Chapter 63

Laura POV




I created a schedule for my daily work routine, but Devon constantly makes demands on my time, which I feel infringes on my freedom. I checked my phone and saw that it's Saturday, which means Daisy has scheduled an early morning workout. I put on my striped joggers and black sneakers and tied my hair back into a ponytail.




As I head out the door, I can't help but feel a sense of dread wash over me. I'm not a morning person, and the thought of an early workout is not exactly my idea of fun. But Daisy is my team's fitness coach, and she's always pushing me to be our best selves.




I make my way to the park where we're supposed to meet, the crisp morning air filling my lungs as I walk. When I arrive, Daisy is already there, stretching her long legs and looking like a total boss in her sleek athletic gear.




"Hey, Laura, you're late!" she calls out as I approach. "Ready to get your sweat on?"




I force a smile onto my face, trying to hide my grogginess. "Yeah, let's do this."




Daisy grins and hands me a water bottle. "Alright then, let's get started!"




And with that, our workout begins. We run, we stretch, and we do burpees until I'm pretty sure I'm going to die. But through it all, Daisy is there, cheering me on and pushing me to be my best.




As we finish up and I'm cooling down, I realize that maybe this early morning workout thing isn't so bad after all. In fact, it's kind of exhilarating.




"Thanks, Daisy," I say, as we walk off the field together. "I need to take something light, Daisy."




Her intense stare made me feel like an insect under a microscope. "Forget about food for now," she said, rubbing her temple. "You need to focus on your training, not your appetite."





I nodded, feeling a bit deflated but also determined to prove myself. We headed back to the training facility, where I saw Devon waiting at the entrance gate.




"Alright, let's get down to business," he says, eyeing me critically. "We've got a lot of work to do if we're going to get you up to speed."




"What's going on here?" I asked, my voice laced with frustration, as I turned to Daisy, who seemed reluctant to meet my gaze. "Someone needs to answer me!" I insisted, my fists clenched in irritation. "Daisy, what's Devon doing here?" I asked, my eyes locked on hers, demanding a response.




"I'm not sure, Laura," Daisy admitted. "You'll have to direct that question to Alpha Devon himself." Her stomach let out a loud rumble, and she laughed. "Sorry, my body's telling me it's time for some food! Catch you later; I'm off to grab some lunch."




I stood there, watching as Daisy vanished into the cafeteria, feeling a swirl of emotions: confusion, anger, and a hint of fear. I took a step closer to Devon, my arms crossed over my chest, my eyes locked on his. "Are you following me?" I demanded, my gaze piercing his. "Because it sure feels like you're stalking me."




Devon's expression remained calm, but a flicker of amusement danced in his eyes. "Stalking you?" he repeated, his voice low and smooth. "No, Laura. I'm just trying to help you out in your fitness training."




I raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "Help me? By showing up everywhere I go? By asking me cryptic questions?"




Devon chuckled, a low, husky sound. "You're a very perceptive person, Laura. I'll give you that. But there's more going on here than you realize. More than you can even imagine."




"I need to get going, Devon," I said, glancing at my watch. "I have to get ready for work, and I can't be late. Let's catch up another time."




With that, I turned and walked away, heading towards the cafeteria where Daisy was sitting, nursing a cup of coffee and pretending to be engrossed in her phone. I could tell she was just waiting for me, and I appreciated her loyalty.




As I approached the table, Daisy looked up and smiled. "Hey, Laura. Everything okay? You look a little shaken."




I sat down across from her, trying to compose myself. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a weird conversation with Devon."




Daisy's eyes narrowed. "What did he say?"




I caught her staring at me, lost in thought, before she suddenly snapped back to attention. "Hey, what's going on?" I asked, and she hesitated, her eyes searching mine. I nodded slowly. "I see you're dying to know the juicy details, but I'm not spilling the tea just yet."




I turned to leave, but she quickly grasped my hands, pulling me back. "Laura, wait! I need to know what Devon said about you that's got you so spooked."




"Let me go, Daisy!" I demanded, trying to wrestle my wrist free from her grasp. "Just leave me alone!" I insisted, my voice rising in frustration. I felt a surge of anger and unease, my body tensing up as I struggled to break free. "Release me, now!" I growled, my patience wearing thin.




Daisy's eyes widened, a look of surprise and hurt flashing across her face. She quickly released my wrist, taking a step back as if I had slapped her. "Okay, Laura, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you."




I took a deep breath, trying to calm down. "Just leave me alone, Daisy. I need some space."




Without another word, I turned and walked away, leaving Daisy standing there looking concerned and confused. I could feel her eyes on me, but I didn't turn back. I just kept walking, my heart pounding in my chest.




As I turned the corner, I collided with a hard chest. Strong hands grasped my shoulders, steadying me. "Whoa, slow down there. What's the hurry?"




As I looked up at the unfamiliar face, meeting my gaze, my mind wondered. “Let me go!”