THE ALPHA'S SON FORBIDDEN BABYSITTER

CHAPTER ONE BRIANNA'S POV “Brianna save me… save me, I’m trapped in here. Save me!” Hailey’s voice tore through the darkness, thin and desperate, echoing like it was bouncing off metal walls. I ran. Or at least I tried to. The air was thick — too thick — cold smoke curling around my legs, climbing up my throat, stealing my breath. I couldn’t see her. I couldn’t see anything. Everywhere was just grey. Just ash. Just that suffocating, endless fog. “Hailey!” I screamed, my lungs burning. “Where are you? Hailey!” Her coughing answered me somewhere to my left. Or right. Or maybe behind me. The smoke twisted everything, making it impossible to tell. “Bri… I can’t get out…” My heart shattered inside my chest. I reached forward blindly, fingers grasping nothing but emptiness. “Keep talking! I’m coming! I’m right here!” But I wasn’t. I never was. The smoke thickened, pressing against my skin like icy hands. My eyes watered. My throat closed. I tried to push forward but it felt like something was dragging me back, anchoring me in place. “Hailey!” Suddenly a hand landed hard against my back. I gasped, whipping around and…the world snapped. — I jolted upright in bed, a strangled breath ripping out of me. My chest heaved violently, my palm pressed flat against my heart as if I could physically hold it together. Sweat drenched my skin, making my hair cling to my neck. My room was silent yet my ears were still ringing with her screams. That same dream. That same helpless nightmare. Three years later and I still couldn’t save her. I squeezed my eyes shut, shame flooding every inch of me. “I’m sorry, Hailey…” My voice broke into the quiet room. “I’m so sorry.” But just like always, the ache only worsened. I threw my legs over the edge of the bed, my body heavy, my head spinning. I reached for the cup of water on my nightstand and then… I froze. The digital clock glowed back at me. 9:50 a.m. My stomach dropped straight to the floor. “No. No, no, no…” My first class started at eleven. I bolted out of bed so fast the room tilted. I stripped out of my sleep shirt and rushed into the bathroom, barely feeling the cold tiles under my feet. The shower lasted less than five minutes before I emptied the bucket of water. I stepped out, towel-dried my body, creamed my skin, pulled on the first clean pair of jeans and fitted top I could find. I slapped some lip gloss on whilst blow-drying my hair, leaving it down like always — easier that way — then threw on my one and only hoodie. The cap snapped into place over my head, hiding half my face. Shield on. I grabbed my backpack and tiptoed toward the door, careful, careful, careful. If my stepdad woke up in one of his moods, the morning would be ruined before it even began and I wasn’t strong enough for one of his tantrums today. Outside, the air hit my face as I headed for my bicycle. I let out a sigh of appreciation as I inhaled the morning breeze. I unchained my bicycle and rolled it forward and immediately the metal screeched in protest. It wasn’t its fault, the poor thing was older than most of the freshmen at school and long overdue for repairs. I climbed on and started pedaling. Fast. The wheels squeaked with every turn, a pitiful rhythm that matched the ache in my chest. Three years ago, my life had been different— much more beautiful. Wealth wasn’t something we flaunted, but it was there — steady and reliable. Now? Now we struggled to afford three square meals. Sometimes it was once a day. Sometimes none. I’d tried getting a job but all I got in return was ‘We can’t hire someone without a degree.’ Over and over. Pathetic, right? So that's why I had to settle for an odd job and always remembered why school came before food, before pride, before anything. Education was my only ticket out of this. And my stepdad? He tried— in his own way at least. But trying didn’t erase resentment; it didn’t soften his voice or warm the way I looked at him. Maybe when I graduated, when I could finally earn something real, maybe then he’d look at me the way he used to. Maybe then I’d feel like family again. That large sign came into view and I mentally gave a sigh of relief. WELCOME TO JUVENILE COLLEGE. I slowed, chained my bicycle to my usual spot, and hurried inside. My gaze lingered around and even as hard as I tried I still noticed the packed up hallways with whispers everywhere and clusters of girls giggling. My attention swerved toward them before I could stop it, my ears catching on to their whispering. “…have you seen the new intake that just arrived…” “…I heard someone saying he is a transfer student…” “…he’s so hot…” “…the tall one with curly