I Care About You

CHAPTER 3 — Olandria’s POV

I found myself in Alpha Lorenzo’s quarters before I even realized it. His home felt safe, warm—comforting. Just like him. There was something about being near him that made me feel protected, as if nothing bad could reach me while he was close.

But beyond that, Alpha Lorenzo was dangerously attractive—the kind of man who made every woman in the Pack steal a second look. Me included. He had that raw, magnetic presence that could make your heart race—your panties wet, and your knees weak—with just one glance.

He was tall, over six feet, with tousled brown hair and piercing blue eyes that seemed to see right through you. Tattoos traced the hard lines of his body, across his defined abs and powerful arms.

When he wrapped his arm around me, offering comfort, I couldn't help but notice how good he smelt. Like fresh coffee and musk. I hadn't realized before how intoxicating his scent was.

“My Dad is sleeping with my best friend,” I whispered, before I could stop myself.

Alpha Lorenzo’s hands stilled on my back. “What?”

I pulled away to look at him directly, needing him to understand the chaos in my head. “I saw them. Eli and my Dad. In his room. They told me they’re…” my face twisted, “in love. And that they’re bonding. Can you believe that?”

He didn’t answer immediately, and that silence made my stomach twist. “Don’t… don’t tell me you know about this?”

“No, I didn’t know,” he said finally. “But I suspected.”

That hurt. Not because he suspected, but because everyone seemed to know something except me. I was the one walking into the biggest humiliation of my life blindfolded.

“But how inconsiderate can they be?” My voice cracked. “I just came back from my aunt’s Pack today. I wanted to spend time with him. With both of them. And they just—ruined everything.”

I mean, it was disappointing enough that I still haven't found my mate at nineteen, and the two people I actually care about so much to forget about that, and just have a good time with today, ruined it all.

Alpha Lorenzo froze for a moment. “Its your birthday,” he murmured.

I shrugged, "Yeah. Happy birthday to me."

“I’m so sorry,” he murmured.

I swallowed hard, trying to stop the tears from dropping down my cheeks, but they fell regardless. Goddess, I hated crying. Especially in front of Alpha Lorenzo.

“It just doesn’t make sense,” I whispered. “All these years, I had no clue they were even into same sex. What do they even have in common? Eli is half my Dad’s age!”

Alpha Lorenzo's fingers moved up my neck, his fingers trailing across my jaw, causing my breath to hitch. “Age shouldn't matter when two people are happy though.”

I stared at him, blinking, “Please don’t tell me you’re actually supporting this.”

“How could I be possibly be against two adults who clearly found happiness with each other?” he asked gently.

He gently touched my cheek then—and warmth shot through me so fast it stole my breath. His hand was big, strong, warm, and I leaned into it before I realized what I was doing.

He placed his other hand on my shoulder, dragging it down my arms in a soothing manner.

Goosebumps erupted on my skin, and I couldn't suppress my shudder. I wanted him to wrap those hands around me again. To relish in the comfort he provided. “But why does it have to be them?” I whispered, still leaning into him. “They’re not mates. They chose this. They chose each other while lying to me for who knows how long. It’s unforgivable.”

He caught a tear with his thumb. Gently. Too gently. It made something flutter in my stomach.

"Let me get this straight, the reason you're mad has nothing to do with his sexuality, but the age difference?"

I looked at him weirdly, "I don't even care about any damn sexuality. But why does it have to be my Dad?"

"So... it's the age difference, then?"

I shifted slightly, "I mean...yeah. It's huge difference. But I feel betrayed. They've been lying to me for weeks! And Eli is my best friend. The only friend I have in this pack. And now I feel like I've just lost him."

"I assure you. You haven't."

He was staring deep into my eyes, "And I'm not trying to be inconsiderate of your feelings, but what if your Dad and Eli are fated mates? What if the moon goddess had chosen them for each other? Would you still have a problem with that?"

His question caught me off guard, and I stared at him suspiciously, "What? Wait...why do you even care so much about this?"

He stared at me like he was fighting something—himself, probably. His expression tightened, his breathing changed, and for a second, I felt something hot and dangerous move between us. "Because it's important to you," he said finally, his voice lowering, "And I care about you. If that's any consolation."

My heart thumped in my chest, as I watched his eyes darkening by the moment. "Is that why you're agreeing to let me stay? Because you...care about me, or because it's just Alpha duty?"

"You didn't answer my question," he said.

I shook my head, my hands flailing in the "Because I don't have an answer to that! Why would the moon goddess even...do that? It doesn't make any sense."

Alpha Lorenzo flinched. Subtle, but I'd caught it. His hand dropped from my cheek instantly, and he looked away.

"You haven't answered my question," I said as well, and his bright blue eyes slowly find mine again.

"I care about you, Olandria," his voice lowered, "More than I should. And if this was Alpha duty, I'd have sent you to a room in the main pack house or back to your father. But I didn't, because I want you here. I want you safe. In my Quarters. Alpha duty has nothing to do with this."

I swallowed, my heartbeat pounding too fast. Too loud. Something sharp fluttered in my stomach, something stupid and reckless and hopeful, and I stomped it down immediately.

He didn’t mean it like that. Of course he didn’t.

Alpha Lorenzo had always been protective of me. He watched over me the way he watched over everyone in the pack. Maybe a little more, because I was the Beta’s daughter. His friend’s daughter. But was that all this was?

He was a good Alpha. A good man. He wouldn't possibly be harboring some type of feelings towards me, would he?

My heart was in my throat, and I held my breath, unable to understand these feelings I was having. Was it wrong I was hoping he would pull me in his arms and just kiss me? Or maybe more? My pussy throbbed as I thought about him probably having the same thoughts as I was.

But he suddenly looked away, and my shoulders slumped with disappointment. He glanced at his watch. "Your dad would be so worried, you know that, right? Any parent would."

My heart thrashed in my chest. Honestly, I didn't really care. "Can you please not call him yet?" I pleaded.

"I wasn't planning to. But you'll have to let him know you're safe eventually."

"Yeah...I guess so. Maybe later...until I figure this out. I'm just too overwhelmed right now."

He nodded. “Alright. Go freshen up. You can take the room upstairs and meet me on the balcony after.”

Relief washed through me so intensely I forgot myself for a moment. I reached out and wrapped my fingers around his hand. He felt so warm and comforting, “Thank you, Alpha,” I breathed. “I knew I could always count on you.”

This time, his eyes dropped to my lips. His hands slipped from my cheeks but he caught my hand again, thumb brushing my skin in slow circles that made my stomach twist in ways it had no business twisting.

“Lorenzo,” he murmured.

I frowned. “What?”

“You can call me Lorenzo. None of that Alpha stuff.”

My heart did a stupid little flip. “Oh… okay.”

“Say it,” he said. His voice dropped, “I want to hear it.”

I swallowed and whispered, “Lorenzo.”

A small, beautiful smile spread across his lips, "I have a present for you,” he said suddenly, his voice rough.

I perked up immediately. “You do? Where is it?”

“Relax, love,” he said, and I swear he looked like he wanted to kiss me. “Go freshen up, and then meet me on the balcony, okay?”

I nodded. Probably too fast. Anything to escape the swirling heat in my chest. Anything to breathe again.

And anything to stop thinking about how good his touch felt on my skin.