Alpha Alden ✔️

Chapter Twenty Five

Word Count: 1607

~Kezziah

I didn't tell Alden about my dream the next day.

Part of me feels uneasy, after being told not to put trust in any one. Was that a warning about Alden, or another who I have no yet encountered? Either way, I've concluded it was just a dream. A very realistic one, but no one can get into my head and mess with it, therefore, I should stop worrying.

So when I skipped down the stairs after readying for the day, I didn't pay it no mind. I didn't even let it touch my expression, allowing Alden to believe everything is fine.

When I walk into the Great Room, he is pulling a waterproof coat over his shoulders. He turns to look at me, trying to steal my gaze away from the mess behind him, but it's all I can see. Pieces of balled up paper are strewn everywhere, mixed with pencils, other flattened paper with scribbles all over it.

What the hell am I looking at?

"Good morning," he says breezily, as if the lounge area is not an utter mess. The fire is blazing, plenty of ash buried beneath the logs. He's been writing things and throwing some of it into the fire.

I blink a few times, trying to make sense of all of this. "Is this your doing? Did you stay up all night doing this?"

At that moment, I look back at him, and he's rubbing the back of his neck. Guilty. And the bottom of his eyes are stained with dark shadows, a suggestion of how late he has spent up, getting next to no sleep. I'm not exactly sure what any of this is, but it's been perplexing him.

"I know how much you want this mate bond thing solved," he says gently, brushing a hand back through his hair. I watch each strand slip through his fingers, finding themselves fall into their usual place. "So I tried to work on it, but can't say I got very far."

I'm so stunned, I dont' know what else to say, I'm left gaping. Was he really so kind to stay up all night trying to help me?

"You didn't have to do this."

"Well, I think I did need to. No one deserves to be forced into a mate bond with such a monster. I could never forgive myself if he came back for you, and dragged him into whatever hole he lives in up in that immortal world," Alden tells me, looking around at the mess he's made across the room.

The fact that Alden did this for me almost has me flushing bright red. I want to thank him for his contribution. It might make a difference, despite the fact that I know it can only be dealt with by me confronting Time. And I will. Soon, hopefully.

"Thank you," I say softly. "You didn't have to try, so I thank you for doing so. It's unbelievably kind of you."

Alden casts his gaze to the floor. I can tell he's used to helping people, especially after that note I found. Does he worry I'm going to pine after him for his service to me? I truly hope not, because my plans still stand to leave as soon as this as over. As soon as there is no more brand on my back of bond in my veins.

I watch as he claps his hands together and looks at me, keen to change the subject. "I thought I would take you out onto the boat outside. The cabin has good heating and there will be a stunning view of the lake. If that interests you.

"Sounds good."

Part of me wants this over with, while the other is enjoying the time away from the institution. Plus, Alden hasn't been the worst company, despite my embarrassment when I walked in on him half naked.

It did leave me wondering however, who he managed to obtain such an incredible body. Does he work out often or is this something Alpha's are blessed with? Just thinking about it makes me want to slap myself. He's my Alpha doing me a favour. I shouldn't be drooling over his body...Disrespecting him with my insatiable thoughts, and all.