for the day, think about Alpha Callum, have lunch after completing some of my tasks, think about Alpha Callum again, complete the rest of the tasks

e a signal to sit and stay put. “He has a job to do.” “Night duties again?” I fiddled with the hem of my sweater sleeve, sitting down after a few seconds. This was the third time I had been there after all. “As always,” came her voice from the direction of the kitchen. Soon, she emerged, bearing a tray with two cups of tea. I took one gratefully from her as she handed it to me. “So,” she asked me after she took a sip from her cup, “How are you?” “Fine, how are you?” My reply was automatic. “You have to stop doing that, Ayana,” She flashed me a smile, shaking her head. “You do that a lot. You’re going to rip a hole into that if you don’t stop.” “Wha?” I looked inquisitively at her, and she gestured to my hands fiddling with the bottom hem of my sweater. “Sorry,” I dropped my hand from my sweater, clasping my hands on my lap instead. “Nothing to be sorry for,” she quipped. “I wanted to tell you something,” I said after a few comfortable seconds had passed. “About? You’re not having trouble with the other girls, are you?” I shook my head at her show of concern, smiling reassuringly at her. “It’s not about work, Em.” I paused, trying to gather my thoughts. I must have taken too long though, because Emily spoke. “Ayana, come on. Spit it out already. See, I’m trembling with anticipation,” she held out her hands and began to shake them. “I think I’m in love with Alpha Callum,” I said in a rush, willing myself to breathe afterwards. “Is that it?” she sighed, shaking her head at me again. I felt like I had missed something. “That’s not newsworthy, Ayana. Every woman in the pack- Hell, even women outside the pack – has had a crush on him one time or another.” “This isn’t a crush, Em,” I tried to defend myself, feeling put on the spot. “I don’t know how this happened, but I really think this is love.” “I see,” She sighed again. The 24-year old dropped her teacup on the tray and turned to me, giving me a look. “How long have you been here, Ayana? It can’t be more than a week right?” I nodded, frowning at her tone. I felt like she was scolding me for something. “And you met Alpha Callum on the day of your arrival, yeah?” “It was two days after,” I mumbled, shrinking as she tilted her head at my comment. She looked incredulous. “You mean to tell me that you only got to meet and speak with Alpha Callum five days ago, and you’re already in love with him?” I cringed, knowing I had not even spoken with Alpha Callum. He did not even notice me that day. Emily kept on speaking, trying to keep her voice calm but firm, “Ayana, please help me understand what you mean by love, because I don’t get it. You cannot fall in love with someone you have only just met. Unless there’s something you aren’t telling me.” I looked into her hazel eyes, shaking my head as I bit my lips, trying so hard not to tear up. She was right. Her expression softened as she held my gaze. “Ayana…” She took my hands, holding them in hers. “Let me remind you of s