4: Thinking Out Loud

Dina’s POV

I woke up the next morning with a strange sense of being someplace new. And if you know what I’m talking about, then imagine being a wolf and waking up to that feeling. Everything was… Wrong! The smells, the sounds, the air… Even my body seemed to rebel at the idea of a soft bed and instead, I suffered from phantom aches of the usual springs poking me all night.

I scrunched my nose, trying to adjust to the smells. It was like waking up with a hangover you couldn’t remember getting. My body was sore and my mind was blank, with a dull throb somewhere in the back. Don’t get me wrong, though. I slept fantastically!

I just wasn’t used to it…

I got up and realized that nature called. One look around could confirm that the guest bedroom didn’t have an adjoining bathroom, so with a sigh, I tiptoed out into the hallway trying to find it. I already knew which room was the alpha’s - which I took great care in avoiding - but didn’t show the same concern for the next door.

And that’s when things got funny…

I expected the door to be a “pull”-open kind of door and--- it wasn’t! So, with my half-sleeping lazy ass, I leaned into the door with all of my body weight, only to have the support of the door disappear on me! With a loud yelp, I stumbled into the room, gripping the handle for dear life, but to no avail. Ass bouncing off the hardwood floor, I ended up in an awkward position with one arm still holding on to the doorknob, spread legs, and a riled-up sleeping tee.

“Shit!” I cursed, my wrist throbbing from the awkward angle. I tried to get back up despite my butt-cheeks protesting. Goddess! Why couldn’t I be like normal people…?

“You alright?”

My head snapped up on its own accord and all the blood drained from my face. Alpha Stone was sitting comfortably behind a desk, looking down at me with a mixed expression of amusement and interest. His dark eyes lingered just a second too long on my exposed belly and legs. Just enough to make heat pool between my thighs and for my heart to begin a salsa that I wasn’t aware of.

And then came the embarrassment!

Of all the rooms I could stumble into - quite literally! - and I walked straight into the alpha’s office!

“Yes!” I exclaimed, trying to gather myself and the remains of my dignity up off the floor. Then I remembered who I was talking to and quickly added “Alpha” to the end of that. Although--- yeah, it sounded more of an afterthought, but I really didn’t want to piss him off any more than he probably already was, having me burst in here.

“I-I was looking for the bathroom?” I quickly continued, as if that could distract him, and got up. My butt was throbbing, but I resisted the urge to try and rub it better. And as if that wasn’t bad enough, my wolf jumped on it, imagining what it would be like to have the big, bad alpha rub it better…

I had to bite my tongue not to moan out loud at that image!

“At the end of the hall,” he said, his deep voice sounding more like a lion’s purr than any sound a wolf could make.

Sexy, my wolf practically purred, but I tried to ignore her. Yeah, he had a sexy voice. Heck, he was a 10 out of 10, sexy god, even in his loose T-shirt and ruffled morning hair, that looked tousled and perfectly unkempt. I was also finally able to see that his hair was unusually red, just like the stubble on his chin and sharp jawline that looked positively---

Lickable, my wolf sighed with a lazy swag of her tail--- and I quickly made my way out of there, before he noticed all the steamy thoughts my wolf was sending me.

Damn, that man was too hot for his own good…

I bailed out of the office and headed towards the door at the end of the hall. It was the door that had been replaced, I realized, and now I was wondering what actually happened. Had someone been hiding in there and the alpha had to break it down to get in? Or had he locked himself in and had to break down to get back out? I opted for the latter, just because it was hilarious to imagine Alpha Stone in a situation like that…

When I was done, I was more awake and decided that all I needed now was a good cup of coffee. That and something that would make me slightly suicidal, considering I had to gather more than just some courage to have the nerve to go talk to Alpha Stone. About my college and this nonsense about me being his maid and what shit not. But unfortunately for me, Alpha Stone was already standing outside his office, almost as if he was waiting for me. Was he pissed because I dropped into his office? I gulped and tried not to look up, hoping I could pass him without tripping over myself.

