Waking up with some sort of, happiness, in my heart scared me. I wasn't used to this, excited feeling to live even if it was a small feeling. His hand trailed up to my back bringing me closer as if to see if I'm still here, a gasp escaped my lips. Landon's been doing this all night ever since we hugged, we ended up falling asleep together. So that meant all night I dealt with this, I couldn't get used to it.

The sparks were everywhere, subsiding the pain from my ribs and back area.

Only this time was different his grip loosened, "I'm sorry am I hurting you?" he asked, with a hoarse voice as if he barely woke up.

"I'm fine." I squeaked, unaware of how tiny my voice was, I've sorta been up for the past thirty minutes.

My chin was lifted to meet his chocolate colored eyes that narrowed, "Your cheeks are flushed, Layla." he added with a lazy smirk.

Okay, this is embarrassing, do I say sorry. Of course I should, it would be nice. Maybe he'll like that, Steven liked apologies. That would give me a day of no beatings, which was so cruel finally really thinking about it.

"Uh um I'm sor-" Before I could finish my sentence he cut me off by placing his finger against my lips.

"Don't even say sorry, you didn't do anything wrong." his words were firm, our eyes still connected.

We stayed staring at each other for what seemed like years before he slowly slid his finger away from my lips.

"O-okay." I whispered, he smiled, it was just as perfect as he was.

Soon he cleared his throat and slowly moved his hand to my face, pushing a strand of black hair behind my ear. I closed my eyes, relaxing at his touch.

"You're so beautiful." his hand trailed down my cheek, to my jawline.

At that my heart beat increased, I haven't heard that since I was a little girl if were being honest here. Opening my eyes I met his intense gaze that made me feel like melting. It was unusual to get actual nice comments. It was like this for a couple minutes him staring at me before speaking up.

"I have pack work to finish I want you to come with me." he stated, while moving his finger in an upward motion against my jawline.

At that my stomach filled with butterflies and nervousness. Landon and I have never been seen together, I'd probably make him look pretty stupid, an alpha next to a runt.

"Layla?" he asked, looking at me curiously as if wondering what went on in my head, a mess would be the answer, "Are you okay?" he voiced concern once again.

"Yes I'm fine." I whispered, watching the black and brown colors swirl in his eyes, fighting each other for dominance.

His eyes closed and he breathed in deeply until his eyes reopened to his hazel color, "You can tell me when something's bothering you, I just want you to know you can tell me anything." his hand left my cheek before he sat up, "I'll be back in twenty minutes so you can get dressed before we go."

I watched him as he put his shoes on and ran a hand through his dark brown colored hair. Landon was really attractive it's hard to think he finds me beautiful. Which brings me back to the nervousness of being seen by people while I'm with him. He walked around my side of the bed before pressing a kiss to my forehead.

"Alright." I whispered, inhaling his comforting scent, our hands entangled while he pulled away, his scent drifting from me.

As I sat brushing my hair, at my desk, I couldn't help but, let my eyes drift to my reflection in the mirror. My eyes seemed to have slight bags under them. The color of my skin was still as pale as always, compared to how tan it used to be. I also happened to glance at some bruises on my arms.

With this came memories of Brad and Steven. I wondered where they were or if Landon did something to them. Slowly I felt myself slipping so I decided to shake the thoughts of them away before it turned into an episode. That wouldn't be great for Landon to have to experience twice.

I know he said he would be back in twenty minutes but, I doubt him. I want to trust Landon, I did in a way. Only some of that trust was broken when he left for those two days. Even if he had a reason I was still scared, so scared. Now we were going out together for the first time which made me so anxious.

For my outfit I decided on a regular pair of pants and black long sleeve shirt. Though I looked like a walking zombie, I think it was fine all things considering. When I finished brushing my hair I took my journal out from the drawer, flipping to the drawing of my mom. I started to shape her face for the millionth time and surprisingly got it right. Drawing had always been one of the things that helped me get through stuff. It helped me express my anger and sadness.

There was a knock on the door but, I was too into drawing to care. Plus I knew it was Landon and that made my heart do something I wasn't familiar with. So I just focused on the curve I was making. The scent was the first thing to catch my senses. He was in the room but, I was too nervous and decided to still focus on my drawing.

Clicking of the door shutting filled the room as well as footsteps, "You need to start answering when I knock on a door." his rich voice reached my ears.

Turning my pencil over to the eraser I fixed the curve I just messed up from hearing his voice, "Okay." was my small reply before attempting to make the curve.

Sparks went up the side of my body as I felt him next to me. It was like electricity but, I was still too focused on my drawing. I had now moved to her eyebrows.

"You're very talented, Layla." he spoke softly, I felt the heat rush to my cheeks at yet another compliment from him.

"T-thank you." I whispered, his eyes connecting with mine in the mirror in front of us.

In one swift motion my chair was turned around to face him, luckily it has wheels. His hands rested on the arm rests while he leveled his face with mine. This made my heart beat increase as butterflies filled my stomach.

"Are you ready?" he asked gently, scanning my face carefully.

"Yes." I replied looking him over he had on a black shirt with some regular jeans, he seemed to notice our coincidental outfits since he smiled brightly.

I couldn't help but, let a small smile break through as well. Although it felt foreign he brought it out of me which was nice.

His hands went up slowly to cup my face which I notice I don't flinch at anymore, "You should smile more." he stated, tilting his head as if studying me.

It made me nervous to have him looking at me like he does, "Come on." he finally spoke removing his hands from my face before opening his palm for me to grab.

Slowly I placed my hand in his rough one and stood up only now realizing how tiny I must seem to him. He made his way to the door while I trailed behind him. I looked down as soon as we were out of my room. My nerves kicked in realizing just how many people were in the hall.

I tried walking behind him but, he only pulled me next to him. The people in the hall began to stare and whisper as I tried to take my hand from Landon's. It wasn't the best move but, I was nervous my hand was probably sweating anyway. The action made him stop in his tracks while I tried not to trip over my own feet from not paying attention.

My face was lifted to meet his creased eyebrows as he scanned my face before looking around the hall, "Don't you all have something better to do than stare at your alpha." he growled and I heard footsteps moving, before it felt like we were the only ones in the hallway now.

Our eyes connected again before his face softened, "You're okay." his gentle voice reached my ears and my heart beat started to even out as I only now realized how hard I was breathing.

I found it absolutely crazy how he could help me calm down so fast.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~