Divorced from the Alpha (Beasts of Arizona Series #1)

Chapter 4

The next day, I woke up early and started to clean the living room. It was only five in the morning and I guess, he won’t be up yet. After all, he came from a flight and I think he is exhausted.

After cleaning, I went on to cook some breakfast. I made some toasts and cooked bacon and eggs. I don’t know what he likes for breakfast but the last time we together, he cooked pancakes.

I was humming a song I heard from the music channel yesterday when the front door burst open. Surprised and nervous at the same time, I turned to the door only to see Ambrose’s topless body dripping in sweat. He’s panting and from the looks of it, he went out for an early job.

He smiled at me as he walked to the fridge to get a bottle of water. “You were early,” he commented before drinking.

I was stoned on my spot as I watched his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down. Why is he awake early? Isn’t he supposed to be still sleeping because he’s tried?

I blinked and shook away all my thoughts. I chuckled awkwardly and faced the bacon I was cooking. “I am used to waking up early,” I replied as I turned off the heat of the stove. “What about you? You’re early, too.”

I heard the door of fridge closing. “Yes,” he replied. “I went out for a jog.”

“At dawn?”

He chuckled and leaned on the kitchen counter while looking at me. I shut my eyes and took a deep breath. He looks so comfortable walking around with no shirt on that he must have forgotten that I am a girl and I feel awkward about it.

“I love jogging at four in the morning. It’s quiet and peaceful,” he replied.

I smiled. “How do you know it’s quiet when you have your earphones on while jogging?” I asked as I pointed at the phone strapped around his biceps and his earphones connected on it.

He chuckled and shook his head. “Smart ass,” he mumbled but I caught it. “Anyway, what did you cook this time?” He leaned and looked at the table. He beamed happily. “I’m sure I’m gonna love these,” he uttered, pertaining to the food on the table. “I’ll just shower a bit and then we can eat.”

I nodded and sighed a breath of relief when I saw him finally walking to his room. I held on the head rest of the chair. “Did he think I was a man? How could he just walk around without a shirt?” I mumbled to myself as I held onto my beating heart. I have sweated a lot especially when he walked closer.

I sighed harder. Well, do I have a right to complain? This is his house and I’m merely a burden so, I need to adjust. And it’s not like there’s malice between us anyway. He’s just helping me while I look for a place to stay in the city.

Ambrose was not kidding when he said he will just shower a bit because I haven’t even calmed down and I already see him walking down the stairs. As usual, he looked so fresh. He’s wearing a simple wife-beater that accentuated all of his muscles and a pair of black sweat pants.

I smiled weakly as I sat. “You’re fast.” I am dumb, I know. I love stating the obvious.

He smiled back and took a seat. “I don’t want to keep you waiting,” he told me before taking a toast and a piece of bacon.

I bit my lip and focused on my plate, face flushing unknowingly because of his words. He doesn’t want to keep me waiting? Why would he say that?

I didn’t attempt to answer him. Well, he didn’t ask me a question anyway. I let silence envelope us until he suddenly spoke.

“What are you doing today?” he asked me before taking a bit on the toast.

“Clean the patio,” I replied. I have been cleaning his huge lawn for three days now. I am now done with the garden and would focus on the patio and the fountain that seemed to be neglected. “Do you have work today?” I asked him. It’s better if he does so I can move freely.

He shook his head and my heart sunk in disappointment. “I don’t have to go to work today and tomorrow. Rest days after being in a dreadful business meeting in New York.”

My eyes widened. He was in New York? I can’t believe it! I have only seen New York on TV and magazines. I have once dreamed of visiting Time Square and the huge port in Manhattan.

Ambrose smiled at me. “I will help you with cleaning the patio.”

I almost choked on the coffee I was drinking when I heard him. I coughed and looked at him in disbelief. “No. I can manage!”

He furrowed his brows. “The patio is huge. We can finish cleaning faster if we’re together,” he said like it’s the most natural thing he could say.

I gulped hard, still in surprise that I heard those words from him. He’s the master in this house. I would work for him for free because he let me stay here for free.

I laughed awkwardly. I badly want to sound confident but of course, as usual, I failed miserably. “I don’t think you should clean with me,” I told him. “You own the house. You don’t even make me pay for my stay here…” I trailed as a bad thought crossed my mind. “…why would you let me stay here for free?”

Thoughts about him being a rapist or a murderer surfaced. A normal human wouldn’t let a stranger inside his house that easily. Damn! Why hadn’t I thought of this sooner? What if he’s—

“I’m not a rapist,” he assured me as if he read my mind. My eyes widened, face flushing because of guilt. He smirked and leaned on the table. “Was that what you’re thinking?” he asked.

I immediately shook my head in denial but I was sure that he already got his answer from the look on my face seconds ago.

