Chapter 64

Laura POV




"I stumbled backward, but the large man with a broad chest continued to block my path. My heart raced with anxiety as he stood firmly in my way. 'Sir, I need to pass,' I said in a calm tone, my eyes fixed on the ground with a hint of unease."





"Hey princess, you don't have to be in a hurry like that, okay?” He said, his voice dim and uninviting. He shifted my hair backward, bending his head to my neck, my body shivering in fear. I couldn't apprehend the fear and anxiousness that had dwelled in me.





"A familiar voice cut through the tense atmosphere, and I looked up. 'What's going on here?' Devon asked, his voice firm. I let out a heavy sigh, feeling a wave of relief wash over me.




Devon growled, 'Get your hands off her!' His eyes were blazing with fury. The guy immediately bowed his head in respect, without daring to meet Alpha Devon's gaze. I stepped aside, my movements gentle, watching the drama unfold.”





Devon's eyes narrowed, his gaze fixed on the guy who had been holding me. "Who are you, and what do you think you're doing?"




The guy trembled, his eyes fixed on the ground. "I'm so sorry, Alpha Devon. I didn't mean to cause any trouble."




Devon's voice was low and menacing. "You'd better not have. Laura, are you okay?"




"I nodded, still feeling a bit shaken. "Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks to you." I shouldn't have left without Daisy by my side. I muttered under my breath, my eyes fixed on the ground. I feel ashamed and overwhelmed that I couldn't overcome this obstacle on my own."





Devon's eyes narrowed, his expression softening. "Laura, you don't have to be so hard on yourself. You're not invincible, you know."




I sighed, feeling a lump form in my throat. "I know, Devon. But it's just... I've always been the strong one, the one who can handle anything that comes my way. And now, I feel like I'm failing."




Devon's arm around my shoulders tightened. "You're not failing, Laura. You're just facing a challenge that's bigger than you are. And that's okay. That's what I'm here for, to help you through the tough times."




I looked up at him, feeling a surge of gratitude. "Thanks, Devon. Just being here for me means a lot."




Just then, Daisy rushed up to us, her steps quick and purposeful. I stood in astonishment at her vibrant, elegant, and sophisticated presence that she embodied. She approached; her breathing was rapid and visible, and her energy was infectious. And I couldn't help but chuckle and sigh heavily. "What's up, Daisy? Sorry to keep you waiting.”




"Daisy, what's wrong?" I asked, concern etched on my face.




Her eyes were wide with excitement. "Laura, I have the most amazing news! I've been selected to participate in the prestigious Golden Brush art competition!"




I gasped, my eyes widening in surprise. "That's incredible, Daisy! Congratulations!" I furrowed my brows, remembering I hadn't seen her with an art brush or anything that looked like it.




"How come I've never seen you with an art brush?" I asked, scrunching up my face in confusion. I leaned in slightly, and a small smile played on my lips. "I mean, you're always so busy with work at the restaurant; what did you expect?" I teased, raising an eyebrow. Daisy nodded slightly, her eyes sparkling with amusement.




Daisy chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Hey, someone's got to keep the lights on in this place. But seriously, Laura, I've been wanting to get back into art for ages. I just never had the time."




I nodded understandingly. "I get it. But now that you have this amazing opportunity, you have to take it. And I'll be here, cheering you on every step of the way."




She grinned, her face lighting up with excitement. "Thanks, Laura. That means a lot to me. And who knows, maybe I'll even inspire you to pick up a brush too."




I laughed, rolling my eyes. "Yeah, right. I'll stick to my restaurant. thanks. But I'm happy to be your biggest fan."




Devon cleared his throat loudly, his alpha tone commanding attention. "I hope you girls aren't plotting something behind my back," he said, his hands tucked into his pockets, watching us with a raised eyebrow.




"I'll catch you later, Daisy," he said with a nod before turning to leave. Daisy, who always cast her eyes down whenever Devon was near, murmured a quiet goodbye, her eyes fixed on the ground.




I couldn't help but notice the tension with Daisy. It was clear that there was a hint of fear, one that I wasn't privy to. I made a mental note to ask Daisy about it later.




"Hey, Daisy, what's going on with you and Devon?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.




"Nothing, Laura." Daisy said, her eyes wide with amusement. "He's the alpha, and I wonder how you can look him straight in the eye without any fear. Anyway, I like him; despite being the alpha, he's every girl's dream." I couldn't help but laugh at the thought. "What's there to be scared of? Devon's just a normal werewolf like any other." I trailed off as Daisy's hand shot up to cover my mouth. "Shh, Laura!”




"Shh, Laura!" Daisy whispered urgently, her eyes darting around the clearing as if she feared being overheard. "You don't know what you're dealing with. Devon may seem normal to you because he's your mate, but trust me, he's not."




"Fine, I pulled her hand off, adjusting my dress, preparing to leave. Maybe I'm privileged to have him as my mate, but I can't make him my mate. I felt a playful slap on my back. "Be grateful for once, Ariana," Daisy teased. "Alpha Devon is desperate to have you as his Luna and mate; I wish it was me he wanted.”




"You can have him all to yourself, Daisy, and stop causing a scene," I said, trying to sound nonchalant despite the growing tension between us.