The Luna's Reluctant Alpha

Chapter Six

ALEXIS

The Monday morning air felt like a blanket of static as I trudged into Lincoln High, my backpack a leaden weight on my shoulders. I hadn't even reached my locker before I sensed the shift, like the halls had developed a new current that buzzed against my skin.

The heat that started coursing through me two days ago was like an invisible tag, labeling me 'approach with caution' or maybe 'approach with interest'. Annie had hooked me up with pheromone blockers, but I was starting to think they were about as effective as a screen door on a submarine.

It wasn't just the random glances or the double-takes that threw me off balance; it was who they were coming from. Mickey "Meatball" Munson, who had once thrown his cafeteria spaghetti at my head in seventh grade, was now giving me this dopey smile like he'd seen the light. And by light, I mean whatever pheromones managed to sneak past the blockers.

"Hey Alexis," he said, his voice uncharacteristically gentle as if he hadn't called me 'shiftless' more times than I could count.

I narrowed my eyes at him, waiting for the punchline. "Hi... Meatball." His nickname slipped out before I could stop it. Old habits and all that jazz.

He winced but quickly recovered, edging closer with hands stuffed in his pockets. "You know, you can call me Mickey."

I blinked at him, taking in his sudden politeness. "Thanks for the memo."

Before I could ponder this odd encounter any further, I was intercepted by Jared Park and Caleb Summers. The academic rivals who'd never given me more than a nod outside of debate team arguments were suddenly flanking me like we were about to walk down a runway.

Jared, with his water polo captain's swagger and those eyes that made half the school swoon, leaned against the locker next to mine. "Alexis," he said smoothly. "I heard about the extra credit project you did on molecular spectroscopy. Did Mr. Stockton really send it to his buddy at JPL? Stellar work."

Caleb nodded in agreement, muscles flexing beneath his letterman jacket as he crossed his arms—a living Adonis statue with a GPA to match mine. "Really impressive," he added. "We should collaborate sometime."

Collaborate? Since when did Caleb Summers speak my language? It felt surreal, standing there between them like we were old pals when in reality we were more like rival chess pieces on the school's academic board.

"Uh, thanks?" I managed to squeak out, still trying to compute this new reality where Meatball was kind and rival geniuses wanted to buddy up.

As if summoned by my confusion, Tyler Richards strolled up—the kind of guy whose smile probably had its own fan club. His basketball fame didn't quite eclipse Kai's football stardom, but it was close.

"Alexis Kim," Tyler greeted me with a nod that sent his curls bouncing. "Cool hoodie."

I glanced down at my hoodie—same one I'd worn for weeks—and back up at him. Was this real life? Or maybe a prolonged heat-induced hallucination?

"It has pockets," I said dumbly because what else do you say when Tyler Richards compliments your most mundane piece of clothing?

His laugh was easy and warm. "Pockets are key."

From across the hall, Caitlin Moore's eyes locked onto our little congregation like she was witnessing an alien invasion—and she wasn't happy about it. Her beta status usually meant she got her pick of the guys for her entourage, but today they orbited around me instead.

Her gaze narrowed into dangerous slits as she marched over with her posse trailing behind her like ducklings after their mother—mean girl ducklings with razor-sharp beaks.

"Tyler," Caitlin cooed, draping an arm around him and shooting daggers at me from under her perfectly mascaraed lashes. "You're coming to lunch with us today, right?"

Tyler looked from Caitlin to me and back again before scratching the back of his neck—a clear sign of discomfort in the tangle of teenage social politics.

"Yeah," he said slowly. "But first I wanted to ask Alexis something about the mathlete competition."

Caitlin's arm dropped from Tyler's shoulder as if it had been burned by rejection while Jared and Caleb shuffled awkwardly on either side of me.

My world—which until very recently had been defined by order and predictability—was spiraling into chaos right there in front of locker number 214. Boys who used to ignore or mock me were now chatting me up like we shared some secret handshake. And Caitlin Moore—Queen Bee herself—looked ready to declare war over it.

