Born An Alpha

Chapter 5

*Celeste’s P.O.V*

The next morning, I find myself in my own bed. I slightly remember Noah carrying me to my room and tucking me in. I tried to hold on to his hand but he whispered something and kissed my forehead goodbye.

I check to see my phone on low battery and realize my parents are going to be home any minute now. I quickly leave my phone charging and make my way to the shower. I discard the clothes I wore last night into a separate pile of laundry. Coming out of the shower, I hear their car pulling up into the driveway. I see three missed calls from Scott and two messages from Noah.

I decide to call Scott back since I didn’t let him know I made it home safely. It rings twice before he answers.

“Hey Cel” he says with enthusiasm

“Hey... just calling you back”

He laughs and says “You left me worried actually. So I had Michael text that jerk Noah and ask if you guys made it home okay” I smile as he says this. He’s too sweet.

“I’m sorry it slipped my mind. How are you? How’s Michael?” I ask.

“It’s okay. I’m fine and he’s fine. But there were a lot of injuries on the pack’s side-”

“Did you get hurt? Tell me you didn’t get injured?” I cut him off as I remembered that he shifted into his wolf to help the warriors.

He laughs lightly before continuing, “I’m okay, I promise. A few scratches here and there but nothing big. But I am liking how much you care about me.” I giggle and I hear a soft growl on his end.

“Listen Cel, can I call you back later. Alpha Damon arrived and I feel like I have to help explain what happened last night” He says.

“Sure, whenever you can” I say.

“Thanks beautiful” he says and ends the call. As the call ends, I stare into space smiling. No guy expect my dad has ever called me beautiful and he doesn’t even count because he’s my dad.

My relationship with Scott had only been platonic until last night. These past few months we’ve gotten to know each other as friends and it was nice to have someone on my side after Noah was ignoring me. Since Cynthia was his girlfriend, she would also act indifferent towards me. Alex and Melinda followed suit and it bugged me that they did this. They were still my friends but their attitudes had mimicked Noah. So I would look forward to talking to Scott and venting some of my feelings to him.

I suddenly remember Noah’s messages.

Hey Celeste. Are you awake yet?

Do you want to hang out later today?

My dad just asked if we went over to the Ridley party. I said no, I told him I went over to hang out with you and watch movies.

I text him back and ask him to meet me by the back entrance of my house around 1pm.

I make way downstairs where I hear my mom and dad whispering. It isn’t loud enough for me to eavesdrop so I walk into the kitchen. My dad is by the counter drinking coffee while my mom is next to him. She has one hand on his shoulder, and the other hand placed on top of his. This has always been her way to reassure him.

“How’s my little baby” my mom says as she comes over to me. Kissing the top of my head, I smile at her.

“Great mom. How was the meeting?” I ask nonchalantly. They look at themselves before my mom answers.

“Great... just great”. She smiles and nudges my dad to do the same.

“What did you end up doing yesterday?” My dad asks. He lowers his eyes to examine me.

“Stayed home” I smile “Noah came over and we watched some movies. That’s all”

“That’s good sweetie. He really is a good friend” my mom chimes in. I nod.

“Speaking of friends” My dad says as he clears his throat. “I wanted to let you know that Arnold will be driving you to school instead of Alex”. My mouth falls open as I look at both of my parents.

“But why?”

“Alpha Sean gave the order this morning. He wants all ranked children protected at all times”

“But I have always been safe with my friends driving me” I protest. My dad puts his hand up for me to stop. My mom sighs as she lightly squeezes my shoulder.

“It’s for your protection. Arnold will drive you and pick you up from school” she says as she gives me a small smile.

Of course! They know about the rebel attack on the Ridley pack. It was a Saturday night high school party where future alphas, betas and gammas were. This must have Alpha Sean fuming. The rebels are getting stronger; they were bold enough to attack and roam around a pack’s territory.

“Do you want to do something later today dragonfly?” My dad suddenly asks.

“Um, I was going to study with Noah but if you guys had something planned, I can cancel”

“Don’t worry. Go and study” my mom chimes in. I head upstairs and into my bedroom. I immediately text Alex about the new arrangements and he tells me that he will also be driven to school. I lay across my bed as the clock inches towards 1pm. I get dressed and grab my backpack. Using the back stairs, I make my way outside without my parents noticing me. I open the door and find Noah waiting by the lemon tree, he’s holding a picnic basket and a blanket. Instantly, his eyes beam and a smile spreads across his face.

“Hey” I say awkwardly.

“Hi” he says, still smiling.

It’s weird to know that he’s my true mate. The boy next door is the one the Moon Goddess chose for me. He also happens to be my friend’s boyfriend. It might also be impossible for us to be together because of the laws. My heart sinks a little at the last thought.

“Where are we going?” I ask him.

“I thought we could have a small lunch by the field in the woods” he says. I nod and we head into the woods together. Tiny sparks are rushing through me as I feel him walking next to me. The light breezes blows on us as I notice his nostrils flare.

We reach the field and he neatly places the blanket on the grass. We sit down as he places the basket down in the middle.

“Wow, today is such a nice day” I say.

“Yeah” he chuckles. “I can’t cook much so I made us some turkey and cheese sandwiches. I also brought chips, water bottles and juice”.

