CHAPTER 9: CRASH INTO HIS ARMS
Elodie's POV
Jane helped me with everything I needed to do. I still wasn't allowed to leave the mansion. It was tiring, and I hadn't figured out how to get the Alpha to help my father. He scared the living daylight out of me.
I rolled in bed, unable to sleep. It was almost dawn, and I felt restless. My wolf stirred, crying to be closer to her mate. But he didn't want us.
Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Ryder's face, and the brief kiss we shared played in my mind.
"Ugh," I groaned and got out of bed. I walked to my closet, picked a pair of leggings, a tank top, and a loose jacket, tied my hair up, and sneaked out of my room.
"Ten minutes," I said to myself, and hid from every guard post. I got out to the courtyard, then ran toward the training ground. I wasn't sure I remembered where it was.
The snow was lighter. I ran faster, hoping to make my body tired. The sun started to rise, and I was panting.
After a few laps, I slowed down and headed to the small outdoor café near the fountain. The barista smiled and left the broom he was holding.
I smiled warmly and ordered an iced Americano. He had it ready, and I thanked him. I sat on the bench, breathing in deeply, feeling normal for once.
Then it occurred to me I hadn't paid. I got up, searching my pocket for a quarter. I found it and walked back to the café when someone hit me.
I lost my balance and fell to the floor. My drink spilled everywhere, the plastic cup crashing to the ground. "Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry," I said and rushed to help him up.
I wished I hadn't. The moment he rose, I froze. Ryder looked down at his shirt, completely drenched in coffee, and his jaw tightened.
His cold gray eyes fell on me, and I shuddered. I was so dead.
~
Why did the universe hate me? Of all people, it had to be him.
"Ryder, I'm so—"
He ignored me and walked past me like I was invisible. My heart skipped a beat. He was going to kill me.
"Wait!" I called after him, rushing toward him. "I didn't mean to. I can help you get rid of it!"
He didn't slow down.
"Alpha Ryder !" I yelled, and he finally stopped.
My breaths were fast, and he turned, his eyes sharp. "Do you intend to follow me all morning?" he asked.
"Yes," I breathed.
"Hmm," he said. "Very well. Come with me."
I paused. Was that a good sign or a bad one? He was supposed to be mad at me for leaving the mansion without his permission, but he didn't show a hint of anger. What was he thinking?
"Are you coming?" His voice snapped at me, and I nodded.
We got back to the mansion, my head lowered as I pondered what he would do. I followed behind him up the stairs and stopped in front of his room.
My heart pounded for all the wrong reasons. Then he opened the door and walked right in.
I followed quietly, and my eyes widened. His room was huge, with every décor in black and gray, like the devil's lair. Shivers ran down my spine as I glanced around. The shelves were filled with books and antique items.
Nothing was out of place, and I kept walking. I didn't notice him stop, and I bumped into his back.
My head hurt, and my vision blurred for a second. I held my head, groaning.
"Ow…" I groaned, then looked up to see his face. His right eyebrow was raised like he was inspecting what sort of animal I was. "I…I mean, sorry. I didn't notice you stopped."
"You're not just stupid but blind," he said.
I stayed silent. Then he exhaled, clearly annoyed. "Fetch me a shirt from the closet."
I nodded and ran to the closet, pulling it open — and froze. It was filled to the brim. How the hell was I supposed to choose from all that?
"Eenie, meenie," my mind sang.
"How long does it take you to get a shirt?" he asked, and I quickly picked one.
"Here," I said, holding it out with both hands.
He didn't say a word and, without hesitation, took off his wet shirt.
My lips parted as I stared at his toned abs. They were hard, matching his honey-kissed skin. The V-line had me drooling, and my eyes went lower, my throat dry.
I told myself to look away, but I didn't. He slipped on the new shirt, buttoning it, and I swallowed.
Then his gaze lifted, straight at me. "Enjoying the view?"
I almost choked. "N-no! I wasn't… I mean— you're… I…"
He smirked, and before I could get my words right, he tossed the wet shirt at me. I caught it.
"You can figure out what to do with that," he said. I stood there like an idiot, speechless, and staring longingly at him.
He watched me for a second before asking, "Do you plan to stand there all day?"
I blinked. "Right. No. Sorry."
I turned toward the door, eager to escape the embarrassment, when my thigh hit the edge of the stool. It shook, and the vase on top began to wobble.
"No, no, no…" I lunged and caught it just in time. Then carefully set it back and turned around quickly. "I'm so sorry."
He said nothing, and I felt my cheeks turn hot. I reached for the door handle, opened it, and walked out.
From the corner of my eye, I caught his smile, and I closed the door.
"That was close," I breathed and rested against the door, gasping for breath, touching my chest.
I hardly ever saw him smile. My heart danced, and I smiled. "That was embarrassing. I should never…"
The door suddenly opened before I could finish. I yelped, losing my balance, and fell backward.
He caught me. Our eyes met each other. I couldn't move. Our faces inched closer, and I felt his warm breath on my skin.
"Ehem," someone coughed, and we turned toward the sound.