Not My Alpha.

The First Meeting/Chapter 2.

“Nice work Camden.” Leo, my instructor said as he patted my shoulder. He has been training me for the last five years. I have learned different self-defense techniques along with learning to shoot a gun. Almost any everyday object can be used as a weapon if it needs to be, and with the right training. I haven't ever forgotten the promise I made to myself on that fateful day five years ago. I would not be weak, I made myself stronger for the day they do return. 

“Thank you, Leo. What else do we have planned for today?” He shook his head at me. “Don't you think you have done enough today?” Smiling I put away the mats we had used. 

“I suppose but, it's only been two hours.” 

“How about we finish it off with an hour run? Don’t you have to work today?” I just frowned.  

After the incident Joe moved us to a small town three states away. Taylor became my personal bodyguard for the rest of our high school years. After we graduated, I thought he would leave for college, instead he got a job at the only garage in town. I decided to stay close to our new home as well and started working at the only café. The good thing about this town is it's so small we are more like one giant family then a community of strangers. We all look out for one another and watch the outsiders. It's not often we have any but, it has happened a time or two. Most of the people in this town know I have a hard past and ten to help Joe and Taylor look out for me. 

“I don’t work until ten today.” I looked down at my phone. It read half past six in the morning. Leo just nodded as he pulled his shoes back on. “I guess we can run the back roads for a while.” I smiled pulling my own shoes on. I loved the back roads. Most of the locals would already be out in the fields or in town eating, so we wouldn’t be bothered to much. 

We set off on our run, both of us starting out at a light jog. We made it passed the old white church in record time. The town we lived in didn’t have a whole lot of anything. A couple of churches, one old and one new, a gas station the café and the garage. We had a small school that could accommodate our town and a few of the smaller towns that surrounded us. There was one small park with a campground attached that sat in the middle of town. Most of the houses here were built in the early 1900’s but, there was the occasional modern style house here and there. 

It was the perfect day for a run, not to hot and not to cold. Most mornings here started off a little cooler but, by ten o clock we were dying from a heatwave. I looked over at Leo to see him also lost in thought. I think it’s one of the reasons why we get along so well. We don’t need to always speak to communicate. We both like to be off in our own world. Leo is definitely more adventurous than I am, but he is also the quietest guy when he was alone. I would often walk into practice and find him sitting on the mats listening to music or reading a book.  

Me on the other had. I tried to be the quiet girl for many years but, Joe wouldn’t allow it. He made me break out of my shell. He made me shake of the depression and anxiety I held. I tried out for most of the clubs and sports the school had offered. I would often volunteer at city held events and spent a lot of time with the children in the community. Though I also still held onto that quiet side when I could be alone. I loved to read and write and listen to my depressing music. I loved to just spend time on my own. In all honesty if it weren’t for Joe, I think I would have secluded myself or worse killed myself.  

When I came out of thought I noticed we were by the old sandpits, one of our favorite places. Leo and I were running side by side still. “Last one to the top has to buy the other lunch!” I called changing my jog into a full blow sprint. Leo looked dumbfounded at first before running after me. I knew if I didn’t push myself, I would lose, and I was not paying again. I have had to pay three times this week. Its officially his turn to lose. My legs burned as I climbed the sand, my feet sinking and sliding through the sand. Leo was right next to me sliding just as bad as I was. I through my hands down into the sand crawling up the hill on hands and knees. By the time we reached the top we were both breathing heavy, completely out of breath. 

“You cheated.” Leo huffed out. My head turned to him a victorious smile on my face. “Did we ever agree we couldn’t crawl? I don’t think so. I think you’re just a sore loser.” Next thing I knew my body was flying through the air as Leo tackled me. Sand flew up around us in a cloud, both of use laughing as we lay there. Leo was looking at me with a giant smile on his face. I threw my arm over my eyes enjoying the feel of the warm sun on my sweaty skin. 

