Page 45 of A Chance at Redemption for the Alpha

“Yeah,” she says and shrugs. “Uncle Silas told me. And?”

“Nothing,” I mutter, confused.

Nova rolls her eyes at me. “You really need someone to pat your head constantly, don’t you?” she teases.

“Don’t worry, some girls find that cute,” Charlie tells me.

“Yeah?” I ask, not sure if I believe her. I hate my own insecurities, and I doubt many women find it appealing.

“Ella, my aunt, said that some people have that protective instinct in them,” Charlie explains.

“You do awaken my motherly instincts,” Nova agrees.

“That doesn’t sound appealing,” I point out. “I mean, who wants to bang someone who they think of as their innocent child or brother?”

I hold my breath the moment I’ve said it, hoping I didn’t overstep, but to my surprise, Charlie and Nova burst into laughter. Isla doesn’t react at all, but at least she doesn’t glare at me either.

“It’s really nothing bad,” Nova reassures me. “I told you, you are cute.”

“Yes,” Charlie agrees. “And you are pretty good-looking, too.”

“Are you two teasing me?” I ask, feeling flustered again.

“We mean it,” Nova says. “Don’t worry. You are fine. If you wanted, I could play wingman, or rather, wingwoman for you.”

At that, Isla’s eyes darken. Nova, who caught her gaze, furrows her brows. “Is something wrong?” she asks Isla.

“Everything’s okay,” Isla mutters.

My heart skips a beat. She didn’t like Nova offering to hit me up with someone, did she? Maybe there is still hope left. I wish I had my wolf to discuss this with, but as usual, he is silent, just sometimes stirring slightly.

“Nova!” Cassian calls from afar. “Can you join us for a moment? Marc wants to introduce you to some processes concerning the pack.”

“Coming!” Nova yells back.

“I am coming, too,” Charlie says. “I want to say hello to Uncle Marc. I will join you and Isla later, Benji.”

Again, my heart skips a beat. They are both leaving, meaning I am alone with my mate without anyone watching us or listening to what we talk about. I wait for Charlie and Nova to run off before turning to Isla, deciding to at least show my dedication and resolution. “Do you want to go for a walk?” I offer. “There is a beautiful sunflower field close by.”

Isla nods. “Yes,” she says.

I can’t believe my luck. I never thought she would agree. I make sure to lead her along a path that passes by the most beautiful places. I wonder if I should say something or start a conversation, but I am terrified of messing this up.

To my surprise, it’s Isla who disrupts the silence between us. “The scenery is beautiful,” she says, sounding genuine. “Alpha Cassian and Nova told me that there are a lot of fields and hills here. I didn’t quite believe it would be this picturesque.”

“That’s why it’s called Sunset Hills,” I explain. “It’s supposed to symbolize tomorrow, a bright future, with sunny hills and luscious fields.”

Isla nods, looking around in awe. She has been so hostile towards me ever since I met her, so I am genuinely surprised by her sudden change of mood. Maybe she is warming to me and the idea of being my mate?

We stop in front of the sunflower field, probably the most beautiful spot we have in the pack. Sheila is the one who plans out the flower fields here, together with one of the vampires. Their goal is to make it beautiful and romantic, and have some flowers throughout the whole year. The pack members are allowed to come and pick flowers to their liking to take them home, as long as they don’t overdo it.

“Amazing,” Isla exclaims. “It’s like a sea of yellow flowers.”

“I am glad you like it,” I say, turning to finally look at her.

Isla sighs. “Okay,” she says. “I have to tell you something.”

I swallow thickly, not sure what to make of her tone. “I will listen,” I promise.