Page 106 of Knot my Alphas

My heart feels lighter despite the oncoming challenges with managing the martyr day celebrations. Nothing matters more than our pack to me. As long as we’re together, we can face any foe.

22

Iris

My heart pumps hard as I push myself to run harder. Sweat drips down the side of my face as my legs strain to keep me moving at my relentless pace.

You’re almost there, I tell myself as the kitchen door comes in sight.

My feet thud over the dried grass as I put the last of my strength into reaching my goal. “Yes!” I huff out, checking the smartwatch on my wrist.

I made it back to my destination four minutes earlier than yesterday. The hardcore training I’ve been putting myself through is finally showing results.

Despite gasping and panting hard, I’m standing on my feet. The chilly breeze blowing over my exposed neck feels incredibly good and refreshing.

Pushing open the kitchen door, I head inside. Everything is still and silent on the mansion’s ground floor. It’s already past eleven at night, so I’m not too surprised.

Grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge, I head upstairs to take a shower.

The knowledge that Callahan would be stepping inside this house has kept me on my toes. My mind spends all my free time building up the scenarios where I confront him and charge him with the crimes he’s committed against me and my family.

It’s easy to stay distracted during the day but the stress doesn’t allow me to sleep at night. Jogging in the late evenings is the only way I’ve been able to cope with my insomnia.

Walking inside the bathroom on the top floor, I close the door.

My gaze falls on the mirror in the corner. My cheeks are flushed a deep crimson from running hard. Despite exercising regularly, my curves have grown rounder and softer.

Letting out a heavy sigh, I shed my sweaty clothes and drag my feet inside the shower stall.

A moan escapes me as a stream of hot, steamy water pours down on me, relaxing my sore, strained muscles. I grab the body shampoo and squirt a dollop onto my palm.

The refreshing vanilla fragrance reminds me of Julian’s scent at once. A smile comes onto my lips as I think of curling up next to him after the shower.

Most of his injuries have healed over the past couple of weeks. Even his ribs don’t trouble him any more, allowing him to lie down fully while sleeping. Cuddling with him most nights is my secret guilty pleasure.

Caleb, Damon, and Raiden are back to another hectic schedule because of the Solveig Pack Remembrance Day celebrations happening next week. Callahan accepted their invitation, silently inciting his intention to cause trouble.

A part of me wants him to come after me. It’d be the only way I can confront him for murdering my parents and snatching away my real family.

No matter how much we speculate about what’s going to happen, we’re sure of one thing. Callahanwillcome prepared to cause a commotion.

Caleb is determined to secure the mansion and the areas around it. He’ll not let Callahan and his shadow army ruin the commemoration of their lost, dead soldiers.

Switching off the water, I walk out and grab a robe. My bare feet pad around the bathroom floor as I grab some lotion to rub into my skin. When I’m done, I start drying the long length of my honey-blond hair.

My phone vibrates against the counter.

Switching off the dryer, I swipe the screen and pick up Julian’s call. “Hey,” I say breathlessly.

“Are you still outside?”

“No. I’m almost done with my shower. Are you heading to bed now?”

“Can you meet me on the third-floor corridor?” he says in an unusually grim tone. “I want to show you something.”

“Oh...sure. I’ll be right there.”

Switching off the call, I tighten the sash of my robe and hurry out of the bathroom.

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