Page 15 of Stalked By the Alphas
The alpha’s intense blue eyes soften as he looks at me. “I’m glad I could help. That guy seemed like bad news. No alpha should ever lay his hands on an omega like that.”
I nod, still a bit shaken but impressed with his chivalry.
The alpha steps closer, his scent of cinnamon doughnuts washing over me. It’s mouthwatering. “By the way, I’m Ayden,” he says, extending his hand.
“Hazel,” I reply, taking it gently. A jolt of electricity shoots up my arm at the contact.
Ayden smiles, and my heart skips a beat. “It’s nice to meet you, Hazel. I hope I’m not overstepping, but would you like to grab a tea? I’d like to make sure you’re really okay after all that.”
I hesitate, my mind racing. This gorgeous alpha wants to have tea with me? After everything that’s happened lately, I’m wary. What if he is a stalker and the one taking photos of me and sending me creepy masked magician cards? This was a bit coincidental for my liking.
“She’d love to,” Mrs Lewis interrupts before I can politely decline.
Ayden’s smile widens as I shoot Mrs Lewis a fierce glare.
She elbows me, not so subtly. “How about Mrs Pemberton’s tearoom? It’s right next door.”
I have to suppress the urge to chuckle at that. Clearly, Mrs Lewis is looking out for me, regardless of shoving me under the bus with Ayden. But I hesitate, torn between my instinctive wariness and the undeniable pull I feel towards Ayden. His scent is alluring, and the way he swooped in to protect me...
“I suppose a cup of tea wouldn’t hurt,” I say cautiously. “But I can’t leave the shop unattended.”
Mrs Lewis pipes up again, “Oh, don’t you worry about that, dear. I can watch things for a bit. You two go on and have a nice chat.”
I shoot her another look, but she just smiles innocently. Meddling old woman.
Ayden’s eyes light up. “Wonderful. Shall we?” He gestures towards the door.
With a deep breath, I nod. “Let me just grab my bag.”
As I duck behind the counter to retrieve it, I catch a glimpse of Ayden as he leaves the shop. He’s standing on the pavement, hands in his pockets, looking effortlessly handsome. For a moment, a flicker of unease passes through me. This is all happening so fast. But maybe that means something. I’ll never know unless I try.
“I won’t be long,” I say to Mrs Lewis.
“Take your time. I know how to run a shop.”
I don’t doubt it. She seems the capable sort.
As I leave the shop, I pass Ayden, and his scent envelops me again. My omega instincts are in overdrive, urging me to get closer to this alpha, to bask in his scent and protection. I resist the impulse, reminding myself to be cautious.
“After you,” Ayden says, holding the door to Mrs Pemberton’s tearoom open for me.
The cosy shop is mercifully busy. Mrs Pemberton beams at us as we enter, her eyes twinkling knowingly.
“Hazel, dear! And who’s this handsome gentleman?”
I feel my cheeks flush. “This is Ayden. We just met, actually.”
“Well, isn’t that lovely,” Mrs Pemberton says, winking at me. “What can I get for you two?”
We order our teas and settle into the only table available in the front corner. Ayden sits across from me, his blue eyes studying me intently.
“So, Hazel,” he begins, “tell me about yourself. Do you own that charming bookshop?”
I nod, wrapping my hands around the warm teacup. “I do. It was a bit of a risk, moving here and opening my own business, but I love it.”
“That’s impressive,” Ayden says, genuine admiration in his voice. “Not many omegas strike out on their own like that.”
I tense slightly at his words, wary of where this might be going. But Ayden’s next words surprise me.
