Mate of the Enemy Alpha

Chapter 3

The rest of the school day crawled by in a haze. Serenity drifted through her classes, barely hearing the teachers or the chatter of her classmates. Every noise seemed too loud, every shadow too sharp. She clung to Jessie’s side at every opportunity, grateful for the anchor her friend provided.

Jessie kept her close, throwing protective glances over her shoulder whenever Brad or Adam passed in the hallways. If they tried to approach, Jessie steered Serenity away, making excuses or pulling her into classrooms until the threat passed. No one else seemed to notice Serenity’s trembling hands or the haunted look in her eyes—but Jessie noticed everything.

At lunch, Jessie squeezed into the seat beside her and pressed a sandwich into her hand. “Eat,” she insisted gently. “You need your strength.” Serenity managed a few bites, her stomach knotted with anxiety, but Jessie’s presence made it bearable.

The final bell rang at last, and the weight of the afternoon began to lift. Serenity’s relief was short-lived, though, replaced by a new surge of anxiety as they walked to Jessie’s house after school.

Jessie’s house was warm and bright, filled with the smells of home-cooked dinner and the sound of her younger siblings playing in the living room. But Serenity hovered in the entryway, twisting her fingers together, too afraid to hope.

Jessie found her parents in the kitchen and took a deep breath. “Mom? Dad? Can Serenity spend the night tonight?” She didn’t wait for their answer, rushing on, “Please. It’s essential. Something happened at school today. Adam Carlson tried to hurt Serenity during training—he almost broke her arm. If I hadn’t stepped in, he might have done it. She’s terrified, and I don’t want her to be alone.”

Serenity stood frozen, heart pounding. She’d never heard Jessie speak so forcefully before.

Jessie’s parents exchanged a look—worry, surprise, something like guilt flickered between them. Her mom stepped forward, softening. “Is that true, Serenity?” she asked gently.

Serenity nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. “Yes, ma’am.”

Jessie’s dad sighed, running a hand through his hair. “We’ve always said no before, but… this is different. Of course, you can stay, Serenity. For as long as you need.”

Tears stung Serenity’s eyes—this time from relief. Jessie hugged her tight, beaming. “See? I told you I’d make them say yes.”

For the first time in a long while, Serenity felt a little bit safe. She allowed herself to hope that, at least for tonight, she was out of Adam’s reach.

That evening, Serenity found herself curled up on Jessie’s bed, surrounded by soft pillows and the comforting clutter of her best friend’s room. The laughter of Jessie’s siblings drifted down the hall, and the smell of baking cookies lingered in the air—a world apart from the tension and fear that haunted Serenity at home.

Jessie sat beside her, flipping through an old yearbook and pointing out embarrassing photos. For a while, Serenity managed to lose herself in their conversation, letting the warmth of friendship chase away the cold shadow of Adam’s threat. They watched a movie, shared popcorn, and painted their nails in bright, silly colors. Jessie’s parents checked in a few times, their presence gentle, making sure Serenity felt welcome.

But as night fell and the house quieted, Serenity’s anxiety crept back in. Jessie noticed the way she tensed at every creak and whispered, “You’re safe here, Ren. I promise.” Serenity nodded, clutching the extra pillow Jessie handed her.

When the lights were finally out and the world was dark, Serenity lay awake listening to Jessie’s even breathing. Images from the day flashed behind her eyes—Adam’s face twisted in rage, the feel of his grip, the electric surge of power that had burned through her veins. Sleep tugged at her, but her mind fought back, replaying every nightmare she’d ever had.

Eventually, exhaustion won. Dreams came—fragmented and strange. She was running through the forest again, white fur flashing under a full moon, chased by shadows that looked like Adam and Brad. The pond shimmered in the moonlight, and the black wolf waited for her, strong and silent, promising protection she desperately needed. When she woke, heart pounding, Jessie was there, squeezing her hand, whispering, “It’s okay. You’re safe. I’m right here.”

For the first time in ages, Serenity let herself believe it. Wrapped in the quiet safety of Jessie’s room, she drifted back to sleep, the hope of a better tomorrow shimmering just out of reach.