The Code of The Alpha

Chapter Fourteen - Running in the Rain

Luca walked through the door and closed it behind him, his attention immediately drawn to where Bates and I were sitting at the countertop.

"What are you doing here?" He asked Bates.

Bates held up his spoon.

"Eating cereal."

Luca raised an eyebrow and Bates sighed, pointing towards the boxes.

"I brought those over."

"And you just thought you'd stay for breakfast?" Luca asked sternly.

Someone's still in a mood.

"I offered breakfast to him," I interjected. "I appreciated the company."

The last part was a petty jab in Luca's direction and the air grew thick with tension after I'd delivered it.

It wasn't a lie, though. Bates was the only one I'd had contact with besides Fallon and I'd hardly count someone screaming at you to duck and dodge as a pleasant interaction.

"What are these?" Luca asked, walking over to the packages.

"They're my clothes," I informed him.

"They came this morning?" He asked Bates, ignoring me.

Bates nodded awkwardly, sensing he was in the center of tension.

"You had them run through security before you brought them over, correct?" Luca asked him.

"No, I figured you wouldn't want your mate's lingerie being aired out by the guys on Lincoln's team."

Luca rolled his eyes before beginning to walk away, into the living room and towards his bedroom.

"Well, we don't have to wonder who's on the lead float in the Bitch Parade, do we?" Bates asked under his breath.

I narrowly avoided spewing almond milk all over the countertop in front of me as I covered my mouth in an attempt to conceal my laughter.

"You're gunna get me in more trouble," Bates scolded, despite holding back laughter as well.

We both finished our cereal in silence before Bates decided it was best that he leave.

I couldn't blame him. The whole house was under a dark cloud. I wished I could escape it too.

Maybe I can, I thought.

Hopping off the stool, I walked over to a box I had previously opened. Inside were a few pairs of gym shorts and running tanks.

As much as I dreaded the thought of running the steep Montana hills, it sounded more appealing than staying in the house all day.

I began to grab each box and take them upstairs, placing them all in the guest bedroom to be unpacked later.

I quickly changed into a sports bra, tank top and nylon-spandex shorts. After pulling on my socks, I went downstairs to find my tennis shoes.