CHAPTER 61: CHAPTER 61: THE PRODIGY

“Can we practice archery next?” Michelle asked me as we walked back outside.

“Of course, we can do whatever you’d like,” I replied distractedly.

I was still thinking about that stranger who was sitting in the study with Elliot and Isabella. He wouldn’t stop staring at me, and it was making me slightly self-conscious. Even now, as I stepped outside, my cheeks burned as I pictured his intense, dark blue eyes that were a similar color to Isabella’s. If I were being honest with myself, I couldn’t help but notice how good-looking the man was. He looked a lot like a younger version of Gareth, and my pulse couldn’t help but quicken when I noticed his broad shoulders and wide grin.

Isabella hadn’t introduced me to this newcomer, and I didn’t want to overstep by greeting a guest in the Laken house, especially after the fiasco with Michelle’s principal earlier. I also didn’t want to be in the same room as Elliot. I planned to avoid my ex-mate at all costs, and that way, he would hopefully stop bothering me.

I let out a slow breath to get that stranger’s handsome face out of my head. I needed to focus on Michelle. She had a tough day, and I wanted to get her mind off of everything going on at school. We already had a fun-filled afternoon as I taught her how to do a perfect running somersault and then a cartwheel. We finished the gymnastics lesson by jumping on the Laken’s in-ground trampoline.

Michelle helped me set up the archery station located in the middle of the large lawn. I organized the bow and the arrows, while Michelle made sure the wooden target was twenty feet away from our starting point. When she came back, I instructed her on how to hold the bow.

But I couldn’t stop thinking about that stranger with the dark blue eyes.

“So, did you know the person who was with Isabella in the study?” I asked, trying to keep my voice casual.

Michelle rolled her eyes as she put on the white chest guard. “That’s my super annoying cousin, Axel,” the younger girl answered. “I forgot that he was arriving today to stay with us. He’s from Germany.”

I frowned. I’ve heard that name before. Was it possible that I already knew Isabella and Michelle’s cousin somehow?

“He’s some famous artist or something,” Michelle added.

Oh! Axel! I remembered now. One day, when I was bored and scrolling online, I clicked on an article that seemed interesting. It was of an artist prodigy who created the most breathtaking scenery of Germany. I’d always wanted to visit Germany, and his art made me want to go there even more. The article didn’t have a picture of him, just his name.

“I actually know of his art!” I told Michelle. “He’s very talented. I can’t believe I never knew that he was related to you guys.”

She opened her mouth to respond, but a deep voice behind us interrupted her.

“I like to keep my connection to the Laken family a secret,” the voice said.

I spun around to see the tall, muscular, and handsome man from before.

“I’m Axel Laken,” he introduced with a charming smile. “I’m very pleased to make your acquaintance.” He took my hand and pressed a kiss to the back of it.

My whole body grew hot, and I wasn’t sure how to feel.

Michelle walked up to us and stuck one finger in her mouth, gagging and pretending to make herself throw up.

“My cousin’s an idiot,” Michelle said to me bluntly. “I can beat him up if you’d like. I’ve done it before.”

I laughed, secretly glad that Michelle had broken the tension after he’d kissed my hand.

“I am not!” Axel protested and then turned to me, flashing another charming smile. “Thank you for putting up with Michelle. I’m sure it’s not an easy job.”

I took a small step in front of the younger girl and crossed my arms. “Michelle is the best. She’s a wonderful student and young woman.” I raised my eyebrows, daring him to contradict me.

“Yeah, so there,” Michelle told her cousin with a smug grin.

Axel cleared his throat awkwardly. It seemed like this conversation wasn’t going as he had hoped.

“Well, I’m here for a month for my art gallery exhibition.” Axel tried a different tactic. “I overheard you saying that you knew of my art. I think you used the words ‘very talented’ even,” he said playfully and winked. “So, you must be a fan. Of art, I mean, not of me,” he clarified.

I couldn’t help but laugh. “I am actually a fan of yours,” I admitted, making Axel’s smile even wider. “Your vivid landscapes are one of the biggest reasons I want to visit Germany. The beautiful scenes of nature that you capture are...breathtaking.”

He leaned toward me with excitement. “You should come visit me sometime. I could show you all the places that inspire my paintings.”

I stared up at him, captivated by him. But my excited reply got caught in my throat when I saw Elliot and Isabella walking toward us. My stomach sank with dread. I was glad to see Isabella, but I hated that my ex-mate seemed to always be with her now.

“You didn’t even wait for us before running out here to introduce yourself to Jasmine!” Isabella scolded Axel. Then, she turned to me, her eyes glinting mischievously. “Do you find my cousin handsome, Jasmine? Because he thinks you’re absolutely gorgeous.”

I looked at Axel, who didn’t seem embarrassed and was grinning broadly.

All I could do was nod. Obviously, Axel was attractive... He just wasn’t as handsome as Gareth. There was just something about those gray eyes, salt-and-pepper hair, and the quiet power that radiated off Gareth. That strength always calmed me in a strange way.

My heart pounded with anxiety when I saw that Elliot was glaring at Axel’s back. I looked around, but no one else seemed to notice that he was silently seething. What was Elliot’s problem with Isabella’s cousin? Was he intimidated by having another young guy around?

“Are you free right now?” Isabella asked me. “I want to show my cousin around town since he hasn’t been here in so long. You should come along.”

I gestured to Michelle, who was still holding the bow. “Sorry, we’re in the middle of a lesson.”

Isabella’s shoulders slumped in disappointment. “Too bad. But I’m glad you’re working hard, Michelle.” She smiled at her sister. “Come on, Axel. Let’s leave them to it.” Isabella tugged on her cousin’s arm, but he didn’t budge.

“I can help tutor Michelle,” Axel offered, but his eyes were on me.

His unwavering stare made me blush. I wasn’t sure how I felt about his attention.

“We’re good here,” I told him, turning away and picking up an arrow for Michelle to load into her bow. “I’m helping Michelle train to be a warrior. I’m not sure how I could use an artist’s help.”

“Axel’s not just an artist,” Isabella said cheerfully. “He’s going to be the next Alpha of Mondlicht, so he’s passed all of his warrior training with flying colors.”

“Really?” I asked, eyeing Axel skeptically.

“Really,” he confirmed and picked up another bow off the rack and loaded it with an arrow confidently.