“You know I’m going to be finding sand all over myself for the rest of the day, right?” 

“Maybe if you took a shower.” Leo was laughing again. “I’ll have you know my personal hygiene is fine thank you. Do you know what it’s like to have long hair?” He tousled his short blonde hair. “No, I can’t say I do.” 

We just stayed there for who knows how long, laying in the sand letting the sun kiss our skin. When my alarm went off, I knew we had to leave. Leo got up first just as annoyed as I was to leave. He reached his hand back down waiting for me to grab it. Once we were up, we dusted ourselves off before running down the big hill. At the bottom we silently agreed to walk back instead of racing. It was going to be a long day at work. My body was already sore and hot after the run, I could only hope a cold shower would help. 

It was nine thirty when Leo and I made it to my house. We said our farewell before going our separate ways. I immediately took a shower. I only had fifteen minutes before I had to leave the house if I didn’t want to be late. After getting dressed I pulled my hair into two space buns on the tip of my head and applied a little bit of makeup. Once I was satisfied with how I looked I threw my shoes on and left the house once more. Just as I was locking the door, three big black SUV’s drove down the road. Outsiders. No one here would drive something so flashy. The windows on the vehicles were completely blacked out hiding any indication of who these people could be. There was no license plate either, well there goes at least knowing the state they were from. 

I arrived at work with only a few minutes to spare. I took my things to the back and grabbed my apron and tablet. s**t, I almost forgot to clock in. The boss would have my head if I forgot again. Making my way to the dining area I noticed everyone's attention was focused on a table near the back of the café. It was a table of mostly men, maybe two women, all of whom were insanely good looking. 

“Hey Cam, can you grab the table over there? I’m sorry I’ve got to get my daughter she got sick at school again.” Racheal stopped me. She was a nice middle-aged woman with two young children. “Of course, I hope she feels better. If you can’t make it back just text me, I can cover for you the rest of the day.” She looked relieved as she pulled me into a hug. “I promise I will make it up to you. I love you Cam, you’re such a life saver.” She yelled running out the door. Shaking my head, I walked over to the table of beautiful people. 

“Hello my names Cam, Can I get you all started with some drinks?” I swear I had 8 pairs of eyes looking at me strangely. One of the women answered. “Water is fine.”  

“Okay eight waters. I’ll be right back with those.” I turned and walked away as fast as I could. Something about this table of people didn’t feel right. 

“Excuse me?” I turned to see the same woman standing at the counter. 

“Yes?” 

“Could we get one more water? Our friend is running a little late, I'm sorry.” 

“No, it's fine. I can bring nine then.” She smiled and nodded before walking back to her table. Hopefully they all know what they want, I have other tables to go to yet. Not that I'm worried they are all of our regulars. I picked up my tray of water and returned to the table. 

After setting down all of the glasses of water I turned my attention back to the group. “Do you know what you would like to order, or do you need a few more minutes to go over the menu?” I made sure to look at each person while I asked. “Could we just a few more minutes, were still waiting for our friend? "I nodded “Of course.” Before turning around and heading to a table by them. 

“How are you today, Dave? Can I grab you anything else or just the check?”   

“Just the check, Cam. Thank you.” 

That's what I on did for the next half hour until the only table left was the group. They kept saying they were waiting for someone else. I decided to try my luck one more time and started to walk back to the table when the front door swung open so fast, I didn’t have time to. Next thing I know I'm on the ground with a sore butt looking up at a pair of glowing blue eyes. At least they seemed like they were glowing with how bright they were. The man in front of me just stared at me before walking over and joining the table. Well, okay then screw you too mister. Joe and Taylor walked through the door before I could pick myself up and gave me a questioning glance. 

“You know Cam, when they say mop the floor, they mean with a mop not your ass.” Taylor joked. 

“ha-ha you're so funny. Now help me up.” I was so used to his comments and jokes that I didn’t even try to play along anymore. Taylor reached down and helped me to my feet. “What are you guys doing here today? You never eat here on Wednesday's?” 

