Page 61 of One Nightstand With My Ex's Uncle

JOHN’S POV.

As the car drove, racing along the busy streets of L. A, my head lolled from side to side.

It was embarrassing, but I couldn’t help it. Throughout that month, I couldn’t recall a night when I got adequate sleep. The days were hot and stressful, the nights busy and restless.

I had to meet all the boring people in the world, who gave me lectures on being a strong Alpha, and leader of the pack even though I never signed up for it. Nor did I go to them to receive lectures.

I was taught about the full history of the sculpture from each elder I met. So many days, I was forced to keep them company under the pretense that I was being schooled for a good reason, and not just because they were bored.

The worst part was moving from town to town. They said I had to locate the graves of the previous Alphas. I had to take the sand and stone from a hundred previous Alphas’ graves.

That had seemed impossible, but they told me I couldn’t back out, so I went from town and town, carrying out findings along with a guy who seemed to be a student of the elders.

It wasn’t too hard to find all the graves, except the ones who had died centuries ago, and the worst part was moving from town to town, and going to the cemeteries night after night.

When I was done, I was told the sand and stones I had acquired would also be used in making the sculpture I thought they had already made.

I discussed with my father, and he said I shouldn’t bother about keeping the sculpture once it was made. He said it would be in his place, and that was fine with me.

The month had been stressful for me, and upon hearing I was going home, I was overjoyed, and suddenly feeling more tired and drained.

When I got down from the car, and felt the air circulate around me, I realized the true meaning of relief. I took a quick glance at the other mansions, and walked into mine.

I was too tired to think of informing the family I was around. My rest was the most important thing at the moment.

The maids all bowed to me, with smiles on their faces.

“I’m hungry. I need something really good.” I said to them, as I walked into the living room.

Taking off my coat was the first thing I did, throwing it against a sofa. Whoever saw it would know I had returned.

“Prepare a bath for me.” I said to a maid, who bowed and immediately ran up the stairs, preceding me to my room.

I went after her, and when I walked into my room, I could hear the refreshing sound of running water.

My room was as clean as I left it. I nodded to myself perceiving that they cleaned it daily, even in my absence.

The maid came out of my bathroom, and looked away at the sight of my bare chest. I walked past her into the bathroom, and gave a deep sigh, as I stepped into the tub.

It was beyond refreshing to be in my own bathroom.

After bathing and feeling refreshed, I changed into casual clothes, and went down to the dining room, and sat.

I only needed to wait a few minutes before I was served attractive-looking Sun dried tomato goat cheese crustless quiche.

“Hm.” I hummed, taking in the beautiful aroma. Next to it were peppers, onions, mushrooms, and egg whites.

I ate satisfactorily without any distractions, and when I was done, I sent for Emily, knowing she was aware I was around.

She came down, wearing a white shirt, and a black skirt.

“Good morning, Mr. Granger.” She greeted, looking as formal as she could. She didn’t look at all happy to see me, or excited.

Did she really lose all her love for me? I thought she was just hurt, angry, and playing hard to get. Was she not?

“I want a report on all the clients who agreed to wait for me. How they want to meet up, when and where. Katie’s going to bring my work schedule when I see her, and I need to know how to fit them in.” I said, and she bowed, before leaving to get the report.

She returned shortly, and I pulled up a chair next to me for her to sit.

She sat, and began to explain the report without looking at me.

I stared at her, and couldn’t stop. I couldn’t even listen to what she was saying. Her fair skin seemed to glow, and I had the urge to push back the little curls of hair at her nape.

Her ear was ever little, and cute. Those eyes… those eyes I stared into every night. I never knew those eyes could look so cold, or that the coldness could be directed at me.

It felt like she’d look at me, laugh and push me away, telling me not to make her blush.

But there wasn’t even a sign of a blush on her face. She wasn’t feeling anything even with how close I was.

She shone so bright in that moment that I didn’t know when I smiled.

Emily was mine. She just didn’t know it yet. She was going to come back to me, and if she did so quickly, then I would accept her quickly, and wouldn’t torment her with it.

Shortly, Katie came from the hall on the right.

“Welcome.” She said, with a little bow. It was obvious she hadn’t been expecting me, for she was dressed in a sweatshirt, and jeans.

“You don’t look happy to see me.” I teased, but she didn’t smile.

“Why wouldn’t I be happy?” She asked, but it was confirmed that she wasn’t pleased to see me. Was she enjoying the house alone with Lucas? Did she think she stood a chance with him?

“You may leave.” I said to Emily, who seemed too eager to leave. She left the reports and went upstairs immediately.

I watched her leave, and when she was out of sight, I turned back to Katie, and stood.

She didn’t show any sign of emotion on her face, and I hated it. It seemed like no one wanted me back. They preferred Lucas.

“Where’s your crush?” I asked, walking towards her.

“On a business trip.”

“He seems to always be absent whenever I’m present, isn’t it?” I asked, going around her, and tucking her shoulder-length hair behind her ear.

“Bad timing.” She replied curtly, and I chuckled.

“Indeed. His trips are always wrongly timed. So, you know, I’ve been away from the house for a full month, and also away from women.” I began, putting an arm around her, but she stepped away, and turned to face me.

“Yes, you’ve been away for a month, and despite putting me in charge, you have a lot to do because I have been unable to manage my hectic tasks along with yours. I believe you’ve eaten, and would be strong enough to listen to a full report on everything that happened in your absence.” She said, robotically, and I scoffed.

“Katie, Katie… what does this mean?” I asked, and she raised a brow.

“Exactly what it means, John—Work.” She replied, and I hated the cold, unfeeling look in her eyes. Did everyone learn to look at me that way?

“What if I do not want to work?”

“Then I guess I can take my leave.” She replied.

“I mean I want something else.”

“And what is that?” She asked, with a slight sign of irritation in her eyes.

“Do I have to spit it out?”

“I believe that’s the only way I can understand you.” She replied with a sigh.

“I need you to tend my bed. Sleep with me. I’ve been away from women for a whole month. Go to my room, and take off your clothes.” I said, with gritted teeth.

“No,” She said flatly.

“I will… Wait, what? No?”

“No.” She said, even more strongly.

What the heck was happening?