Miranda's POV
I was very tired. And it was totally my fault. Half of it was. I hadn't slept much and yawned as I turned in my bed to face the window.
I had spent half the time last night thinking of what Colton said to me. He claimed I was his and still hated it.
He was hard to understand. He said one thing but did something else. I still didn't get it.
As soon as my feet touched the floor, there was a soft knock. I paused, wondering if I imagined it. But then the door opened a little, and Emily looked in with a big smile.
"Good morning!" she said. She was holding a tray of food. The hot scent of coffee caught my nose and I was sure pleased. "I brought breakfast. The Alpha said you should rest today."
I blinked, not sure what she meant. "What? But I—"
"He said you should rest until you feel better. That means you aren't cleaning until further notice," she said quickly and put the tray on my bed.
I frowned. I had worked even when I felt worse before. What was he doing?
"Why would he say that? I feel fine," I said. But Emily was already walking around, fixing the room.
"Maybe he wants you to relax. I think he means it," she said while fixing my pillows.
"That sounds suspicious," I blurted and focused on the food. My stomach rumbled right on cue.
"It's not," Emily replied.
"It isn't?" I asked, and took another bite of the scrambled eggs. They were delicious.
"No. Not if the Alpha has feelings for you."
I choked and quickly picked the coffee to ease the pain, but it only worsened it. I had forgotten it was hot.
"Ah!" I screamed.
"Sorry," Emily apologized. "I…what do I do?"
The pain settled. "Nah. It's fine. I wasn't paying attention."
That was a lie. I was startled. There was no way in hell Alpha Colton liked me romantically or as a living being.
"Why don't you believe he likes you?" Emily's soft voice followed.
I rolled my eyes. "Please. He only thinks about himself."
Emily laughed. "Come on. He's pretty much good-looking. And I know how he looks at you."
I crossed my arms. "He does that at everyone. "Like they're pawns in his game."
I hadn't got out another word when a deep voice spoke from my rear. It was smooth and strong. "Uh-huh."
I spun around quickly, my heart jumping. Colton stood in the doorway, composed and his eyes focused on me.
Being scared was an understatement. My heart raced wildly for every second I locked eyes with him. I hadn't heard him come in.
"Alpha," I said, standing up quickly. Emily stood too. We both knew he was serious.
"Leave us, Emily," Colton said. His voice was firm but not mean. He looked at her. She waited a moment, then nodded and walked out. The door closed behind her.
My throat felt dry. Colton kept looking at me. I wanted to speak, but no words came. I felt nervous. Why did he make me feel like this?
He walked closer. He towered over me making me feel little.
He spoke in a calmer voice. "You think I am self centered?"
My mind raced with questions. "Don't answer that. Skip it if you have to. Don't…oh, sweet pearls. His eyes. Don't look at me."
I quietly debated on whether to answer that or keep quiet. I felt my face get warmer and I finally spoke.
I…I don't —" I shook my head. Damn this. Why did I always have to mess up the words? "It's just that...you don't seem to like people."
His eyes changed a little. Perhaps he thought it was funny? But the glance passed quickly.
"Hmmm," he said.
I stumbled and he caught me. "Careful, little wolf," he responded, raising my chin with his index finger gently. "I promise I won't bite — unless you want me to."
I froze. I couldn't breathe right. My body felt warm. My heart pounded, and I felt that strong pull, like I want something I shouldn't have. He was too close. I couldn't think. I could feel it, here in my chest, in the smell of him — spicy, wild — and it burned.
His face was very close. I felt his breath on my skin and I closed my eyes hoping for a kiss from him. But then he withdrew his hand. I opened my eyes and shook a little.
"You'll have easier work tomorrow," he assured me calmly. "I'll make it happen."
Then he turned and walked out. His wide shoulders disappeared through the door. I stood there, breathing hard, shaking, my thoughts spinning.
I sighed and dropped back on the bed. I shut my eyes and tried to calm down. Did I really want him to kiss me? What was wrong with me? I touched my lips where his hand had been. The air still felt full of him. My heart beat fast just thinking of him. My face turned red, and I groaned in shame.
The day passed slowly, but I got up and did some easy chores.
"You must be Miranda," he said, his voice low and creamy. "I'm Axel. Colton's cousin."
I raised an eyebrow. "You don't look like him."
He laughed, a happy laugh. "That's the idea, right?" He pulled out a chair. "Want some water?"
I paused and watched him. "Uh... sure."
Axel was a complete opposite to Colton. He was easygoing and funny while Colton was strong and serious.
Axel made me smile without trying so hard. He had the feeling that made people feel special, even when they weren't. He waved and smiled as he walked toward me.
Axel grinned and spilled water foolishly and gave it to me. "You know, Colton doesn't like people getting close to you. But I'm not a troublemaker. Promise."
"Uh-huh," I said. I didn't really trust him.
He leant closer, whispering like a confidence. "I just want to have fun. You'll be fine."
I turned to him, confused by what he'd said. He was good-natured enough, but his eyes were clear, and seemed to be looking me over. Colton did that too. But Axel seemed to like it more, and I didn't know what to do with him.
"I need help from this crazy family," I murmured.
Then, something strange happened at dinner that night. I dropped a goblet near Colton. I bent down to grab it, but Axel moved fast and caught my hand first. He held it a little too long.
My body felt warm again. His touch made my chest jump.
Then Colton spoke. His voice was cold. "She doesn't need saving."
Axel smiled and looked at him. "Didn't look like she had a choice."
Colton's eyes darkened. He didn't say more. He didn't have to.
Later that night, I stood alone in the yard. Colton walked up to me. His face showed nothing.
"Don't let him touch you again," he said. It was low, hoarse and guttural in its gruffness.
I lifted my chin. "Why do you care?"
He didn't answer. His eyes stayed fixed on mine without blinking. When he did blink, I noticed his face softened. Then he stepped closer.
His eyes darted from my eyes to my lips and I somehow inched closer only for him to pull away leaving me confused.
"Did I do something wrong?" I asked myself silently as I watched him disappear from my sight.
Those eyes…those dreamy eyes made my legs shake.
And he walked away without another word. I stood there, heart racing, not knowing what this strange, heavy feeling between us really was.