Page 37 of Stalked By the Alphas
I shake my head, forcing those thoughts away. “What are you doing here, Carter?” I manage to ask again, my voice steadier this time.
“Just checking in on an old friend,” he says.
“How-how did you know I was here?”
“I’ve always known, Hazel. You ran out on us. I wanted to know why.”
“It’s taken you all this time?” I choke.
He chuckles. “Life gets in the way, but I’m here now.”
Life gets in the way. I scan his neck for a mating bite, but I can’t see one. He is wearing an expensive-looking blue suit and white shirt and looks harder than when I left. I want to ask him what he’s been up to, but the words get stuck in my throat.
Carter takes another step closer, his eyes never leaving mine. I feel like a deer caught in headlights, unable to look away.
“I’ve missed you, Hazel,” he says softly.
A shiver runs through me at his words.
He nods. “I’ve never stopped thinking about you.”
My heart pounds faster. “I... I can’t do this right now, Carter. Things are complicated right now.”
“When are they not?” he asks lightly, with a smile. “I’m not here to make your life more difficult, Hazel. I just want to catch up.”
“Catch up?”
Carter’s eyes soften slightly as he takes another step closer. “Yes, catch up. It’s been years, Hazel. I want to know how you’ve been, what you’ve been up to.” He pauses, his gaze sweeping over me. “You look good. The bookshop suits you.”
I swallow hard, fighting the urge to step back as he approaches. His familiar scent envelops me, stirring upmemories I’ve tried so hard to bury. “I... thank you,” I manage. “The shop keeps me busy.”
“I’m sure it does,” Carter says with a small smile. “Listen, I know this is unexpected. How about we grab a coffee?”
Part of me wants to refuse, to tell him to leave and never come back. But another part, a part I thought I’d silenced long ago, aches to reconnect with him. To understand why he’s here after all this time.
“I... I can’t leave the shop,” I say weakly.
Carter nods, understanding in his eyes. “I’ll get us some to go?”
I hesitate, torn between curiosity and caution. “I don’t know, Carter...”
“Please, Hazel,” he says softly. “For old times’ sake.”
Something in his tone, a hint of vulnerability perhaps, makes my resolve waver. “Okay. Mrs Pemberton should be open soon.”
He nods, “I’ll be right back.”
He leaves, and I collapse on the counter, wondering what the fuck is going on. But then I remember the doctor’s appointment I need to make, so I snatch up my phone and see it’s time to ring. I get through straight away, wondering how that happened, and I speak to the receptionist.
“I’d like to make an appointment, please, for as soon as possible about some anxiety attacks I’ve been having.”
I cringe as I hear the door open behind me.
She taps into her computer. “Eleven thirty.”
“Eleven thirty. Yes, thank you.”
She hangs up, and with a shaking hand, I put my phone back on the counter and turn around to see Carter standing there with two hot teas. “That was quick,” I mutter.
