Reading Lara (#3)

Chapter 4

I knew he would call me.

What I don't understand is how he expects me to let everything go. I can't do that. I won't do that. He led me on for months, he let me move in with him. Then, he cheats on me. I don't want to talk. I don't wish to reconcile. I do not want anything from him.

I'm done.

I turn off my phone. As I stare at the ceiling, I try to clear my head, but my thoughts keep drifting to Maddox. I've never been so intimidated and afraid of someone. I've also never wanted someone as I want him.

I fall asleep a few minutes later with one person on my mind and a smile on my face.

My eyes open to the sound of my alarm clock. I usually set it for seven o'clock so I can get to work around nine. I really hope I don't bump into Marcus at work. He works as a trainer for the pack members while I usually babysit pups all day. Not that I mind, though. I love kids.

I hop out of bed after shutting off my alarm. I adjust the temperature of the shower before stripping and stepping in. I instantly feel my muscles relax and turn to mush as I stand under the hot water.

After shampooing my hair and cleaning the important regions, I turn off the shower and step out, wrapping a towel around my hair and body.

I then go about my normal routine. I change into a pair of jeans and a black knit sweater. I comb out my hair and blow dry it, making the dark locks turn curly. I skip my makeup routine and gather my things for the day. I unplug my phone from its charger before placing it in my bag. I put on a pair of grey Vans and lock the house on my way out.

I stop at Layla's café and order my usual. On my way out, I bump into a hard chest, making the person drop their books and papers from their hands. I bend to help them pick it up.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't see you standing there," I apologize.

"It's quite alright. I wasn't paying attention either," a familiar voice responds. My head whips up.

"Marcus?"

His blonde head shoots up, too. "Lara. What are you doing here?" He questions, shocked.

I hand his paperwork back to him. "I come here every morning. What are you doing here?"

If there's one thing I know about Marcus, it's that he never drinks coffee or reads books. He absolutely hates it.

He winces. "I started coming here about a week ago. I'm running late today. We should talk," he suggests.

I shake my head. "No, we shouldn't. There's nothing to talk about. You had your chance when I was packing my stuff. Twice."

"Lara-"

"I have to go. I'll be late for work," I murmur, ending the conversation. When I'm about a foot away from him, he grabs my arm tightly. I hear a growl and look to see Maddox and Beta Lennon standing at the entrance.

Shitty, s**t s**t.

"I believe Lara told you she doesn't want to talk. Let her go, now," he growls.

Marcus' face pales a little and he releases me. "Alpha Maddox. I wasn't aware that Lara belongs to you," he stutters.

Maddox nods. "She's my mate. My mark is on her neck. Now, let her go," he says, but I can see his wolf surfacing.

Marcus nods repeatedly. He mutters a goodbye and exits the café. I look up at Maddox's towering figure.

"Hi. Thank you for that," I tell him.

He smiles. "Don't mention it. Is this the first time he's bothered you?"

I shake my head. "No, he called me last night." Noticing Beta Lennon is behind him, I turn toward him and wave. He smirks and waves back. I turn my attention back to Maddox when he tugs on a piece of my hair.

* * *

Alpha Maddox Teller-

Lara turns away from me to wave at Lennon. I don't see his reaction, though. I'm too busy watching her. I tug gently on a strand of her long hair and her eyes meet mine once again.

Fuck, she's gorgeous.

Gray eyes that shine like they're always wet. Brown hair that makes me want to run my fingers through it. Plump lips that are just begging to be kissed.

Jesus.

Three cold showers haven't even begun to dull the aching hard-on I've got for her.

"Did he say what he wanted?" I question further.

Marcus Andrews isn't an individual I trust, especially with Lara. He has an extreme temper and is always f*****g a different girl. It doesn't surprise me that he cheated on Lara, but the action doesn't sit well with me either. Something's not right about him.

"I didn't answer, but he left a voicemail. He said he wants to talk and he misses me," she replies.

"Anything else?"

She nods, her hair bouncing. "He also said he wants to start over," she admits.

I feel my wolf come forth again and I try to control it. "Stay away from him," I growl unintentionally and she flinches.

Fuck. I'm an asshole.

"Well, I've got to go or I'll be late. It was nice speaking to you."

I stop her before she gets any further. I wrap my arm around her waist and rest my hand on her hip. "We still on for tonight?"

"Yes. Seven thirty, right?" She whispers as my lips come closer to hers.

"Yeah." I pull back from her lips and place a kiss on her forehead. "I'll see you later, baby," I tell her. Lennon and I make our way out.

