Chapter 6

**Chapter 0006**
**Judy’s POV**

I looked at Gavin in surprise. I couldn’t believe he knew that Ethan was my ex-fiancé. It seemed like he had really done his homework on me. At first, I thought he just casually looked me up, but it was clear he had gone deeper.

My name is Alex, but he seemed to know more about me than I expected.

“How did you know he was my ex-fiancé?” I asked, surprised.

“There’s very little I don’t know,” he replied casually. “For example, I know that…”

Ethan, my daughter’s fiancé, just told me he believes he is her fated mate.

I took a sharp breath at his bold statement and felt my cheeks flush with warmth.

“Am I wrong?” he asked, his tone making it clear he wanted an answer.

I knew he was right. I shook my head and looked away from him, trying to hide my embarrassment. It was the one thing I didn’t want him to know about.

“Regardless of what happens…”

In the past, Irene and Ethan were set to get married soon. I really hoped everything would go well for her.

I bit my lip, not wanting to talk about it any more. I wished he would take the hint from my silence.

I stared out the window, my frown deepening as we approached the borders of my pack. I hadn’t told the driver where I lived, but it was clear he was heading toward my parents’ house. My heart raced with worry.

My heart raced as I wondered if there was anything this man didn’t know.

I found myself staring at him. He was looking out the window, his eyes locked onto something in the distance. His strong jawline was tight, and his full lips were set in a serious expression.

I was lost in thought, remembering the other night. His lips had felt soft and sweet against mine. He kissed me with such passion and desire; it was a moment I couldn’t forget. The memory flooded my mind, making me feel a rush of emotions all over again.

I licked my lips at the memory. Without thinking, my fingers went to the nape of my neck, brushing over the spot where he had kissed and sucked. It was the same place where Ethan had seen the hickey and lost his temper. My face grew warm as I recalled that moment.

Gavin’s words pulled me back to reality. “If you’re done staring at me, you can leave now,” he said.

I blinked a few times and turned to look out the window. It hit me that we were outside, away from everything else.

**Chapter 6**

I stood outside my parents’ house, feeling a mix of emotions. “Oh,” I sighed, unsure of what to say after being caught staring at him. I felt embarrassed and just wanted to escape as quickly as possible.

I quickly unbuckled my seatbelt and grabbed my purse. Then, I opened the car door.

“Uh, thank you for the ride,” I said awkwardly.

He nodded briefly in response. As I stepped out of the car, I felt a mix of relief and nervousness.

As I stepped out of the car, I felt his hand grip my wrist, stopping me in my tracks.

“Judy,” he said, his voice strong and commanding. Hearing my name from him sent warm chills through my body. I felt a mix of surprise and excitement.

I paused and looked into his eyes, holding my breath as I did so.

“Yes?” I asked, my voice soft and almost breathless.

He relaxed his grip on my wrist and said, “We won’t be meeting again; understood?”

It felt like someone had stabbed me in the chest. I was shocked and hurt by his words. I swallowed hard to get rid of the lump in my throat and gave him a quick nod.

“Understood,” I whispered, trying to keep my voice steady.

He let go of my wrist, and I instantly felt cold without his touch. It was a strange sensation, especially since we had only kissed once and hardly talked at all. Yet, I could really feel his absence, and it surprised me.

I had just taken off my coat in the middle of a winter storm.

I didn’t say anything as I stepped out of the car. The door closed behind me, and I could no longer see Gavin through the tinted windows. But I felt a mix of emotions as I stood there, the cold air biting at my skin.

I felt someone’s eyes on me. I quickly turned and rushed toward the house, trying to get my keys out of my purse as I went.

The lights were off inside, which meant my mother was either asleep or had gone out. I knew I had to be quiet.

I unlocked the door and pushed it open. I paused for a moment when I felt Gavin’s eyes on me. I noticed the car was still parked at the front of the house. Turning back slightly, I gave the car a quick, awkward wave before stepping inside.

I closed the door behind me as I left the house. A few seconds later, I heard the car driving away.

I let out a breath I didn’t even realize I was holding.

—

Chapter 6

Bonus: +25

I went upstairs and entered my room.

I could change clothes, and I was ready to be done with this uniform. I didn’t want to take a degrading job just to make money and lose my self-respect. I knew I was better than that. I needed to focus on my studies to build a better future for myself.

I could graduate and become a Gamma. I have already sent out a lot of applications to other places that might help me reach my career goals.

I hope to hear back from them soon.

I took my phone out of my bag so I could text Nan that I was excited about my future.

I made it home safely, but I knew I wouldn’t be back at work anytime soon. After what happened tonight, there was no way I could return to that place. I decided I would need to apologize to the manager as well.