Iris
Ezra’s face is slightly flushed as he stands across the room, flexing his biceps. I can tell he’s caught somewhere between trying not to laugh and being downright embarrassed by his choice of portrait.
“Are you sure this isn’t too much?” he asks for what I’m pretty sure is the tenth time since we began. “She’s not going to think it’s weird?”
I can’t help but laugh. “Ezra, it’s fine. And if she has a problem with you choosing a gift like this, then maybe she’s not the right one for you.”
The Beta lets out a breath. “Yeah, I guess you’re right. I just don’t want to creep her out or anything.”
I shrug as my pencil moves across the pad. Ezra requested a simple portrait of himself flexing in a pose similar to Renaissance era artwork. He told me that he’s been dating a woman recently, and her birthday is coming up. Amongst the standard gifts, he wanted to give her a portrait of himself.
It’s a silly, but also slightly sensual gift. I think she’ll like it I know I would if someone were to give me a similar gift. Besides, I’m no stranger to figure drawing–I’ve sat in figure drawing salons with fully nude models before in art school, and although I’m not the best at it, I do enjoy it–and it gives me something to do while I try to think of my next moves in the search for a lawyer.
After today, though, I’m going to have to start from square one. I spent almost all the money I earned from selling my paintings on that scam of a ‘consultation‘, and now I need to earn more money in the hopes of finding another lawyer who will actually work with me.
But I’d be lying if I said I’m not at least a little concerned that I won’t be able to find someone who will help me. Especially if those pictures are exposed to the public. The narrative will be too easily twisted against me, the ‘bad/ mother‘ who almost let her child drown. Alpha President Arthur will be painted as the hero who saved Miles, and he’ll get custody in an instant.
Just then, as I’m mulling over these facts, I hear the sound of the front door opening and closing. Loudly. Then, like thunder rolling, footsteps pound up the stairs.
I hardly have a chance to turn before the studio door bursts open. Arthur stands in the doorway, his eyes glowing a dangerous gold and his chest heaving. He locks his gaze onto Ezra in a heartbeat.
“Arthur-” I begin, but he storms past me, ignoring me.
“You,” Arthur hisses, closing the distance between himself and Ezra in the span of two quick strides. “What the hell are you doing with my mate?”
The Beta’s eyes widen. “A–Alpha, it’s not what it looks like ”
“Like shit it doesn’t,” Arthur growls. In a flash, his hand shoots out, pinning Ezra to the wall.
“Arthur!” I shout, rushing forward. I reach for his muscled arm and give it a hard yank back, but it does nothing. When an Alpha wolf feels his mate is being taken from him, he’s prone to jealous fits of rage like this.
“I shouldn’t have tasked you with following her around,” Arthur barks in Ezra’s ear, his grip tightening on his shoulder. “You fell for her, didn’t you? Did you think-”
“Arthur!”
Without thinking, I stamp my foot on the floor angrily. The force of it is enough to rattle my easel nearby, sending the pad of paper fluttering to the ground. It’s not much, but it’s enough to cause Arthur to turn.
1/2
+25 BONUS
Chapter 88
“That’s enough,” I snarl, poking my finger at his arm. “Look at yourself. Pull yourself together, Mr. President!”
Arthur’s eyes flicker. He glances back and forth between me, the drawing on the floor, and Ezra. Slowly but surely,. as he takes in the portrait laying on the floor, the charcoal smudging my fingers, and Ezra’s terrified expression, he seems to put two and two together.
One at a time, the golden fires in his eyes go out.
Arthur slowly releases his grip on Ezra’s shoulder, taking a step back. “I see,” he says, clearing his throat. “Ezra, I think you should leave.”
Ezra doesn’t need to be told twice. Without a word, he scoops up his shirt, tugging it on as he rushes out of the
room.
Today’s Bonus Offer
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