Chapter 11

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Five

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The following morning I wake up in Logan’s arms. His whole bed smells like expensive cologne, and flutters start in my chest when I look down and see his tanned skin. I’ve never had a boyfriend or someone hug me in the morning. This feels very grown–up and romantic. Not that I can remember my parents showing each other this much affection. It might not be a werewolf thing.

Either way, I’m happy. If I close my eyes, I can pretend that I’m safe and sound and that no one can hurt me. It’s a beautiful fantasy, and I close my eyes, not daring to move since it might wake up Logan. I want to stay here for as long as possible, in a daydream in which Logan is nice and seems to share the same idea. He is still sleeping soundly with his nose nestled into my hair, and it doesn’t seem like he has any plans to leave the bed.

I lay there, still as a statue, listening to Logan’s steady breathing and feeling his chest rise and fall with each inhale and exhale. He seems to be dreaming and mumbles something I can’t understand. I don’t mind it, but as I lay there, my mind begins to wander, and I can’t help but wonder what it would be like to be with Logan and Eric in a more intimate way.

I try to push the thoughts aside, telling myself it’s too soon and that I shouldn’t rush into anything. But the desire is too strong, and my body starts to ache with longing. I shift slightly, trying to ease the discomfort, but it only seems to make it worse.

Logan stirs behind me, his hand moving to rest on my hip. “Everything okay?” he

mumbles, his voice still thick with sleep.

I hesitate for a moment before answering. “I…I don’t know,” I admit, feeling embarrassed and vulnerabl

Logan sits up, looking at me with concern on his handsome face. His black hair is all

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messy from just waking up. “What’s going on, Five?”

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I take a deep breath, trying to gather my courage in an attempt to speak my mind. But it doesn’t work. I don’t think I’ve had a single normal conversation with Logan. It’s always been him teasing me or bullying me, and now when I’m suddenly faced with his beauty.

and grace, and he is willing to hear me out, my head can’t seem to stop spinning. I’m

intimidated by the Alpha. Scared that he will revert to his evil self.

Logan must notice my discomfort because he lies down again, and I hold my breath when we are face–to–face. Inches apart. So close that I can kiss him. I stare into his eyes, and he responds by smiling. The gesture is unexpected, and I feel my heart flutter in response.

“You don’t have to be scared of me, Five,” he says, his voice gentle and reassuring.

I narrow my eyes and speak in a low tone. “You say that, yet you and Eric are the ones

being confusing.”

His lips twitch with amusement, and he reaches out his hand to trace little patterns on my

arm. “Confusing?”

A lump forms in my throat. I have no idea why he is being so gentle with me this morning. Is this another game of his? I so desperately want this moment to be real, but I have a feeling it isn’t, and inhale sharply.

“Why do you find it so fun to play with my heart?” I ask, shocking myself by managing to sound brave. I’m not stammering this time, and Logan widens his eyes.

“Playing with your heart…” He repeats. “Do you think that’s what happening here?”

I nod, and he sighs.

“That’s not at all what Eric and I are doing. We actually wanted to keep our distance from you, Princess. We thought it would be good enough of a life to save you from your cruel

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family and keep you here as our maid, but…” He sinks his teeth into his bottom lip, hesitating. “But sometimes life laughs you in the face.”

Wait, what? What does he mean by that? Why the heck is he speaking in riddles?

I open my lips to speak, but I’m interrupted by Eric growling above us. He doesn’t sound happy, and fear coils around my throat when I meet his eyes.

“Okay, I gave you half a day and a night with Five. Now it’s my turn to bond with her!”

Before I know what is happening, Eric stomps over to the bed and picks me up like it’s nothing. I shriek in surprise, both from suddenly being slung on top of his muscular shoulder and also because I’m not wearing anything clothes.

“W–what are you doing?!” I’panic.

Eric huffs out a breath, “I’m taking you out on a date. Didn’t you hear a word of what I just

said?”

I shake my head, still in shock from being manhandled by Eric. He strides out of the room

with me over his shoulder, leaving Logan behind. I can’t help but feel a sense of loss at

leaving the less scary brother, but I’m also a little excited to be going on a date with Eric. I’ve never been on a real date before, but I’ve read enough romance novels to know what to expect. The question is: can Eric be romantic?

As we wander through the mansion, my cheeks grow pink with embarrassment as I realize

I’m completely naked on Eric’s shoulder. My heart pounds anxiously.

“…I need clothes…” I say in a shy voice, hoping not to offend the brute carrying me.

