Mesmerised by the Alpha

Chapter 15. Calm Before the Storm

I woke groggily, tangled in my duvet after another restless night. I’d tossed and turned for hours, unable to shut off the spinning thoughts and uneasy feelings that had started to take root in my chest. Maybe it was the bloody clothes in the laundry. Maybe it was seeing that door ajar—or what I thought I saw darting through the trees.

But it was morning now. Time to pull myself together.

I threw on some active wear—leggings and a breathable tank top—tied my hair into a ponytail, and headed downstairs to the bar area, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. The scent of fresh coffee hit me before I even reached the counter, and I sighed in relief. Dana had left a plate of warm croissants under a cloth, and I gratefully grabbed one, letting the flaky pastry melt on my tongue.

Just as I was about to enjoy the peace, my work phone buzzed. Someone was at the front gates. Already?

I checked the time—6:54 AM. It was the weekend. What on earth?

I answered with a yawn in my voice. “Jasmine speaking.”

“Morning,” a voice replied, half apologetic. “We’ve got another load coming in. Had to start weekend shifts—there’s a storm due next week and the higher-ups want to get everything on-site before the snow hits. Looks like winter’s coming early this year.”

I blinked. “That soon?”

“Forecast says mid-week. We’re pushing to get it all done before we get snowed in.”

I nodded slowly, even though he couldn’t see me. “Alright. I’ll open the gates now. Please check in at reception when you arrive.”

As I hung up, I tapped out a quick message to Nate:

More workers arriving. Said they’re trying to beat an early storm.

His reply came within seconds.

Got it. I’ll sort it. Thanks.

The quiet morning was over. I drained my coffee and headed to the gym.

I was early—Daryl and Jordan weren’t there yet. I stretched my arms, trying to loosen the tension in my shoulders, and pulled up the CCTV feed on my phone. Nate was already outside, talking to the familiar red pickup-truck crew. Today, though, something was different. The back of the truck was covered—and not very well. I could’ve sworn I saw something shift underneath the tarp.

My eyebrows furrowed. Was that… movement?

Before I could look closer, the gym door creaked open and Daryl and Jordan strolled in, both looking like they'd only just crawled out of bed.

“Sorry we’re late,” Jordan said with a sheepish grin. “We ended up in the games room last night with a few of the others. Didn’t realise it was 2am until we left.”

Daryl chuckled and clapped my shoulder. “But we’re here now. Let’s get started.”

The session flew by. The moves were starting to come easier, my body remembering the steps before my mind caught up. I even managed to throw Jordan to the mat once—though he let me, I was sure of it.

As we cooled down, I mentioned the storm. “Apparently it’s meant to hit next week. Snow and all.”

Jordan groaned. “That means more chaos. They were hoping to wrap everything before then so most of the crew could get out before the roads are blocked.”

Daryl nodded. “If you want to keep training, there’s a gym in Elmridge. Good place. You know the basics now—you just need practice.”

“I’ll check it out,” I said, already planning to pop by today. “Thanks again. I’ll see you both later at the BBQ?”

Jordan smirked. “Wouldn’t miss it.”

Back in my room, I showered quickly and stepped back into the bedroom wrapped in a towel. The sunlight poured in through the window, deceptively warm-looking. It had been like that all week—summer sunshine in the day, but the evenings carried the bite of autumn. I pulled on a white T-shirt, denim skirt and my trusty Converse, grabbing my bag and heading downstairs.

As I rounded the corner into the main hallway, I nearly bumped into Dana.

“Hey!” she said brightly. “Heading into town?”

“Yeah, just grabbing a few things before the BBQ.”

“I’ll come too—need more stuff for my sauce. I’m not having Nate ruin my ribs with that bottled rubbish again.”

We chuckled as we made our way to her car. As we pulled out onto the mountain road, Dana gave the road a wary glance.

“No more deer today, please,” she muttered. “I’m still not over the last one we saw.”

I grimaced in agreement. “Let’s hope not… although, if it happens again, we might as well throw it on the grill—nothing says rustic charm like roadkill barbecue!” I laughed, and Dana snorted mid-sip from her water bottle, nearly swerving off the road.

Town was bustling. At the supermarket, Dana darted off like a woman possessed, chucking jars and spices into her trolley with frightening efficiency. I laughed to myself, still in awe of how chaotic and brilliant she was.

As I rounded the corner of the chilled aisle, I spotted a familiar face—Nora, with a small boy beside her, carefully inspecting the sweets.

“Nora!” I waved.

She turned and smiled. “Jasmine—hey!”

“This is Ashton,” she said, gently nudging the boy. He gave me a shy wave and quickly turned away, distracted by a display of jelly snakes.

“He doesn’t talk much,” Nora added softly. “Since… everything happened. He only speaks to me and Theo. Never in front of others.”

I nodded, heart aching for her. “There’s nothing to apologise for. When my mum passed—I didn’t want to talk to anyone either. Not for a long time.”

Her eyes softened. “He saw it happen. I think it broke something inside.”

“You’re doing great,” I said sincerely. “You and Theo. As long as you’re there for him, he’ll find his way.”

Dana wheeled over just then, her trolley now overflowing. “You two done gabbing yet?” she grinned. Then her eyes landed on Ashton. “You guys fancy coming to the BBQ?”

Nora looked unsure, but Ashton’s eyes lit up. He tugged on her sleeve, his silent plea unmistakable.

“Come whenever,” Dana said warmly. “No pressure. There’ll be food, music, sun… and I won’t let anyone bother you.”

Nora nodded, touched. “Alright. We’ll try.”

As they left, I leaned closer to Dana. “Do you think Nate will mind? He wasn't too happy when I asked if Theo could join me for lunch the other day..”

She rolled her eyes. “Nate? He’s just jealous.”

I snorted. “Of Theo? He’s got Stella.”

“Exactly. And Stella’s got everyone. She only wants Nate because he’s not interested.”

That took me by surprise. “You think so?”

“I know so.” Dana winked. “Anyway, I’m headed to the café. Meet you there in 30? Coffee’s on me.”

I agreed and set off toward the gym. The place wasn’t hard to find, and inside I met a friendly receptionist who told me I could peek in on the current class.

I slipped into the back of the room—and froze.

The instructor was massive. Built like a professional wrestler, with arms the size of tree trunks and a voice that echoed off the walls. He barked orders, and two people moved to the front. The woman flipped the man onto the mat like he weighed nothing. Everyone clapped. I couldn’t help but join in.

The instructor spotted me and made his way over.

“You’re new,” he said, smiling warmly. “I’m Dean.”

“Jasmine,” I replied. “That was… amazing. I’d love to sign up. But maybe something a little… gentler?”

He laughed. “Well, you can't get any more gentle than this! Seeing as this is the beginners’ class. Don’t worry though, we’ll ease you in.”

I smiled. “You seem intimidating, but you’re actually kind of lovely.”

“Don’t ruin my reputation,” he joked.

I signed up immediately, my heart lighter than it had been in days. Maybe everything was chaos right now, but I was finding my feet. Bit by bit.

As I headed toward the café to meet Dana, the autumn breeze swirled through the streets, the sun warming my skin. The storm might be coming—but for now, it was still sunshine.