The Secret Sanctuary
520 Words
Chloe slipped out of the Sterling Estate unnoticed.
The morning streets of Holloway City were quiet, the sunlight dappling through the trees. She had initially dialed Julian’s number, but she’d hung up before it even rang. The "Mrs. Sterling" title felt like a moral shackle. Even if the marriage was a lie, she couldn't bring herself to run to another man to complain about her husband.
She was wandering aimlessly when a familiar voice broke through her thoughts.
"A bit early for a stroll, isn't it, Chloe?"
She spun around. Julian Thorne was standing outside a small, corner coffee shop, holding two cups. He looked effortless in the morning light, his smile gentle.
"Julian," she said, forcing a smile. "What are you doing here?"
"Just passing through," he lied smoothly, handing her a cup. "Cappuccino. I’ve been told it’s the universal favorite."
Chloe took it, their fingers brushing. His skin was unusually cool.
"Thank you," she murmured. "For the coffee... and for everything you did online."
Julian shook his head. "I should be the one apologizing. If I had been faster, you wouldn't have had to endure a single insult. A responsible Alpha shouldn't let his—" He caught himself, smiling. "A responsible man shouldn't let those he cares about get hurt."
"You didn't sleep either, did you?" Chloe asked, noticing the slight tension in his eyes.
"I have something to show you," Julian said, his eyes crinkling. "Somewhere that might make you feel better."
"Where?"
"My secret sanctuary."
Julian took her hand, his grip warm and firm. Chloe hesitated for a heartbeat before letting him lead her away.
He led her through a series of narrow alleys, stopping in front of an unassuming little bakery. The sign featured a simple hand-drawn apple, and the linen curtains behind the glass suggested a warm, hidden world.
"It’s not open yet," Chloe noted.
Julian smiled, pulling a key from his pocket. "It opens for you."
The interior was a world away from the cold marble of the Sterling or Vance estates. The walls were covered in clumsy, charming children’s drawings, and the counter was filled with delicate pastries shaped like forest animals.
Julian pulled a small cake from the refrigerator, a few mismatched candles stuck into the frosting.
"A victory party," he said, lighting a candle. "To celebrate... you almost calling me this morning." He gave her a playful look. "If you’d waited half a second longer, I would have answered on the first ring."
Chloe looked at the cake. The ingredients were clearly high-end, but the frosting was uneven, the edges slightly jagged.
"It’s not the skill," Julian whispered, his voice dropping as he tried to hide his right arm behind his back. "It’s... the mobility."
Chloe’s heart twisted. His right arm was still injured from his fight with the Hyena Shifter. Despite the pain, he had spent the morning trying to bake this for her. Every raspberry had been carefully de-stemmed and arranged like a flower to hide the places where his steady hand had failed him.
"Try it?" Julian asked, his eyes full of hope.
"Yes," Chloe whispered.
- Writer
