Chapter 19
When morning comes, I wake up feeling a weight pressing on my chest. I can’t move or even open my eyes. Something feels deeply off. I try to force my body to respond, but I’m paralyzed, trapped in darkness. I can’t even tell if I’m breathing.
“Charlotte?” His voice reaches me from far away. “Charlotte?”
I sense Elijah’s hand on my arm, and suddenly my eyes fly open. It’s as if he’s freed me from confinement. I bolt upright, my breath coming fast and shallow as I scan the room. Seeing Elijah’s bedroom helps me feel more anchored, and my breathing slowly eases.
“Did you have a bad dream?” Elijah watches me intently.
“I’m not sure. I just remember this strange feeling of being stuck.” I stretch my arms, grateful I can
move again.
“Are you alright?” Elijah rests his hand on my back, and the gesture calms me.
I nod. “Yeah, I think I’m okay.” I get out of bed and head to the bathroom.
“I need to start getting ready for work. Will Lucas be there again today?”
“Probably,” Elijah responds as he goes to his dresser for clothes.
“I’ve got a few things to organize for tomorrow’s meeting.”
“The meeting is already tomorrow?” He hasn’t given me many details about it, only that he plans to do
it soon.
“Yeah, the meeting is at three in the afternoon. If we head out early in the morning, we’ll have more than enough time to get there. Are you working tomorrow?” Elijah shuts the drawers and walks toward
his closet.
“I’m off for the next couple of days. Do you think Emma would mind if I borrowed some clothes?” I linger awkwardly in his room, wishing I had packed last night.
“I’m sure that’s fine. Let me check with her.” Elijah quickly leaves and returns a few minutes later, carrying a stack of clothes. “Emma says she’ll kill me if I don’t let you meet her soon. We might end up introducing you today, if that’s alright.”
Taking the clothes, I reply, “I’ll have to thank her in person for lending these to me.”
“She’ll be delighted. Now hurry and get ready for work; Lucas is waiting downstairs to drive you.” Elijah leans in and kisses my cheek.
I go to the bathroom to get ready and change. By the time I come back out, Elijah has already left. When I reach the front door, Lucas is already standing there, grinning widely. I immediately sense I’m in for a long drive.
“Are you set to go?” he asks.
I give a nod, bracing myself for the flood of questions I know he’s about to unleash. Once we’re in the car, I can see how excited he is, barely able to sit still. “So, what do you want to do?” he asks.
“I don’t even know where to begin!” Lucas nearly squeals. “Did you two… You know?” He throws in
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some unmistakable hand gestures.
I swat at his arm. “Is that seriously the first thing you think of?”
“Come on, I have to ask the important stuff. You did spend the night. In his room.” Lucas gives me a teasing wink.
Rolling my eyes, I answer, “No, nothing like that happened. We shared a kiss. That’s all.”
“Aw, I get not rushing things. Still, you kissed! I’m so happy for you. And for Alpha.” Lucas can’t hide his excitement. “Pretty soon there’ll be little pups everywhere!”
I hit his arm again. “That’s way too soon to even joke about. I barely know Elijah.”
Lucas shakes his head this time. “You’re mates. There’s nothing wrong with jumping in.”
With a shrug, I admit, “Maybe you’re right. I do like Elijah, more quickly and more deeply than I
expected, but it’s complicated. I’ve depended on myself for a long time. It was hard, and I put up walls. They don’t just disappear overnight.”
Lucas grows quiet. “Letting people get close is tough after you’ve been hurt. But I think it’s great that you’re giving Alpha a shot. You both deserve happiness.”
I watch Lucas for a moment. He keeps his eyes on the road, but I can hear the hurt in his voice. There’s more to his story than I realize. Lucas always seems cheerful, so I never considered he might have his own struggles. The rest of the drive passes in silence.
Work passes by without any problems today. Since Elsa has the day off, it’s just Helen and me at the shop. Things move slowly, but it doesn’t cause any trouble. I’m actually surprised by how well Helen and I manage without Elsa there.
Helen keeps pestering me about Lucas, asking if he’s my boyfriend, since he’s come two days in a row. I repeatedly assure her he’s simply a friend who enjoys the vibe here, but her persistent questions make it obvious she’s skeptical.
After my shift ends, Lucas finds me once again at the back entrance of the alley.
He comes over with a noticeable spring in his step. “What’s our destination, my lady?”
“I want to swing by my place and grab a few things. It’ll probably be easier to stay at the pack house again tonight, since we’re leaving early for tomorrow’s meeting.” I figure it’s more convenient to have my own stuff with me, rather than constantly borrowing.
Lucas teases, “I bet there’s more to your decision than just packing,” his tone playful.
I just roll my eyes at him. “Let’s just go.” There’s truth in what he says, but I don’t want to admit it. My apartment feels cold and empty lately. Even though I haven’t gotten close to many people at the pack house, the energy there reminds me of home. What I cherish most about being part of a wolfpack is never being alone-there’s always someone nearby, making us feel like a family.
Lucas insists on driving me to my apartment, though it’s only a short walk. He has to leave the car a block away because parking is tight. We get out and begin making our way toward my building.
Suddenly, someone calls out, “Charlotte!” from behind.
I turn around, wondering who would shout my name on the street. Behind us stands a person cloaked
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in a black hooded robe. Their face is hidden, but instantly, an uneasy feeling takes hold. Without warning, the figure lunges, brandishing a blade. I try to leap out of reach, but I can’t avoid it completely. The knife grazes my side, though I don’t feel any pain yet.
Lucas lets out a deep growl and launches himself at the attacker. In a flash, the figure vanishes, causing Lucas to tumble to the ground, missing his mark. I suddenly sense hot breath right at my ear.
“He wants you dead,” a voice hisses, thick with venom.
I become aware of a cold blade pressed against my throat. “Who are you talking about?” I ask.
The knife digs in just a little more. “Don’t pretend you’re clueless, bitch. You’re not going to steal every thing from him.”
