Page 27 of Broken Souls

“Sure.”

We sit at the table and eat.

“What are you doing today?” he asks, bringing a spoonful to his mouth.

“School.”

“Oh, I forgot about that. So you won't be home till tonight?”

“In the afternoon. What are you doing for the day?” I ask.

“Same thing I do every day; workout vigorously for hours then stare aimlessly at paperwork,” he says monotone.

“You still do pack work?” I frown. I thought he was completely withdrawn from the pack.

“Yeah, I mean Dash and my third, Brian, take care of the important stuff. I just do the slack work to keep me busy. I thought now I would have you to spend time with during the day but you have school,” he says the last sentence quietly.

“I... could stay home, if you want me to,” I suggest.

“You should go to school. I can just call Dash to come over till you're home.”

We finish up with our food and place our dishes in the sink. Before I can excuse myself to get ready for school, Axe grabs my waist. He leans down and kisses me sweetly. Every time his lips touch mine, I don't want him to let go.

“After school, I want to talk about your boundaries, sexually.” His words send nerves through me. He must see it because he adds, “Don't worry. I will wait as long as you tell me to. I just want to know if I'm allowed to touch you.”

“Oh, it's just...” I pause.

“Go on,” he insists.

“I don't want anyone to see my body while it's still covered in bruises. Maybe we can wait until I feel somewhat positive about my body.”

“Elora.” Axe lifts my chin to look at him. “I've already seen your bruises. I agree we should wait till they're healed. But I don't want you to ever put yourself down about your body. Your petite figure would drive any man crazy.”

“Thank you.” I drop my head against his chest, wrapping my arms tightly around him.

“For what?”

“For treating me good,” I whisper, feeling overwhelmed.

I still don't understand why an alpha respects me when he's the highest and most superior member of the pack. I should definitely ask him one day. He wraps his massive arms around my small frame. I never want to leave this embrace. I feel his arms are my protective shield.

***

When I get to school, a constant frown sets on my face. Axe's home is my haven. Now being at school, it feels odd. Going from safety to havoc. Only a few more months till I'm done with this place. Exams are coming up and shortly after, school is over. Then there's some time off, waiting for HSC results, then the graduation night.

After homeroom, I'm walking to my first class and I overhear a conversation between Joel and Jenna. Even though I shouldn't care, I listen. They're always sneaking around sides of buildings, so they won't see me.

“I can't believe you're considering this.” Joel sounds exasperated. “I thought we had agreed on...”

“It's time to be real. You can't blame me for this. Once high school is over, my real life will start,” Jenna interrupts him.

“Am I a part of that real life?” Joel questions angrily.

“Baby, I don't want to fight. Let's just take it easy until...”

“Until! Are you fucking kidding me? If this is the way you feel, we might as well break up now,” Joel cuts her off.

“I don't want to break up. I'm just... please, Joel. Why can't you understand this?” Jenna sighs.