The Biker Alpha Who Became My Second Chance Mate Chapter 20

The next morning, I wake up feeling like I might crawl out of my own skin.

I'm restless, irritated, completely on edge from the lack of... well, release. My body still hums from yesterday's dream, aching for something I can't have. Every time I thought I had a moment alone to take care of myself, Tristan would appear.

It's like he has radar for the worst possible timing.

I'm lying in bed, staring at the ceiling and working up courage to reach for my nightstand drawer when his footsteps echo in the hallway. Heavy, purposeful, heading straight for my room.

Of course he'll come back, just few minutes after leaving. Last night had been absolute torture.

Tristan had climbed into bed beside me and pulled me against his chest, saying he wanted to make sure I was okay. When it was past ten, I expected him to leave like he always does, but he didn't.

And God help me, I let him hold me. Let myself melt into his warmth and strength and pretend, just for a moment, that this meant something more than comfort for a broken girl.

His scent surrounded me, that intoxicating mix of pine and something uniquely him that made my wolf purr with contentment she shouldn't feel.

His hand stroked my hair while he murmured soft reassurances, and I had to bite my lip to keep from making sounds that would give away exactly what his touch was doing to me.

I tried so hard not to let my emotions destroy our newfound... sibling connection. Siblings. Right.

But lying there in his arms, feeling every shift of his body against mine, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat... it took every ounce of self-control not to turn in his arms and kiss him senseless.

You know that feeling right? That feeling of being so close to that person, but it seems like it isn't enough because you want more.

Yep, that was how I felt last night, now you understand.

"Athena?" His voice drifts through the door, followed by a soft knock, bringing me out from my thoughts. "You awake?"

I jerk my hand back from the drawer like it's on fire and sit up, running fingers through my messy hair. "Yeah, I'm up."

"Can I come in?"

I glance at my nightstand, then the door, then back again. This is torture. Pure, frustrating torture.

"Sure," I call out, because what else can I say?

He peeks his head in, and I'm struck again by how unfairly attractive he is first thing in the morning. Messy hair, wrinkled shirt, stubble along his jaw that makes me want to run my fingers over it.

*Stop it, Athena. Just stop.*

"I was thinking," he says, leaning against the doorframe. "Maybe I should stay home again today. Keep you company."

My heart does this stupid little flip while my frustration spikes. Part of me wants him to stay, but the other part, the part desperately needing alone time to deal with my... situation... wants to scream.

"You don't have to do that," I tell him, keeping my voice casual. "I'm fine, really. Besides, I'm coming with you today."

He frowns. "Are you sure? Nothing matters more than your health."

There it is again, that brotherly concern that makes me want to cry and throw something simultaneously.

"I know, T," I say, trying to convince him. "But I'm fine."

He gives me a knowing look. When I call him T, it means I want him to stop pushing.

"Promise you'll tell me if you're not okay?" I hit him with my best puppy dog face.

"I promise, T."

His smile is so genuine, so happy, that I hate myself for wishing it meant something different.

"Great. I'll make breakfast while you get ready.

..Now I'm back at work, trying to act like nothing happened. Like I didn't spend the entire night fantasizing about things I shouldn't be thinking about.

I need to move on. Find happiness that doesn't involve pining after men who've hurt me in different ways. Daxon with his fists and cruelty. Tristan with his words five years ago, and now with his kindness that will never be what I want it to be.

I'm trying to focus on financial reports when my computer chimes with a message from Tristan.

*Can you come to my office?*

I stare at the screen and resist the urge to bang my head against my desk. Another check-in, probably. Another concerned look and gentle questions about how I'm doing.

I can practically feel him watching me through the office walls. When I glance up, sure enough, I can see him through his glass door, looking in my direction with that same worried expression.

Rolling my eyes, I type back: *On my way.*

God help me if Orion comes back and joins this overprotective brother act. Speaking of which, he should be back today, but I haven't heard from him yet. I make a mental note to call him after whatever this is.

When I reach Tristan's office, I stop short. There's a woman my age standing by his desk, practically undressing him with her eyes.

Not that I can blame her, Tristan is definitely worth looking at, but something about the way she's staring makes my skin crawl.

I let my own eyes wander over him for just a moment, taking in how his shirt stretches across his broad shoulders, how his forearms flex as he writes something down. Then I catch myself and clear my throat loudly.

The woman jumps like she's been caught doing something inappropriate, which she kind of was. Tristan looks up, and the moment he sees me, that killer smile spreads across his face.

"You're here, Ath," he says, and the warmth in his voice makes my stomach flutter traitorously.

I nod, raising an eyebrow and glancing pointedly at his visitor. The silent question is clear: *Who is this?*

"So," Tristan says, standing and moving around his desk. "Orion thinks you need an assistant."

I blink, irritation spiking immediately. "No, I don't think I need an assistant, Tris." The words come out ruder than intended, but I don't care.

They need to stop treating me like a child who can't handle basic work responsibilities.

I am twenty eight for goodness sake. A twenty and an eight.

"I think I need to talk to Orion," I say, turning on my heel and walking out.

I hear him scramble to follow. "Ath..."

"Ath!" He catches my arm just as I reach my office door. I pause, turning back. I'm moving too fast, he's too close, and suddenly we're standing inches apart, staring at each other.

For a moment, neither of us moves. There's something in his eyes, something intense and unreadable, that makes my breath catch. The air between us feels charged, and thick.

Then he blinks, and whatever I thought I saw disappears. He drops my arm immediately, stepping back like he's been burned.

"I'm sorry," he says quickly. "I didn't mean to frighten you."

I almost laugh. Frighten me? If only he knew what he actually does to me. What ever I'm feeling has nothing to do with freight.

I walk into my office and he follows slowly, like he's not sure he's welcome. I turn to face him, crossing my arms and waiting for an explanation.

"I spoke to Orion last night," he says, his tone more serious now. "Liam caught a cold and was rushed to the hospital."

My irritation evaporates instantly, replaced by concern. They're still little and can't transform, so they're likely to catch cold easily.

"What? I had no idea."

"I didn't want to disturb you," he says gently.

"How is he now?" I ask, already reaching for my phone.

"He's fine. He wanted to inform you last night, but you were sleeping. Told him I'd inform you." I can feel my eyes getting wet. I hate to hear people get sick.

"I need to call him," I say, but Tristan's already shaking his head.

"He's probably sleeping right now. He and Sarah's been up all night with Liam, and hasn't left the hospital. Why don't you wait a few hours?"

I want to argue, but he's right. Still, worry gnaws at me.

"Orion won't be back for the next few days," Tristan adds softly. "The workload will be heavy. I just thought... you'll need all the help you can get."

He's right. I will need help, and my office won't feel so empty anymore.

"Promise you'll think about it?" he says, drawing me close for a hug. I snuggle into him, reminding myself it's just brotherly.

When I nod, he turns toward the door.

"Tristan," I call as he's about to leave. He turns his gaze toward me.

"She can start tomorrow."

He flashes me a peace sign as he walks away, and despite everything, I can't help but smile.