was surprised to see a shirtless Tristan in front of the stove, his back muscles moving in the most delightful way as he manoeuvre around the kitchen. His back was evenly tone and I could see delicious....

Hold up bitch

I was far too busy berating myself for where my thoughts were taking me to that  I didn't realize he had turned to me, his eyebrows raised. Of course I don't blame him, I probably look creepy staring at his toned, chiseled....hold up bitch!!!

I cleared my throat awkwardly, my eyes having hard time to settle on his face without diverting downwards. I hoped he didn't notice my struggle but the obnoxious smirk on his face tells me otherwise.

I cleared my throat. Again. "When did you get back?".

"You were asleep in the office so I just moved you back home". he shrugged, turning his attention back to what was on the stove.

Office?  ohh... Tristan's wolf...the wolves that attacked us!!!! It was all just coming back now .

I inched closer to Tristan, my hand resting on his back without much thought. I did it to get his attention but the sparks that exploded between our touch sent me dropping my hand instantly. Tristan body went stiff at first before he turned to me, chuckling " I definitely can't get used to that".

My eyes widen for a nanosecond before I narrowed it at him, my anger suddenly flaring up " What in hell happened yesterday?". "Why did those wolves attack us and why in hell did you stay back? You could have ran with me!!! Don't you understand that when you face danger, you run!!!. What if you were hurt badly, uhh. Do you think you're some hero or something?!!!!". I yelled, jabbing him on his chest.

He stayed silent which ticked me off more. I pushed at his chest, attempting to walk away from him but he pulled me back, more closer to me with his hands on my waist. Sparks exploded between us and I found it hard stay balanced on my feet. " Were you worried about me?". he gazed down at me, his grey shade of eyes darkening.

"N-n-no"... I found myself stuttering, mentally kicking myself for sounding so weak.

But hey, don't blame me. I am sandwiched with a man who is half naked. An undeniable attractive man. I mean a girl can only take little.

" I think you were". his voice came out more husky than usual "You are a really bad liar". as he says this, his rough thumb traced my lower lips gently but firmly.

I saw the longing in his eyes before he dropped his hand, moving away from me and back to the stove like he didn't just stir up my buried hormones just now.

" I've taken care of yesterday's issue, you don't need to be so worked up. And Jess, I cannot run away when faced with danger in my pack, my territory. I'm not only protecting you, I'm also protecting my pack members". my face flushed and he chuckled, shaking his head.

"I thought it was the responsibility of the Alpha to take care of a wolf pack". I defended, smirking that I finally have the upper hand. Yeh, I'm glad I didn't ditch biology class.

"Exactly. I am the Alpha". he deadpans, watching as my mouth drops open with amusement " It's cute that you don't know that".

I felt my face heat up with embarrassment, and I quickly looked away, trying to play it cool. But my eyes betrayed me, darting back to Tristan's amused gaze. I couldn't help but laugh at the smug expression on his face.

"Shut up," I said, trying to sound stern, but my voice came out laced with amusement. "I didn't know, okay? You didn't exactly advertise it."

Tristan chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I guess I didn't," he said, his voice low and husky. "But now you know."

I nodded, still feeling a little embarrassed.

*****

Tristan slid a plate of fluffy pancakes, scrambled eggs, and crispy bacon in front of me, and my stomach growled in anticipation.

"Dig in," he said, smiling, as he sat down across from me.

I took a bite, and the flavors exploded in my mouth. "Mmm, this is amazing," I said, closing my eyes in appreciation.

Tristan chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Glad you like it," he said, taking a bite of his own breakfast.

As we ate, Tristan's expression turned serious. "I've got some pack duties to attend to today," he said, his voice low and husky.

I looked up at him, curious. "What kind of duties?" I asked.

Tristan shrugged. "Just some stuff I need to take care of. But don't worry, I've arranged for someone to keep you company."

My eyes narrowed. "Who?" I asked, a little wary. Don't blame me, I'm a little wary of meeting new people.

"Alisha," Tristan replied, smiling. "You met her yesterday. She'll take you shopping for some new clothes."

"The wolf lady?". I asked and he nodded, making me feel a little better. But then I asked the question that would ruin the mood.

"When are you taking me back home?" I asked, my voice a little too sharp.

Tristan's expression turned cold, his eyes flashing with anger. He stood up from his chair, violently tossing it way. I screech as the wood scattered when it hit the wall with a violent force.

"Never," he said, his voice low and deadly, before turning and walking out of the kitchen.

I stood there shocked ...my mouth hanging open as I stared at the empty space where Tristan had just been. The word "never" echoed in my mind, sending a shiver down my spine. I felt like I'd been punched in the gut, my breath knocked out of me.

I tried to process what had just happened, but my mind was a jumbled mess. Why had Tristan reacted like that? What did he mean by "never"? Was I really stuck here with him?

I stood there for what felt like an eternity, frozen in shock and uncertainty. The only sound was the ticking of the clock on the wall, echoing the pounding of my heart.

Finally, I managed to shake myself out of my stupor. I took a deep breath and tried to calm down, telling myself that I needed to think this through.

But as I turned to leave the kitchen, I saw Alisha standing in the doorway, a sympathetic look on her face.

"Hey, Luna," she said softly.