The Alpha's Struggle

CHAPTER TEN

~Sayd~

Sunday was the most basic and routine day for me. I woke up early at seven, spent my mornings at Sunday worship, my afternoon tutoring and studying, then before going home I went to my favourite coffee shop for my much-needed caffeine.

"Hey, watch it!" I yelled at a cyclist who almost ran me over as I was headed to the Cafe.

It had been a bit later in the evening than the time that I usually go there but that was because instead of tutoring one person today, I tutored two who both urgently needed help for their finals.

I clung to my jersey as I walked along the sidewalk, passing by a few people who I came to know as regulars at the cafe too. I regretted not wearing warmer clothes but just a white turtle neck and blue jeans as I felt the cold wind penetrate through my clothes.

When I got to the café I was greeted with the aroma of brewing coffee and a few friendly people. It was less crowded than usual inside, only three people to be precise; a blond-haired man sitting at the far end reading a novel, an elderly man at the counter paying for his coffee and a girl about my age at the far end of the counter.

"Hey Luke," I greeted the guy in a red apron behind the counter.

"Hey," he smiled turning his attention to me, "and here I thought you weren't going to show up."

"And pass up a chance on seeing you? Never."

" Wow, I feel almost as important as your coffee."

"Almost."

"What can I get you today?" he asked with his smile not fading.

"The usual."

"I'm on it," he winked.

I walked to my favourite corner spot which was somehow always vacant. Part of me felt like everyone who came here knew that I liked this spot and reserved it for me. A few minutes later, Luke personally brought me my coffee.

I stared out the window as I sipped from my cup. It was getting dark quickly, the only light outside was the one at the front of the café and the street light across the road. I wasn't worried about getting back to my apartment because the neighbourhood was friendly and I never had any problems before regardless of the time. So I took my time.

My phone rang and when I saw the name that appeared on the screen I rolled my eyes.

"What Tim?"

" Hello to you too. "

"Hi, now what do you want?"

He had been on my case for the entire week from the time he had found me with Kace outside class.

"Is Mera home?"

"I don't know, I'm at the cafe. "

"Café huh? Who are you with?"

"None of your damn business," I spoke harshly knowing where this was going.

"You better not be with that Kace guy. "

"So what if I am? Would you stay out of my business already?"

"It's getting late too, you should come back to your apartment."

"Bye Tim. "

"Sayd—," I hung up before he could say anything else.

From as long as I could remember Timothy he had always been protective over me. When we used to go to grade school together he would beat up and threaten anybody who picked on me. You can imagine that it got him in trouble a lot.

I looked at the time on my phone and he was right it was late. I got up from my seat and walked to the counter to pay for my coffee and tip Luke.

I walked slowly along the sidewalk with my hands in my pocket. I enjoyed silent walks alone. It gave me time to plan out my week or think. One person I was admittedly thinking about and tried my hardest not to was Kace. He didn't make it easy not to think about him either because he was incredibly good-looking. Not that I was interested in him or anything but, it should be against the law for someone to look like that and smell great all the time especially someone as arrogant as him.

"Stop," I said to myself placing my hands on either side of my head and shaking Kace out of my thoughts. Thank God no one else was on the street or else they would have thought I was crazy. I got my phone and headsets deciding to let music distract me.

Halfway to my apartment, I saw something move in the corner of my eye and looked around but all I saw was an empty street with houses and trees across the road. I continued along my way and again something moved. Starting to feel fearful I stopped debating whether to call an Uber.

Just as was about to continue walking, j saw two small orange lights looking directly at me from a distance. It was too dark to see what they belonged to, At first I considered it might be a cat until I heard a loud growl. I fell to the ground terror-stricken. When I finally managed to get back on my feet I bolted in any direction I could. I wasn't sure where I was going and I didn't care. All I knew was I needed to run. Fortunately, the sneakers I wore made it easier for me.

Despite being out of breath I continued to run. Just as I was about to make a turn I crashed into something hard and fell to the ground.

"Wooooh," a male voice said," Are you alright Ms?"

Still in shock, I tried to crawl away from him.

"Hey, hey," he spoke calmly. " It's alright."

I wanted to make a run for it but he grabbed me by my left arm.

"It's alright," he said more softly this time, " you're shaking."

His calm tone made me relax a bit

"I want to help you," he negotiated again, " You can trust me. "

It was freezing outside but all the running I did warmed me up. My breaths became more at ease as he took his sweater off and threw it around me.

"What happened?"

"I -I umm."

" Relax," he said placing both his hands on my shoulders.

"I -I thought something was following me."

"What thing?"

" I don't know," I covered my face with my hands feeling them shake.

"Okay," he said understanding my current state." My place is just three houses from here. I have a car parked outside, I can take you home. Is that okay?"

It was either I get killed by whatever was following me or trust my life with a complete stranger. I looked back at where I came from to make sure whatever it was wasn't there then at the man who was helping me and nodded.

" Okay, let's go."

He helped me up and we walked in the direction he was from in silence. After a few minutes of walking, we got closer to a car parked outside. He took out his car keys from his pocket and opened the door for me. Then later went on to the driver's seat.

" You alright?" He asked before he started his engine.

" Yeah," I said in agreement. " Thank you. "

I gave him the directions to my house and we drove there in silence. I was looking out the window secretly hoping he won't kidnap me and sell my body parts or something.

"Okay?" He asked again knocking me out of my thoughts.

"Yeah," I said trying to compose myself.

"Good," he said cheerfully. " I think we're here."

We slowly approached my apartment, I couldn't help but feel relieved. When the car finally came to a stop he unfastened his seat belt, then I undid mine and turned on the light in his car. It was then that I fully took in his features. He was undeniably handsome. His eyes were brown, his hair jet black and in a fringe up. Even though he was sitting I could tell he was tall. I also couldn't help but notice his right ear, half of it was ripped out but I didn't stare much not wanting to be rude.

"Thank you, you're really kind."

"Don't mention it," he smiled," I'm a friend now."

I couldn't help but smile back as he got out of the car to open my door. After he did he walked me to my door and I took off his sweater to return it.

"Keep it," he said," I'll collect it the next time we meet."

"Okay," I folded it in my arms.

"I can't thank you enough, I don't usually get that spooked."I tried to hide my embarrassment." I'm Sayd by the way." I stretched out my arm.

"Nice to meet you Sayd. I'm Zaynab."