Chapter 12 – BELLA
CHAPTER 12
BELLA
A fter changing into my most modest set of thick fleece pajamas that leave everything to the imagination, I sink into the plush cushions of the couch, pulling my blanket tight around me. The penthouse is quiet now, the only sound the faint hum of the air conditioning. It's almost peaceful, if I ignore the knot of anxiety twisting in my stomach.
My phone buzzes, and I smile despite myself. Skye. Of course she'd be checking in.
["Sooo... spill. What are these new bodyguards like? Are they as hot as I'm imagining? "]
I roll my eyes, but I can't help the grin spreading across my face. Leave it to Skye to focus on the important details.
["They're... intense. And yeah, they're all ridiculously attractive. It's kind of unfair, actually."]
The reply comes almost instantly.
["OMG, I knew it! Give me details, girl! I need to live vicariously through you!"]
I glance up, making sure I'm still alone in the living room. The last thing I need is Braxley catching me gossiping about our new security team. I can already imagine his reaction, the jealous pout, the passive-aggressive comments.
["There are five of them. The leader's name is Roman. He's tall, dark, and brooding. Very much the strong, silent type."]
["Ooh, mysterious. I like it. What about the others?"]
I hesitate, trying to find the right words to describe them without sounding like a lovesick teenager.
["There's Troy. He's the friendly one. Blond, blue-eyed, looks like he could be on the cover of a romance novel."]
["Damn, girl. You hit the bodyguard jackpot. Weren't the others all like clones of the Terminator?"]
I snort softly. If only she knew.
["Yeah, they were. But they were nice. I felt bad for them when Braxley fired them at the hospital.]
[Bet they didn't feel bad for themselves.]
[Well, no. Probably not. haha]
[What about the other three?]
[Liam is covered in tattoos and looks like he could bench press a car. Smoking hot Irish accent.]
["Keep going, I'm taking notes.]
I shake my head, amused despite myself. [I don't even know how to describe Savva. He looks like a prince. Long auburn hair, cheekbones that could cut glass.]
["Holy shit, Bella. Are you sure these guys are just bodyguards?"]
The laugh bubbles up before I can stop it, and I clap a hand over my mouth before I draw any unwanted attention from the alphas coming and going from the guest suite. God, I've missed this. Just joking around with Skye, forgetting for a moment about the mess my life has become.
["And the last one?"] Skye prompts when I don't respond right away.
My fingers hover over the keyboard. How do I describe Cole? The scars, the white hair, those piercing eyes that seem to see right through me?
[Cole is different from the others. He's really quiet and serious and I'm not sure what to make of him. He slapped Braxley's phone out of his hand. It was kind of amazing haha]
[HE DID WHAT??]
I trail off, not sure how to finish that thought. There's something about all of them, if I'm being honest. Something that makes my heart race and my skin tingle. Something that feels dangerous and thrilling and terrifying all at once.
[Yeah, Braxley, um, was trying to make a video of the pack coming in and Cole didn't like that.]
[Ok girl, as fucking hilarious as that is, does he have a temper? Because that's kind of a red flag isn't it?]
I hesitate, considering that. She might have a point, but then again, she's never met Braxley. And she's never had Braxley shoving his phone into her face, either. I'm pretty sure part of Cole's reaction is because he clearly doesn't like anyone looking at him, let alone taking a whole video.
[He's been nice to me so far. Aloof but nice. Not an alphahole.]
[Is he hot?]
[Yes, very. He has a fallen angel vibe. White hair even though I don't think he's older than his late twenties. I think he probably hates me though. haha]
I decide not to tell her about the scars. That feels intrusive.
She sends me a few more texts, but I'm momentarily distracted by the sound of footsteps approaching. I quickly lock my phone, shoving it under my pillow just as Savva and Cole enter the living room.
"Good evening, Miss Bella," Savva says, his voice low and smooth. His sharp green eyes flick to my pillow. "I hope we're not disturbing you."
I shake my head, trying to ignore the way my pulse quickens at his presence. "No, not at all. I was just... getting ready for bed."
Cole says nothing as he takes up position near the windows, leaning against the wall at an angle that keeps me from seeing his scarred side. His posture is rigid and he seems to be doing everything he can to avoid looking at me, or even acknowledging me.
