The Alpha And Her Tinkerer

7_Stay Away From Hayden

Hayden POV

The cool, crisp morning air dries the sweat on my back and chest as I run through the woods. I miss having a wolf. I miss running every day with the wind in my fur, the extra speed and agility. I will always hope and pray that my wolf one day returns, but, for now, I run like a puny human training for a marathon.

I did not sleep well last night. Every time I fell asleep, I was haunted by Reeva. Yes, I realised she was pretty when I found her, but she knocked the wind out of me when our eyes connected. I have never experienced anything like it. Just being around her makes me all stupid.

This kick-me-in-the-gut attraction is idiotic, anyway. Reeva is gorgeous and strong, but she is also rude and unpleasant. Not my type at all. I like women who are kind and friendly.

So, after tossing and turning for hours, I got up and started running. And it helped. It cleared my head and helped me figure out what is going on with me. It is not about Reeva; it is about me and my wolf. When I found her, my wolf stirred, and that makes me think, and hope, that she is the key to my wolf awakening.

“Hey, mister Warner,” ten-year-old Henry on his bicycle calls, and I wave as I run past him. His mother, Mia, and I are good friends, and I see them often.

“Wait,” he shouts, peddling faster, and I stop.

“What’s up, Scooter?” I pant, catching my breath. Scooter is always on his bike. I would not be surprised if he slept with it, too. Hench, the nickname.

“There are people at your house,” he says, his freckles moving as he wiggles his nose with the back of his hand. “And they look angry and mean.”

“You shouldn’t judge a book by its cover,” I smile, ruffling his hair. My mind instantly jumped to Brian, but I do not want to involve Henry. “They might look mean, but they could be friendly.”

“Nah, they’re mean,” he replies, fixing his hair. “They used a lot of grown-up words, and they kicked in your front door, and I saw ...”

“Wait,” I cut him off, holding up my hands. “What were you doing at my house?"

“Driving by,” he shrugs. “And I saw Brian. Mom says he’s up to no good, and I should stay away from him.”

“Your mother’s right,” I exhale deeply. “Don’t go near them, okay?”

“I know,” he replies, rolling his eyes. “I’m ten, I’m not a baby anymore.”

“You’re right, I’m sorry,” I say, trying not to smile, even though the situation is not funny.

“I’m going home now,” Henry announces. “But you shouldn’t. It doesn’t look like Brian is leaving soon.”

“How can you tell?” I ask, curiously.

“They were there since last night,” he shouts over his shoulder as he paddles away.

Reeva POV

I am pleasantly surprised to see a clean shirt and jeans on the dresser when I wake up. I am even happier when it is the right size. Beside it is a bag of toiletries and a note inviting me to have a shower. Whoever this Greta is, she is an angel.

“Yes, please,” I mutter, grabbing the toiletries and finding the adjacent bathroom.

I enjoy the most luxurious shower I have ever had and feel a thousand times better once I am done. I dress, make the bed, and follow the noises towards the kitchen. The oldest woman I have ever seen is standing behind the stove, cooking.

“Good morning, Alpha,” the woman says when she sees me standing in the doorway.

“How did you know?” I ask, flabbergasted. I have not told Hayden who I am or where I am from. How can she possibly know?

“I saw the mark,” she replies with a smile.

“What mark?” Hayden asks behind me, and I swing around in surprise.

He is shirtless, and tiny beads of sweat glisten on his chest. Dear Goddess, the man is gorgeous.

“My tattoo,” I reply quickly, tearing my eyes away from his beautiful body. Now is not the time and place to drool over a man. I am done with men and romance. Also, I do not want to talk about my past. Actually, I cannot talk about it. Just thinking about it makes my heart clench, and I must swallow tears. I lost my baby, and nothing can fix that.

“Oh, yeah,” Hayden nods. “I saw it when I found you. Do you know what’s interesting? It’s similar to my dad’s tattoo.”

“What?” I gape at him. If his dad has the same tattoo, it means Hayden is the Redbeech Alpha’s son. But, if he is the alpha’s son, why are pack members assaulting him? How can they get away with it?

“Yup,” he shrugs. “It’s uncanny. You two must’ve visited the same artist.”

He chuckles at his own joke, and I look at Greta, but she keeps herself busy with breakfast. I am grateful for her discretion, but I am also curious as to why she does not say anything.

“Go clean up, Hayden,” Greta says. “Breakfast is almost done.”

“Can I help you with anything?” I ask as Hayden leaves. I am used to Omegas serving me, but I feel awkward for not helping, especially since she took care of me.

“You can by staying away from Hayden,” she replies, catching me off guard.

“Excuse me?” I frown.

“You heard me,” she replies, looking sternly at me. “I saw the way you looked at him.”

“Look, I’m not blind,” I laugh humourlessly. “The man is gorgeous, but just because I’m looking, doesn’t mean I’m going to do something about it. I have no interest in pursuing any man.”

“Hayden has a heart of gold and is the kindest man I know,” Greta continues as if I had not said anything. “It is a miracle that he still cares the way he does with his past. I hate to see him hurt, and I will protect him at all costs.”

“I just said I’m not interested,” I protest, irritated by her speech as if I am some hussy or gold digger. Not that Hayden has gold to dig, but still.

“Keep it that way,” Greta answers, her eyes blazing with something that makes me cringe. “Or you and I will revisit this conversation.”