“We thought we would be nice and come see our favorite girl. But if you want us to leave?” Joe said pointing at the door. Leading them to a table I looked over my shoulder at the table where the man who knocked me down was at. He was sitting with the only other girl in the group on his lap. Ewe, if you want to be touchy feely at least wait until you aren’t in a public place. Well, at least I know who they were waiting for. 

“I’ll be right back with you drinks, guys. Them I'm going to warn you it may take a bit today. We have a few slow pickers.” I got their drinks before heading over to the large group once more. 

“Are you guys ready to order?” I asked as sweetly as I could. Right now, I just wanted to tell them all to leave if they were just going to loiter.  Surprisingly they finally did order, so I put their orders in and grabbed them some fresh waters before turning to leave. 

“Hey Tora, what took you so long?” As soon as I heard that name I turned back around. The man who had knocked me over was the one who responded to the question? “I got lost on some of these backroads.” I took in his medium brown shaggy hair and bright blue eyes, even his voice. There was absolutely no mistaking it, he was the same guy that was at my house almost 5 years ago.  

I quickly turned and made my way over to Taylor and Joe. Before I could even get to the table Taylor was out of his seat and on his feet. "What's the matter Cam?” shaking my head I wrapped my arms around him. I didn’t cry, lord knows I wanted to, I just held on for dear life. I kept kicking myself. I told myself if I ever seen them again, I wouldn’t be scared and helpless. I wanted to fight back or, at the very least confront the sons of bitches who destroyed my life. 

“It’s him. That guy in the booth. He was the one who killed my parents.” I whispered into Taylors chest. I was too afraid to even look at them. I know what they wanted to do and we all couldn’t afford it. 

Joe grabbed my arms gently, turning me to face him. He had the most serious look on his face. “Are you sure Cam?” I nodded “I mean are you really very sure?” Again, I nodded my head. “Here’s what you are going to do. You are going to wait for their order. Then you are going to take it over there and pretend everything is fine. After that I want you to continue doing your job. Come help us go into the back and help John cook or go fold silverware. Do not, I repeat do not let them know anything is wrong. The only thing we have going for us is that they seem to not remember you.” I nodded my head one last time. I got my thoughts and my body under control before going back into work mode. 

“What can I get you both to eat today?” Joe smiled his approval. 

“Two of the specials and three of your biggest pieces of cherry pie.” Taylor answered me back. He was also smiling but you could tell his was tense and forced. By the time I made it back to the kitchen and placed their orders the big groups order was done. John stopped me as I was grabbing their food. “Hey kiddo, is everything all right?” I made myself busy grabbing anything that could possibly go with their meals so I didn’t need to make eye contact. “Of course, those people just rub me the wrong way.” He seemed satisfied with my answer since he left me leave the kitchen. 

“Here you go.” I said placing everything down on the table. “If you need anything else don’t be afraid to ask.” Just as I was turning to leave, I heard his voice once more. 

“Do I know you?” I looked over to Tora trying not to cringe. 

“I don’t believe we’ve ever met.” I replied hoping he would buy my lie. 

“Are you sure? You look an awful lot like a girl I ran into some time ago.” His eyes were watching me closely as if expecting me to act shy or flustered. Buddy you might be handsome but that is the last thing on my mind now. 

“Again, I don’t believe we have met. I have lived here a long time and I think I would remember seeing a guy like you. If that’s all?” I left the question hanging in the air. When no one else responded I turned a left, feeling Tora’s eyes burning a hole in my back the whole way back to the kitchen.  

I went through the rest of my work day acting as if nothing had happened. Everything else in my day was completely uneventful. Taylor and Joe left after the group, saying if they came back to call. Taylor also volunteered himself to pick me up tonight, saying something about making sure I made it home. 

Once the café closed it took about a half an hour for John and I to clean everything and lock up. We said our goodbyes and John left in his truck. That’s odd, why isn’t Taylor here yet. When he says something he never forgets. I looked down at my phone seeing no new texts or calls. He could still be at work doing who knows what but its already eight. It was getting dark already being that were close to fall. Walking home wouldn’t take me too long but I also didn’t want Taylor to get mad if he came here and I was already gone. I decided to shoot him a text saying that I would be waiting outside on the side of the building. After five minutes of not hearing back from him I walked around front to see if he had just forgotten to text me back. 

Taylor wasn’t there instead it was one of the SUV’s those people were driving earlier. Great, what could they possibly want? I turned to go back to the side of the building when a hand shot out grabbing my wrist. I was spun around forcefully, my eyes meeting a pair of blue ones. Tora.  

“I knew I had seen you before. Five years ago, at a small house in a town whose name I can't remember. You were the girl that woman pleaded with me not to harm, weren't you?” My eyes widened at his words. He did remember me. What did this mean? Is he going to kill me now? 

“H-how do y-y-ou know I-it was m-me? Nice job Cam. Stuttering now he definitely knows it was you. His lips twisted into a sinister smirk. 

“I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” He leaned in, moving my hair aside.”Cam.” Hearing this horrible man say my name made a shiver run down my spine. This must have been funny to him since I felt his silent chuckle. This just creeped me out more. “Now that I have finally found you, I'm never letting you go.” What is he talking about? 

“Why wouldn’t you? Who in the hell do you think you are?” I ripped my arm out of his firm grasp. My leg shot out and connected with the back of his leg making him fall to one knee. My fist shot out connecting with his jaw. Blood leaked out of his lip as I put some room between us. This way I could fight a little better. 

“I wasn’t expecting that.” Tora said getting to his feet. 

“What did you expect? That I would be the same little girl you met all those years ago, as if. You don’t scare me anymore.” If that isn't the lie, I have ever told I don’t know what is. “You killed them in cold blood. You made me watch as you took their lives. You and your men almost killed me. Did you really think I wouldn’t prepare myself for the day you all came back to finish the job?” During my little speech Tora just watched me. He didn’t show any expression. He didn’t even try to show remorse for what he had done. It was like he couldn’t feel anything. 

“I wasn’t expecting anything out of you, but now I do. If you think you can run or hide from me again, your wrong. I should kill you just for putting your hands on me, but let me ask you this, did you ever think about why I didn’t let those men kill you?” I nodded my head. “Maybe I have had a plan for you this whole time. Maybe I didn’t want you dead because I wanted you to remember what happened. You can't do that if your dead, can you?” 

“But, Why? Why would you let me live? What could you possibly want from me?” My voice was so desperate. I wanted answers so badly. I have for the past five years. 

“Maybe because I wanted you.” He stated as he moved towards me. My body reacted by moving back trying to keep that distance between us. The closer he got the more desperate I got. His face changed completely. He was almost smiling when my back came into contact with a wall, but there isn't a wall here. I looked behind me to see the man who held me five years ago. The man who made me watch as Tora murdered my family. He was all the distraction Tora needed. His arms wrapped around my midsection in a bear hug. He lifted me in the air and started walking towards the car. 

I screamed. 

I screamed as loud as I could hoping someone in the town would help me. Kicking my legs wildly I finally connected with his leg. That was what finally made me gain confidence. I threw my elbows back hitting parts of him as hard as could. I just needed him to loosen his hold a little bit. After a well thrown elbow to the face his grip loosened and I took my chance dropping myself with all my weight. It worked he let go as I hit the ground. My legs wrapped around his pulling them out from under himself. I scrambled to my feet turning to run when I see Taylor. I was absolutely relieved. Thinking maybe we could take them both together I ran straights towards him.  

When I got to him, he did the last thing I would have expected. He raised his fist, it connecting with the side of my head. The last things I seen and felt before blacking out was Taylor catching me as I fell and the sadness in his eyes.