My Alpha Mate

CHAPTER 2

Nora

Beep beep.

Ugh—my stupid alarm clock. I rolled over and saw the time: 7:00 AM. Oh no. I can’t be late for my first day in hell.

I launched myself out of bed and bolted for the bathroom. Five minutes later, I was out. Don’t ask me how—I’m convinced it's a hidden superpower. I ran to my wardrobe and started digging for something to wear. I’m not one of those fashion-obsessed girls or anything, but I still like to look good—modest, but nice.

I settled on black cargo pants, a white body top, my trusty Air Forces, and of course, my jacket. Gotta have the jacket.

When I got downstairs, I spotted my mom in the kitchen. She was on the phone with someone.

“She’s too young. She can’t know,” she whispered urgently.

Then she noticed me and quickly hung up. “Oh, hey, honey! Good morning.”

“Good morning, Mum… Please, we gotta go—I’m already running late.”

I snatched an apple off the counter as she grabbed her keys. “Yeah, honey, let’s go.”

The drive to school was quiet, except for my own thoughts. We seemed to be driving through a literal forest. How did we even end up living out here? I mean, there were some houses along the way, but still—trees for days. Weird.

The car slowed down. I looked up. We were here.

I waved my mom goodbye and walked toward the school entrance. The parking lot was buzzing with students, pretty standard high school stuff.

But the second I stepped inside? Boom—next-level staring.

Was it me? My face? My outfit? Do these people just have a chronic staring disorder?

Thankfully, the principal’s office was close. I walked up and—before I could knock—the door swung open. Okay… what? How did he know I was right outside? Did he smell me coming? Coincidence?

“Miss Parker, how are you doing?” he asked with a small smile.

“Umm… fine, I guess.”

“Here’s your schedule. I trust you’ll follow all school rules.”

“Okay, sir.”

He nodded. “Your mother is a loyal member of our pack. I hope you do well here.”

I froze for a second. Pack? Like… a wolf pack? Or some kind of cult?

Oh Nora, don’t be crazy, I told myself and left the office, schedule in hand, confusion tagging along.

After wandering the halls like a lost duck, I finally found the Chemistry Lab—blessed be that ugly sign.

I slipped in. The teacher had already started the lesson. Oh, why me.

“You must be the new student—Nora, right?”

“Uh, yes, sir.”

The class stared again. I mentally checked my face. Is there something on it, or are these people just broken?

“You can take that seat at the back,” he said, pointing to a stool in the far corner. Jackpot.

Once I sat down, he continued, “You’ll be working on a project this semester. In pairs. So turn to the person next to you and shake their hand—that’s your new partner.”

Groans echoed around the class, but I stayed quiet. Lucky me—there was no one beside me. Solo project? Yes, please.

“The project is due at the end of the year and it’ll count heavily toward your final grade,” the teacher added. “I’ll assign topics after school. Miss Parker, you’ll be paired with Alex. He’s not here today, though.”

The room buzzed with murmurs.

I didn’t care. I just sat there wondering who this Alex guy was.

Then a chill ran down my spine.

From the window beside me…

I could’ve sworn I saw a pair of glowing eyes watching me.