"What's gotten into everyone today?" I muttered under my breath.

Jared shrugged nonchalantly. "Just appreciating talent where it's due."

"Talent?" Caitlin scoffed from behind us before flipping her hair over one shoulder—a practiced move meant to reassert dominance. "Let's not pretend Alexis here is anything special."

The words stung less than they would have a week ago—before my heat started making waves—but they still left an acidic taste in my mouth.

I closed my locker with more force than necessary and turned on Caitlin with all the confidence of an omega who didn't need anyone's approval—not even from an alpha-to-be like Kai Larson or from queen bees with stingless insults.

"Thanks for noticing," I said pointedly before weaving through the crowd of newfound admirers and away from whatever bizarro world high school had become overnight.

As I walked away from the commotion, something deep inside told me this was just the beginning—like standing at the edge of a forest knowing full well there are wolves lurking within its shadows—but there wasn't time to dwell on that now.

Right now, all I wanted was to get through class without becoming Pepe Le Pew's unwilling Penelope Pussycat—and figure out how long until those pheromone blockers kicked in for real.

***

I shuffled through the halls of Lincoln High, clutching my books like a shield. I had always been good at being invisible, at blending into the beige lockers and linoleum floors. But today, the very air felt charged, and my skin prickled with an awareness that was both alien and exhilarating.

Annie linked arms with me as we dodged a couple making out against a locker. "You okay, Lex?" she asked, her voice laced with concern and excitement. She knew something was up; she always did.

"Fine," I lied, flashing her a quick smile that didn't reach my eyes. "Just another manic Monday. Wish it was Sunday."

Jamie fell in step with us, her basketball jersey swishing softly. "OMG, how hot was Jared Park today. And he's suddenly in our orbit, drawn to our blooming omega," she mused, a twinkle in her eye.

"Girl, he always looks hot," Annie replied with a laugh. "But he kept staring at you, Lex. You guys could totally become the hottest power couple of Lincoln High. Caitlin can eat her heart out. Asian hotness."

My heart stuttered in my chest as the rest of Annie's words faded into the background. Jared Park? Staring at me? That was like saying the moon had taken up tap dancing – improbable and slightly ridiculous.

"He did not," I said, but even as the denial left my lips, I felt a flush creep up my neck.

Jamie nodded emphatically. "Oh, he totally did. And speaking of hot guys..."

She trailed off as Caitlin Moore sashayed past us with her entourage, tossing her hair and throwing daggers from her eyes. It was clear she considered us about as significant as gum on the bottom of her shoe.

"And she wonders why people call her 'Queen Bee'," Annie muttered under her breath.

"More like Queen Beeyatch," Jamie snarked, making me laugh. "She ain't Beyonce, that's for dang sure."

The bell rang then, a merciful reprieve from the tension threading through my body. But even as I sat through classes – through discussions of Shakespeare and the Battle of the Bulge – there was a buzzing at the back of my mind, like static on an old TV set.

When school finally ended, I couldn't escape fast enough. But fate had other plans because there he was: Kai Larson leaning against his truck like some sort of Greek god casually misplaced in Wisconsin. And Caitlin was there too, of course, draping herself all over him like a designer coat – PDA cranked to maximum levels.

My steps faltered as our eyes met across the parking lot. Kai's gaze held mine for a heartbeat too long before he broke away to whisper something in Caitlin's ear that made her giggle like she'd just won the lottery.

Annie nudged me gently. "Earth to Alexis," she said softly.

I blinked and tore my eyes away from Kai and Caitlin's sickeningly sweet display. "Sorry," I mumbled. "Just spaced out for a sec."

Jamie shook her head slowly. "Girl... something's up with you."

Before I could answer, Tyler appeared beside us with his easy grin and basketball tucked under one arm. "Hey! So I'm throwing this little thing at my place tonight for my birthday. You guys should come."

It's his birthday, too? What a coincidence.

Annie squealed before I could react. "We'd love to! Right, Lex?"

"Uh..." Words failed me as my brain short-circuited from Tyler's invitation mingled with the lingering image of Kai's intense gaze.

