15. Chloe
CHAPTER 15
CHLOE
Going back to my normal routine felt surreal after my date with Kain.
It was like he had pulled me completely out of this world, and shown me a wilder side to life that I’d never even imagined.
Before going on that date, I honestly viewed it as a chore. Kain had weaseled a date out of me, and it was just something that I had to get out of the way. One bad date, that’s all I had to tolerate, and then I told myself that I would be free to ditch my scent matches once and for all. The date wasn’t meant to go spectacularly well. I wasn’t supposed to have so much fun.
My phone vibrated in my pocket.
It was a fight to get it out of my pocket single handedly. My other hand was clutching my food tray and awkwardly trying to balance the drink I’d already placed on it, but I managed it.
Kain: Hey Darling
I wasn’t supposed to be smiling down at my phone like an idiot, but alas. Here I was.
Kain: Sabien said to wear protective clothing for your date.
Okay?
Well, that was one way to wipe that pesky smile straight off my face.
Me: What does that even mean?
I stared at the three dots as Kain typed out his answer. How was I just thinking about how glad I was to give my scent matches a chance, minutes ago? I hadn’t even spoken to Kain’s twin and I was already second guessing their pack. Again.
Kain: Jeans and long sleeves.
Kain: If my brother annoys you, I will rescue you immediately
It was as if Kain had read my mind. How were these two even brothers?
I frowned at my phone as I picked up my lunch at the cafeteria.
Well I gave one of my scent matches a chance and didn’t regret it. Kain and his brother were literally biologically identical. So even though Sabien seemed totally off his rocker, how much would it hurt to give him a chance? It looked like in any case, I was going to have to put up with him if I wanted a relationship with Kain. If he was totally annoying, I would just have to view him as Kain’s unfortunate baggage.
Maneuvering my lunch tray to my favorite spot, I sat down at the picnic table with the best view in the entire Institute. I stared down at the food on my tray and buried my face in my palm. Did I really pick up a chocolate and raspberry pie? And nothing else? Food with the exact smell as my scent match… really? I checked my watch. It was still about five minutes until the interview with the next alpha. Maybe I still had time to—
“Are you Chloe Styker?”
Damn it.
“I heard from Titus that I had to have an interview with you?” The latest alpha was enormous, tall and bulky with a confused look on his handsome face.
Great. Titus sent me another himbo. Well, might as well take advantage of the situation.
“Right. Let’s get started. I need to test out your observation and tactical skills.” I made sure to enunciate my words and to put a serious look on my face.
“You’re sending me on a mission?” The alpha immediately sat up straighter as all traces of confusion were wiped away.
“Yup. I need you to take this tray into the food court. Bring back a turkey sandwich, a fruit cup and a bag of chips. The most important thing is to make sure that no one sees you.”
“Got it. Do you need me to bring back the pie, too?” The beefy alpha made a quick attempt to grab it, but instinctively I grabbed the plate, pulling my pie back to safety.
“No, that won’t be necessary. Good luck, alpha.” I saluted him like I’d seen my dads do, and he actually saluted me back.
I watched as the alpha ran across the outdoor eating area. He braced against the cafeteria door before pulling it wide open and disappearing inside.
For all the nonsense I was putting up with, I definitely deserved a little reward. I scooped up a perfect little bite of chocolatey goodness, making sure to get a little dash of tart raspberry cream, as I typed out a quick message to Titus.
Me: Are you even serious with these alphas? I need to know if you are actually trying to form a decent pack
Titus: What’s wrong with Simon?
Titus: Wait…
Titus: Why is Simon army crawling across the cafeteria floor right now?
Me: You’re at lunch right now? I thought you had work.
Titus: A friend texted me a picture.
Titus: What did you do?
Me: Wait, what friend?
Me: Is it a guy?
Me: Is he cute?
Titus: You haven’t met him
Me: Why?
Me: Is he not hot enough for your pack or something?
Titus: He didn’t ask to be in it
I stared at my phone in disbelief.
Titus had guys that he enjoyed spending time with… and instead of thinking to make a pack with men that he actually liked, he was asking me to check out alphas like Simon ?
Watching Simon sprint back all red-faced, holding on to the lunch tray like his life depended on it, I decided that there was something nice about his single-minded determination, I guess. I mean if that’s what you are into, that’s fine.
“Alright,” Simon was out of breath, with sweat dripping down his face. He was holding up the tray triumphantly. The sandwich looked good, but the fruit cup had fallen over, leaving grapes rolling all around the tray and knocking into the deflated bag of chips. “I tried my best. Think somebody might have seen me at the end, though.”
“Excellent work, I’ll text Titus with the results.” I took the tray from Simon, and finished up texting my brother.
Me: Titus. If you like this friend
Me: Then you go ask HIM to join your pack
I jammed my finger down so hard on the send button that my finger actually hurt a tiny bit.
Placing my phone down on the lunch tray, I looked up to see that Simon was still there, watching me.
“Good work alpha. You are dismissed.” I nodded to him.
“Thank you for the opportunity Miss Stryker.” Simon saluted me again, before turning and finally leaving me alone.
I shook my head as I picked up my hard earned lunch. Technically someone else did the hard-earning, but whatever. I still deserved it.
Well, at least the sandwich was good: juicy turkey with just the right amount of creamy mayo, and a crisp bite of lettuce. Delicious.
My phone lit up once more with a text notification, and I flipped it face down. Unless someone was dying, I was going to eat. Honestly, I’d had enough of alphas for one day.
When it came to love, boys were just dumb sometimes.