Chapter 6
Chapter Six
Brooks
The next day I keep an eye out for Sage, leaving my headphones off so I can be more aware of my surroundings.
I contemplate this new feeling of magnetism.
As someone who is rarely physically or otherwise attracted to others, I’m surprised by how drawn to Sage I feel.
Although it’s not physical—yet—I suspect it will be once I get to know her better.
I’m curious how much of it is due to being scent matched, and if I’d still feel this way if I didn’t know she had the potential to be my perfect partner.
I always wondered if I’d be instantly attracted to my scent match, if I ever found them.
But while I can certainly appreciate Sage’s beauty, I’m not having that instant need type of feeling I’ve heard about from others.
My need is more along the lines of discovering more about her, learning who she is and how I can empower her to be her best self.
I smile as soon as I see her walking toward me, then notice her eyes darting up and down the street every few steps.
I try not to let my smile turn into a frown, forcing it to stay on my face for her benefit.
“Good morning, Sage,” I greet her as soon as she’s close enough to hear.
She pauses, then looks up at me for the longest length of time yet.
Her eyes search mine, then dart to my messy man bun.
Her gaze trails down my jaw along my beard as she inspects my face, and finally down my body before returning to her own feet.
I ache to reach out and comfort her, but we agreed that we need to be careful not to mix scents.
I’ve worn a scent dampener to try to help with that, but I can already tell it’s failing just by being in her presence.
“Hi,” she replies, voice timid. “Um, how are you?”
“Happy to see you.”
Instead of smiling or looking up at me again, she scrunches her brows. Perplexed, I decide it’s safest not to push. I’ll show her with my words and my actions that I’m sincere.
“I brought you a gift.” I reach into my pocket again, and this time she does look up at me. I take the chance and say the other piece that’s been on my mind. “I’d like to court you, Sage.”
She blinks. Then looks at the box in my hands. I stretch my arm out, holding it out to her, and our fingers brush as she takes it from me.
“What is it?” she asks, curiosity getting the better of her nerves.
I grin and nod my chin at the box. “Open it and see.”
She takes the lid off to reveal a few pieces of long meadow grass woven into the shape of a heart.
It’s just over an inch wide, and took me about sixteen tries to get right.
My big fingers are not meant for nimble work, but I know anything I give her will need to be easily hidden, and easily explained away if found.
Sage stares at it, then strokes one slender finger around the curve on one side to the bottom point. She does the same on the other side, then closes her fist around it and holds it to her chest.
“Thank you,” she says quietly. “I love it.”
“You’re welcome, Sage.” My alpha instinct loves her name on my tongue, and she seems to be drawn to hearing it.
“You can leave the box, I’ll take care of it.”
She nods and sets it down, but keeps her fist tight around the heart for the remaining couple minutes of our conversation, glancing at it periodically as though to ensure it’s still there.
I revel in every second, soaking her in and treasuring the opportunity to get to know her while being fully aware that I don’t know all of the risks she’s taking in doing so.
I wish she’d tell me what her life is really like behind those closed doors, but I don’t blame her for not trusting me yet. I’m a patient alpha; I’ll work up to it.
We continue to text throughout the next few days, and I greet her on her walks every morning.
I bring a small trinket for her every couple days: a sparkly rock I found in my yard, a tiny pressed daisy, a few crystal beads for protection.
She accepts each one graciously, then clenches them in her fist and holds it to her chest until she’s out of sight.
Her scent begins to soften with a sweet undertone during our brief conversations, before returning to the more bitter, soapy scent I first noticed when she has to leave.
It lightens my heart with hope every single time.
And then there’s the fact learning more about her life is bringing out something in me I’ve never experienced.
I’m not a violent alpha, but as Sage reveals more to me about how her brother treats her, I’m starting to find that part of me.
From what I’ve gathered so far, he’s abusive, manipulative, and controlling.
I’ve tried to figure out who the other alpha is, but Sage is tight lipped about that one.
All I know is that he’s friends with her brother.
She slowly opens up about other things, though.
How she likes looking out the windows at the forest behind their property.
The flowers and birds, the pretty gardens and overgrown yards she notices on her walks each day.
What weather she prefers—warm and sunny.
Her favorite foods to cook, although when I asked her favorite foods to eat, she didn’t answer.
We’re getting close to the one-week mark, and it feels like the time has both flown by and that we’ve been talking forever. I’m desperate to spend real time with her, though, so I push more than I otherwise would.
I’d like to take you out on a date. Is there a way we can sneak you out? Do your brother and his friend ever leave for a while?
They go out to parties at night sometimes but I never know when. Or they go to sports games. I do not know what ones.
Do they like baseball? It’s baseball season, and if they go to a game that would give us a few hours at least.
I will try to find out.
Be safe