Puppy Love
Chapter 40

The morning sun filtered into my room, coaxing me out of sleep at my usual hour – six o’clock.

With a stretch and a yawn, I readied myself for the. day ahead. After a quick refresh, I made the decision to hit the Packhouse Gym, aiming to engage in a bit of muscle work.

As I made my way out, I couldn’t help but pass by Charlotte’s door. A fleeting thought crossed my mind that she might still be asleep. The urge to knock was there, but then the fear of seeming invasive stopped me. The last thing I wanted was to come across as bothersome or, worse yet, as someone creeping into her space. That would be a sure way to ruin any chances I might have with her.

Determinedly, I continued on my way, heading down the stairs and navigating through the packhouse. I approached one of the workers, inquiring about the location of the gym. With a friendly point in the right direction, I offered my gratitude and proceeded on my way. Upon arrival, I was taken aback by the empty room. It was odd to think that none of the pack members were utilising the gym. How did they manage to maintain their fitness? It was a small marvel that piqued my curiosity. Although I half-expected to replace Alpha Justin using the facility, the absence of anyone else hinted that perhaps I had woken up earlier than most.

As I contemplated starting my workout and moved toward the weights, my focus was suddenly disrupted by Justin’s presence. He emerged from somewhere at the back, his damp hair hinting that he had just completed a shower. It was clear that he hadn’t anticipated my early arrival. The camaraderie we shared allowed a small grin to tug at my lips as I acknowledged his unexpected appearance. Our routines seemed to intersect in the most unexpected ways, adding a sense of serendipity to the already intriguing events of the morning.

“Rough night?” Justin’s voice carried a playful tone as he greeted me, his smile inviting a response. I shook my head lightly, dispelling any notion of a troubled night.

“No, why’d you think so?” I questioned, genuinely curious about his observation. His gesture toward the weights offered a clue.

“I expected you here a tad earlier. My workout routine usually kicks off around four-thirty until five-thirty. Liam and the others follow suit, but it looks like they’re taking a break this morning,” he remarked, a chuckle punctuating his words. I couldn’t help but wonder why the crown prince. himself was sleeping in.

“Good morning, Alpha Justin,” I greeted him formally, to which he responded with laughter.

“Just Justin will do, and I can call you Caspian.

Let’s leave the formal shit for the public eye,” he proposed, and I couldn’t help but chuckle. It seemed that Grizlo would be fun.

“By the way, breakfast is usually ready by eight in the morning. See you at the dining hall,” he informed me before departing.

I expressed gratitude and settled into my workout, dedicating a solid forty-five minutes to the gym session. Afterwards, I decided to leave the gym and head for a refreshing shower, feeling invigorated by the physical exertion. The day in Grizlo was beginning to unfold, and I couldn’t help but feel an undercurrent of excitement for what lay ahead.

I wanted to look my best for Charlotte, but I did not have enough time to try on so many clothes. With insufficient time for an extensive wardrobe shuffle, I opted for a pair of well-fitting blue jeans and a crisp white polo shirt. It happened to be one of the shirts custom-designed for my team, yet it was new and remarkably fitting for the occasion.

Content with my choice, I emerged from my room with a mere five minutes to spare before eight and hastened my steps toward the dining area.

With some assistance from the staff, I managed to locate the dining room without much ado. As I neared the entrance, an exquisite fragrance enveloped my senses – daffodils, a scent that felt utterly divine. I knew Charlotte was already there.

A smile involuntarily spread across my face as I relished the fragrance, and I couldn’t help but revel in the moment.

In sync with my joyous heart and my contented wolf, I crossed the threshold, stepping into the dining room. Fortunately, the area wasn’t yet crowded, providing me with the courage to venture forward. Summoning my resolve, I took the daring step of approaching Charlotte and settling myself beside her. The proximity was needed, and if she would one day permit me, there would be no space between us.

“Good morning. I hope this seat isn’t claimed.” I smoothly addressed her as I took my place beside her. Charlotte remained silent, and I felt a subtlewave of nervousness coursing through me.

“Good morning, Lady Charlotte,” I ventured again, offering a warm smile. This time, she met my gaze and returned the gesture, her eyes dancing with a glint of recognition.

“Good morning, Alpha Caspian. How was your night?” Her voice held a soft curiosity, and I sensed a flicker of anticipation in the air.

“It could have been better,” I replied, allowing my words to hang momentarily before letting her imagination fill in the gaps. A faint blush tinged her cheeks, a response that I found both endearing and promising.

The sight of her reaction ignited a chuckle within me, a sound that held a thread of hope that perhaps this connection between us had the potential to flourish.

“Would you mind showing me around town? Once the day’s work is complete?” I leaned in, my voice a low, intimate whisper near her ear. She turned to face me, her gaze locking onto mine. I wasn’t entirely sure what she was seeking within my eyes, but I silently hoped that whatever. it was, it carried a positive affirmation.

“Unfortunately, for security reasons, we’re not permitted to venture beyond the packhouse without security,” she explained, her words gently shattering the budding hope in my chest. My attempt to spend time with her had been thwarted in an instant.

A sense of disappointment settled over me, momentarily clouding my thoughts. I grasped for. something to say, a response that wouldn’t come across as overly forward or desperate. The connection between us held potential, I was certain of that, but I had to navigate it with care.

“Of course,” I responded with a composed smile, my disappointment veiled behind my words. As I glanced at her, I couldn’t help but hope that even within the constraints of the packhouse, we would replace opportunities to build upon the connection that seemed to be taking root between us.

“How about I give you a tour of the property? My cousin mentioned there’s a lovely stream here,” she suggested, a warm smile gracing her lips. Her thoughtful suggestion lifted my spirits; it was good that she could come up with something.

“That sounds wonderful. I’ve always been captivated by the beauty of nature,” I replied, genuine enthusiasm in my voice. With a nod, she returned her focus to her meal, leaving me with my thoughts.

I couldn’t help but wonder about her emotions.

Could she feel the bond?

Did she want me? My mind was consumed by questions as I observed her.

As if on cue, the company around us grew as others joined for breakfast. The ambience shifted, the chatter of companionship filling the air. My attention was drawn to Prince Liam and Lady Stepanov – they were observing us. There was a sense of closeness between them, and I couldn’t help but wonder what lay beneath their connection, as well as their scrutiny of me. Their interest was apparent, and I found myself pondering if my own feelings had been as visible as I feared. Yet, the details didn’t matter; my intentions were pure. As long as Charlotte accepted the bond, everything else would eventually fall into place.

Unfazed by the prying eyes, I focused on the food and the shared company. Though I wasn’t privy to Justin’s plans for the day, I hoped they would be activities that could be swiftly accomplished. My desire was to spend quality time with Charlotte, to get to know her better, and to foster the foundation of our bond. The day’s prospects were uncertain, but my anticipation remained steadfast, grounded in the hope of a shared journey that was just beginning.