No such luck…

“We need to talk,” he said in an emotionless tone and motioned for me to follow him back inside the office. Oh, why me? But I did what he told me and took a seat at his desk. Just like everything else in the house, there were no ornaments anywhere, and the room was very sparsely furnished. Again, I suspected it to be his anger management issue that was the cause of his decore - or lack thereof. Why you might ask?

The walls were basically one big gray patch!

So freaking depressing…

“Can I do something creative with the patches?” I found myself asking before I could stop it. He looked surprised for just about a split second, before following my line of sight. I felt a rush of embarrassment flow into my cheeks. Oh, my goddess! I can’t believe I just asked that! What was I thinking?! Did I have a death wish, since I so obviously called him out on his issues?!

Well, at least I had a good life…

“Knock yourself out,” he murmured, before turning his attention back to the computer in front of him. For a second, I was just sitting there, wondering if he gave me permission or an order. I glanced up at him, but he remained as emotionless as ever. I decided not to push my luck, but quickly muttered an apology and a "thank you".

“What’s your name?” he asked and leaned back in his seat, his eyes fixating on me. I gulped and prayed that I didn’t look too terrible. I was still in my pajamas, which basically were one of dad’s old T-shirts and mom’s sweatpants. But his gaze still made me sweat under the light white fabric. Luckily, I didn’t have really big breasts, but I still found myself hunching forward and pulling the tee away from my body, making sure that nothing was unnecessarily on display. My long raven black hair was still in the braid I made last night, so it probably looked like a bird’s nest now. I guess the only thing I could be unafraid of, that would embarrass me, were my forest green eyes.

I inherited my looks from my mother, thank goddess. She was the most beautiful she-wolf to ever have walked this earth. Dad used to say, I was her carbon copy, but mom insisted, I’d inherit my father’s spirit. Dylan and Dug looked like my dad, with brown hair and gray eyes, but unlike Dylan, my father was quiet and kind. He could always see the silver lining in any situation, but still was the kind of man who didn’t put up with shit. Nobody crossed my dad, simply because it wouldn’t end well for them.

“Dina,” I answered the alpha’s question, before getting too caught up in my looks. “Ridley. Alpha.”

I mentally groaned. Damn it! I couldn’t even talk properly around him.

“Dina Ridley,” he echoed, making my name sound almost sensual. I mentally shook my head. Goddess, I needed to get this man out of my system!

“Well, Dina,” he continued, emphasizing my name for some reason. “You’re going to work for me until Dylan returns in two weeks---”

“Not to burst your bubble, alpha,” I cut him off and looked up into his darkening eyes. He clearly didn’t like being interrupted. But he had to know the truth. And then we could talk! “But I highly doubt he’ll be back in two weeks.”

Once that was all clear up, we could start to discuss what I was actually going to do. I needed to find my own place if our home wasn’t safe anymore. And hopefully, the alpha wasn’t going to kick me out in the process. I guess I could call my best friend, Rita, and see if I could crash at her apartment for a while, but---

“What makes you say that?” Alpha Stone asked, his eyes narrowing at me.

“Because that’s what he told me about---,” I quickly calculated, when the last time I’d seen my brother - before last night. “Six months ago.” I watched as the alpha’s eyes widened in surprise, but when he didn’t say anything, I continued: “The first time I saw him again was last night when he dragged my ass over here.”

“Six months?” he echoed thoughtfully and I watched as his jaws worked as if he was clenching his teeth. He turned to the window, rubbing the brim of his nose.

A habit of his, I guessed.

“Fuck, Dylan!” He mumbled under his breath; annoyed but not surprised. Apparently, the alpha really knew my brother. Because I’d let out that exact same sigh a million times before. And heck, I couldn’t really blame him. I mean… Ok, I probably should have told him last night, before Dylan disappeared, but honestly? I’d gotten so used to cleaning up after his messes, I didn’t even consider it…

“Well, it changes nothing,” Alpha Stone suddenly announced, his attention returning to me. This time it was my turn to be stunned into silence. “You’ll work here as my maid until he returns.”

“Your maid?” I echoed, my jaw hanging slightly loose on its hinges. Was there some assumption about females, that since we didn’t have a cock, all we knew was housework? I mean… Sure, I could! I’d been doing that since my parents passed away. But just assuming was---

Rude…!

