I WAS FROZEN from where I’m standing when I heard Alpha Lucas’ baritone voice from behind me. It feels like all the blood in my body turned up in my head because I’m feeling cold at the same time, my face is feeling hot. His touch makes me feel something like an electricity that sends shivers down my spine.

“Stop whatever you’re doing now, Iris,” he commanded.

“I… I’ll just finish one more plate and—”

“Just stop it!” he yelled.

I winced at the sudden raise of his voice and I quickly put down the plate in the sink. He asked me to face him which I quickly did and...