Page 27 of Marked By the Alphas

“Here’s your breakfast,” Rose said, winking at me before moving to place the plate of pancakes on the table before exiting the kitchen.

I turned to face Rowan, and my heart almost dropped into my stomach at the sight of him. He was leaning against the doorframe with his hands folded and his long, pretty hair left to flow down his back and shoulders. He was shirtless and only had a pair of sweatpants on. His muscles were glistening with sweat, which brought back a certain image in my head from my dreams. My cheeks flushed red, and I looked away. His eyes also held a blank look, one that was so different from the way that he had looked at me the last time I had seen him. The thought broke my heart a little.

“H-hi. I didn’t realize you were home,” I squeaked, my voice coming out higher than I intended. I looked away, unable tomeet his eyes. It felt like it had been so long since I had seen the Alphas and my heart twisted with guilt at the realization.

“You would have remained locked up in your room if you knew, huh?” he asked, his tone sharp as he spoke. The guilt that I felt multiplied.

“I…” the words got stuck in my throat, and I fought the tears that were stinging at the back of my eyes. It suddenly felt like the weight of the situation between us after the long week of my heat finally crashed down on me, and it made me emotional.

Rowan crossed the space between us in one long stride, and when he was standing in front of me, he lifted my chin with his fingers. When we locked eyes, I felt a tear slip down from my eye. His touch made the thrumming underneath my skin come alive again, and it made a shiver run up my spine. It also made me more aware of the connection between us. It felt strange and familiar at the same time. As if my soul was made to know it. He caught the tears with his fingers before it could roll any further down my cheek. His eyes were softer than before, and they mirrored the sadness in my own.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sound so harsh. It’s just been a long week,” he apologized, and it finally felt like I could breathe easier again, although my sadness didn’t ease.

“I’m sorry. I know a part of it is my fault. I just felt so embarrassed and thought it would be best to avoid you all,” I said, my words coming out in a rushed mess as I tried to express myself, but Rowan simply shook his head.

“You have nothing to be embarrassed about, Elara. You were so beautiful and perfect for us, and we wouldn’t change anything that happened for the world. We’ve just been so worried aboutit, thinking we did something wrong,” Rowan explained, and my eyes widened in shock. I quickly shock my head at his words.

How could they think they had done anything wrong? They had gone beyond helping me during my heat. They had taken care of me, adored and worshiped my body, while also feeding my mind with the most positive emotions that chased away some of the darkness. They had been perfect, and I felt even more terrible that my actions had convinced them otherwise.

“You did nothing wrong. I-I was just being foolish. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to get you so worked up with my actions,” I apologized genuinely, and Rowan pulled me into his arms, instantly making me relax.

His scent was so blissful. It was like earth after it rained and I shamelessly took huge sniffs of him, making him chuckle at my actions.

“You’re disgusting. I’m drenched in training sweat,” he said teasingly as I pulled away and stuck my tongue out playfully at him, making him laugh.

“It’s not my fault that even your training sweat smells so good,” I said and he shook his head at me, a playful smile dancing at the edge of his lips.

“What were you discussing with Rose? I heard something about asking someone else?” Rowan asked, moving to the fridge to pull out a bottle of water which he drank in one gulp.

“I wanted to follow her to the market, but it’s okay. She explained it’s too dangerous.”

I moved to settle at the island to eat my breakfast and Rowan came to stand close to me again. He was too close to me and it made me pause with my hand in midair before I raised my eyes to meet his. I expected him to say something, but he didn’t. He only continued to watch me, and so I offered him the piece of pancake on my fork. His face broke into a smile as he accepted it with a grateful smile before walking out of the kitchen.

I continued to enjoy my breakfast alone, and I was almost done by the time Rose walked into the kitchen again with a sparkle of excitement in her eyes.

“So, what did he say?” she asked, and my brows furrowed.

“Say about what?”

“About going to the market? Didn’t you ask him?” she said, and I shook my head.

“No, I didn’t. It’s okay, I don’t want to put him in a difficult position. I think I’ll hang around here today. Maybe soon enough, things will change.”

I still felt a bit sad that things had to be this way, but I understood it, and I was ready to be patient to let time do its work. Rose smiled at my words, and she was about to respond when Rowan appeared in the doorway. His long hair was now up in a man bun, and he was dressed in jeans and a T-shirt.

“Are you ready?” he asked, stealing the last piece of pancake from my plate.

“Hey, that’s mine…ready for what?” I asked, but he was already moving out of the kitchen. I exchanged a look with Rose, her surprise mirroring mine. I rushed to place my plate in the sinkbefore running after him, surprised that he was already out of the house.

“Are you letting me go to the market?” I asked excitedly and Rowan laughed, a deep, hearty laugh that made me feel warm.

“Yes, I am. Who else will be a better bodyguard?” he responded and I threw my fist in the air in celebration.

“Don’t look so excited about it. Kai will not be happy about this, so we better get going and be back before he arrives,” he urged. I paused before turning back toward the house.

“Where are you going?” Rowan called after me, but I didn’t stop.

“To get Rose,” I called back.

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