Alpha's Stolen Mate

Chapter 4

On Monday morning, Thea and her sister woke up early to prepare themselves for their first day at their new school. She had studied her timetable carefully and had memorized the order of her classes for that day. It was day five, and her first class was biology, one of her favorite subjects. She was even more grateful because she was allowed to continue with her previous field of study.

Aunt Leah had dropped them off at school, and after saying goodbye to her, they charged on. The imposing gates loomed over them, and the meticulously kept lawns and stately buildings seemed to exude an air of privilege and tradition. Thea adjusted her new uniform, feeling both nervous and excited about this fresh start. They entered the compounds of Ashford High with their heads held proudly high.

"Wow," Delphine exclaimed in awe.

"Yea, wow, indeed." Thea agreed.

First day at Ashford High. The sheer grandeur of Ashford High hit her as they entered. She couldn't help but be amazed by its massive walls and the intricate, Gothic architecture.

This awe washed over her, knowing she was walking through history. Historical structures, with a wealth of history, legend, and folklore on their doorstep, and embedded in these historical structures and landscapes were traces of past lives that were clues to how the other learners and teachers before them lived, and how life today evolved.

"Alright, see you later sis," Delphine said, running toward the huge, beautiful building in front of them, she presumed was the multipurpose hall. She could count at least two high-story buildings on the other side of the hall, to form an H structure. And in the gardens behind the water fountain on her right, was another tall building, and on the top read the words,"school library". Thea walked on, feeling so disoriented and lost. Unlike her sister who had somehow managed to get one of her classmate's phone numbers on their grade nine official web pages, Thea had no idea where to go for her first class. She had studied in the gallery of the school too, and according to the school brochure, the school had about three hundred classrooms, with some classes being offered in the two big labs. Except for Mathematics, Geography, Fashion Design and Design and Technology, which had their own subject rooms, all other subjects were being offered in the normal classrooms.

The morning sun cast a golden hue over the high school courtyard and she knew time was going while she was wondering about the school and it's fancy infrastructure.

Flipping her voluminous, wispy tendrils, she walked on, but not too far when the deep, throaty purr of the engine of a car petered out as it came to a stop, drew her curious glance. The sleek, obsidian-black four-door Jeep Wrangler glided effortlessly up to the school’s parking lot, its presence commanding immediate attention. The car's aerodynamic curves and gleaming exterior reflect the morning sunlight, turning heads with its sheer elegance and power. Thea stood transfixed, her eyes widening in awe as she took in the sight of the luxurious vehicle. The doors of the Jeep swung open with a soft, pneumatic hiss, revealing the passengers who embodied the car’s opulence. The driver, a boy, probably seventeen or eighteen, stepped out first, exuding an air of affluence and confidence. Following him, four boys, not much older than him, emerged from the car. The appearance of the car seemed to have brought everyone to school, because right after the car had parked, a group of other learners.

The five wealthy boys, their tailored school blazers hugging their frames perfectly, and their polished shoes gleaming under the sunlight. Gold watches peeked from their cuffs, catching the light and drawing subtle gasps from the crowd. Were they new learners too? Thea wondered.

Must be. Because why was everyone gawking at them?

Leading the group was the tall boy, that jumped out of the car first, hair tousled, with a rich shade of chestnut brown and a confident stride.

"Hey, you must be new here," the chestnut hair boy said, approaching Thea with an easy smile. "I'm Conrad, and this is Jace, Kai, Cain and Ryan."

Thea smiled nervously. "Hi, I'm Thea. Just started today."

Ryan looked her up and down, his eyes sharp but not unkind. "Nice to meet you, Thea. Welcome to Ashford. It can be a bit overwhelming at first, but you’ll get used to it."

"Yeah," Cain added, grinning, revealing straight, white teeth. "If you ever need help with anything, just let us know. We’re kind of the unofficial welcoming committee."

Thea laughed softly, feeling a bit more at ease. "Thanks, I appreciate it. This place is definitely... impressive."

Conrad nodded. "You'll fit just right in. Come on, we'll show you around."

He offered her his arm and she hesitated a bit, glancing about her as other learners passed by without even bothering to look their way, while others gawked at them. She didn't want to feel rude, so she nervously wrapped her slender fingers around his toned and defined upper arm.

Just then, another stylish car, this time, a matte white Porsche 911 Turbo S, made its way to the entrance of the school. Behind the wheel sat a man, and beside him, in stark contrast, was an older woman. With the timeless, navy blue dress that she was wearing, hair pulled back into an elegant bun, and smoothed face, it was hard to make an accurate guess of her age. As the car came to a smooth stop, the man quickly exited and walked around to open the door for the woman.

They chatted animatedly with each other and then his hazel eyes darted constantly in their direction. Thea felt small beside these rich kids and in the eyes of the man staring in their direction.

He suddenly walked towards them, and Thea unwrapped her hands and straightened them.

He nodded at her, barely noticing her, and focused on the five boys standing with her.

And then she noticed it, now that he was standing a few inches from her. She'd already noticed it in the five boys. And now in the man too. The striking resemblance.

The same piercing hazel eyes, the athletic build-only he was bigger- and easy smile mirrored in each one of them, making the connection unmistakable.

"We were just showing her around, sir." Conrad declared, tugging at his shirt collar.

Thea c****d her head. Sir?

"Is that true?" The man asked, looking in no one's direction in particular.

"Yes," the five boys all answered in unison, nodding to emphasize their agreement.

"Not you," he said to the boys, and looked in her direction.

Toying with a lock of hair, she said, "Yes, sir."

"You all know the rules of the school, don't you?" His attention was immediately back to the boys.

"Yes, master," Kai answered. It was the first he'd said a word ever since they stopped in front of her. And did he just say master instead of mister? Thea glanced uncomfortably at Kai, but he was clearly avoiding her gaze, fixing it on the face of his "master" instead.

"All new learners are expected to report themselves to the administration block before their classes begin," the five boys sang with utter mockery.

"Good. Now, once you're done with your tour, be sure to take your friend to the administration block," he said with an authoritative tone, and turned to leave. Thea and the five boys looked at him as he departed.

And then he halted in his tracks a few feet away, as if he'd noticed their eyes on him and then turned.

"I'd expect you to come with your sister," he said, a faint frown creasing his brow.

She shifted from one foot to the other, and cleared her throat before answering. "Yes, sir."

They waited for the man to disappear into the multipurpose hall, before they spoke.

All of them let out a harsh breath as if they were all holding their breaths. It must be unbearable pressure to have your relative working at your school.

As they walked together, Thea listened to their stories about the school, their favorite teachers, and the best spots to hang out during breaks. She felt a growing sense of belonging, buoyed by the warmth and friendliness of her new acquaintances.