Chapter 5

Flora

I wiped sweat from my face and leaned on my knees. The training was tough today. My body ached, but I didn’t want to stop. Kiran said training would make me feel strong again. She was right.

But then… something changed in the air.

Everything got quiet.

People stopped talking. Even the wind felt still. It was as if they knew not to move when that presence is felt

I lifted my head and looked around. That’s when I saw him.

He walked in like he owned the world, maybe he did. His black shirt hugged his chest tight, and his steps were slow and firm. His eyes, deep blue like a night sky, scanned the field until… they landed on me.

And just like that, I forgot how to breathe, I forgot how to act and just stood there like a… like a spell had been casted upon me to stay still

I had seen him before, yes. But today was different. Today I really looked at him.

His face was like something from a dream. Sharp jaw. Strong nose. His lips… full and serious. His hair was short and a little messy, like he just ran his fingers through it.

Kiran nudged me and whispered, “Stop staring, Flora. You look like you’re about to faint.”

I turned quickly and looked down. My cheeks were burning tomato red

Why was my heart beating so fast?

He was just a man… right?

Wrong. He wasn’t just a man. He was Alpha Leo. The Alpha of this pack. My savior. My mystery. The man I kissed and possibly did more with two weeks ago. The man I couldn’t get out of my mind.

I tried to act normal. I talked to Kiran and drank water like I didn’t just feel his eyes on me the whole time.

But then it happened.

His voice, deep and calm, rang through the field.

“Flora Carter. To my office.”

I froze.

Kiran raised her eyebrows. “Ouuu! What did you do?”

“I don’t know!” I whispered, my hands suddenly sweating.

“Go,” Kiran said. “And don’t die.”

I walked to his office slowly. My legs felt heavy. My heart was loud. Did I mess up something? Why did he call me?

When I got to his door, I knocked once.

“Come in,” his voice said.

I stepped inside.

He was behind the big wooden desk, looking at some papers. He didn’t even look up. His strong jaw moved a little as if he was grinding his teeth.

I stood there for a few seconds, waiting. When he didn’t say anything, I cleared my throat.

“You called me,” I said, trying to sound calm. “What’s going on?”

He lifted his head and finally looked at me. Those eyes again. I felt them deep in my stomach.

“Sit down,” he said. “I want to talk to you.”

I slowly sat on the chair across from him. I folded my hands on my lap and looked down.

Actually, I also wanted to talk to him.

“I would like to talk to you too,” I said, lifting my eyes to meet his.

He looked surprised. His lips twitched a little, almost like a smile.

“Is that so?” he asked.

I nodded. “Yes. I’ve been meaning to ask… why are you so interested in me?”

He said nothing. Just leaned back in his chair, watching me like I was a puzzle.

“I mean, you helped me. You gave me shelter. You… were there that night. And now you called me to your office. For what? Did I do something wrong?”

He still didn’t speak.

I frowned. “Look, I’m not playing games. I’ve had enough lies in my life. Enough secrets. So if you know me, or if there’s something I should know… tell me now.”

He chuckled softly. “You don’t like games?”

“No, I don’t,” I said.

He leaned forward slightly. His eyes never left mine.

“Then enjoy the thrill,” he said, voice low and teasing.

I blinked. “What?”

He said nothing more.

I stood up, annoyed. “Fine. If you don’t want to talk, I’m leaving.”

I turned to go.

“Flora,” he said softly.

I stopped. I didn’t turn back.

Then I heard the chair move. A moment later, I felt his hand on my wrist. Gently, he pulled me back.

I turned slowly.

He was so close.

He raised his hand and tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear. His fingers brushed my cheek. I shivered.

His touch was warm. His fingers moved slowly, gently, almost as if he was memorizing the shape of my face. His thumb lightly grazed my jaw, and I couldn’t stop the way my breath hitched.

“You’re so… beautiful,” he whispered.

My breath caught.

His eyes were on my lips.

And mine were on his.

I could feel his breath now, warm and steady, and it made my skin tingle. My chest rose and fell faster. His other hand hovered near my waist, not touching, just close. So close, too close and the funny thing? I didn’t mind

His presence felt like fire —no not burning, but melting.

He leaned in, just a little. His lips brushed mine—but just barely. A tease. A whisper of a kiss. The softest contact, like a feather. But even that small touch sent a sharp jolt through my whole body.

His lips didn’t press, just lingered, warm and light, tempting. My eyes fluttered shut. My body leaned in on its own. I wanted more. I needed more. My hands curled into fists at my sides, fighting the urge to reach out and pull him closer.

But then… he pulled back.

I blinked, dazed and confused.

“You’ll remember me soon,” he said softly. “And when you do… I hope you’ll still want me.”

I opened my eyes.

“What are you talking about?” I asked, confused.

He just smiled a little and stepped back.

“You may go now.”

I stared at him, mouth slightly open.

“But…”

“Go, Flora,” he said again, softer this time.

I turned and walked out of his office, heart pounding, lips tingling, and head full of questions.

What the hell is going on?