chapter 7

Julia’s pov

“Julia, please come down for breakfast,” I heard my mom call for the umpteenth time, but I refused to heed.

What if she's just trying to deceive me? What if Alpha Kane is out there and it's just a silly trap to lure me out? If I ever find myself in his presence, he would reject me and I would lose my life. There's no stopping that. No, I will remain here, away from the world, under my cozy bed sheets.

“Julia, please my dear, open up. You have refused to have your meals for the past 12 hours. Just open up. You don’t have to step out, I will bring it to you. How does that sound?”

“Just leave me alone, Mom, please,” I said and buried my head under my pillow, trying to block out her voice.

I can't step out into the outside world; why doesn't she understand that? Does she want me dead?

“Julia, it's Alex. Look I know you are scared, but it's not the end of the world. I promise you, Alpha Kane will have to go through me first before he could hurt you. He's not here so come on out or at least open the door.”

I sniffed, tears pricking my eyes,” I am fine.” I replied, my voice faint; I couldn't scream. I didn't have the strength for that.

“I am not heading to work unless you step out of your room. If I get fired then so be it.” Alex threatened.

Fuck! He was trying to blackmail me, cunning fucking fox. I grudgingly got out of my bed and approached the door.

I know how much his Job means to him, I have brought our family enough shame and trouble, and I can't let Alex add to it, not when he's so close to ranking up and helping our family gain a name.

Ever since the death of my father, he had been shouldering our responsibilities. I can't let him down because of my selfishness. I would rather die than watch him cower.

I opened the door and jumped into his arms, “I am sorry, I am so sorry.” I apologize, soaking his shirt with my tears.

He patted my hair, whispering into my ear, “It's okay, there's absolutely nothing to worry about, I promise and I never break my promise. I will keep you further away from you. Alpha Kane has my power limits, and if needed, I will go beyond it.” I tightened my arms around him.

“I love you so much,” I said as I detached myself from his chest, wiping my face clean. “I am pretty sure you know how much I love you.”

Mom held my face, her grip gentle and warm, and then she pulled at my ear. “Now come down for breakfast you silly girl.” She said and began pulling me along with her.

I smiled, grabbing her as we walked to the kitchen; the smell of freshly made waffles filled my nostrils and made my mouth water.

“Oh Mom, I love you so much,” I said as I took a seat by the kitchen counter, placing three waffles on my plate.

“Now you do huh? You almost gave me a heart attack.” She said and patted my cheek lightly. “Don't do that again Julia.” Mom's eyes glistened with tears.

“I won't.”, I sigh, dipping a piece of my waffle into my mouth. “ But I think it's best if I leave the pack. Right mom?” I asked, unsure of what to say.

She came by my side and took the spare seat. “What I think you should be doing is facing the world no matter the obstacle. Alpha Kane has asked that you stay away from him and that you will do so, but it doesn't go beyond that.” She grabbed my hand and squeezed it. “Life goes on my dear, regardless of the losses you tend to face. But from my perspective, I believe Alpha Kane is the one at a loss, losing my precious daughter to some wacky spoiled brat.” Mom scrunched her face referring to Selena.

I burst out laughing, almost choking on my waffles. “I love you mom.” I hugged her tight, savoring her lavender scent.

THREE HOURS LATER…

I sat in my bedroom, trying to relax and get the scenarios of last night out of my head.

I had my favorite book and a glass of fresh mango juice my mom made before leaving. She had a sick friend who needed her at the moment. I craved to join her, to not be left alone, but I couldn't. I couldn't fight the thought of being laughed at and mocked by pack members. Words ought to have spread about the ordeal.

I sigh, closing the book; how would I read this if I kept thinking about the party and Alpha Kane?

I should have a refreshing bath, perhaps that would cool my nerves. Got out of bed and got rid of my clothes. I grabbed my towel, wrapping it around my body.

As I made to walk into the bathroom, the doorbell rang and my heart skipped a beat.

Who could that be? My heart thumped in my chest as the bell rang again.

I know it has to be Alex trying to prank me; no matter how old he gets, he's never going to stop.

I won't let him see my fear, I left my room, going down the stairs and stopping by the door. I undid the locks and opened it.

My eyes widened, and my heart flew out of my chest, my knees weakened, and my breath hitched. All these happened in one go as my eyes rested on him.

“A–Alpha K–Kane…” I staggered backward, and my towel slipped out of my hands; as fate may have it, it didn't seem enough for the goddammed piece. It slipped off my body too.

I gasped and immediately covered the little my hands could shield. Alpha Kane crouched and helped me with my towel; he came closer. I wanted to run, but my legs wouldn't let me. Although I was visibly trembling, my heart was in my throat.

Goddess, what is he thinking about me right now? That I am stark naked, trying to seduce him? Will he reject me now? He must think I am mannerless to answer the door with just a towel on.

“Stay still.” He said, and I nodded; he wrapped the towel around my body, helping me shield my nakedness.

I was at a loss for words, wondering why he did it; maybe he wanted to reject me with clothes on.

Finally, my hands could move, and I held the towel tighter than I ever could. Alpha Kane didn't seem like someone who was going to retreat.

Instead, he moved even closer, his scent filling my nostrils, making my body tingle.

He brought his nose to my neck, sniffing me, his hands encircled around my waist, making me jerk, but his hold was tender, almost as if he was holding an egg.

And then, he did what I least expected: he pulled me undeniably close to him and crashed his lips on mine.

His lips tasted like mint and coffee as they danced around mine; his song delved into my mouth, sucking every part of my lips like his meals.

Then he stopped, “It's truly you.” He whispered and kissed me again, this time more intimate than the last.

Suddenly he stopped as if pushed away by an unknown force. His eyes glistened with an unknown spark as he stared at me.

I was equally lost, my head replaying what had just happened, I craved his lips again, my desires tripling.

“Alpha Kane.” I heard Alex’s voice and immediately backed away from the Alpha.

Alex stepped into the house and met me just in my towel, his eyes darkened. “ Go to your room Julia.” He said and I immediately ran off. Stopping by the stairs to listen to their conversation.

“Alpha, what do I owe this visit?” Alex asked, his voice cold and distant.

There was no reply for minutes, and then I heard. “ See me tomorrow, I have something I would like to discuss with you.” That was all, then the fading of footsteps.