He’s the biggest distraction even though he’s not here, and it’s all I can do to stay focused on my chores this afternoon.
I escape up to my room as soon as it feels safe, then pull the phone out to reply. I type the first sentence, then chew on my lip as I figure out what else to say. If I tell him I can’t talk or meet up, he’ll want to know why. When I consider telling him about Josh though, shame spirals through me.
I take the easier path.
I want to get to know you too. But I do not know how to see you again. My brother the alpha you gave the card to. He does not let me speak to other alphas.
For now, what if we just talk like this? Maybe I’ll see you on walks when I’m working in the neighborhood. We could talk a little bit then too, if it’s safe for you.
I am slow at this but I can learn.
I walk every morning. My brother gives me twenty minutes to walk the neighborhood. I will look for you.
Brooks sends me a list of streets nearby that he’ll be working on in the coming days, and I memorize the ones for tomorrow.I clutch the phone like a lifeline, sucking in air through my nose as I try to wrestle with this new reality. I have someone to talk to. Someone who might care? Someone whosaysthey want to know me.
I don’t trust it, but my omega heart yearns for it all the same.
Chapter Six
Brooks
The next day I keep an eye out for Sage, leaving my headphones off so I can be more aware of my surroundings. I contemplate this new feeling of magnetism. As someone who is rarely physically or otherwise attracted to others, I’m surprised by how drawn to Sage I feel. Although it’s not physical—yet—I suspect it will be once I get to know her better. I’m curious how much of it is due to being scent matched, and if I’d still feel this way if I didn’t know she had the potential to be my perfect partner.
I always wondered if I’d be instantly attracted to my scent match, if I ever found them. But while I can certainly appreciate Sage’s beauty, I’m not having that instant need type of feeling I’ve heard about from others. My need is more along the lines of discovering more about her, learning who she is and how I can empower her to be her best self.
I smile as soon as I see her walking toward me, then notice her eyes darting up and down the street every few steps.
I try not to let my smile turn into a frown, forcing it to stay on my face for her benefit.
“Good morning, Sage,” I greet her as soon as she’s close enough to hear.
She pauses, then looks up at me for the longest length of time yet. Her eyes search mine, then dart to my messy man bun. Her gaze trails down my jaw along my beard as she inspects my face, and finally down my body before returning to her own feet. I ache to reach out and comfort her, but we agreed that we need to be careful not to mix scents. I’ve worn a scent dampener to try to help with that, but I can already tell it’s failing just by being in her presence.
“Hi,” she replies, voice timid. “Um, how are you?”
“Happy to see you.”
Instead of smiling or looking up at me again, she scrunches her brows. Perplexed, I decide it’s safest not to push. I’ll show her with my words and my actions that I’m sincere.
“I brought you a gift.” I reach into my pocket again, and this time she does look up at me. I take the chance and say the other piece that’s been on my mind. “I’d like to court you, Sage.”
She blinks. Then looks at the box in my hands. I stretch my arm out, holding it out to her, and our fingers brush as she takes it from me.
“What is it?” she asks, curiosity getting the better of her nerves.
I grin and nod my chin at the box. “Open it and see.”
She takes the lid off to reveal a few pieces of long meadow grass woven into the shape of a heart. It’s just over an inch wide, and took me about sixteen tries to get right. My big fingers are not meant for nimble work, but I know anything I give her will need to be easily hidden, and easily explained away if found.
Sage stares at it, then strokes one slender finger around the curve on one side to the bottom point. She does the same onthe other side, then closes her fist around it and holds it to her chest.
“Thank you,” she says quietly. “I love it.”
“You’re welcome, Sage.” My alpha instinct loves her name on my tongue, and she seems to be drawn to hearing it.
“You can leave the box, I’ll take care of it.”
She nods and sets it down, but keeps her fist tight around the heart for the remaining couple minutes of our conversation, glancing at it periodically as though to ensure it’s still there. I revel in every second, soaking her in and treasuring the opportunity to get to know her while being fully aware that I don’t know all of the risks she’s taking in doing so.