When he catches me watching him, I offer him a soft smile. His throat bobs and his jaw clenches as he focuses all his attention on staring out the window.
Yeah. He hates me.
"Please, don't let us keep you up," Savva continues, settling into an armchair with a grace that seems at odds with his imposing frame. He crosses his legs and pulls a well-used Sudoku book that's seen better days from the inside of his maroon jacket. "We'll try to be as unobtrusive as possible."
"No, it's fine," I assure him, more hoarsely than I intend. The air feels charged for some reason. Like everything between the three of us is tense. I want to say something, anything, to break the awkward silence, but the words are stuck in my throat.
Instead, I find myself watching Cole out of the corner of my eye. He's standing perfectly still, his profile illuminated by the city lights streaming through the window. There's something tragic about him, I think. Like a warrior from some ancient myth.
I clear my throat softly. "Um, Cole?" His head turns slightly, just enough to show he's listening. "Would you like to sit down? There's plenty of room."
He doesn't move, doesn't even look at me. "I'm fine where I am," he says, his voice low and gravelly.
"Oh. Okay." I fidget with the edge of my blanket, feeling foolish. "I just thought... I mean, you'll be here all night, right? It might be more comfortable?—"
"I said I'm fine." The words come out harsher than I think he intended, because he winces slightly. "But... thank you," he adds, softer this time.
I nod, trying not to let the rejection sting. He's just doing his job, I remind myself. They all are. It doesn't matter that something deep inside me is crying out for connection to someone other than Braxley. Even these alphas.
They're not here to be my friends.
But still, I can't help but want to try again. There's something about Cole that draws me in, makes me want to break through that icy exterior.
"I like your hair," I say, immediately regretting the words. God, could I sound any more like an awkward teenager?
Cole's head whips around, his eyes wide with surprise. When Savva stifles a chuckle, his eyes narrow and he curls his lip at Savva. Actually, maybe that was unintentional—his scars do pull up at that side of his mouth, exposing his canine tooth and a premolar in a permanent snarl. But whatever just flashed across his face is quickly replaced by that careful blankness.
He says nothing as he turns back to the window, effectively ending the conversation.
I sink further into the couch, mortification burning hot in my cheeks. Smooth, Bella. Real smooth.
Savva clears his throat delicately. "Perhaps we should all try to get some rest," he suggests. "It's been a long day."
I nod gratefully, seizing the excuse to hide under my blankets. "Right. Of course. Goodnight, then."
"Goodnight, Miss Bella," Savva replies softly. "Sleep well."
I curl up on my side, facing the back of the couch so they can't see my face. My phone buzzes again, and I pull it out, angling the screen away from the alphas.
["Helloooooo? Earth to Bella! Don't leave me hanging! I need more details about these hunky bodyguards!"]
I smile despite myself, Skye's enthusiasm infectious even through text.
["Sorry, two of them just came in to take the night shift.]
[OMG, which two? I'm team Savva.]
I bite my lip, trying not to laugh. ["How did you guess?"]
["I have a sixth sense for these things. It's my superpower. Do you have a picture of him? Does he live up to his name? WHAT A NAME.]
[No pics. And yeah. He does.]
[Does he have socials?]
I snort, but I quickly stifle it, texting her back.
[I thought you were allergic to social media?]
[I don't POST on socials. That doesn't mean I don't LURK.]
I roll my eyes, but I can't help smiling. Skye's enthusiasm is infectious, even through text.
[I don't think they have much of an online presence. They're ex-military. Pretty sure they're not big on social media.]
[Ugh, you're no fun. Let me do some digging.]
I peek out from under the blanket to glance over at Savva and Cole. They seem absorbed in their own activities. Savva bent over his Sudoku puzzle, Cole still staring out the window like a statue. I should probably put my phone away and try to sleep, but... I'm not ready for this conversation to end. It feels like my only lifeline to normalcy right now.
[I don't think that's a good idea. They're here to protect us, not be stalked online.]
[Oh come on, it's not stalking! It's just research. For your safety, of course.]
I stifle a laugh, shaking my head. [Of course. How thoughtful of you.]
[OMG! I found Troy's Instagram!]
My eyes widen. [What? How?]
[I have my ways. Holy shit, Bella. You weren't kidding. This man is FINE.]
