Chapter 7

Aliyah

Chloe’s parents were very welcoming, and I think they were extra sweet to my friend. It looked like Janice appreciated how kind the Beta family was to her. Maybe it’s because she’s the daughter of an Alpha, so I just shrugged it off.

I was supposed to have dinner with them, but John, Chloe’s dad, said I should eat at the packhouse since I was staying there. It seemed like Xavier would be mad if I didn’t, so I followed their advice.

I didn’t stay long at their house. Chloe just introduced me to her parents, John and Marsha, and before dinner, Chloe, Adrian, and Janice brought me back to the packhouse. Their house was a little far, and they didn’t want me to walk alone.

On the way back, I enjoyed the scenery. It was still a bit bright outside, and since we were just walking, I could freely look around. I hadn’t paid much attention to the surroundings earlier on our way to the training hall because of what Xavier had said.

“Well, girl, I guess we’ll leave you here now,” Janice said with a smile. I nodded and exchanged quick kisses with her and Chloe before they left.

After they were gone, I looked around the packhouse. No one was in the living room; maybe they were all in the dining hall. I shrugged and started to go upstairs, but a voice stopped me.

“What are you doing here?” Turning around, I saw Stelle. She looked confused, but something about her felt off.

“I’m staying here,” I replied. I noticed her expression darkened slightly, but only for a moment that I thought I just imagined it, but I knew I didn’t.

“Are you staying alone?” she asked, smiling. A part of me tells me to be cautious of her, so I decided to read her thoughts to determine whether I should trust her or be careful around her.

“Another one trying to steal Xavier from me? She’s just a human. I shouldn’t worry about her; Xavier won’t want anything from her. She’s not worthy of being Luna of the Howlers Pack. She’d just be a burden—”

I couldn’t read any more of her thoughts because I suddenly felt dizzy. “Oh my goddess! Your nose is bleeding!” Stelle gasped, her eyes wide with shock.

“What’s going on here?” I heard Xavier’s voice. “Shit, what happened?” he asked, rushing over.

“I didn’t do anything! She was fine, and then her nose started bleeding,” Stelle quickly defended herself.

“Alpha,” Pete said as he arrived.

“Take Stelle; her ride is waiting at the border,” Xavier ordered, holding me and checking my nose.

“Yes, Alpha,” Pete answered, then looked at Stelle, who was still staring at me. “Let’s go, Stelle.”

“Does it hurt?” Xavier asked in concern, making me glance at him and shake my head.

“I feel responsible and guilty. Let me help her,” Stelle interrupted, trying to move Xavier aside, possibly to push him away from me.

“I said go home, Stelle,” Xavier said firmly.

“But—”

“Go.” His tone was final and with authority even without looking at her, and though I sensed her hesitation, she had no choice but to obey. She and Pete started walking towards the door, but she kept glancing back at us until they finally left.

“What happened? Did she do anything to you?” the Alpha asked. He was looking at me as if I was going to die.

“Huh? No, she didn’t do anything.” Xavier cupped my face, his arm wrapping around my waist.

“This isn’t good,” he muttered. I didn’t understand what he meant and was startled when he suddenly picked me up, carrying me bridal style.

“Alpha!” I gasped, but he didn’t respond and began walking upstairs. He moved so quickly that it felt like he wasn’t even carrying me. I grabbed onto his shoulder, fearing that he might drop me even though I doubted it.

Why did it feel so nice being this close to him? How could he make me feel desire just by holding me? I had to admit, I was attracted to him. Maybe, just as Stelle thought, I was her rival, or maybe it was the other way around for me when it came to the Alpha who was carrying me now.

The memory of what happened between us came rushing back, and I felt a sudden wave of embarrassment. I shook my head, not wanting those feelings to stir up again.

“Fuck,” he muttered under his breath, which made me wonder if I was too heavy for him.

“Alpha, I can walk,” I offered, slightly uncomfortable. Luckily, no one was around to see us.

“Shut up,” he said, leaving me no choice but to stay quiet. Thoughts raced through my mind, and here he was, seemingly upset. Maybe Stelle was the one he wanted, just like the rumors at the university. But then, why did he act like that with me earlier?

Before I knew it, we had reached the third floor, and he set me down on the couch in the living room. He gently pushed me back and tilted my head upward.

“Why won’t it stop bleeding?” he asked, frowning as he checked my nose. He tilted my head even more, and I felt embarrassed, covering my nose with my hand.

“It will stop soon, A-Alpha.”

“What do you mean? Does this happen often?” he asked, still concerned. Just then, an omega arrived with a first aid kit.

“Thank you. You can leave us,” Xavier told the omega, who nodded and left as he turned his attention back to me, waiting for my answer.

“It only happens when I’m overwhelmed with studying,” I quickly made an excuse.

“You didn’t study today. Could it be because of your training earlier? Was it too much for you?” he questioned, wiping my nose with a tissue. I shook my head because that wasn’t the reason.

“Janice and I often spar.”

“That’s different from what I had you do earlier, especially what we did together. I kept you moving, didn’t I?” I just nodded, not wanting him to ask more questions.

He stayed silent, holding the tissue against my nose. “Uh, I can hold it myself,” I said.

“Let me take care of you, baby,” he whispered, calling me baby again, just like earlier when he suddenly left me.

“I think it’s stopped,” I said after a while. He lifted the tissue and checked my nose closely.

“It has,” he confirmed. I sighed in relief, thinking he would move away from me now. His face was so close, and I was afraid I might lose control and kiss him.

“I want to kiss you, baby…” he said softly, his thumb brushing over my lips. “Can I?”

I swallowed hard, our eyes locked. I don’t know what came over me, but I nodded, and slowly, Xavier leaned closer.