Page 117 of Chased By My Grumpy Alpha
I’m sitting cross-legged on the rumpled sheets, wearing only Lucian’s shirt, carefully examining each item from the brown paper packages he brought me. My skin still tingles from his touch, and I can feel his eyes on me as he lies propped up on one elbow beside me. His injuries have almost completely healed, partly due to my care but mostly because of his own fast healing.
“Look at this,” I breathe, holding up a delicate mortar and pestle, no bigger than my palm. “The glass is so fine, perfectly smooth. This will grind herbs without any grit getting into the mixture.” I trace the edge with my finger. “And see how perfectly the pestle fits? No gaps where powders could get stuck.”
Lucian’s fingers trail along my bare thigh. “Mmm.”
I barely notice, too entranced by the next treasure. “And this…” I pick up a set of small brass scales with tiny weights. “These are perfectly balanced. I’ll be able to measure exact dosages with these.” I test them gently, watching the mechanisms respond. “Most herbalists just guess at measurements, but precision can make all the difference.”
His hand slides higher, and I feel his lips press against my shoulder. “Fascinating.”
“It really is!” I turn to beam at him, completely ignoring his heated look. “With proper tools like these, I can make medicinesthat work consistently.” I turn back to my new possessions, lifting a collection of small glass bottles with cork stoppers. “And these storage vials—they’ll keep everything fresh and properly labeled.”
Lucian groans and flops onto his back dramatically. “You’re completely immune to seduction when you have equipment to examine, aren’t you?”
I glance over at him, taking in his disheveled hair and the way the sheet has slipped down to his waist. Heat flickers through me, but then I spot another package I haven’t opened yet.
“Just let me look at everything first,” I say, already reaching for it. “I promise I’ll pay attention to you after.”
He laughs—a rich, warm sound that makes my heart flutter. “I could watch you talk about this stuff all day long.”
I pause unwrapping the package, looking at him with surprise. “Really?”
“Really.” His expression grows tender. “I can get you jewels, Astra. Fine clothes, expensive perfumes. Anything you want.”
I furrow my brow at him. “What would I do with all that?”
“Most women like—”
“I much prefer these.” I gesture to the equipment spread around me. “They’re useful. They help people.” I pick up a small copper strainer with fine mesh. “This can help me make proper tinctures and extracts. What can a necklace do except sit there?”
The way he looks at me makes me feel warm inside. Like I’ve said something profound and not merely obvious.
A sharp knock at the door interrupts the moment. Lucian’s expression immediately shifts, becoming alert and vigilant.
“Stay here,” he murmurs, already reaching for his clothes.
I watch him quickly pull on his pants, admiring the play of muscles across his back before he opens the door just wide enough to slip out. I can hear muffled voices in the hallway but can’t make out the words.
When he returns a few minutes later, he’s fully dressed, and his face is grim.
“I have to go downstairs,” he says, buckling his sword belt. “The receptionist says there’s a man asking for me. Lock the door behind me.”
“Is everything alright?”
He leans down to kiss me hurriedly. “Just stay here until I get back. I won’t be long.”
After he leaves, I gather my equipment carefully and set it all on the small table, already planning how I’ll organize it. Luna stretches in the corner where she’s been sleeping and pads over to curl up next to me on the bed.
“Everything feels right in my world, Luna,” I sigh happily, scratching behind her ears. “For the first time in my life, everything is perfect.”
Luna purrs, her eyes drifting closed again. I’m just reaching for the willow bark to examine it more closely when another knock sounds at the door.
I frown. Lucian said he wouldn’t be long, but he wouldn’t knock, right? Maybe he forgot to bring the key.
I pull on my clothes quickly and move to the door. As I reach for the handle, Luna suddenly hisses—a low, warning sound that makes the hair on my arms stand up.
“What’s wrong, girl?” I whisper. She is backing away from me, her fur standing on end.
Confused but cautious, I crack the door open.