He chuckled. “Well, but if you don’t want me to help you because you’d feel uncomfortable, it’s okay. I’ll stay in my office and cook lunch for us. Is that alright?”

I bit my lower lip before nodding. “Okay. Thank you,” I told him. Thank heavens he’s considerate.

***

Cleaning was challenging enough that I had to question myself why I refused Ambrose’s help. I underestimated the weight of the furniture needed to be moved. I wish the wolf in me would surface now.

I don’t know how I survived the whole cleaning. All I know is that I was so tired I lied on the couch for at least an hour before I went to my room and took a bath as fast as I could.

Ambrose was looking for something to cook inside the fridge with narrowed eyes. He looked at me. “Do you want to go to the grocery?” he asked me.

I blinked. How far is the grocery from here? Would I have to walk? Well, it’s okay—it’s supposed to be okay but I’m still dead tired for cleaning the whole patio. I wish I had used the lawn mower to cut off the grass.

I smiled and nodded. I don’t have a right to refuse. I am a freeloader here. “Sure,” I replied.

“Alright. Wait for me here. I’ll just change,” he told me before running upstairs. What?

I was left standing on my spot, confused at why he has to get changed. He could just give me the money and I can walk to the—s**t! I mentally cursed when I realized what’s going to happen. Is he going to the grocery with me?!

My mind is already in a state of panic when he came back wearing a plain black shirt and a pair of jeans. He looked at me and smiled while playing with the keys with his fingers. “Let’s go,” he told me before walking out.

I was blindly following him until I stopped in front of his two-door car. This the first time I am actually riding a car like this. Xander, the son of our Alpha, has a car like this but there’s no way he’d let an omega ride with him. Besides, I don’t really like Xander. He’s cocky and airy. And he’s the leader of the gang that bullied me in school.

“Get in,” Ambrose told me and I was brought back to reality. He nodded at me and immediately hopped inside his black sports car.

The first thing I noticed is that the aircon is really cold. I glanced at Ambrose who’s settled down on the driver’s seat. He’s not even cold at all. But maybe he’s already used to it.

“Sorry, I love blasting the aircon on the coolest level,” he told me as he increased the temperature inside the car. I tried so hard not to shiver but I must have been obvious.

I smiled and thanked him before looking around. It’s neat. I couldn’t see any dirt. I don’t really know if all men are like this but I doubt it.

“We’re going to the city,” he suddenly said while we were driving out of the forest.

I suddenly beamed in excitement as I looked out the window. “Finally,” I mumbled as I smiled at the trees we’re passing by.

I heard him chuckling as he sped up. “Have you looked for a possible place?” he asked me suddenly.

I sighed and shook my head. “Not yet,” I replied. “Actually, while I was browsing for cheap apartments, I realized that I need to look for a job first.” I need money to finance my living.

I took a quick glance at him and saw him nodding. “Take your time,” he told me calmly while his eyes are focused on the road. “No one’s rushing you, anyway.”

I smiled. “Thank you.” I bit my lip. “I never really thought I would meet someone like you.”

He smirked. “Same here, Crystal,” he replied as we finally reached the highway. “Were you bored at home?” he asked again.

I actually appreciate that he’s trying to start a conversation. “A little bit,” I replied. “But I actually had fun arranging the flowers in your garden.” It was tiring but to see the flowers bloom was fulfilling.

“Do you love gardening?”

I shrugged. I actually never liked it before when I went with my mom to fix the Alpha’s garden. But with Ambrose’s, it was actually fun even when I’m alone. Maybe because I wasn’t forced to do it.

“It’s okay,” I replied. “It’s not something I enjoy that much but it feels good when I see the flowers.”

“I hope you didn’t tire yourself that much,” he told me as he turned to the curb. Finally, I can now see buildings and cars. “Do you want to put the roof down?” he asked me suddenly, probably noticing how excited I was again.

He’s probably thinking how uncivilized I am to be worked up over this simple thing.

I immediately nodded and almost instantly, he brought the roof down and I could immediately feel the different level of thrill the moment the wind brushed my skin.

I shut my eyes and heard Ambrose chuckling.

“You look so solemn with the air,” he commented.

I turned to him and saw him grinning while his eyes are on the road. His hair dancing with the wind makes his side profile look handsome. I already know he’s good-looking. I’ve seen him sweaty and still adored his face.

But now, it’s different. He’s grinning widely and looking so carefree. I could imagine him being in a movie.

“You’re handsome,” I accidentally blurted out.

The smile on his face faltered and he suddenly turned to me with a creased forehead.

I blinked before looking away. Embarrassment filled my system suddenly. I don’t even know why I suddenly said that. I was just caught up in awe.

There was silence for a moment before I heard him chuckling.

“Don’t worry, Crystal. I also think you’re pretty especially when you smile,” he uttered that made my heart beat like I’m running a mile.