The Alpha’s Little Rogue (Alessia)

Chapter 139

Daphne's POV He isn't here. It's weird because he's always here every day around this time.

I have tried everything in my cards -telling him that I'm not interested in him, rejecting his gifts, and straight up ignoring him.

None of my tactics have proved to be effective so far. He's always back the next day, looking more fierce and determined than he did the previous day.

I'm actually tempted to tell security about him and stop him from sneaking into the school premises. Unfortunately, Raphael is a well-known and valuable guest of our pack. Doing anything of that manner might just escalate this whole situation. Besides, I think he might just decide to wait outside the school gate for me. So, I've been enduring his constant and annoying pursuit in the hope that he may eventually get tired of my rejections and back down.

I force my mind to stop wandering over to thoughts of him and focus my attention on the kids who haven't been picked up yet.

Thankfully, the parents show up early, and soon enough only two kids are left with me.

Unconsciously, my eyes fly over to the window and my heart skips a beat as I see a familiar figure standing there.

My eyes keep flying over to where he's peeping through the window and I wonder how long it's going to take for him to give up and stay away from me. Hopefully, it wil be soon because his advances are starting to have a weird effect on me.

At first, I found the gifts and flowers an inconvenience - a persistent and annoying inconvenience. But now, I actually find myself looking over at the window once the last bell for the day is rung. And everytime that I find his looming figure there, something shifts in my chest. Today, he doesn't come into the classroom to talk with me. Neither does he bring over a gift and I try not to think about the sudden uncomfortable tightness in my chest.

It probably means that he's finally taking a hint and keeping his distance, and I'm definitely happy about that improvement.

The last kid for the day is picked up by her father and I tidy the room a little before picking up my bag and calling it a day. I exit the room while trying my best to ignore Raphael who is now leaning against the wall as he watches me locking up the room.

I contemplate my next move as I keep the key in my bag. Should I acknowledge his presence or simply ignore him?

He takes that decision out of my hands by crowding into my space. "How was your day?" He asks, his lips an inch away from my ear.

A shiver runs down my spine and I quickly move away from him.

"Don't stay so close to me," I attack, ignoring the way something similar to hurt flashes over his face.

But it's gone in an instant and replaced with a wide smile. "I hope the kids didn't give you a hard time."

He always does this -ask about how my day went. I have never given him an answer but it never stops him from asking.

"I'm sorry I didn't get you a flower or

a gift today." He reaches for the

back of his neck and rubs it. "Today's training was tiring and dreadfully long. I rushed over here as soon as we were done. I didn't have the time to stop somewhere to pick up something." He smiles sheepishly at me. "I'I make it up to you tomorrow."

"I wasn't expecting a gift from you and I'm glad that you didn't get me anything. I'm tired of trashing them." Lies. Al the flowers that I've ever gotten from him have either been But to the elders on my way

home or placed in a vase in my house. And the sweets and chocolate have been shared among

the kids. But he doesn't need to know all that. He might take it as a positive sign.

His face falls. "You don't like flowers?" He asks softly. "I could get something else next time. What would you like?"

I sigh heavily. "Raphael, I don't want you to get me anything," I speak slowly, hoping that my words may finally sink in. "I just want you to stop showing up here. You're starting to draw attention to us."

My co-workers have started noticing his presence and it's safe to say that I've been the target of many teasing. They think he's an admirer and find his persistence endearing. They have also urged me to let go and give him a chance. "I'm sorry if I've brought you any unwanted attention. I'll try to start showing up once the school is clear and most of the staff have gone home."

I roll my eyes, not at all surprised that he thinks that's the solution.

It's as though he can't even conjure up a scenario where he simply stops showing up.

"Or maybe you could stop coming. That could also work too," !

supply sweetly.

He shakes his head. "I need to see you," he says vehemently and my stupid heart stills as I see the intense look he gives me.

Clearing my throat to pull myself out

of that weird trance, I straighten my spine and hold his gaze. "I will never go out with you. Please, stop coming here," I beg, turning around and leaving him standing in the hallway. The Crestfallen look on his face

Ine

keeps popping back into my head as I exit the school and starbcovering the little distance to my Mom's house.

It's been a few days since I last visited her and I'm surprised that she hasn't called me yet to guilt-trip me into a visit. Today feels like a good day to be around her calming, soothing presence.