My Alpha Mate

CHAPTER 5

NORA

“Hey honey, how was your first day?” Mom asked as I slammed the door shut.

I’d been dying to hear that question.

“Oh, you know, school was fine—if you ignore the weird stares, people calling me things like ‘Luna’ and ‘Alpha,’ and, oh yeah, a girl literally growled at me like an animal. Super normal.”

Mom froze for a second. Her smile wavered. There was something in her eyes—concern? Guilt?

“Oh my… what a weird day,” she said, too casually.

Okay, that was suspicious. But whatever. I needed a shower.

Upstairs, I opened the door to my room, and the fresh scent of flowers instantly calmed me. This air freshener is definitely staying.

After a long, hot shower—I seriously love being in the shower, don’t ask—I slipped into my PJ’s and curled up on the window sill. I put in my earbuds and stared at the forest outside, dark and quiet, like it was holding its breath.

The song Die With a Smile by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars filled my ears.

“Wherever you go, that’s where I’ll follow…

Nobody’s promised tomorrow…

So I’mma love you every night like it’s the last night…

If the world was ending, I’d wanna be next to you…”

I sang along, quietly but full of emotion, letting the melody blend with the night. The trees stood like shadowy guardians, their limbs brushing against the inky sky like strokes of charcoal.

Then—I saw it.

A flicker of movement. A flash of black darting through the trees. I leaned in, heart thumping. I swore… I swore I saw glowing eyes staring back at me. Deep, ember-like eyes—watching.

And just as quickly, they vanished.

Okay, nope. What the hell was that? A wolf? A bear? Or... something worse?

Something about this town felt off.

And of course, instead of locking my window and calling it a night like a sane person… I decided to investigate.

Yup. I make great life choices.

I slipped out of my room, quiet as a cat. Mom was in the kitchen, humming as she made dinner. If she caught me, it was game over.

At the front door, I grabbed my jacket and slipped outside.

The cold night air hit my skin like a whisper. I took off toward the backyard, the forest looming ahead. I’d never realized how dark it was.

“Should I do this? Should I not? …F**k it,” I muttered and stepped into the woods.

The trees closed in around me, towering and silent. The forest was hauntingly beautiful—like a painting you don’t want to touch but can’t stop staring at.

I wandered, letting my curiosity lead me, until the light faded and shadows deepened.

Okay, time to head back.

That’s when I heard it—snap.

The sound of a twig breaking nearby.

“Sht. Sht. SH*T.” I bolted behind a tree and crouched down, hugging my knees. Why am I like this?!

Something was coming. I could feel it.

I leapt up and ran like hell, not even daring to look back. My breath burned in my lungs, my heartbeat thudding like war drums.

I glanced over my shoulder—nothing. Seriously?! After all that drama?

But then I saw them—those eyes. The same glowing eyes.

“Okay. See ya!” I yelped, running faster than I thought humanly possible.

And then... I realized I was lost.

Oh my God. I’m going to cry.

“NORA! NORA!”

My mom’s voice.

Thank you, universe!

“Mom! I’m here!” I called, scrambling toward her voice.

I saw her and ran straight into her arms.

“What were you doing out here? You know what—never mind. Let’s get home,” she said firmly, grabbing my hand.

Yup. I’m officially screwed.