"Cool," Tyler said with a wink before jogging off to his car.

As we walked to Jamie's beat-up Honda, Annie chattered about what we should wear to Tyler's party while Jamie hummed in agreement.

I trailed behind them silently because something was definitely changing inside me – some piece of me was pushing its way forward, demanding attention.

And all I could think about was how badly I didn't want to deal with any of it – not Tyler's unexpected interest or Caitlin's glaring hostility or the strange new popularity that seemed as much a curse as it was a blessing.

But most of all, I couldn't handle that searing look from Kai Larson that left an imprint on my soul – even if it was just for a moment before reality crashed back in and he returned to his role as Caitlin's boyfriend and Cedar Creek's golden boy Alpha-in-waiting.

Annie poked her head out of Jamie's car window as they waited for me at the curb. "You coming?"

"Yeah," I called back weakly, feeling like I was about to step off a cliff into uncharted territory where maps were useless and compasses spun wildly out of control.

And somewhere deep inside me, that something kept emerging – stirring beneath the surface like shadows lengthening at dusk, whispering that life as I knew it was about to change forever.

***

"Be careful, Alexis," Mom's voice was laced with a seriousness that couldn't be mistaken. Dad stood beside her, arms crossed, his expression mirroring hers.

"I know how to handle myself around alphas," I replied, rolling my eyes as I adjusted the werewolf pendant Grandma Chen had given me. It felt cool against my skin, a constant reminder of my heritage.

"This is different," Dad said, his tone dropping an octave. "You're about to become a fully mature omega. That changes things."

I sighed, knowing they were right but not willing to let the worry dampen my mood. "I'll be fine. Promise."

Annie honked from outside, and I gave them both a quick hug before heading out the door. The night air was crisp, and the excitement for Tyler's party buzzed through me like electricity.

"Happy Birthday, Tyler!" I greeted him as we walked into his house, the bass from the music thumping in my chest.

"Thanks, Lex! Yours is coming up too, right?" He flashed a grin that could melt hearts at ten paces. "Maybe we should celebrate together?"

"Maybe," I teased, my cheeks warming just a tad. Jamie snickered from beside me, whispering something about a 'harem' as Jared and Caleb arrived, their own grins matching Tyler's.

We lost ourselves in the rhythm of the party, laughing and dancing until Caitlin made her grand entrance, her entourage in tow. And then there was Kai, looking like he'd stepped off the cover of a rugged outdoors magazine, all brooding intensity and chiseled jawline.

Caitlin clung to him, but it was the silent exchange between Kai and me that sent shivers down my spine. Something unspoken yet palpable stretched tight in the space between us, a current that held the promise of a storm.

To distract myself, I turned on the charm with Jared, Caleb, and even Tyler, my laughter genuine for the first time in too long. It was harmless flirting, but when I caught Kai's eye, the look he gave me could have frozen the sun.

Kai’s jealousy was almost tangible, a heat that contrasted the cool night air as I stepped out onto the back porch for a break. He followed, his footsteps heavy with purpose.

"Alexis Kim, you need to be careful," he growled, crowding into my space.

"Careful?" My breath hitched, but I met his gaze defiantly. "I'm just having fun, Alpha."

"Omegas give off signals, especially to hormone-addled alphas. Teenage boys can't control themselves like—"

"Unlike you?" I challenged.

Our argument crackled with tension, and then suddenly, his lips were on mine, fierce and demanding. My hands found his hair, tangling in the soft strands as our bodies pressed closer, heat blooming where we touched. His kiss was a wildfire, uncontrollable and consuming.

My heart pounded as he pulled away just slightly, his eyes searching my face as if seeking some kind of sanction. His hand rested on the small of my back, an anchor in the tempest of our feuding emotions. The look in his eyes was raw, vulnerable, and the weight of his yearning hit me like a punch.

“Kai," I whispered, breaking the silence that had fallen between us.

His response was another kiss, softer this time, yet with a depth of passion that threatened to unravel me right there on Tyler’s patio. His hands moved from my back to gently cup my face, his thumbs brushing my cheekbones as he deepened the kiss.