“You’ll clean the house, do the laundry, polish the silver--- Whatever needs to be done in the house, it will be your responsibility from now on,” he continued, as if I’d agree without protest. “I expect breakfast at 7 am and dinner at 6 pm. The pantry will be stocked at all times and if I’m hosting guests, their needs will be taken care of as well. Do you understand?”

I wanted to growl and remind him that I wasn’t a freaking housemaid! But snapped my mouth shut. Because as far as he was concerned, that’s exactly what I was! And whether I liked it or not, that at least meant I wasn’t going to be spending the next six months or so on the streets. Which meant that I had to contact my school and try to arrange something.

I couldn’t lose my scholarship…

“Yes, Alpha,” I answered reluctantly, while my head was milling through my options. If he worked a lot, perhaps he wouldn’t notice if I snuck off to school?

“This is, however, my private home, and I would like to keep it that way,” he continued in an icy tone that sort of made me happy that I hadn’t started arguing with him. “Is that understood?”

“Yes, Alpha,” I nodded and tried to ignore the chill that crept down my spine. Dang, this guy was just---

“You’ll stay in the room you slept in last night,” he continued in the same commanding tone that only people who were used to being obeyed used. “That will fire up some roomers, but it will be more practical that way. If anyone asks, I hired you off the streets and not as a favor to anyone, is that clear?”

“You want people to think you’ve grown a heart?” I snorted and grinned at my own little joke. Realizing that it was suddenly deadly quiet, I sneaked a peek at the alpha. He was glaring at me and---

And shit… I said that out loud, didn’t I?!

“Sorry, Alpha,” I quickly murmured, just as my heart dropped to the bottom of my stomach and I felt my cheek burn up. “I understand. Off the streets and not a favor.”

I was going to get myself killed…!

But when he didn’t say anything else, I went from being nervous to just plain awkward. Should I go? Did he expect me to leave? What time was it? Did he want breakfast now? Did I start now? Did he expect me to wear a maid’s costume? Because if that was the case…

“I understand you have a scholarship?”

My head snapped in his direction again.

“Y-yes, Alpha,” I stuttered, taken a bit by surprise by the question. How did he know that? But then I remember my conversation with Dylan last night. If he’d been standing outside the door, he would have caught onto that tidbit of information.

“In what?”

“Architecture, Alpha.”

“I will not tolerate any distractions while you’re working,” he said in a voice void of any emotions. To say that his words felt like a stab in the gut, would be an understatement. I wanted to argue. Tell him to fuck a cactus and go to Rita’s. She was still living at home, so that wouldn’t be a permanent arrangement, but perhaps if I got a job…

But I realized that no matter what I did, it wasn’t going to be enough. Although I wasn’t living there at the moment, I still had to pay the bills for our house. Even if I had two or even three jobs, I wouldn’t be able to pay the mortgage, rent, and bills without starving myself to death.

Whether I liked it or not, staying was my only option…

“Yes, Alpha,” I sighed, deflated and feeling disappointment fill every fiber of my being. I guess I still could try the “sneak away” approach, but something told me I’d be caught within the first few hours…

“The only exceptions are your homework and school,” he continued, much to my surprise.

“What?” I mumbled, not really sure I heard him correctly.

“Is that understood?”

“What? N-no! I-I mean…,” I spluttered, stumbling over the words as I tried not to get too excited, in case I’d misheard him. “Y-you want me t-to continue college?”

“Let me make myself as understandable to you as possible,” he repeated, sounding almost annoyed as he leaned his huge frame forward. “I expect you to keep your degree at the highest priority no matter what! If work interferes with you doing any less than excellent in school, I expect you to prioritize your school on any occasion.” He was looking me dead in the eyes. “Have I made myself clear?”

“YES!” I exclaimed, almost jumping out of the chair in excitement. Oh, my goddess! I couldn't believe it! “Yes, alpha! Crystal clear---as day!”

I felt like an idiot for adding the last part, but I was so overwhelmingly happy I didn’t really care. I couldn’t help the words that jumped out of my mouth.

