Mika
I’m unsure what occurred this morning, but I feel relieved that I didn’t have to clean the dining hall for lunch and dinner. That extra chore would have significantly extended my time at the pack house, making a busy day feel longer than necessary. It's nice to have a bit of unexpected free time today.
I often contemplate how long I can endure this situation, especially when I realize many people harbor deep resentment toward me. All the pack member's disdain stems not from anything I've done but rather from the actions of my father which isn't fair to me.
The weight of their judgment hangs heavily on me, making it seem like they enjoy my struggles and want to see me suffer for their transgressions. This thought is both painful and isolating, leaving me to wonder how much longer I can bear the burden of their animosity.
As I stood at the kitchen sink, the warm water running over my hands, I scrubbed each dish methodically, lost in thought. The remnants of dinner clung stubbornly to the plates, and the scent of garlic and rosemary still lingered in the air, and it was just a reminder that I was not allowed to eat with the pack.
My mind drifted to the moment that loomed ahead when I would finally close the door on this chapter of my life. The prospect of leaving this place forever filled me with a mix of anticipation and relief as I imagined the weight of the past lifting off my shoulders, granting me the peace I had long sought.
Each splash of water seemed to echo my yearning for a fresh start, away from the bad memories of being constantly tormented by the pack members and my father for years.
The dull clink of dishes against the sink was the only sound that accompanied my thoughts until a strange noise broke through the silence, drawing my attention sharply. My heart raced as I paused, soapy hands frozen in place, and slowly turned to locate the source of the unexpected sound.
Standing behind me, illuminated by the soft glow of the kitchen light, was Alpha Max. His piercing eyes seemed to bore into my soul, filled with a mix of authority and intensity that made my breath hitch.
Instinctively, I lowered my head in a gesture of both fear and respect, acknowledging his presence. "Good evening, Alpha Max," I said, my voice barely above a whisper, the weight of the moment pressing down on me as I awaited his response.
"You may raise Mika," Max said, his voice deep and resonant, breaking the silence that lingered in the air between us. I felt discomfort as I tried to avert my gaze, but an invisible force seemed to draw me closer to him. His presence was overwhelming, imbued with a potent mix of authority and an irresistible scent that lingered around him like a warm embrace. Despite the unease twisting in my stomach, I could not look away from his piercing eyes, which glimmered with an intensity that excited and frightened me.
Swallowing hard to regain my composure, I mustered the courage to speak, hoping to bridge the gap between us. "Do you need anything, Alpha Max?" I asked, my voice a bit more hesitant than I intended, wishing to break the heavy tension in the air. My heart raced as I awaited his response, unsure of what this conversation would reveal.
"It's no need to be formal, Mika," Max said with a casual smile as he stepped closer, his presence filling the kitchen space and making the room feel small. His welcoming smile and inviting cologne did little to break the tension that had settled between us like an unwelcome guest. I glanced up at him, searching for reassurance, yet his enigmatic demeanor only heightened my curiosity.
"Alright, Max," I replied, attempting to match his relaxed tone, though my heart raced beneath the surface. Silence enveloped us once more, a thick blanket of unease that made the kitchen feel even smaller. The clattering of dishes and the hum of the refrigerator faded into the background as I found myself drawn into his gaze, hoping for some clarity.
Once again, desperation nudged me to dissolve the awkwardness in the room. "Are you sure you don’t need anything? Water, maybe?" I offered, trying to fill the moment with anything other than this palpable tension.
"I don't need anything at the moment, but I came to see you," Max responded, his voice steady yet laced with an undercurrent of something I couldn’t quite place. My mind raced at his words; he had come to see me. Why? What could he possibly want?
A mix of curiosity and anxiety surged within me, putting me on high alert. I felt the hairs on my neck stand up, aware that something significant was brewing in this seemingly mundane encounter. I steeled myself, ready to confront whatever he had come for, aware that beneath our casual banter might lay a threat or beating waiting to unfold.
"I hope you don’t mind me asking, but may I know why you wanted to see me?" I inquired, shifting uneasily as I tried to gauge his intentions.
Max leaned closer to me slightly, studying my expression before he answered. "Malcolm mentioned some things about you that piqued my curiosity, and I felt it was important to learn more directly from you," he said, his tone thoughtful yet direct. I could sense the weight behind his words, which only intensified my discomfort.
Max moved in closer; each step he took seemed to amplify the intoxicating scent that enveloped me, making it difficult to draw a steady breath.
I felt the heat radiating off him, an almost palpable force that sent a shiver down my spine. Instinctively, I stepped back, desperate to create space between us, but he was relentless, closing the distance with a magnetic pull that left me breathless.
Before I realized it, I found myself pressed against the calm surface of the sink, unable to retreat any further. His presence loomed large, commanding, and I felt an exhilarating mix of anxiety.
As he stood towering over me, his gaze locked onto mine, and he reached out slowly, brushing his fingers lightly across my cheek. The soft touch sent a jolt of electricity through me, making my heart race.
Swallowing hard to break the spell, I cleared my throat, trying to summon the courage to speak. “Alpha, I mean Max, what are you doing?” My voice wavered slightly, betraying the tumult of emotions swirling within me.
"I'm sorry, Mika. I don't know what came over me," Max said, his voice low and regretful as he kept his gaze on me. His expression was a mix of shame and concern, tugging at my heartstrings. His words hung heavy in the air, and I was at a loss for how to respond to his heartfelt apology. After a moment of silence, I simply nodded.
"I’ll leave you to your duties then," Max added, his tone shifting slightly as he left the kitchen. The sound of his footsteps echoed softly against the tiled floor, each step amplifying the tension that lingered between us. I watched him go, a swirl of emotions churning within me, unsure of what the moment had meant.