Chapter Seven

POV: SAGE

I can’t just sit here all day doing nothing. I need to get myself together and figure out my next move. Watching her act tough wasn’t bad, but it was all fake.

I pushed myself up from the couch and made my way to the kitchen. My stomach rumbled, a little reminder that I hadn’t eaten. But as soon as I stepped inside, I was met with an empty kitchen, with no food in sight.

“Fuck,” I muttered, staring at the empty shelves. The place looked abandoned like she hadn't cleaned it for ages.

How does she even survive like this? A question for someone who isn’t here to answer.

“I’m hungry,” I groaned, turning toward her room. Maybe a little cleanup and a tour of the city in my human form would help.

Thanks to her, I was no longer trapped in my beast form. Moon Goddess…, I see what she’s trying to do, but my heart doesn’t deal with love.

A sharp pain shot through my chest the moment the thought crossed my mind. I winced, clinging to the bed.

“Moon Goddess…” I whimpered, and just like that, the pain vanished.

Her room was a mess, too. Such a lazy brat. I chuckled, stepping into her bathroom. My eyes landed on one of her oversized shirts and a pair of pants. Good enough. I grabbed them and changed.

“Looking good now,” I smirked at my reflection in the mirror. Time to use my handsome charm on these humans.

This human world wouldn’t be so bad.

After tidying up her room, I stepped outside, locking the door behind me. The moment I did, the cool breeze washed over me, and for the first time in years, I felt something rare.

Serenity.

Four years of living as a beast, of being feared and avoided, until I met her. She’s intriguing. I owe her one.

I strode down the streets. It hadn’t even been ten minutes before I started getting attention. Women whispered, giggled, and stared, their eyes filled with admiration.

I knew it. No one could look at me and not drool.

I was close to a mall, not far from Bella’s house when a girl suddenly stepped into my path.

“Hi, can I get your number?” she uttered, her fingers tracing the curve of her chest.

Shameless.

“Sure,” I said smoothly, “but I’m new in town and need to get something from the mall. I forgot my card. Could you help me out?”

A lie. But I knew she wouldn’t hesitate.

I needed food and clothes. Bella wouldn’t hesitate to tear me into pieces if she saw me wearing her stuff.

Her lips curled into a playful smile. “You’re too cute to resist. Let’s go. But you have to promise to give me your number after this.”She stated.

I don’t even have a phone.

“Of course.” I flashed a grin, and we headed inside.

“Let’s get you some good clothes. Bills on me,” she giggled, already piling clothes into a basket.

My brows lifted slightly. Can’t believe she’s doing all this for someone she just met.

Then again, I couldn’t judge. Even as an Alpha, people threw themselves at me. Now, I was a nobody, and nothing had changed. Must be good to be handsome.

I left her on her shopping spree and made my way to the food section, grabbing what I needed.

“Thanks. I owe you one,” I told her as we stepped out of the mall, bags in hand.

“It’s nothing. Let’s put these in my car. I’ll drop you off.” She was already heading to her car.

She must be rich. A jackpot.

I loaded the bags into her trunk before slipping into the passenger seat. She started the car, glancing at me every few seconds.

“So, where do you live?”

I smirked. “Just down the street.”

She kept stealing glances at me as she drove, but my mind drifted back to four years ago.

“The number?” she reminded, snapping me back to the present.

I ran a hand through my hair. “My phone’s bad for now. I’m planning to get a new one soon.” Another lie.

She pouted. “You should’ve told me. I could’ve gotten you one.”She whined hitting the steering wheel lightly, clearly annoyed.

“You’ve done enough,” I said, tired of the conversation. 

She wasn’t even attractive enough to screw and dump. Not my type. 

“Fine,” she huffed. “But now that I know where you live, I’ll be paying you a visit.”

I scoffed. “Not at all. Drop me here.”

She frowned. “This is just a street.”

“It’s not far from my house. I’m good here. Thanks for the ride.”I appreciated her and before she could protest, I was out of the car, grabbing my bags.

I got what I needed, That was enough. Before she could step out, I scurried away.

Messy. I’m never doing this again.

Back home, I dropped the bags and started arranging everything I bought.

I might have been an Alpha, but I wasn’t lazy. I knew how to cook and clean. Mom taught me before she passed. I used to love being in the kitchen with her.

After stacking the food neatly on the shelves, I decided on a meal to prepare. Spaghetti with meatballs and steak.

The kitchen was a mess, so I cleaned up first. I hated dirty spaces.

The scent of sizzling meat filled the air, with the aroma of the spaghetti. My stomach growled in anticipation.

I dished the food onto two plates. One for me, one for Bella. 

She wanted me out, but here I was, making food for her. A small peace offering.

I knew she didn’t want me gone.

Just as I was about to take the plates to the dining table, a voice rang out.

“Who’s cooking this delicious meal? The aroma is killing me!”

The voice was unfamiliar. I stepped into the dining area, plates in hand.

And then I saw them.

Their eyes widened in shock.

“Alpha Sage!”