Chapter 9
~Abella
It seems Alpha Noah is all the more frightening the second time around.
He’s the other mystery in my life. This mystery, however, has supplied me with a job, and although I’m still skeptical about how I came to get this job, I’m going to take it without asking anymore questions. The fact that Cian is so adamant I shouldn’t take it to the point he made me purposefully late, only makes me want it more.
That is, if Alpha Noah still wants me to have this job. Being late on the first day is never acceptable, especially in a place like this.
He steps into the room, looking different to how I remember him. Are his eyes greener, hair darker this time? He doesn’t seem angry, however, his impassive expression is giving me room to wonder what is going on inside his head.
He silently settles down into his seat.
“I know it’s the excuse of anyone who would be late, but it really wasn’t my fault,” I blurt out, before he even had the chance to say anything himself. He doesn’t react, aside from the slight furrow of his brow, which almost seems to darken the shade of those emerald green eyes.
Noah takes his time in responding. “I was on my way to an important meeting when I was alerted that you were late. I thought since I personally decided to hire you, it was my duty to address what has happened this morning.”
Despite not truly wanting this job to begin with, it almost seems to hurt knowing I’m about to be fired. Especially by an Alpha…
I’ll never get another job again.
“My town is far from here, and I got up early in time, but when I went out to get my taxi, it had been sent away by this guy… I know it doesn’t sound believable,” I exasperate. I feel foolish for trying to explain myself. My life has been so crazed recently, even I don’t believe what has happened to me.
Noah’s eyes narrow for a single moment. Oddly enough, I notice how well dressed he is. Whatever this meeting is, it is of serious importance. He is dressed neatly in a well tailored back dress shirt and pants. It’s for Alpha business, I’m sure.
“Why would someone send your taxi away?” Noah asks, not quite grasping the story I’m attempting to portray. I don’t blame him. It doesn’t sound very believable.
I consider how best to approach the conversation.
“There’s this guy, who I believe thinks that just because he saved me from stalker, I owe him something. He didn’t want me to take this job, and when I was forced to get a ride from him, he purposefully made me late,” I explain uneasily.
For a moment, I swear I see a flicker of anger in his eyes. It haunts me, as I realise he’s genuinely unhappy that I showed up late today, no matter what my excuse is.
“Does this man’s name happen to be Cian?” he asks, concentrating his gaze on me so intently it makes me want to look away. Instead, I let all the information slap me in my face. Noah knows Cian. I had a feeling that these two events happened together, is such quick succession, it couldn’t have been natural.
“Yes, that’s his name,” I say warily.
Noah seems to think, as though hearing Cian’s name is troubling him deeply. Suddenly, the room around me feels as though is closing in on me, like secrets are being kept from me that were never meant to be leaked. By the look on Noah’s face, he doesn’t seem to be jumping at the opportunity to tell me anything.
“Don’t worry. There will be no penalty for being late. However, I do believe that you living so far from here is a detriment to your work. I have accommodation for you on sight,’ he tells me, giving me no open to turn him down.
I can’t help but gape at him. For a job, I’m expected to give up the life that I had back home for one here, on this estate?
“I can’t accept that, I’m sorry.”
Noah seems impatient, as he gets up from his seat, presumably bothered he isn’t yet at this important meeting. “In order for you to take this job, it is important you take this accommodation opportunity. I promise you will will be paid better than anything you have been paid before. I can assure you.”
I want to turn him down again, but my voice gets stuck in my throat, giving him another option to speak again. “I have to go. Heather outside will speak to you about your first shift. Maybe later you can let me know if you accept your offer.”
Sitting here, I watch him leave, no longer acknowledging me. I’m left with a million questions he has refused to answer. But one sticks to my mind most.
How does he know Cian?
Heather, the woman who seemingly hates me beyond belief, greeted me as I walked outside with a raised eyebrow. I can tell how desperately she wants to ask what Noah and I spoke about.
“Well, where do I start?” I ask her.
Heather narrows her dark eyes on me, her jaw clenched. She thought I would lose my job, and clearly wanted me to, as she reluctantly leads me to the mailroom. A table stands in the middle, a variety of mail spread across it, sorting bins next to it. This is an intimidating sight. Who knows if I will ever get this right.
“All of the love letters to Noah go straight in the trash,” Heather instructions. She picks up an envelope with a lipstick stain on it, before she tosses is into bin. “There is a list of important people whose mail can be sent directly to Noah.”
I approach the table nervously, as Heather throws me a pair of gloves. “If any of this seems suspicious… good luck.”
With that, she leaves.
Loosening a breath, I stare at the table of mail waiting for me. Maybe Noah is right with what he first said to me about not being able to find anyone for the job. Who would want to do this, when any of these packages could contain something to kill me.
My mind, however, is sifting through all that has happened today. Noah is very dismissive and distracted all the time, whereas Cian is in my face, demanding attention at all times. They have nothing in common, so how do they know each other? Cian snuck his way into my life, so maybe he did the same to the Alpha.
A persistent nagging in my stomach gives me the feeling that something else is going on behind my back, that I don’t know about.
Maybe working here means I’ll be able to find out.
Picking up a rather thick envelope, I notice it’s not been sent from an address off the list I was supplied. Lifting it to my nose, I realise it smells sweet. This must be one of the love letters Noah gets sent. It’s almost sad, knowing there are doting girls out there that see the attractive Alpha on TV, write a letter only to have it thrown away.
I mean, if it’s getting thrown away, I don’t see why anyone would be offended if I had a look. I’m curious about the minds of those who lust after their Alpha.
Glancing over my shoulder, I ensure no one is watching.
Inside the envelope, once I’ve torn into it, petals fall out form it, fluttering to the ground. Pulling out the letter tucked inside, I fold it out, reading the beautiful handwriting displayed upon the rose tinted page.
Alpha,
I somehow doubt you will get this letter, but it’s worth a try.
You visited my village a week ago, and I can’t stop thinking about you. It was only a glimpse, but you’re so much more handsome in person.Content is property of NôvelDrama.Org.
I hear all the girls at school whisper about you, but I doubt you gave them the feeling you gave me. It was special.
A boy even asked me on a date, but I’m saving myself for you.
I hope you contact me. I would love to maybe meet you in person, maybe even touch you, just once.
My mother always says one touch can change your life…
Love, Emma
Putting the letter down, I think about it for a moment. Does Noah even care that there are girls out there that are wasting their life away waiting for him to be interested in them, when he never will be.
Tearing open another, I pull out another letter. This one is much shorter, written messier.
Alpha Noah,
I’m furious, I hope you know.
Are these rumours about you and your assistant being together true?? Do you know how long I’ve been waiting for you to come to my town, to notice me?
She’s hideous, truly. She looks wicked, evil with her pointy nose and horrendous hairline.
I hope you end it soon.
There is no name underneath.
The rumour may or not be true, but it surely has bothered this girl. The first one, by the tone of her letter, has yet to hear about this rumour. Either way, this is ridiculous. Noah mustn’t have any idea about these girls. That saddens me.
I won’t let anymore get thrown away. I’m going to take these up to him, and demand he acknowledges them.
Because I know what it feels like to be in love with someone who doesn’t love you.