One of my more charming flaws…

“Good,” he answered and--- and was it just me, or was his lips quirking upward? Just a little bit? “You can use any one of the cars in the garage, except the Ferrari! The car keys are in the kitchen.”

Say what?!

Was I allowed to use his car?! Was he serious? Or was he joking?

“If you otherwise require anything or have any questions, just ask,” Alpha Stone, however, continued as if there weren't a million questions in my head. “I’m either at the office at the packhouse or here.”

I nodded again, not trusting my mouth to form words that might offend him.

“Any questions?”

Yeah... Way too many!

“Erm…,” I tried to form words, but only sat there like a goldfish gaping. I had a million questions but couldn’t stop at a single one. And gratitude! He didn’t need to do this, yet here he was, giving me everything I needed until Dylan decided to show up again. This was the first time in my life that someone was taking care of me and the feeling was---

Nice…

I tried to take a deep breath. OK! Time to push away emotions and put on big-girl pants! He wanted to know if I had questions about the job!

Focus on that…

“If-if I’m to keep the pantry stocked at all times and make dinner and breakfast, then---I-I---erm…” I stuttered, but my mind blanked out again. I was trying to ask if we were going to make some kind of food account, or how this was going to work.

I just hope he didn’t misunderstand…

“I’ll cover all food expenses,” he answered coolly, as if this was just another day at the office. Which for him, it probably was. “And of course, I do expect you to make yourself at home, while you’re here. Can’t have my maid starving.”

“Thanks, Alpha,” I grinned at his lame attempt at a joke, feeling my cheeks turn hot. I was so not getting used to this!

“And you will be paid,” he continued, picking up a piece of paper. “Your brother left a bank account. Is this OK?”

Still surprised that I was getting paid, I barely noticed what I was reading while I nodded. But then I realized what I’d just agreed to and I had to bite my tongue so as not to curse out loud. Dylan had given Alpha Stone his own bank account! But what could I say? No? I guess I could, but perhaps if he got more money (which was probably what he was thinking too) he could get whatever he had to do over with quicker?

So I kept quiet.

And although my brother’s betrayal stung, it didn’t overshadow the happiness I felt right now. I did make my own money from my webpage so I would still be able to cover all the bills and mortgage.

“And thank you again so much, Alpha Stone,” I continued, a lot more humble now. “I know my brother is a pain in the ass and you didn’t have to do this, but---”

“And that’s where you’re wrong, Dina,” he cut me off, and just like that our gazes locked, sending shivers down my spine. “Your brother is a pain in the ass, but I didn’t do this as a favor to him. Whatever friendship I once had with him has long since evaporated.”

He spoke with an unexpected passion that left me quite baffled and dry-mouthed. As stupid as it sounded, I didn’t really think that Alpha Stone had feelings. But of course, he had! And considering that this was Dylan we were talking about…

I couldn’t even begin to imagine what he’d done to him.

A sudden rush of embarrassment flowed into my cheeks. Oh, goddess! What HAD my brother done? And did Alpha Stone hold a grudge? I hoped not! If he did, then why do all of this?

Nothing made sense all of a sudden…

“Then---,” I muttered, stunned. “Why?”

“You,” he answered, as if it should be obvious. “You are one of my pack members and with the shit that Dylan tends to stir up, I’m worried about you.”

My heart skipped a beat and my eyes widened in surprise.

Worried?

About me?!

“I simply want to keep you safe. Just like any of my pack members.”

I couldn't help but slowly grin at that.

“You do have a heart,” I muttered softly before I could stop myself. His one eyebrow shot up as he eyed me, while I cursed my big mouth!

Why wasn’t I just born a mute?!

“Sorry! What I meant to say was…” I quickly tried to cover up my little mishap. “Thanks! Alpha.”

He didn’t reply but simply gave me a small nod.

“It’s Sunday so I work from home today,” he continued, and turned back to the computer. “I don’t want any distractions.”

“No distractions here, whatsoever!” I replied and practically fled the office before I did or said something that would piss him off. Although…

Would this be a good time to tell him that I couldn’t cook even to save my life?