Page 60 of Knot my Alphas

My old jeans and hoodie are still stored safely in the wardrobe that contains all the new clothes Julian bought me. Taking them out, I change into them.

Next, I put on my old sneakers. To make sure I stay out of trouble, I liberally spray myself with de-scenters.

These clothes aren’t the most ideal to jog in or exercise, but they’ll do for now. I can use the money I’ve saved in my college fund to buy more sportswear later.

The house is quiet as I go downstairs.

Instead of taking the front entrance, I use another door that leads to a quieter part of the grounds.

A cold, fresh breeze wafts into my face the moment I step outside. The sun is just beginning to rise, bathing the entire estate in a pinkish, golden hue.

Pulling on the hood of my jacket, I start jogging.

My sore muscles stretch and loosen as I increase my pace. It feels extremely good to be running and feeling the air breeze past me.

Within minutes, my breaths get shallower and it becomes a strain to keep up my pace. I don’t slow down, though, enjoying the burn in my legs.

It’s cathartic to know the exercise will eventually strengthen me.

I know that Caleb and his brothers will always protect me but I can’t let that relax me. It’s important to train and strengthen my reflexes for the battles I’ll face in the future.

Nox Callahan is still out there, plotting and scheming against my mates. I need to get stronger so I can destroy him completely.

13

Iris

I’m in the middle of practicing a sequence of advanced kicks when my phone starts vibrating against my ass. Reaching into my back pocket, I take my phone out and glance at the flashing screen.

Julian is calling me.

Swiping across the screen, I pick up the call. “Hey,” I say breathlessly. “Are you awake already?”

“Where are you?” he asks immediately. “And why are you panting?”

“I’m outside,” I say, gazing toward a group of marching soldiers in the distance. “Hang up for now. I’ll come inside right away.” With that, I switch off the call and jog toward the mansion.

I barely make it to the threshold of the front entrance when my phone starts ringing again. Checking it, I see that Julian’s calling me again.

I roll my eyes and sprint inside at a higher pace. My lungs overwork, making me pant harder than before but I enjoy the burn as I go up the stairs.

My phone continues to vibrate as I reach Julian’s bedroom on the third floor. “Stop calling me!” I shout, bursting through the door.

An anxious expression spreads on his face. “Why weren’t you picking up my call?”

“I told you I was coming,” I say with a huff.

His lavender-hued eyes rove all over me, taking in my old hoodie and jeans. “Why’re you wearing those clothes again?”

“I didn’t have anything else to exercise in. Which reminds me, I should order some stuff from Amazon.” Taking my phone, I open the app and settle down beside him.

“I can order you better stuff,” he says at once, leaning over to peer at my phone.

“It’s fine,” I say, adding a pair of sneakers into my cart. “I can afford this stuff.”

Julian grows quieter by the second.

I slide-glance at him and find him pouting at my phone. A chuckle escapes me when I realize he’s annoyed by my lack of attention on him.

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