Jealousy Alpha's Regret novel Chapter 157

Iris’s POV

The last couple of days at Crescent Design had been oddly satisfying. After our confrontation, Miles kept his distance, barely making eye contact whenever we passed in the hallways. I noticed how he’d duck into the nearest room or suddenly become fascinated with his phone when he spotted me coming. It was almost comical how a man who had once terrorized me now couldn’t even look me in the eye.

*Not so brave now, are you?” I thought, watching him hurry away when I entered the break room yesterday afternoon. The department staff had picked up on the tension too. Lisa had whispered to me that everyone was walking on eggshells around Miles since our showdown.

“Everyone’s figured him out, I said to myself as I stretched lazily in bed.

“Shit, I muttered, reaching for my phone on the charging pad. The screen lit up with several notifications, including a message from Ethan Lowell. My heart

did a little jump when I saw his name.

“Looking forward to the hunt this afternoon. Just confirming our plan–should I pick you up?” his text read, sent two hours ago.

I sat up, suddenly more awake.

*I’ll drive there myself,” I typed back. “You should focus on preparing for your competition. See you this afternoon.”

Just as I was about to drag myself out of bed, my doorbell rang. Who would be visiting me on a Saturday? I hadn’t ordered anything, and Rachel was out of

town visiting her parents.

I padded to the door in my oversized sleep shirt, hair disheveled, not bothering to check my appearance. Peering through the peephole, I was startled to see

Jack Lowell’s kindly face on the other side.

‘Crap,” I whispered, quickly trying to smooth down my bedhead before opening the door.

“Little one, did you just wake up?” Jack’s eyes crinkled with amusement as he took in my appearance. He held a small wicker basket that smelled deliciously

of fresh baking.

“Mr. Lowell, I… yes, I did. I felt my cheeks warm with embarrassment. “Sorry about this.“.

“No need to apologize. Rest is important. His smile was genuine and warm. ‘I’ve brought you some special treats. Just made them this morning–thought you might enjoy them with lunch.”

He extended the basket toward me, and the aroma of cinnamon and butter made my stomach growl audibly.

“These smell amazing,” I said, accepting the gift. “You didn’t have to go to the trouble.”

It’s no trouble at all. Jack waved dismissively. How are you feeling? Getting enough rest?”

“Yes, much better lately, I replied, touched by his concern. Even though we weren’t related by blood, his grandfatherly attention made me feel cared for in a way I hadn’t experienced since my father died.

“Good, good.” He nodded, seemingly satisfied, ‘Well, I won’t keep you. Enjoy your weekend, little one. The pastries are still warm–perfect timing for your

lunch.”

1/2

10:20 am P p p p

Chapter 157

With that, he turned and headed back toward the elevator. I watched his retreating form, noticing how spry he seemed despite his age.

Back in my apartment, I set about my weekend routine–making coffee, watering my plants, and tackling a few household chores. I sampled one of Jack’s pastries as I worked–it was buttery, flaky, and filled with a delicate apple filling. The taste reminded me of childhood visits to bakeries with my father, one

of the few happy memories I had.

By 1 PM, I was facing my closet, debating what to wear to a werewolf hunt. I’d never attended one before, having grown up in a pack that had abandoned

most traditional werewolf customs.

“Not too formal, not too casual,” I muttered to myself, flipping through hangers. I settled on dark jeans, boots, and a forest green sweater that was both practical and flattering. I didn’t want to look like I was trying too hard, but I also didn’t want to appear sloppy at what was clearly an important event in

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify