Chapter 3: The Alpha’s Decision
907 Words
luna was still trying to understand the stranger standing in front of her. Everything about him felt unusual. The way he carried himself, the calm confidence in his voice, and the quiet authority that seemed to follow him made her feel as though she had stepped into a world she did not belong to. She did not know his name, she did not know why he had stopped for her, and she certainly did not understand why someone who looked so distant was offering her kindness.
"I'm sorry," she whispered.
Alex looked at her carefully.
Again.
That was the first thing she said when someone helped her. Not thank you. Not a request. An apology.
"Why are you apologizing?" he asked.
Luna lowered her eyes, unsure how to answer. Her fingers moved unconsciously toward the small piece of paper in her hand, folding and pressing the edges until it slowly became a tiny flower.
"I don't know," she admitted quietly.
Alex noticed the small paper flower. It was simple, imperfect, and made from something that most people would have thrown away. Yet she held it carefully, as if it carried meaning.
"Does making those help?" he asked.
Luna looked down at the flower and a small smile touched her lips.
"When I was younger, one of the caregivers taught me how to make them. She told me that even small things can become beautiful if someone takes the time to care for them."
She turned the little flower between her fingers.
"I guess I never stopped."
Alex said nothing.
He had spent years surrounded by expensive things, powerful people, and those who wanted something from him. But this girl found comfort in a piece of paper shaped like a flower.
He did not understand it.
And strangely, he found himself wanting to.
She is different.
Shadow's voice echoed inside his mind.
Alex remained expressionless.
You noticed.
"I noticed that she was standing in the rain," Alex answered silently.
Shadow gave a quiet growl.
You stopped for her.
Alex ignored the comment.
"I helped someone who needed help."
You do not usually stop.
That was true.
Alex was not a man who ignored suffering, but he had learned to separate responsibility from attachment. He protected his people. He handled threats. He made decisions quickly.
But tonight, he had stepped out of his car because a stranger was standing alone in the rain.
And he still did not understand why.
Luna glanced toward the road.
"I should go."
Alex looked at her soaked clothes.
"You are going to walk back like this?"
"The orphanage is not far."
"You are freezing."
"I'm okay."
The answer came automatically.
Alex studied her face.
"You say that often."
Luna looked confused.
"What?"
"That you are okay."
For a moment, she was silent. Then she gave a small embarrassed smile.
"Maybe I do."
Something about that smile caught his attention.
Not because it was perfect.
It was not.
It was small and uncertain, like she was not used to showing it.
But it was genuine.
Alex looked away before she noticed him staring.
He removed his coat and held it toward her.
"Take this."
Luna immediately shook her head.
"No, I can't."
"Why?"
"Because it's yours."
Alex looked at her as if the answer surprised him.
"And?"
"I don't want to take something expensive from someone I don't know."
Most people accepted gifts from him without hesitation. Some even tried to gain his attention because of what he could provide.
But Luna looked uncomfortable receiving something she believed she had not earned.
"You can return it later," he said.
She hesitated.
"Later?"
"Yes."
The simple answer seemed to make her feel less like she was taking something from him.
Slowly, she accepted the coat.
"Thank you."
Alex only nodded.
When they arrived at the orphanage, Luna stepped out of the car and looked toward the old building. The lights inside were warm, and even from outside, Alex could sense that this place meant something to her.
She was not looking at it like someone who wanted to escape.
She was looking at it like someone who had a home.
That realization stayed with him.
He had expected to find someone who needed saving.
Instead, he found someone who had created happiness from very little.
Luna turned back toward him.
"Thank you for helping me tonight."
Alex watched her for a moment.
There were so many questions he could ask.
Who was she?
Why did his wolf recognize her?
Why did Shadow react as if she was someone precious?
But he stopped himself.
She was not something to be claimed.
She was someone who had to choose.
"Go inside before you get sick," he said.
Luna nodded softly before walking toward the entrance.
Alex watched until she disappeared behind the door.
For a moment, he remained silent inside the car.
Adrian looked at him from the passenger seat, a knowing expression on his face.
"So..."
Alex looked at him.
"Don't."
Adrian smiled.
"I didn't even say anything."
"You were going to."
"Probably."
Adrian glanced toward the orphanage.
"Who is she?"
Alex looked back at the building.
For once, he did not have an answer.
"I don't know."
The words felt strange.
Alex Blackthorn was used to knowing everything he needed to know.
But tonight, there was a girl with a paper flower who had entered his thoughts without permission.
And he had no idea why.
- Writer
