Chapter 62

Laura POV

As I sat at the counter, I cradled the savory bowl in my hands, filled with an assortment of nuts. I methodically cracked each one open, relishing the tactile experience and the anticipation of the flavorful treat to come. The restaurant was quiet, with a sparse crowd, and an open layout that welcomed pedestrians to stroll in at their leisure.

As I cracked open the last nut, I heard the door swing open and a familiar figure walk in. It was Devon, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on me. He smiled, his lips curling up in a sly grin, and I felt a shiver run down my spine.

“Laura," he said, his voice low and husky. "I see you're enjoying your lunch. Mind if I join you?"

I hesitated, my instincts telling me to be wary of her. But my curiosity got the better of me. "Sure," I said, gesturing to the empty seat across from me. But he demanded we stay outside and talk.

"Why must I remain outside to converse with you?" I demanded, cracking the nut with a flourish, my eyes gleaming with a knowing glint. "Is it a crime to sit with you as a friend, since you've chosen not to mate with you?" He asked, standing tall, his gaze locked on mine.

"Laura, you're misunderstanding things," I said, nodding softly as I carefully carried the bowl and walked slowly towards the door. "Devon is the best person I've ever met, he's different from other alphas, but I can't quite put my finger on why...". Suddenly, I felt his hands grasp my waist, sending a shiver down my spine.

I froze, my heart racing as Devon's hands lingered on my waist. His touch sent a spark of electricity through my body, and I felt my pulse quicken. I tried to step away, but his grip only tightened.

"Let me go, Devon," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

But instead of releasing me, he pulled me closer, his eyes burning with an intensity that made my skin tingle. "I've been waiting for this moment for so long, Laura," he whispered, his breath hot against my ear. "I can't let you slip away again."

I shuddered, his words sending a thrill of unease through me. What did he mean by that? And why did his touch ignite a fire within me, making my heart race and my senses come alive? I questioned my own reactions, my mind racing with doubts. Was I just deceiving myself, caught up in a fantasy of my own making? Maybe I was just lost in my own desires, misinterpreting his intentions.

As I stood there, trapped in Devon's grasp, I felt a surge of adrenaline coursing through my veins. My mind raced with conflicting emotions, my body responding to his touch in ways I couldn't explain.

Just as I thought I'd succumb to his embrace, daisy's voice cut through the tension. "Alpha Devon, you came by the restaurant, today."

"Yes, Daisy, I've been trying to have a good time with your friend, but she's being stubborn and won't listen," Devon said, his words dripping with frustration.

Daisy let out a playful chuckle, and I shot her a look, my face scrunched up in annoyance. "What's so funny, Daisy?" I asked, shrugging off Devon's grasp. I raised an eyebrow at her, seeking a friendly understanding, my expression playful despite my irritation.

Daisy's smile faltered, and she took a step back, her eyes darting between Devon and me. "Uh, I just thought it was funny how you two are always at odds," she said, her voice weak.

I raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "At odds?" I repeated. "That's an understatement."

Devon snorted. "You're just mad because you can't resist me, Laura," he said, his eyes glinting with amusement.

I rolled my eyes. "Resist you? Please. I'm not interested in your games, Devon."

But as I turned to walk away, his hand shot out and grasped my wrist, pulling me back. "Oh, I think you are," he whispered, his eyes burning with intensity. "You're just afraid to admit it."

His words sent a shiver down my spine, and I felt a thrill coursing through my veins. But before I could process my emotions, Daisy's voice interrupted, "You two look more like a couple, honestly." I swiftly pulled my hand free, my eyes flashing with a mix of irritation and unease. "Don't be fooled, Daisy. Couples mean mates, and I'm not interested in that," I warned, my jaw clenched, my tone firm.

Devon's eyes never left mine, his gaze piercing through my defenses. "Afraid of commitment, Laura?" he taunted, his voice low and husky.

I felt a flush rise to my cheeks, my heart racing with a mix of anger and embarrassment. "I'm not afraid of anything," I lied, my voice steady.

But Devon just chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Oh, I think you are," he whispered, his breath hot against my ear. "I think you're afraid of me, of what I make you feel."

"I'm just being cautious, afraid of getting hurt again," I admitted, my voice barely audible as I pushed open the door to the restaurant and retreated to my safe haven behind the counter.

My eyes felt heavy, my gaze cast down, unable to meet the gaze of the customers calling out to me. The familiar sounds of the restaurant buzzed around me, but I tuned them out, lost in my own thoughts. Maybe I wasn't meant to have a mate, maybe I was destined to be alone.

As I stood there, lost in thought, a gentle touch on my arm brought me back to reality. It was daisy, her eyes filled with understanding and concern.


"Hey, no worries, just concentrate on your work if you're trying to avoid getting rejected."