In that moment, I felt an electric spark — the kind people talk about in those cheesy romance movies Annie loves so much. It was an intense connection that made me forget about everything else. My inability to shift, my perceived inadequacies, my social anxieties, my parents’ warnings—everything turned into a distant hum drowned out by Kai's heartbeat against my chest.

Tyler's party was forgotten, the surrounding chatter of our friends was muted as if we were underwater. All that mattered was Kai and his lips moving in a rhythm with mine that felt natural, like we were two pieces of a puzzle that had finally clicked together.

His scent — the smell of pine trees after rain, mixed with something uniquely him — filled my nostrils, becoming an intoxicating aroma that drew me in even closer. I savored the taste of him; there was something so primal and yet so sweet about it.

"Heaven help me," he murmured against my lips, his voice husky. His fingers traced down the side of my neck, making my skin tingle in response. My wolven senses heightened, every single touch from him became magnified. He made a soft sound in the back of his throat - something between a growl and a sigh - before his kisses turned urgent again.

His hands found their way to my waist, pulling me flush against him as he slipped one hand under my shirt to trace fiery patterns on my skin. The touch was light, almost reverent, and I shivered at the intimacy of it. It felt like he was mapping a story on me, one that belonged only to him. Raw need surged with every stroke of his fingers, so strong it blotted out any semblance of control. It eclipsed my worries about our differences, our status, Caitlin—everything.

"Kai," I sighed into his lips again, my breath matching the rhythm of his own. His name was a melody I could play in endless repeat—a song of longing and surrender.

His eyes were dark with desire when he pulled away to stare at me. His gaze bore into mine, powerful and intense. "Mate," he breathed out, echoing what my heart had sung all along.

There was no denying it then; the pull between us was magnetic. The tension that strung from him to me wasn't just physical attraction or the heady rush of stolen kisses, it was something deeper, something fundamental. It felt like destiny was finally taking its course—like this had been etched into the marrow of our bones since birth.

Suddenly, he broke off, his breath hitching as he stepped back, putting some much-needed space between us. "This... this isn't right," he said, rubbing a hand over his face. I could see the struggle on his face—his sense of duty wrestling with what we both knew we wanted.

"Kai," I began, reaching out to him. But he was already backing away, the guilt lining his face like a stark contrast against the dim porch light. It felt like watching a dream dissolve, leaving behind only cold reality and unanswered questions. My heart twisted in my chest and I could feel tears prick at my eyes as I watched him retreat back into the house.

The cold air clung to me, sharp against my heated skin and for a moment I was left standing alone in the silence. I closed my eyes, taking deep breaths to tame the whirlwind of emotions threatening to consume me. His scent lingered, invigorating yet tormenting, a silent ghost of his absence.

Annie and Jamie found me a few minutes later, their concern evident in their expressions. Even in my daze, I could not ignore the pity that flashed vividly across their gaze.

"Alexis, are you okay?" Jamie asked, her voice soft with concern.

"Yeah," I said, forcing a smile that felt foreign on my face. "I just had my first kiss. And it's with Kai Larson."

Annie's eyes widened as she gasped. "Shut up! He's cheating on Caitlin? What a jerk."

Jamie elbowed her. "Way to miss the point, bimbo."

"Oh, right!" Annie exclaimed before giving me a hug. "Congrats."

"At least it was with Mr. Football God Alpha, not Meatball Munson," Jamie quipped with a shrug, ever the optimist.

I chuckled despite the whirlwind of feelings within my body. "Don't make me barf."

But even as I laughed and joked with them for the rest of the night, I could feel Kai’s eyes on me. Every glance in his direction met with his brooding stare, his jaw clenched tightly as though he was battling with himself.

It was a battle he would lose because there was no denying the truth now; there was something between us—an unspoken bond that defied logic and explanation. He'd called me mate. It was as spontaneous as a midnight summer rain and just as nourishing; feeding a part of my soul I didn’t know was parched.