Mesmerised by the Alpha

Chapter 22. Rain and Roses

I woke up with a start, bolting upright in bed like someone had shouted my name. My heart was hammering in my chest, the sheets tangled around my legs. No dream that I could recall, just a strange prickling sense that something was… off. I glanced at the time—3:02am.

Sighing, I slipped out of bed, wrapped my dressing gown tightly around me and slid my feet into my slippers. My mouth was parched. I padded quietly down the corridor, the hotel eerily silent apart from the occasional creak of wood or distant rattle of a windowpane. The rain was still going strong, tapping steadily against the glass like impatient fingers.

Down in the bar area, I grabbed a bottle of water from the mini-fridge behind the counter. The coldness of the bottle felt good against my skin. As I turned to head back upstairs, something caught my eye out the window.

Two men, barely visible in the shadows, were making their way in from the woods. The ones from the red pick-up. One of them was laughing, slapping the other on the back as they approached one of the hotel’s rear entrances. They both had rifles slung across their backs. My eyes narrowed as I noticed one of them had blood splattered across the front of his shirt—he didn't look injured, just... bloodied.

I stood there frozen, a chill washing over me that had nothing to do with the storm outside. After they disappeared through the side entrance, I blinked hard, trying to convince myself I’d misinterpreted what I’d seen. Maybe it was an animal they’d been hunting. Maybe they were allowed to be doing whatever it was they were doing. Still, my gut twisted uncomfortably.

Back in my room, I climbed into bed but couldn’t shake the unease. Was it worth staying here all winter? When I’d applied for the position, the idea of escaping the city, of hibernating somewhere remote, had felt romantic. Peaceful. But now? Now I wasn’t so sure.

I eventually drifted off to sleep to the sound of rain thundering down on the roof above.

The next morning, the storm hadn’t let up. The sky was a flat, steely grey, and the rain was relentless. I got dressed in my workout clothes, packed a gym bag, and made my way down for a quick bite before heading into town.

Nate was sat alone in the corner of the dining room, sipping on a coffee. I grabbed some fresh fruit, yoghurt and apple juice and slid into the seat opposite him.

“You’re up early,” he said, offering a tired smile. “Sleep alright with all that racket last night?”

I nodded, shrugging. “I woke up around three but managed to settle down after grabbing some water. You?”

“Barely slept,” he admitted. “Probably going to crash later, but I’m lucky I can delegate most of the work today.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “There’s going to be a fair few people around—the new stained-glass window’s being fitted in the ballroom, and the carpenter’s finally showing up to sort the stairs. Hopefully that means Stella will stop biting people’s heads off.”

I smirked. “Fingers crossed.”

“I’ll be in and out all day,” he continued. “You around?”

“I’m heading into town for an exercise class. Might pop into the gym after. But I’ve got my phone on me. I’ll be back after lunch—I’m helping Daryl update the hotel’s booking system.”

“Good luck with that old thing,” Nate chuckled. “Have a good one, Jasmine.”

“You too.”

The drive into town was cautious. The roads were slick with rain and visibility was poor. I took my time, creeping along at a sensible pace until I pulled up outside the gym.

Inside, the trainer, Dean, was already stretching. I joined him, exchanging pleasantries while we warmed up. One by one, others arrived—most of them teens. I was surprised to see Nora among them.

“Jasmine! I didn’t expect to see you here,” she grinned.

“Same! What are you doing here?”

“This class is kind of compulsory,” she said casually, tying her hair back. “Part of the local curriculum.”

I blinked. “Compulsory self-defence?”

“It’s always been that way. Around here, it’s important to know how to protect yourself.”

That didn’t exactly settle my nerves, but I nodded. Fair enough. Can’t argue with wanting people to be safe.

When the room filled up, I realised I was one of the only adults there. Everyone else looked like they’d just finished school. I hesitated, pulling Dean aside.

“Are you sure I should stay? I feel like I’ve wandered into a teenage boot camp.”

