Elizabeth
It's been a year since I moved to Oregon. I was healing, trying to get better. However, the memories of Aerys haunted me so much. I missed him badly. I missed his smile, laugh, eyes, and touch. My heart hurts constantly. Hearing a voice recording of him on my phone made me smile, and his pictures made me happy. However, everything that transpired between us, including how he kicked me out, made me sad.
I loved the house I was living in. It was isolated, and there was a river nearby that I loved taking a walk in the early morning and evening. I also had a pet chicken, Dumber. It was stupid, but I loved it. I found it in the woods when I was hunting. It was lost, so I decided to take it in.
My phone pings and a message pops out. It is by Chuck Arrow. He wanted me to go out to dinner with him. Chuck and I met a little over five months ago on the riverbank during one of my evening walks. He said he was drawn to me instantly. I gave him my number, and we've been talking ever since.
He hadn't told me yet that he was a lycan alpha, but I knew. I could smell him the moment I saw him on that riverbank. It was good he didn't tell me. That way, I didn't have to reveal my secret to him. For now, all he knows is I'm a human living on my brother's property.
Chuck was a wonderful man, and he was in love with me. He wanted us to go out, but I couldn't. I couldn't be with him when my heart and soul still belonged to another.
CA: Dinner? I miss you] I smile and text back, declining his offer.
EL: I'm busy baking cookies tonight.
CA: I didn't tell you when. See? Just making excuses so you don't spend time with this poor man who only seeks your lovely company]
I chuckle.
EL: Fine, we can have dinner tonight.
CA: I will pick you up in three hours.
I leave my phone on the table and go to the bedroom to prepare a bath. I put all my favorite oils in the bath, open a bottle of my favorite wine, and play music before stripping and getting inside.
Once I relax in the bath, I feel so much better. I close my eye but soon wish I hadn't, as Aerys's face plays in my mind. I don't want to think about him anymore. I was exhausted. I couldn't keep crying over and over again. I'm sure he has already found someone to share a bed with. So, why was I so sad? I felt like crying again, even though I was so tired.
I banished all images of Aerys out of my mind and focused on the date I'd have with Chuck.
Chuck was handsome, tan, and tall, with black hair. His eyes were brown, a kind that you can see yourself in, and they sparkled when he saw me.
He was a good kisser, too! He once stole a kiss from me, which wasn't bad.
Once I finished my bath, I wore a black backless dress and heels. I did my makeup lightly and brushed my hair. As I did, my eyes locked on Aerys' mark on my neck, and I trailed a finger over it. I put perfume over it, just so that Chuck wouldn't see the scent of another alpha on me. I usually did that when we met up. Inhaling, I covered it with my hair. I wore deep red lipstick on my lips. I went downstairs just as the bell sounded. I smiled as I looked through the screen door.
Chuck looked proper in his back pants and white dress shirt, which showed his toned body. He didn't add a blazer over his outfit. I opened the door and smiled at him, batting my eyelashes,
" Hey, handsome,"
" Hi, Beautiful," he said, his smile shining so bright that it warmed my heart. He stepped closer and pulled me by my waist, kissing my cheek. I felt a slight shiver go down my spine. He had smugness on his face as always, as if knowing how much he affected me.
" You look beautiful, Eliza."
" Don't call me," I blushed pink. He raised his hand and stuck a strand of hair behind my ear,
" Then what should I call you?" his voice was husky and sexy, his eyes intense on me. I stepped back, unable to take his gaze anymore. He had a smirk on his lips. I stepped forward, calming myself a little and grabbing his collar. I pulled him towards me gently. My strength took him aback, but he was enjoying it.
" What do you want to call me?" I whispered. His heart accelerated, and his chest jerked. He kissed the top of my head and lowered his head to whisper in my ear,
" Baby girl,"
Fuck. I crashed my lips on his. He wasted no time in answering the kiss. He pushed his tongue between my lips and explored my mouth. The kiss was passionate but intense. He touched my neck warmly, and I grabbed his waist. My body was feeling too hot, and I wouldn't say I liked it. I missed this feeling so much.
We pulled away when his phone rang, and he cursed. I chuckled and turned my face away, calming my accelerated breath.
" Father, I was in the middle of something significant," Chuck gritted his teeth, his chest rising and falling. His eyes were stuck on me. I raised a finger to indicate I'd be back soon. I ran upstairs and looked in the mirror. I was flushed. What was I thinking of kissing him like that? We flirted occasionally, but I'd never initiated a kiss before. I didn't want to lead him on!
I took deep breaths and retouched my makeup. I grabbed my purse and went back downstairs. When I went outside, Chuck had moved over to his jeep, still talking on the phone. Anger was evident in his voice. However, once he looked up at me, his eyes softened, and he sighed.
" We'll talk later."
He smirked at me, " Ready to go, baby girl?"
I felt my heart skip a beat. Why does he have to have such a smooth English accent? I smiled slightly and nodded, trying to be expected.
He opened the car door for me, and as I got in, he bowed. Once I was settled, he closed the door and went to the driver's seat.
" I'm starving," I sighed.
" Me too. Me too," his eyes were mischievous. I knew the real meaning of his words.
" What?"
" The kiss-"
" Don't overthink about it. I just got carried away," I said quickly.
" I do hope you are carried away often because that was the best thing to ever happen to me this year," he said and started the engine.
The drive to the restaurant was serene. I closed my eyes slightly and felt warm fingers on my cheek. My eyes fluttered open to meet his.
" You were angry over the phone. Are you alright?"
" Just work,"
" Is there something I can help with?"
" No, I can handle it," he answered.
Thirty minutes later, we arrived at the hotel where we were supposed to have dinner. It was a beautiful five-star hotel. Chuck opened the door for me,
" You look raving," he commented, eyeing me from head to toe.
" Thank you,"
He held my hand and went inside after giving the valet the car keys. He led me to the restaurant, and the manager welcomed us. She bowed and smiled,
" Mr Arrow, your table is ready," she said, turning and walking before us. I could tell she was a lycan, too. The hotel must be affiliated with the pack. Chuck had the best table set for us, and the view was beautiful.
" I don't know what to get. Do you have any suggestions?" I said, looking at the menu. He nodded and recommended some dishes to me. I ended up getting what he was having. While he had a strong whiskey, I was having wine.