Eric snorts. “Do you think I’m stupid? I know that already. That’s why I’m taking you

downstairs Ihought a bunch of stuff for this moment”

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Did he actually buy me clothes?

I’m not sure how I feel about that, but I’m too nervous to say anything else.

Eric carries me down a grand staircase and into a large room filled with racks of clothing. He finally sets me down on my feet, and I immediately cover myself with my arms, feeling exposed and vulnerable. Eric rolls his eyes at me before turning to the racks and pulling

out a dress.

“Put this on,” he says, tossing it to me.

I catch the dress and examine it. It’s a beautiful, flowing gown that shimmers in the light. I run my hand over the soft fabric, feeling a sense of awe.

“It’s beautiful,” I whisper, looking at Eric with newfound respect.

He smirks at me, “I have good taste.”

If I had known him better, I would have rolled my eyes at how cocky and arrogant he is. being. But instead, I say, “Sure you do,” and plaster on a smile.

Eric looks very pleased with himself. “You’re going to look pretty no matter what if you

wear that for our date.”

I arch an eyebrow. “Say, sorry for asking this, but…why do you want to go out with me int the first place?”

His face darkens. But he doesn’t answer the question, “Just change in the dress, will you?”

“Fine…”

I quickly change into the dress, feeling like a princess. Eric watches me with a smirk on his face, making me feel a little uncomfortable.

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“Come on, let’s go,” he says, grabbing my hand and leading me out of the room.

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As we walk through the mansion, I can feel the eyes of the other servants on me. They all stare at me with a mix of envy and curiosity. I know they are all wondering why I’m being treated so differently all of a sudden. But I don’t care. For the first time in my life, I feel beautiful and special. And I have Eric to thank for that.

We finally exit the mansion and walk out into the courtyard, where a limousine is waiting

for us.

I look up at Eric. “Are we going somewhere?”

“Yes,” he smirks. “To the most luxurious restaurant in the city. Your date with me is going

to be awesome.”

Awesome and not romantic? What a funny dude… Either way, I can’t help but feel a sense of exhilaration as we step into the limousine. Eric’s smile is infectious, and I feel like I’m on top of the world. The ride is smooth, and we soon find ourselves climbing a grand

building.

“The restaurant,” Eric says, holding out his hand to help me out of the car.

I take it, feeling my heart race at the prospect of what’s to come. We enter the restaurant,

and the grandeur of the place immediately strikes me. The walls are adorned with intricate murals, and the chandeliers overhead cast a soft glow over everything.

“Pretty impressive, right?” Eric says, his eyes are sparkling.

I nod, speechless. We’re escorted to a private table, and I can feel the eyes of the other diners on us. It’s not every day that a servant girl gets to dine at such a fancy restaurant.

Once we’re settled at our table, Eric orders a bottle of champagne for us. I’m quite nervous and don’t know what to say. Eric is the more aggressive and forward brother, and

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I have no idea what we have in common. What am I supposed to talk with him about?

As the champagne arrives, I manage to compose myself and take a sip. Eric watches me intently, and I can feel his gaze burning into me. Finally, he breaks the silence.

“You know, I never thought I’d be taking the pack little Omega out to

hint of amusement in his voice.

“bo save a

I feel a twinge of annoyance at his words, but I push it down and force a smile. “I’m honored to be here,” I say.

Eric leans in closer to me, his eyes darkening. “You should be,” he murmurs. “You’re lucky

to be dining with an Alpha,” I’m about to get angry, but Eric adds, “And I’m lucky to be here with you. You’re gorgeous tonight,” and I immediately calm down in my seat.

He is actually being sweet…or trying to be. I blush at his words, feeling a rush of pleasure. It feels nice to be appreciated. But at the same time, I can’t help but feel a little uneasy. Eric is charming and attractive, but I don’t know if I trust him completely.

My thoughts must have shown on my face because Eric’s expression softens. “I can see that you’re still not sure about me,” he says. I’m surprised that he isn’t smirking. He looks very calm, and I exhale.

“I’m sorry,” I say quickly, looking away. “It’s just…I have never been alone with you before.”

His face twists into something far less pleasant. “Do you dislike being around me?”

“What?!” I widen my eyes. “No, that’s not at all what I mean! It’s just that…” How do I tell him that he makes me nervous without having him laugh at me?

While I remain quiet in my seat, Eric loses his patience and taps his fingers against the table. “If you got something to say, just say it.”