Page 14 of Marked By the Alphas

“It’s been a long night. I just need a warm shower, some food and sleep, and then I will be brand new again.” I tried to sound playful as I spoke, but I could hear the subtle edge of weariness in my own voice.

Smith nodded, accepting my explanation, but the concern in his eyes didn't completely fade.

“I’m not talking about just today. Ever since the Omega was found, you’ve been a lot quieter and you’ve constantly had this faraway look in your eyes. I hope you’re right, and you will be feeling like your old self again, because we need you back at your best, especially now that we have so much to figure out.” He offered me a smile before walking away.

I let out a heavy sigh before heading for my car. The drive home was quiet and filled with thoughts and memories I had buried long ago. Memories of a love that I had revered so much that had been shattered so carelessly by the person I thought I could trust above all others.

It was different this time. Even if a part of me didn’t want to get involved with the Omega, a bigger part of me couldn’t helpthe attraction that I held for the girl. Every time that I caught a whiff of her sweet floral scent in the air, it chipped away at the walls I had so meticulously constructed around my heart. Even my wolf, who hadn’t stirred for another woman in years, was a prowling mess, but I wasn’t prepared to meet her yet. I still needed time to gather myself.

I finally arrived at the pack’s house and met Kai in the living room with a few pack officials. He immediately dismissed them as I entered the room, and I moved closer to settle on the couch beside him.

“How was the patrol? Any news?” Kai asked.

I shook my head. “We spent all night searching, but there was no sign of trouble anywhere. Maybe she really did just stumble into the wrong territory and was chased down by other wolves,” I suggested.

Kai leaned back in his seat and sighed. “It wouldn’t explain how she’s still alive, though. These woods are very dangerous for traveling, especially for an Omega with such a potent scent and who is so small in size. She’s the perfect prey. If she really has been traveling alone for as long as she says she has, she shouldn’t be alive by now. It makes me wonder what or who has been protecting her until now,” Kai concluded.

My mind spun, mulling over this new information.

“Could be the Goddess watching over her all these years,” I said lightheartedly, but Kai only sighed in response. His eyes were filled with different emotions.

“Thank you for your work, Rowan. Will you be joining us for breakfast?” he asked.

A frown painted my face. “No, sorry. Next time. I'm tired, and I’m going to bed once I take a shower,” I quickly said, pulling myself to my feet before walking away in the direction of my room.

I didn’t need an encounter with the Omega at the moment. It was bad enough that I couldn’t escape her scent, which was filling every corner of the house.

I started the shower and hopped in, sighing in satisfaction when the warm water eased my sore muscles. Once I finished getting cleaned up, I pulled on a set of sweats before moving to lay down on the bed. I hoped to fall asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow, but it seemed like I was out of luck because the sleep didn’t come as easily as I hoped it would. I tossed and turned, hoping to settle into a more comfortable position, but sleep eluded me.

My mind was racing with different possibilities. I was itching to find out more about her, but at the same time, I wanted to know very little about her.

I groaned into the pillow before pushing myself to my feet and making my way out of the room, not minding that I didn’t have a shirt or even shoes on. I needed to burn some extra energy that I didn’t realize I still had pent-up within me. I made my way through the house, heading for the training grounds located out back. It was my favorite place to go when I needed to clear my head.

The morning sun immediately brought some warmth to my skin as I stepped out of the house. The vast training ground held several training dummies and after setting up the one I wanted to use, I began unleashing a flurry of punches and kicks on it.Sweat slicked my body, and my muscles burned with exertion, but I kept going.

Just as my fist connected with the weathered wood again, a familiar scent tickled my nose. It was the sweet scent I had been trying to avoid and it shattered my concentration, causing the dummy to sway precariously before slamming into me.

I whirled around, my senses on high alert. She stood a few paces away from me, her eyes wide with a mixture of curiosity and fear. She took a step back and I froze. The sight of her, bathed in the golden light of the rising sun, stole my breath away. Her hair, the color of midnight, cascaded down her back, framing a face that could have been sculpted by the Goddess herself. Her emerald eyes held a depth that both captivated and intimidated me.

The intensity of my gaze seemed to fluster her, and she shifted uncomfortably, fiddling with her fingers. I cursed myself inwardly, taking a careful step toward her, causing her to take one step back. I hadn't meant to frighten her.

“Hey,” I rasped, my voice thick with unshed emotions. “You shouldn't be out here,” I added and her brows furrowed in confusion.

“I heard noises…I wanted to see what was happening.” Her voice was soft and sweet. It sounded like music to my ears.

“What if it had been something dangerous? You need to be more careful,” I said softly and she nodded, offering me a small smile, which I immediately returned.

“Forgive my manners. I’m Rowan, the head of security here,” I began, stretching out my hand toward her.

She hesitated for a second before she took it, and the spark that passed between us was enough to send a shiver up my spine.

“I’m Elara. It’s nice to meet you officially,” she responded, her smile faltering as our fingers touched.

“Would you like to join me?” I asked, pointing toward the training field and she nodded.

“Of course. Thank you.”

We walked over toward the benches next to some of the training dummies. I felt a jolt course through me as we sat close together on a bench, and I shook my head gently to clear it.

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