my arms as the trees whizzed by us
a
blur. “I won’t waste my breath on people like them.”
Right…it’s your choice.” He whispers again, almost ashamed for bringing the subject up. There’s no place in my heart for Steven or Ashley. No love or forgiveness. What they’ve done to me is beyond redemption, and I’ve made peace with cutting those cords long ago. I feel nothing toward them, and It’ll remain that way.
Their presence reminded me all over again why I need to tread with caution. To be careful who I put my into. Those two will earn my trust when hell freezes over.
faith
Wanting to change the subject because the silence is annoying, I filled Neron in about what’s happening with Darien and all he told me, including Odessa’s influence over him. He listened intensively, his finger rhythmically tapping on the steering wheel. With the sun glittering on the road, we made our way through human lands.
“Thank you for telling me.” He responds with gratitude. “I’ll keep this in mind. One of my guards is both monitoring and is reporting her actions to me. Over the past few days, she’s been chatting with random pack members and keeping them company. I don’t believe it’s from the kindness of her heart.”
“A guard?” I asked curiously. “Who is it?”
“Tristan. He’s one of my best who gives me 110% every time.”
My voice hitched in my throat, and ice immobilized my spine. Fear engulfed me and I felt incredibly uncomfortable. I try my best to smile and nod, but I’m internally falling into chaos. Why does that name have a profound effect on me? I never met Tristan, but his name sends my heart racing. I rolled down my window in hopes the wind will help calm me down.
I don’t like this feeling.
Once we entered the overcrowded mall, it became a flurry of activity. There were so many things to do, but in so little time. And this moment granted me a chance to see Neron when he runs errands–or what I think are
errands.
First, hair business. He cares a lot about his hair, so he dragged me to what he insists is the best hair salon for werewolves and humans. Hair salons are typically a woman thing, but it’s nice to see him break that gender barrier given he’s the most masculine–looking person I’ve met. I sat in the guest chairs as I watched another werewolf from a neighboring pack give him a needed trim.
But the sight of a six–feet–five, two–hundred–something–pound skyscraper in a salon chair with a cape and a lopsided grin is photo–worthy. Holding in my laughter as I secretly snapped a picture of him was so hard, but damn, I’m enjoying this. He’s like a child! I’ll never have the confidence to let anyone else besides Jackie, Abigail, and Violet touch my hair.
But, hey, I have the ammo to tease him later!
Chapter
Hyper Awareness
Secondly, we scoured the Toy Zone for Adonis‘ birthday presents. What would a six–year–old boy want? They hate clothes and love staying up all night, but I can’t exactly gift wrap insomnia. A plethora of toys of all shapes, sizes, and colors made it impossible to choose from. Even Neron is having a tough time, and he knows Adonis better than I do.
“What about this?” He gestures to the Avengers toy set. It had all the major characters from the superhero
And my heart knows Donny would love this!
“It’s perfect!” I exclaimed, pulling out my debit card. In seconds, Neron and I fought over who’ll pay because he didn’t want me to spend my money, but I insisted since it’s my gift to my nephew. After our mini verbal battle, the Alpha gave up and brought a Spiderman toy set. We got our bags and left the store.
Then, we hopped to Party City, Nordstrom, and Lush before we decide to take a break. Our arms are full of shopping bags and my stomach was growling for sustenance. As much as I enjoyed spending this time with Neron, I felt eyes on me the entire time that isn’t his. Like I’m being watched from afar. I looked over my shoulder every five minutes to see if anyone was ogling me, but there’s no one from the bustling crowds stood
out.
It worried me. Being hyper–aware is a curse, sometimes.
But since Alphas are naturally perceptive, my actions didn’t escape Neron’s eyes. “Are you okay?” He asks me as we head toward the food court. “Is something bothering you?”
“I–I’m fine.” I nod vigorously. “I just thought I felt someone watching me, but maybe it’s all the stress getting
to me.”
“Maybe some food will do you good.”
Oh, he has no idea.
Because by the time we sat in our seats, I’ve already ordered food from four different restaurants and began devouring them in front of him. Fries, pizza, chicken sandwiches–all the good stuff. And don’t forget water for the balance! While he simply has a burger combo, Neron watched me with his mouth agape as I ate more calories than he did in his entire lifetime.
“I–I…” He stammers. “Can I say something, Kiya? And please don’t take it the wrong way.”
I quirk an eyebrow as 1 stabbed my cheese fries with my fork. “Do I reserve the right to kick your ass if I do?”
“Yes. It’s not like you haven’t done it before.” He smirks.
I smile at the thought. “Alright. Speak.”
“You cat like a fucking horse.”
“Correction: I eat like three fucking horses. Get it right.”
Neron blinked once. Twice. Thrice. Then he laughs as he gently shook his drink. The sloshing of ice is heard. “My mistake. I knew you’re a big eater from the rumors, but I never have seen you in action like this, especially at dinner.”
“I’m sure you eat more than me.” I gesture to his bulging muscles. “There ain’t no way you get that big by eating only three meals a day.”
Chapter 24 – Bipper AwareneLK.
“What can I say? I eat a lot of protein.” My eyes involuntarily rolled when he started flexing his arms.
“Nope. You just got an advantage because you’re an Alpha.” I scoffed playfully. “Plus, muscles are hereditary.”
“You also have an advantage because you’re a Beta.”
“Nope.” I shake my head. “Well…that’s partially true, but I think my body is compensating for years of missed nutrition. And I have a ridiculously fast metabolism.”
There’s that feeling again. Of heavy eyes piercing at my back, eyeing my every move like a hawk. I turned. around again to see if any human or werewolf is paying special attention to me, but once again, I see no one of interest. I shouldn’t be this worried, but, with Osiris out there and the Odessa disaster waiting at the house, I couldn’t catch a break.
I want to believe this feeling is a fluke; an urgent reminder that I need to rest.
But I can’t.
Because I know this isn’t normal.