Big Bad Alphas

Water pours down in thousands of warm drops; they drop by my side as I lean against the cool tiled wall. The steamy waters sensations make my surroundings look like a foggy illusion, almost thick enough to the point where it is hard to breathe. My knees threaten to buckle.

   My hair sticks to my face and neck like wet clothing as my hands glide down my cheeks. "Everything is alright," I mumble to myself. "She was just a mean little girl who wanted to hurt you because she was hurting herself."

   After working the conditioner into my hair and letting it soak in, I step under the current, letting it massage my scalp and upper back. "You're a caring, pretty, and lovable girl; you have a mate, you are not alone."

   "Isabella?"

   My eyes shoot open, but they do not see much through the steam. It is Eric. "Yes?" I hesitantly yell back.

   "Are you alright? Caroline said you were not feeling well."

   Damn. "I'm fine." My cheeks warm up in remembrance of his actions; the soft touch, the romantic gesture, but it was all for his own amusement. Does he like making me feel wanted, only to reject the idea later? Is this a game, and am I the pawn?

   No Isabella, that is Talia talking.

   "Alright, I'll be downstairs," he tells me before for, I assume, leaving the room.

   After a few more minutes in the shower, I cut off the water and wrap myself in one of the many towels. The mirror is clouded over, not letting me see an inch of my reflection, but only blurs.

   Thinking that Eric is downstairs, I swing the bathroom door open wide to let the steam air out. I return to the counter with the towel secured around my body, covering all that should be covered. The mirror begins to clear at the edges, and I decide to grab my clothes as I wait.

   Heading across the hall, I briefly enter the guest room and the closet to grab my pajamas, as I feel like staying home for the rest of the day—unless Caroline calls. With my things in hand, I mindlessly step out and close the door behind me before walking back to the bedroom.

   Just as I slip back in, I jump, and my heart suffers a minor attack at the sight of Eric standing in the center of the room. Breathing heavily, I try to calm the racing beats. "You scared me," I murmur and lean against the wall.

I notice him staring at me harshly. "What

now tiny elves yanking it

slide down the door and hit the bathroom floor. Tears threaten to spray from my eyes like

the other side. "That was my fault; I came back upstairs to tell

my cheek, then another, then another. "Why are you such a mess?" I whisper. "She got in my

do you need me to leave the

to sound okay, "No, I'll be out

eyes then walk out the door. Eric is sitting on the bed, and

on me.

just from the shower; I'm

bothering you, Isabella?" Eric asks carefully, not coming on

I bite on the inside of my cheek. "Nothing is bothering me, I'm just...tired, so I think I'm going

and pull back the covers. Eric is still sat on the end, but he turns to

headboard. "You were

comes up and sits down beside

My palms turn clammy and my anxiety skyrockets from our closeness. "I-I told you I was an open book." Eric gives me a certain look, almost telling me that he knows I am lying. Not knowing what to say, I try to turn the pressure on him. "How about you go first, so I have

"Something that you don't know," he says lightly. "How about

My cheeks are invaded by a fearsome rosy, pink. "I don't know what you're talking about," I lie again, not wanting to dive

tell me why

about... I'll tell you before I die," I mumble, annoyed by the weakness in

Eric takes my hands and holds them between his, causing me to let out a short laugh, almost cursing myself. I sniffle, praying to the moon goddess that I do not break down in front of Eric like a child. "It's stupid, foolish actually, and I do not know how to explain myself without

word, "Though, I find it hard to believe that any of your worries are

past has come back to bite me today, and I don't know why I let it get to me. I'm