Chapter 39
Vulnerably Naked
DIMITRI
The lull of the gator's engine doesn’t put my nerves at ease. It’s the opposite in fact, a reminder that I am to meet the Alpha Princess face-to-face as myself. No glamour magic to hide my true features, no false name to hide behind. Just myself as I am. I’m not even sure I know who I am anymore. I’ve spent so many years working undercover, pretending to be someone else. Even before my role as an undercover agent with the guards, I was already pretending to play a part just to survive in my own home.
I would give anything to go back to the days when Grit and I played in the fields near the vineyard gathering flowers. Our little escape in the forest, where I taught her how to hunt. Those moments when I would sit on Ms. Fields's porch and listen to Grit play the piano and sing. Life wasn’t perfect even then, not by a long shot, but at least we had each other to lean on, a time when I could call her my best friend, the only time I could truly be myself.
A brief span when things were semi-peaceful, before life turned into chaos and staying alive drove our friendship apart.
The change in the engine's lull stutters as it begins to decelerate confirms that we’re almost near our destination. My heart rate starts to accelerate, even though the atmosphere is comfortably warm, I can feel my body’s temperature rising from anxiety, and perspiration begins to gather at my temples. My grip tightens around the bouquet of daisies, lavender, and baby’s breath. Refusing to look up at my surroundings, I continue to stare at the flowers. It’s ridiculous, really, that I can’t even face her now, when I had no problem entering her home uninvited just two weeks earlier.
But that was different. I had to be there. To protect her against that fucking asshole DuPont and that shell of man who was once my father. Again, I was playing a part to tease out DuPont's real plans to destroy her and to finally bring what they had done to her all those years ago to light.
The momentum of the gator coming to a stop jerks my body forward. On instinct I grab on to the frame to hold myself in place. The driver wearing a AGOHD staff t-shirt turns in his seat to face me.
“Just follow the path. It will lead you into the garden where the Alpha Princess is waiting for you.” My grip tightens around the bar. I’m not ready for this. What if she rejects me on the spot? That meeting two weeks ago did not go well. I’m not sure how much she is aware of what happened after she lost consciousness. Does she know that I killed my own father to protect her? Or will she think I’m just like him and will use this game to attack her?
A short, high-pitched tone brings my attention back to the driver. He brings a walkie-talkie up to his mouth.
“Yeah, we’re here. I think Lover Boy is getting cold feet. Just give him a minute.” I quirk a brow at him. Is this fucker challenging me? The grin on his face widens. “You’re pretty. You’ll probably make it past the first eliminations. But… ifyou can’t bring your game…” He shrugs his shoulders. “Then someone else is going to win. Probably someone who is better suited for an Alpha Princess anyway.” I narrow my eyes at him. He really is challenging me.
The anxiety and nervous energy that had been coursing through me merely seconds ago dissipates, and in its place annoyance and determination to prove this fucking nobody wrong forms. With a derisive snort, I step out of the gator and go in search of Grit.
An intense mixture of floral scents permeates the warm air. A startled scattering of butterflies flee from the shrubbery as I pass. The moment I see her, I stand frozen in place. Her long platinum hair glows in the sunlight, creating an ethereal aura to surround her. Her beautiful sundress flows around her, creating an angelic illusion. Even though her back is facing me, she still takes my breath away. She tosses a coin into the fountain, and I take a few silent steps toward her.
“I hope all your wishes come true,” I say to her.
Slowly, she turns to face me. Her head tilts in curiosity as she surveys my profile. I take one step closer. She gasps in surprise. All my renewed confidence and determination disappears in a snap of a finger.
“Alpha Dimitri Rhineheart, Ruby Falls Pack, Luna Solar Territory,” Holden introduces me from the sidelines. I can’t take my eyes off her as worry and fear begin to slither under my skin. I’m standing before her, completely and vulnerably naked. I pray that she doesn’t run or attack me.
There’s a slight twitch to her left hand, and I sense a slight nervousness, despite her confident stance. I want to fall to my knees before her and tell her that she doesn’t need to fear me. She knows me, maybe by another name—Henry Chase. But underneath that façade through texts and emails, I opened my heart to her and never once held back who I was under theglamour. It’s not the right time. Hopefully, she will give me that chance.
Her eyes roam my face, as if searching for an answer to questions she’s asking herself internally. Glacier-blue eyes sparkle with curiosity and interest. A slight smile ghosts her lips, when she decides how she’s going to move forward with our introduction. Her shoulders relax, and she extends a hand.
“Alpha Rhineheart, it’s a pleasure to see you again.”
Her acceptance should put some of those rampant thoughts in my head at ease, but it only increases some doubt. It’s too easy. She’s up to something, and with that awareness, it only increases my nerves. Instead of taking her hand, I bow my head, and my grip tightens around the bouquet I’m still holding.
Swallowing the golf-ball-sized lump that developed in my throat, I finally move to greet her. “Alpha Princess Jessica Langhlan, it is an honor to be here.” Keeping my head down, I hesitantly walk toward her, slowly take her hand in mine, and kiss the back of it.
A small thrum of electricity tingles in my palm and over my lips from our touch. She makes a small audible gasp, confirming that she can feel it, too. Looking into her eyes, I smile. “I won’t bite. I promise.” She returns my smile, giving me the confidence I need. I gently squeeze her hand before letting go. “These are for you,” I say as I hold out the bouquet.
She raises the lavender to her nose and enjoys its delicate herbal scent. It brings so many memories to mind, filling my heart with a mixture of sadness for my loss and elation over the understanding that she still loves them. I know I should probably say more, to ease the awkward tension between us, but no words come to mind.
She blushes at my intent stare and finally breaks the silence between us. “Daisies and lavender are my favorite.”
“I remember,” I reply, unable to hide the hint of melancholy lacing my voice.
Her brows slightly raise in surprise. “I just remembered that you knew me before... before I was... um.” She wrinkles her nose as she searches for the right word. It’s adorable. “Found?”
A quick flash of that nightmare eight years ago stabs me in the heart and renders me at a loss for the right words. “I, umm, yeah. I wasn’t sure if you still loved them as much as you did back then. I couldn’t think of anything else that would suit you.”
Glancing down at the bouquet in her hands, I nod with some finality and decide it’s time for me to depart. I incline my head, offering a respectful gesture to leave.
She steps in closer and places a hand on my arm. “Why do I like these flowers so much? I have always gravitated to them, not really knowing why I choose them all the time.”