I resist the urge to peek over my shoulder at the alphas. [Skye...]
[What? I'm just appreciating the view. Ooh, there's a shirtless workout video. Want me to send it to you?]
Heat rushes to my face. [NO! Absolutely not.]
[Your loss, girl. Damn, those abs could grate cheese.]
I bury my face in my pillow, torn between mortification and amusement. [You're terrible.]
[I prefer the term "dedicated friend." Speaking of which, I'm not finding much on the others. Roman has a LinkedIn, but it's pretty bare bones. Ex-military, security consultant, blah blah blah. No pictures though. Boo.]
[Maybe because they value their privacy?] I suggest, though I can't deny I'm a little curious myself.
[Privacy is overrated. Ooh, wait! I think I found Liam's Facebook. It's locked down tight, but his profile pic... damn. Those tattoos go ALL the way down, don't they?]
I groan internally.
[I can't find anything on Savva or Cole. Are you sure those are their real names?]
I frown. [Why wouldn't they be?]
[I don't know. It's just weird. Everyone has SOME kind of online presence these days. Even if it's just an old profile they haven't updated in years.]
I chew on my lower lip, mulling that over. It is a little odd, now that she mentions it. But then again, these aren't exactly normal guys. They're ex-military, used to operating in the shadows. Maybe staying off the grid is second nature to them.
[Maybe they just prefer to keep a low profile.]
[Maybe. Or maybe they're secret agents. Ooooh, or vampires! Cole gives vampire vibes.]
I snort, then quickly disguise it as a cough when I see Cole's head turn slightly in my direction. [You've been watching too many bad movies.]
[Hey, a girl can dream. Speaking of dreams... maybe you'll have some good ones tonight?]
I feel my cheeks burn. [Skye!]
[What? It's a valid question! You're surrounded by a pack of gorgeous alphas. It'd be weirder if you WEREN'T having some... interesting dreams. Especially after being trapped with Braxley all the time. And isn't he the one who asked you how you feel about "opening the relationship"??]
She sends a few puke emojis.
I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to will away the images her words conjure up. Strong hands, piercing eyes, the phantom sensation of lips on my skin... Nope. I can't go there. I'm engaged, for God's sake. Even if it's not official yet. Even if the thought of actually marrying Braxley makes me feel sick to my stomach.
Even if I do feel an unexplainable pull toward these alphas.
And she's right. He is the one who asked if I'd be okay with him sleeping around. Said one thing leads to another at enough parties that it would be unreasonable to expect him to never "make a mistake." I didn't even know what the hell to say to that.
So maybe I don't feel too bad about my mind going there.
My phone buzzes again, mercifully dragging me out of my spiraling thoughts.
[Girl, I can practically hear you overthinking from here. Get some sleep, okay? And if you happen to snap any candid pics of our hot bodyguard squad, you know where to send them~]
I roll my eyes, but can't help the small smile tugging at my lips.
[No pics, but I'll keep you updated if anything interesting happens.]
[It better! Sweet dreams, babe. Try not to drool on your pillow thinking about all that alpha goodness surrounding you.]
[GOODNIGHT, Skye.]
I shove my phone under my pillow, pointedly ignoring the quiet chuckle I swear I hear from Savva's direction.
I burrow deeper into my nest of blankets, trying to find a comfortable position on the couch. It's still better than sharing a bed with Braxley, but sleep feels impossibly far away. Every nerve in my body is hyper-aware of the two alphas in the room with me.
Savva's presence is oddly soothing, the quiet rustle of pages turning as he works on his Sudoku puzzle a comforting white noise. But Cole is a live wire, crackling with tension even in his stillness. I can feel the weight of his gaze on me, though every time I peek out from under my blanket, he's staring resolutely out the window.
What happened to him? The scars, the white hair… he can't be much older than me, but he carries himself like a man who's seen too much, lived through horrors I can't even imagine.
I want to reach out more, but I know it would be unwelcome. He's made it clear he wants nothing to do with me. And I still have no idea what I did wrong. Unless he thinks I'm a shallow asshole like Braxley.
I don't know why that stings so much.
This is ridiculous. I need to freaking sleep. Tomorrow is going to be a long day of Braxley preening for the camera while the pack installs security measures.
But every time I close my eyes, all I can see are them.
The alphas of the Vanguard Pack.