hair? Damn…” I rolled my eyes and pushed forward. Boys. Hot boys. Drama. Typical girls talk, but for a nerd like me, less of what I need to worry about. I turned the corner, fingers fidgeting nervously with one prayer in mind to — just this once — reach my classroom in peace. But luck had never been fond of me, because almost like I cursed myself instead of prayed, I collided straight into someone. My bag slipped off my shoulder as I stumbled backward. “Are you blind, you f*****g b***h?!” That familiar voice rang through, sending a thrill through me. Rebecca Jonathan. I froze. My hands began to shake immediately. “Sorry,” I muttered quickly, bending to pick up my bag. “Sorry?” she mocked. “You don’t sound like you f*****g mean it.” My throat tightened as I looked up slowly and there she was draped in designer confidence and cruelty with her three loyal shadows flanking her like obedient soldiers. “Oh,” she scoffed, lips curling. “If it isn’t our little school nerd.” ‘Not this morning. Please not this morning.’ My fist tightened instinctively. I was late already and didn't have time for their tantrums. It was the first day of school and she still wouldn't back off! I flung my bag over my shoulder and stood upright. “Not today, Becca, we've got class and I know you don’t want to be late either.” I mumbled and made to step past her. Big mistake. Before I could take another step, her hand shot out and yanked me back. “I’m not done talking to you, bitch.” “Well,” I said, forcing my voice steady, “I’m not interested in this conversation.” I retorted. Her eyes darkened immediately. She must have expected me to cower like an i***t, like I always did, but right now I just wasn’t having her. “This conversation ends when I say it does,” she growled, and before I could respond, she motioned at her minions. “Hold her.” Hands grabbed me immediately, before I could react. I was forced to my knees. I struggled, but it was useless. Their wolves gave them extra powers and a practically wolfless wretch like me was no match for them. Becca let out a snarl stepping forward and before I could do a thing, her palm came crashing against my cheek. Hard. My head snapped to the side, my cheek burning instantly as I tasted blood. I could feel my blood boil and not wanting to back down, I turned back and glared at her. “Get a life,” I spat. “Bullying is the only thing you’re good at, that’s why nobody actually likes you and I'm pretty sure the moment your money vanishes, so will your puppy little minions” Her eyes grew darker, a growl vibrated low in her throat. “You still have a mouth? Good.” She smiled coldly.“I think I’d change that and remind you where you stand.” She smacked my cheek twice lightly and mockingly. ““So tell me, will you still be so smug when I walk up to the principal and tell him you bullied the Alpha’s niece, when I tell him to expel you?” She drew closer, her voice dropping to a low whisper against my ear. “Even if I bullied you, who will he believe, you or me?" My heart plummeted. There was undoubtedly an answer to that. Who will dare offend the Alpha family? My stepdad and I had worked too hard. I couldn’t lose this school. “Please…” I whispered. “Don’t.” Her gaze lowered, staring at the same girl who had just been acting defiant, crumbling in front of her and that horrible sound tore from her throat. Laughter. “Now you’re learning.” She crouched slightly and grabbed my chin, forcing my face upward. “But still I don’t see sincerity. If you’re really sorry…” She extended her leg. “Lick. My. Foot.” Everything inside me cracked. At the corner of my eyes, I caught the silhouette of students watching, whispering while some were recording. My chest tightened painfully as humiliation burned through my veins. “Do it,” she taunted. “Or kiss your degree goodbye.” I swallowed. “I’ll do it.” She let out a scoff and motioned for her minions to release me. They did immediately. My fists trembled at my sides as my pride screamed. My heart pounded so violently I thought I might faint. I lowered my head slowly. “Yeah,” Becca sneered. “Just like the dog you are…” Suddenly, a voice cut through the hallway like a blade, stopping me right in place. “What’s going on here?” Becca’s leg snapped back instantly as she turned in his direction. “Oh hey, cousin,” she said sweetly. “Just having some fun.” Cousin. My heart stopped and immediately that familiar scent engulfed my senses. That scent. That presence. That same electric pull I’d tried to forget for three years. I lifted my head slowly and there he stood. Tall. Broad shoulders. Curly dark hair falling perfectly over dangerously intense eyes. Draven Hayes. My childhood sin.