Chapter Twenty-Two
After the movie, we both go to bed, to our own rooms. Even though we agreed to give us a chance, staying in our rooms is the better option.
It's too soon to start sharing a bed. We've just decided to be more so we shouldn't put too much pressure on ourselves.
Besides, I want my privacy and I'm sure he wants his too.
Also, I don't want to jump into this too quick.
As I lie in bed, staring up at the ceiling, I think about today.
I actually gave the alpha a chance. I'm still stunned by that.
Now that we're getting close, I wonder about the holidays.
I planned on getting my own place after the holidays but now, I don't think it will happen.
Will Axe and I become more social? Will we stay in isolation?
I'd prefer the second one. If I could stay in this house with just Axe forever, I would love that.
I know Axe will take care of me. He's already proven that by everything he's done for me.
I don't want to put too much pressure on us, though.
He lost his mate. I got rejected by my mate.
We're both sensitive and apprehensive when it comes to a relationship.
But maybe we're it for each other. I don't think there's anyone else out there for either of us.
But then there's the question I want to know the answer to, the question I've been asking for a while: why did Axe save me? And then, why does he want me?
***
Waking up, I put on a coat of the bruise cream, do my bathroom routine and head downstairs. As I pour some cereal, hands slide around my midsection.
“Morning,” Axe's deep morning voice says against my ear, making a shiver go through me. He's clearly comfortable with touching me, but I'm still new to his touch. I'm new to affection.
“Morning. Do you want some cereal?”
“Sure.”
We sit at the table and eat.
“What are you doing today?” he asks, bringing a spoonful to his mouth.
“School.”
“Oh, I forgot about that. So you won't be home till tonight?”
“In the afternoon. What are you doing for the day?” I ask.
“Same thing I do every day; workout vigorously for hours then stare aimlessly at paperwork,” he says monotone.
“You still do pack work?” I frown. I thought he was completely withdrawn from the pack.
“Yeah, I mean Dash and my third, Brian, take care of the important stuff. I just do the slack work to keep me busy. I thought now I would have you to spend time with during the day but you have school,” he says the last sentence quietly.
“I... could stay home, if you want me to,” I suggest.
“You should go to school. I can just call Dash to come over till you're home.”
We finish up with our food and place our dishes in the sink. Before I can excuse myself to get ready for school, Axe grabs my waist. He leans down and kisses me sweetly. Every time his lips touch mine, I don't want him to let go.
“After school, I want to talk about your boundaries, sexually.” His words send nerves through me. He must see it because he adds, “Don't worry. I will wait as long as you tell me to. I just want to know if I'm allowed to touch you.”
“Oh, it's just...” I pause.
“Go on,” he insists.
“I don't want anyone to see my body while it's still covered in bruises. Maybe we can wait until I feel somewhat positive about my body.”
“Elora.” Axe lifts my chin to look at him. “I've already seen your bruises. I agree we should wait till they're healed. But I don't want you to ever put yourself down about your body. Your petite figure would drive any man crazy.”
“Thank you.” I drop my head against his chest, wrapping my arms tightly around him.
“For what?”
“For treating me good,” I whisper, feeling overwhelmed.
I still don't understand why an alpha respects me when he's the highest and most superior member of the pack. I should definitely ask him one day. He wraps his massive arms around my small frame. I never want to leave this embrace. I feel his arms are my protective shield.
***
When I get to school, a constant frown sets on my face.
Axe's home is my haven. Now being at school, it feels odd.
Going from safety to havoc. Only a few more months till I'm done with this place.
Exams are coming up and shortly after, school is over.
Then there's some time off, waiting for HSC results, then the graduation night.
After homeroom, I'm walking to my first class and I overhear a conversation between Joel and Jenna. Even though I shouldn't care, I listen. They're always sneaking around sides of buildings, so they won't see me.
“I can't believe you're considering this.” Joel sounds exasperated. “I thought we had agreed on...”
“It's time to be real. You can't blame me for this. Once high school is over, my real life will start,” Jenna interrupts him.
“Am I a part of that real life?” Joel questions angrily.
“Baby, I don't want to fight. Let's just take it easy until...”
“Until! Are you fucking kidding me? If this is the way you feel, we might as well break up now,” Joel cuts her off.
“I don't want to break up. I'm just... please, Joel. Why can't you understand this?” Jenna sighs.
“We were each other's firsts for everything. Now you want to throw that away for some unknown bullshit,” Joel's voice rumbles deeply and with anger.
I hear loud footsteps so I quickly move along to my class.
All throughout class I can't help but think what they were talking about.
Are they breaking up? I thought they were the it couple.
Joel was clearly angry about what Jenna was talking about.
But she said she doesn't want to break up.
She wants to wait until... until what? Ugh, why do I want to know what they are fighting about?
I've moved on. Maybe not entirely, given my wolf's still broken over Joel's rejection, but I'm starting something new with Axe.
I try my best to ignore my pestering thoughts about Joel, but they still manage to fill my brain.