As we walk down the sidewalk, Lennon comments, "You've got it bad, man."

"Shut up," I retort. Though, I'm smiling because I know it's the truth.

* * *

Later That Night...

Lara Henderson-

"So, what are you going to wear?" Zara asks over the phone on my desk. She called just as I was in the middle of closing the daycare. Apparently, Marcus called her stating that I met another man. Safe to say, my older sister was curious.

"I don't know yet. I'll text him and ask him where we're going. I forgot to earlier."

"Well, keep me updated. And remember to use protection, wear your seatbelt, and, as always, shave your pits. He doesn't want to see the Kraken of Hair. He wants smooth and sexy. Okay?"

Geez, Louise.

"Okay. What are you, a stewardess?" I ask in a teasing tone.

"I could have been. In the past life."

"You dork. I love you. And I'm sorry about Marcus."

"It's fine. I love you, too. Bye." She hangs up.

I swear, what am I going to do with her? I groan inwardly and text Maddox about what to wear.

What would be the appropriate attire for tonight? Lx

My phone rings a moment later. Something fancy/ dress and heels. Take your hair down, too, is his reply.

Okie dokey. Lx

I toss my phone into my bag and rise from my desk chair. I wonder why Maddox wants my hair down. Maybe he has a thing for hair. Oh, well. I'm only worried about Marcus and what his plans are. And his motive. I would definitely like to know about that. I take my mind away from my wayward thoughts as I walk away from the pack house. The daycare is at the bottom of the building, so it's an easy leave. The pathway, though, is about a mile long and the entire campus takes up about fifteen acres.

I hear a car pull up alongside me. I turn to see a blue Camaro with tinted windows. I stand there for a moment. Just as I'm walking away, I hear, "Lara."

I spin around to see Beta Lennon standing by the driver's side of the car, the door open. "Hi, Beta Lennon. How are you?"

"I'm fine." He answers, walking up to me. "Maddox wanted me to take you home. I meant to catch you before you left, but I was running a little late. So is Maddox."

"Oh. He's not canceling our date, is he?"

His expression turns confused. "What date?" He asks.

He didn't tell him?

"We are supposed to go out for dinner tonight. He's picking me up at seven thirty. He hasn't said anything?"

"He hasn't mentioned anything about it whatsoever. I know he was happy to see you when we ran into you earlier at my mom's place."

"Layla's your mom?" I question.

He nods. "Yeah. I'm one of the triplets."

"That's interesting. Do you think you can take me back to the pack house instead? I need to talk to Maddox."

"Of course. Hop in," he orders and I do as he says. On the way there, the car ride is silent until Lennon asks, "How are things going with the big bear so far? He makes you happy?"

I shrug. "We've kinda had a rough start. I don't know, so far he's making me smile."

He smirks. "Good, good. You know, you remind me of my mate, Keira. She's quiet and shy like you. You don't find that in a lot of girls."

"Thank you, Lennon," I tell him as he pulls up to the built-in garage for staff only. Stepping out of the car and venturing through the other cars, we finally make it to Maddox's office on the top floor. I hesitate at the door and Lennon ushers me forward gently.

"Go on, sweetheart. He won't bite. Well, he might nibble," he says. "Bye, Lara. I'm going to lay with my beauty at home."

I giggle a goodbye and turn the handle. I slowly walk forward, my feet barely making a noise against the hardwood floors. I find Maddox laying on the couch by the windows, sleeping peacefully. He's snoring.

How cute.

When I get to the couch, I crouch down next to him and shake him gently. His big, muscular body stirs, but he doesn't wake. I try again and his eyes flutter open. He looks around the room for a moment before his eyes land on me. He smirks like a mischievous boy.

"Hey, baby. What're you doin' here?" He asks, his voice husky from his nap.

"I was checking on you. Lennon said you were running late."

He nods as he sits up from the couch. "Yeah, a little. It was a good thing you woke me up, though. I've got another meeting in about fifteen minutes."

What about our date? I try not to let the hurt sink in, but it does. "Oh. Well, I'm going to head home," I announce, standing from my position on the floor. Maddox stands up with me.

"Are you sure? Do you need a ride? I can call Lennon." He offers.

I shake my head instantly. "No, I'm fine. I have to get home anyways. I've got a ton of housework to do."

Truth is, I don't want Maddox to call Lennon. He will probably bring up our date. I just want to soak in a bubble bath and forget about today.

"I just wanted to check and see if you were okay."

He concentrates on my features for a moment. "Are you okay?" He asks.

I shake my head. "I have to go."