He laughed, reassuring me. “These kids will run rings around you, trust me. They might be young, but they’ve been training since they could walk.”

And he wasn’t wrong.

The moment the class began, I was breathless. Fast, strong, coordinated—every single one of them knew exactly what they were doing. Even Nora was quick and strategic, showing me techniques to slip out of holds or disarm someone from behind. I was in awe.

“You’re amazing,” I told her, panting as we paused between drills.

She shrugged. “Still learning. We all start young.”

After class, the instructor patted my shoulder. “You did great, Jasmine. Keep at it.”

I beamed, deciding to skip the gym—my muscles were already aching. Instead, I wanted to head back to St Amstein, thinking a quick soak in the baths might help.

On my way out, I bumped—literally—into Theo. He caught my arm to steady me.

“Hey,” he said. “I've been trying to text you.”

“I know,” I replied, stepping back. “I just… I don’t want to get caught in the middle of whatever’s going on between you and Stella.”

He frowned. “Me and Stella? What are you talking about?”

I shook my head. “I’ve got to go.”

I didn’t wait for his reply. I ran to my car, the rain soaking through my jacket.

Back at the hotel, I went for a swim in the baths, letting the warm water ease my aching limbs. After showering and changing, I headed to reception.

The morning was quiet at first—until the delivery drivers and construction teams showed up all at once, dragging puddles and muddy footprints across the foyer. I spent most of the morning directing traffic, mopping up the floor, and answering questions.

Around midday, Daryl joined me to work on the new booking system. Kaci popped in halfway through with an update.

“They’ll be starting on reception soon—probably in the next couple of days.”

I groaned. “Alright. I’ll relocate. As long as I’ve got my laptop, files and work phone, I’ll cope.”

“We’ll help however we can,” Kaci promised.

When Daryl and I finished the worst of the booking system tweaks, we headed down for lunch. Dana was serving up hot soups and fresh bread rolls. Everyone gathered at the long table, chatting and laughing.

My phone buzzed.

Theo: What did you mean earlier?

As I stared at the message, Stella entered, tea in hand. She sat opposite me, making a show of brushing her hair over her shoulder—revealing the same damn hickey again.

I clenched my jaw and typed a reply.

I expected a bit of respect. Don’t text me when you’re hooking up with Stella. I think it’s best we keep things civil and platonic. Don’t worry about replying—I’m blocking your number.

I hit send. Then blocked him.

It hurt—more than I wanted to admit. I liked Theo. But if I was ever going to be with someone, they had to be better than this. Honest. Decent.

I forced a smile, joining in the banter at the table.

After lunch, I carried my plate to the bar to drop it off. Stella did the same—only she “accidentally” tripped, sending the rest of her soup all over my new cream cashmere jumper.

“Oh no!” she gasped. “Sorry—chair leg caught me.”

Sure it did.

Kaci swooped in like an avenging angel. “Come on, Jas. I’ve got something that’ll help. Head up to your room—I’ll grab it and bring it to you.”

Stella smirked. “You’d better be quick, Kaci. You haven’t got long left of your lunch break.”

Kaci rolled her eyes but didn’t rise to it. I walked off toward my room, heart still hammering with frustration. A moment later, there was a knock at the door.

“Here,” Kaci said, stepping in and handing me a small bottle of stain remover. “This’ll sort it.”

“Thanks, Kaci. I didn’t know if I wanted to cry or punch her.”

“I’d have cried,” she admitted with a half-smile. “But people like her feed off a reaction—best to starve them.”

She checked the time on her phone and groaned. “Right, I’d best get back before my break ends. Let me know if that stuff works.”

“Will do. Thanks again, Kaci.”

She gave me a quick smile before slipping out the door, leaving me alone.

I changed into another jumper, smoothing down the hem. Just as I turned to leave, something caught my eye.

A bouquet of flowers.

Lying in the centre of my bed.

Red roses… and jasmine.

No card. No note.

I looked around, heart thudding.

Who left them?