Chapter 2

QUINN:

Kylie didn't know that the alpha was already there. Hence, she continued raining unimaginable insults on me.

"I will make sure to report to the school authority and decide on what punishment to give you." The alpha said, making her flinch and let go of me immediately.

"Alpha Jackson, this girl here is a treacherous snake, a cunning fox. She's a bad person and I'm trying to shield you from her." She replied sweetly and tried to get closer to him.

"One more step and that's detention for you. You don't get to tell me who I should be speaking to or not. Now, get out of my sight and never bother her again. If I see you around her or if she reports you to me, you'll have me to contend with." He ordered and with one last menacing glare at me, Kylie walked away.

"Alpha Jackson, you shouldn't have done that. She'll kill me at home." I said frantically.

"Do not worry, she won't be bothering you ever again. I'm here now."

Not to lie, his words were reassuring. There was finally peace within me. I knew he was watching me while I ate but I didn't dare to look back at him.

"I have a business to attend to now. Is it okay if I see you after school tomorrow?" He asked. My lips parted as I stared at him. I was shocked he was asking for permission to see me. Does he know I'm his fated mate? Nah... He would reject me right away. I was too feeble to be a luna. That role comes with lots of responsibilities and I was too incompetent to occupy such a sacred position.

"I'll take that as a yes." He chuckled. "See you tomorrow, Quinn. It was nice meeting you." He squeezed my hand gently before going off. I watched him in disbelief till he was out of sight. There were peering eyes all around but I paid no heed to them. I was finally getting attention and it was all because of the alpha.

"He didn't even ask me to return his clothes," I muttered and touched the shirt. They smelled just like him. If it was what a mate bond felt like, then I want to be mated to him for the rest of my life.

Even on my way home, I still get the chills that people were staring at me.

Why were they doing that? I wasn't the first person that the alpha was speaking to in the school. Why the unnecessary attention? I liked the fame at first but now, it was becoming creepy.

But I knew one thing for sure. Trouble was waiting for me at home.

I met my father sitting on the couch on his phone. He didn't notice me until I greeted him.

"Hey, honey," He stood up and kissed my cheeks as usual.

"How was school?"

"Very much uneventful at first but turned out great." I grinned. I quickly left him so he wouldn't ask me about the clothes I was putting on. I washed the alpha's clothes and spread them on the line. I had my dinner and went ahead to sleep.

I woke the next morning, hale and hearty. I didn't see Kylie before bed and that prompted my good sleep. I got prepared for school in anticipation of seeing the handsome alpha again.

My heart fell to the ground when I saw his clothes in shreds. I already knew who did that. For the first time, I went to confront her.

I met her doing her nails and out of anger, I knocked the paint out of her hand, making it spill to the ground.

Normally, she would yell at me and begin to abuse me verbally, but instead, she smiled slyly.

"I take it that you have seen my little gift to you." She laughed.

"Why Kylie? Why did you do that? Do you know what he's going to do to me if I don't return his clothes? Why are you this evil and mean? What did I ever do to you?" My voice was beginning to crack.

I hated myself for being too emotionally fragile. I couldn't handle a mouth to mouth fight without crying.

"My little sister is beginning to get the balls to stand up to me. All because of Alpha Jackson. Let's see how bold you will be after today." She giggled, picked up her school bag, and walked away.

I don't know how long I cried but when I looked at the mirror, my eyes were red and puffy. I had to go to school either way. It was better I told him myself than for him to find out from Kylie. Only the goddess knows how many more lies she would add to it.

I got to school when everybody was already in class. I got scolded but that wasn't my concern. I had a greater worry ahead of me. I couldn't have lunch either. Yeah, I was that broken. All thanks to my so-called sister.

I wanted to hide from the alpha when I saw him across the hall. But I needed to tell him the truth. I was ready to take in any reaction from him.

"Quinn..." He slurred as he sat down beside me. The hall was now empty and so, we had lots of privacy to ourselves.

I didn't have the guts to look him in the eyes. Much to my surprise, he raised my chin, making me look at him forcefully.

"You've been crying. Did she do anything to you?" He asked sternly.

"And don't think of hiding anything from me just because she is your sister."

"Well," I started. "Remember the clothes you lent me yesterday?" I asked.

"Yes, I do. What about them?"

"After cleaning them, I spread them on the line and when I went back, the clothes were in shreds. I swear, I didn't do it." I thought I was going to cry again but his warm demeanor made me rethink my decision.

"Is that why you were crying?"

I was shocked at his reaction to the whole issue.

"I know you didn't do anything. You're too cute to do something so vile." He ruffled my hair. He just called me 'cute'. I felt like marrying him at that moment.

"Don't cry about it, okay? Even if you were the one who did it, I still won't be mad at you."

"I would never."

I let out a laugh for the first time.

"And she laughs." He nudged me. "You're beautiful, Quinn. Don't let anybody make you feel less."

"Thank you, alpha Jackson."

He hissed and moved closer to me, snaking his hand across my shoulders.

"I think Jackson is just fine."

I felt butterflies in my stomach. His smile and touch was everything. I didn't want the moment to end.

"So, I won't be coming to your school for a while. How can I reach you? I would love to see this beautiful face again." Even the tone of his voice made my stomach churn.

We ended up exchanging numbers and he walked me home. He didn't let go of my hand till we got to the house. I could swear I was falling in love with him as more seconds went by. He was charming and I was sure it would end well between us.

Getting to the door front, I saw Kylie discussing with Dad. When she saw us, her smile turned into a frown immediately.

"I'll call you later, dear. You go in and rest." He said and I did as I was told. I wanted to see how everything would unfold so I eavesdropped from the window closest to them. Soon after, Dad left Alpha Jackson and Kylie alone. I overheard him giving her a warning to stay away from me and that no report should be heard about the two of us again. I grinned internally and ran to my room.

My smile was so huge and I didn't notice until I saw myself in the mirror. All thanks to Alpha Jackson.