CHAPTER SEVEN

Harry

The next morning passed quietly.

Exactly how I preferred it.

I had barely slept. Every time I closed my eyes, flashes of yesterday forced their way into my mind.

Bella's lips.

Her voice.

The way she had whispered my name.

I rubbed a hand over my face, annoyed with myself.

It meant nothing.

The bond had acted on instinct.

That was all.

Nothing more.

A knock interrupted my thoughts.

"Come in."

One of the servants entered and bowed respectfully.

"My Lord, breakfast is ready."

I nodded.

I'll be there.

The servant hesitated.

My Lord

"What is it?"

"Lady Bella asked if she could have her breakfast in her room."

I frowned.

Did she say why?

No, Alpha.

For a moment, I considered refusing. Then I remembered the rules. Separate lives. Minimal interaction. They were my rules.

Let her.

Yes, Alpha.

The servant bowed again before leaving.

I remained seated for another minute.

Why had she asked?

She had never avoided me before.

No.

That wasn't true.

She wasn't avoiding me.

She was respecting the distance I had demanded.

Exactly as she should.

So why did it bother me?

Bella sat beside the window with the untouched breakfast tray in front of her. The smell of food turned her stomach. Morning sickness had become harder to hide. She pressed a hand against her mouth until the nausea eased.

"It'll pass," she whispered to herself.

A soft knock came at the door.

"Come in."

Ciara stepped inside carrying a small basket.

I knew you wouldn't come downstairs.

Bella smiled faintly.

You know me too well.

I've known you for years.

Ciara placed the basket on the table.

I brought fresh fruit.

You didn't have to.

I wanted to.

Bella thanked her quietly.

For a few minutes they simply sat together.

The silence between them was comfortable.

Unlike the silence she shared with Harry.

Finally, Ciara spoke.

How are you?

Bella knew what she was really asking.

She looked toward the window.

I'm fine.

Liar.

Bella laughed softly.

I'm surviving.

Ciara reached across the table and squeezed her hand.

You don't have to pretend with me.

Bella lowered her eyes.

I know.

Another silence followed.

I saw Brianna leaving the Alpha House this morning.

Bella's fingers tightened slightly around the cup in her hands.

Oh.

Doesn't it bother you?

Bella took a slow breath.

It used to.

And now?

I don't have the energy.

Ciara stared at her.

What do you mean?

I can't keep expecting someone to choose me when he's already made his choice.

Those words hurt to say.

Because they were true.

Harry had never hidden where his heart was.

She had only been foolish enough to hope it would change.

Harry finished reading the last report before standing.

Without thinking, he looked toward the hallway leading to Bella's room.

The door remained closed.

He looked away immediately.

Ridiculous.

He had work to do.

As he walked toward the front entrance, another familiar figure appeared.

Brianna smiled warmly.

I was hoping I'd find you.

Harry stopped.

What are you doing here?

I wanted to see you.

She slipped her arm through his as naturally as she always had. I've barely seen you these past few days.

I've been busy.

I know.

She searched his face.

But you're somewhere else.

I'm right here.

No

She smiled sadly.

You're standing here.

Her words lingered between them.

Harry said nothing.

After a long moment, Brianna sighed.

I miss you.

He looked away.

We'll talk later.

Before she could answer, he gently removed her hand from his arm.

I have somewhere to be.

He walked away without looking back.

Brianna watched him disappear down the corridor.

The smile on her face slowly faded.

Something was changing.

She didn't know what.

But she intended to find out.