My Alpha: CEO's Human Fated Mate

“Grandma, your pills are not optional, OMG!” Selene groaned, exasperatedly tapping her chewed-up fingernails on the counter while watching her grandma from the kitchen. “Girl! I’m fine, you worry too much,” Grandma Hattie waved a dismissive hand, deliberately flexing her biceps to prove her point, though the slight tremble of her hand almost gave her away. “Well, the doctor says you’re not supposed to miss them,” She pops the pills into a tiny container, filling a glass with water as she moves down to the living room. The constant hassle of juggling her job and her grandma’s weak health leaves her anxious most times, and she doesn't need any additional stress at the moment. Hattie rolled her eyes, letting out a loud sigh, “You really nag a lot for a 25-year old.” Totally agree with her, you sound like a dying fly, a snarky, uninvited voice added in Selene’s head. Let her be, she’s doing just fine. Selene shook her head continuously as she returned the cup to the kitchen after successfully convincing her grandma to take the pills. A few years ago, she would have been worried she was losing her mind. Now she just pressed her lips together and chose to ignore it. Even though this witty voice contrasted her daily life, she had simply learned to just live with it. “I can hear you mumbling from out here, how many times do I have to tell you to stop talking to yourself?” Hattie scolded gently. “I didn’t say anything Grandma,” she replied, walking back into the living room and giving her grandma a kiss on her temple, while touching her cheeks as she would fondly do. “I’m leaving for work already,” Selene added, hugging Hattie from behind the sofa. “You’re always working. You never have any time for yourself,” Hattie muttered, reaching for the remote. “If you keep going this way, I’ll die before I see you bring a man home or even talk about one at all.” Selene nearly choked. “Grandma!” “What? I’m old, not blind and stupid. Girls your age are out there causing problems, most especially pretty ones like you.” She heard a loud cackling in her head. Finally! Someone in this house with sense. “Ignore her,” Selene muttered automatically. Hattie narrowed her eyes suspiciously, “Ignore who?” “Nobody.” “You’re always lost in your head or speaking to yourself,” Hattie said, shaking her head in amusement as she reached for the bowl of crackers beside her. “One day, you’ll start arguing with yourself out loud in public and people will finally realize my granddaughter has completely lost her mind.” “I do not talk to myself… that much,” Selene mumbled in disagreement. Walking back into her room to make sure she hadn’t forgotten anything, Selene looked in the mirror, reapplying her lip-gloss and mentally prepping herself for the day ahead. Satisfied with her appearance, she grabbed her wallet from the bed before heading back into the living room. “And don’t forget to take your meds this afternoon,” Selene reminded, pointing her finger at her grandma to serve as a warning. Hattie rolled her eyes dramatically, “You know, at this point, you could just hire a guard to make sure I do all that you say.” The voice in Selene’s head snorted loudly. I totally agree with her. Although I’m sure she would escape before your guard could even say a word. “I’m serious, Grandma,” Selene sighed, slipping on her shoes near the door. “You can’t keep skipping your doses.” “Yes, ma’am,” Hattie muttered with exaggerated obedience, already reaching for the snacks beside her instead. “Sometimes, I feel like I’m the grandma here,” Selene whispered to herself. You most definitely are, the voice in her head replied, it’s tone dripping with intense sarcasm. But seriously, do humans actually fuss over little things all day long? How do you all even cope? I mean, if I had to listen to you count out those dosages every single day forever, I might actually just bore myself to death, and I’m not even joking. It’s her prescription… from her doctor. Selene said, deliberately ignoring her comment. It's what keeps her alive, and you know that, she replied sharply in her head. Whatever you say, I stand firmly on my words that a good run in the woods, some dancing and karaoke is just enough medicine to clear up her lungs. But what do I know? I mean I am but a figment of your wild and distressed imagination. You know, given that you’re now officially a part of my life, I think you need a name. Selene said, smirking in an evil manner. Oh God NO, don’t do this right now. I particularly like the sound of Nyx. Selene said, grinning from ear to ear. Eww, that’s a terrible name for an angel like me, the snarky voice replied. Nyx it is then, she replied, skipping from one foot to another, happy that she had successfully irritated Nyx. Heading for the door, Selene grabbed her handbag and coat. “Bye grandma,” she said. “Yes, please go now and don’t come back early,” she heard together with the loud sound of chewing. She was sure her grandma was eating snacks again. I just love her, she matches my vibe perfectly. Nyx sighed in contentment. Hey, you’re supposed to be on my side here, Selene grumbled. I’m on the side of entertainment sweetie, now hurry up, or we’ll be late for jail time. That “jail time” was Blackwood Corps, a towering corporate empire standing tall and proud in the heart of modern-day Los Angeles. Selene worked there as Junior Manager of the Marketing Department, a position that did not come easy, especially for someone her age. The pay was decent, and it would have been perfect if the extra cents didn’t go to hospital bills and renewed pills. The morning air was thick, cutting right through the thin fabric of Selene’s coat as she sprinted into the local café. She didn’t have time to soak in the warmth; she practically snatched the hot paper cup of black coffee from the barista, almost burning her fingers in the process, before racing toward the bus stop. Selene hurriedly slipped onto the bus, which started moving just a few minutes after. She squeezed herself between two tired-looking men, gripping the metal pole as the bus jerked violently. Outside the fogged-up window, Los Angeles was already awake, endless honking of cars, towering digital billboards, people rushing with steaming cups of coffee in one hand while the other clutched their coat tightly against their chest to fight off the cold morning air. Workers rushing past one another like the city would collapse if they slowed down for even one second. Selene’s phone buzzed. HOSPITAL PAYMENT REMINDER. Her stomach tightened immediately. The reminder of all the responsibilities she had not tended to eating her up slowly.