Alpha's Eyes [My One and Only]

Chapter 14

There was a weird chipping noise that kept distracting me. I was trying to run somewhere. There was somewhere I needed to be but the chirping would not stop. What was that sound?

My eyes slowly began to blink their way open when I realized that was the sound of the phone. I sighed. Why did I always get woken up from my dreams at the really interesting part? I bit my tongue and reclosed my eyes. Perhaps if I fell asleep right away then I'd go back to the same dream. I was much too warm and comfortable to think of leaving my blanket and my spot on the couch. A few more rings and the call would go to voicemail and finally there would be silence.

But the next ring cut off mid-ring. I opened my eyes and stared at the ceiling as I listened intently. I wanted to know what was going on in the kitchen, but I didn't want to turn my head and look.

"This is Augustus."

My jaw dropped. I had forgotten he was here. What was he doing answering Grams' phone? He really made himself right at home, didn't he? I was going to have to talk to him about boundaries.

For the first time since I met him, his voice was stiff and unpleasant when he spoke. I wondered who he was talking to when he said, "Personally, I think you've had your chance. Leta went to see you yesterday, and you refused to see her. You could be here with us now, but you decided to move out. Leta has been hurt by your actions, and my duty is to protect her. If you want to come over and talk with her, then I will allow it. However, I will be here and you will accept my presence. You will not talk to Leta about me, my brothers, Rebecca, or anything on this matter. Am I understood?"

There was a heavy pause.

"Good. When will you be by?"

Another pause.

"Yes, that will work. We will see you then."

There was a click as Augustus put the phone back. I leaned up off the couch to turn toward him.

"Was that my grandmother?" I asked.

"Yes," Augustus sighed as he began to walk toward me. He crouched down on his legs before me, raising a hand to cup my cheek. His thumb softly rubbed the tender flesh as he spoke. "I never should have given that bird an opportunity to hurt you," he whispered. "I'm sorry, and I will take care of this." I didn't speak, but looked from his left eye to his right eye. I think I was beginning to understand that he was different from me. Very different. He was a mystery. He leaned forward and pressed a gentle, chaste kiss to my cheek. He dropped his hand as he pulled back, and captured both my hands between his. His grip swallowed me. Was I really that tiny or was he just that big? He rubbed my hands softly, giving them a light massage. "Your grandmother has changed her mind about her decision yesterday. She now feels that she should have answered the door and talked to you. So she wants to talk today. She'll be by for dinner in a few hours."

"Ok," I mumbled. I don't know how I felt about seeing her again. I don't know how I felt about her and Augustus being in the same room, but maybe watching them would help me have some sure feelings one way or another. I don't know if I wanted to explore what I was feeling. That would make this much too real.

"I want to make something special for dinner. You haven't had a lot to eat, and your body needs specific nutrients at this time to help adjust."

I pretended I didn't hear that. I'm fine, and my body isn't changing. Nope. Everrrything is normal. Totally normal.....

"I'm going to go to the store to buy what I need. Addison brought some things over earlier. You can look through it and see if there's any vegetables that you want with dinner tonight. After the cinnamon rolls yesterday, I think we should take it easy on the desserts. Is there anything that you want me to get for you while I'm out?"