El finishes cleaning the dining room, wiping every surface twice even though it’s already spotless. Her hands shake the entire time. She keeps replaying the moment she spilled water on him, the way he grabbed her wrist, the way he walked away.
She returns to the table and places a folded note where he’ll see it.
Sir,
There is another plate in the fridge and more pie if you are hungry.
I am sorry I keep displeasing you. I will do better.
I know it is not your job as Alpha to tell me how to do my job.
But if you could tell me how I could better serve you, I will do it.
I want to stay.
–El
She leaves the Alpha House quietly and walks back to her cottage. The night air is cool, but her face is hot from embarrassment.
Inside, she slips off her dress and folds it carefully.
“I need to