“Noah” I smile “I love turkey sandwiches”

“I know you do” he says with a small smile. As we eat, we talk about many things. School classes, college, careers, and then us. It feels so normal being here with him. Talking to him about things I like and what I hope to study or become. At times his eyes would cloud over which means he’s also talking to his wolf.

Finally, I see him shift uncomfortably from side to side. His eyes cloud over as he grips the blanket in his fist.

“Noah?” I ask. I reach over and place my hand on his chest. He lets the blanket go and relaxes his body. He stares at me while biting his lip, holding back whatever it is he wants to ask me. I arch my brow to him and he exhales.

“Celeste” he hesitates. “I wanted to know...” he trails off.

“What?” I ask

“You and Scott” he says through his gritted teeth.

I look away as I feel my face turning red. How do I explain my relationship with Scott. He’s a friend, obviously. But he’s also become much more than that. I myself don’t know how to answer this. I must have taken to long because Noah comes closer to me.

“I’m sorry I know it’s none of my business” he says. I finally look up to see his eyes masking his hurt.

“Scott is my friend” I start. Grabbing Noah’s hand, I give him a light squeeze. “After that game, I went looking for Scott. The paramedics had just loaded you into the ambulance and I saw the state he had left you in. So I went to confront him but I found him with his coach and your coach. With all the commotion going on, they didn’t hear me sneaking up on them. I heard his coach demand your expulsion for starting the fight. They threatened to tell Alpha Sean and Mathis. That’s when Scott spoke up and said he had initiated the fight. When the coaches left him alone, I thanked him for covering for you. That’s when he asked for my number. We’ve spoken every afternoon since that game. Last night...” I hesitate as I watch Noah’s lips tighten and his chest going up and down. “We kissed. That was all” I say in a barely whisper.

“Why did you confront him?” he asks through his gritted teeth.

I shrug, “I was so angry at how he left you that night. I was worried about you and-“

“You were worried about me?” His eyes shining with excitement.

“Of course I was” I say quietly. His eyes beaming at me and his lips form a tiny smile.

He leans in closer to me and I do the same, resting my head on his shoulder. We finally lay on the blanket together. His arm around my shoulders with my head resting on his chest as I place my hand on top of his.

“Celeste” he says suddenly “I want to be there when you shift for the first time”. I smile at this thought. They say the first time you shift should be around people you love. It lessens the pain which is why a true mate can help during your first shift. I don’t know how I will explain this to my parents but I know I want him there.

“Okay” I whisper to him.

He lets out a soft growl and snuggles closer to me. His eyes flash golden as he leans closer to me. I lean closer to him as our lips are almost touching. My heart beats faster and faster as he I feel the warmth of his breath on my lips. But the sound of twigs crunching breaks us apart.

Suddenly Rosemary appears all sweaty and flustered carrying a large duffel bags. She stops when she sees us there. Her eyes widen and she lets out a loud gasp. Aunt Sarah comes racing behind her and also stops when she sees us. They exchange a worried look between before they look at us. Noah is tense as he eyes them suspiciously.

“Aunt Sarah” I finally say breaking the awkwardness.

“Hey Lissy” She says as she smiles weakly. Rosemary stands behind her mom but keeping her gaze on us.

“Ummm...” I say nervously “This isn’t what it looks like”

“Nothing wrong with a picnic between two people” she says.

“Why are you two coming in through the back?” Noah finally asks. I notice Aunt Sarah shifting uncomfortably and Rosemary gripping the bag tighter.

“Supplies for omega members”. Rosemary cuts back. She glares at Noah as Aunt Sarah elbows her.

“Why not come in through the front?”

“Oh Future Alpha Boy in case you forgot, we aren’t allowed to bring in many items for us. As omegas” Rosemary says in a snarky voice. Her mom hits her lightly to get her to stop talking.

“Of course!” I say as I motion for them to continue. Rosemary walks ahead as Noah continues to eye her suspiciously. I stop Aunt Sarah before she can continue.

“Let’s keep this between us please. I don’t want my parents to know that you saw Noah and me-“

“Of course Lissy” she says to me “As long as you don’t say you saw me” she whispers to me. I wink at her while she walks away.

I turn to Noah who’s whole body is tense. I grab his hand and give him a light squeeze. We pack up the basket and grab our belongings.

“I wonder what they were bringing in” he tells me as we head back.

“Usually it’s medical supplies. You know they train the woman in secret right? They can’t just show up to the medical wing without questions being asked”

He nods in understanding. We stop before we’re in plain sight.

“I think we should continue acting like how it was before” I sigh. My heart sinks as I say this. This weekend has been lovely but I know it’s too dangerous to continue being this close. Someone will catch on and the consequences will be too dire.

He look at me with sunken eyes. Hurt and sadness flashing throughout his face.

“No” He growls. “I can’t... please” he brushes my cheek with his palm. I catch his hand and smile at him.

“In public at least. My window will stay open during the night”.

He growls as his golden eyes now stare at me.

“At night?” He flashes me a devious smile. I roll my eyes and laugh lightly.

“To hang out” I state firmly. He nods as he pulls me in close to him. He inhales slowly before he lets me go. Part of doesn’t want to let go but I know I’ll see him again, even if it’s in secret.

“I’ll see you tomorrow then” he tells me. I nod and we part ways as I make my way home.