Apprentice to the Alpha 

11: Sweet Tarts

---Marie---

Evelyn hasn’t texted me back all day, I have a feeling she decided to skip. Not that I blame her. When the bell rings in the hag known as Mrs. Haris’ class, I know for sure. The evil old woman begins her speech about how one of the characters symbolizes truth or something and I sneak Eve a quick text.

Me: [How is my favorite black haired lady? One could even say, Violet from the incredibles? Did I do it right?]

I cringe at my own joke but send it anyway. Even if she thinks it’s stupid it should still make her at least smile, right? Maybe not. I wish there was an unsend button. Before I work myself up too much, she responds. Phew.

Bitch ---Evelyn---

On Monday, Marie let me know my partner was this kid I had wanted to befriend anyway. Nice! I asked her to send him my number and we decided on our project over text.

On Tuesday, I decided that I should probably use my time off school to actually finish the book I was supposed to working on a project for. I felt kind of bad leaving poor Elias alone in class, but I was definitely not ready yet. I told him what was happening and he was super understanding. Yeah, I definitely wanted to be his friend. He’s a cool dude.

On Wednesday, Daniel told me that Nate was finally improving. Apparently Doctor Carter hoped he’d wake by the weekend.

“Thanks, Uncle. I appreciate the update. But why did you call me instead of one of my parents?” I asked him.

Daniel paused, then said, “Well, I’ve spent the last couple days thinking about what Nate said, and he’s right.”

“You’ve lost me. Right about what?”

Daniel began rambling. “If he doesn't want to be Alpha, then he shouldn’t be. I know if I asked him, he’d happily do it, but it would be for me, not himself. Our pack needs an Alpha that will put their whole heart into the job, and I’m just not sure it’s fair to force that on him. Plus, there’s a chance that he’ll have some kind of permanent injury once he wakes. His body has suffered a lot of damage.” Oh. I had almost forgotten about that detail.

“Oh. Um. Okay. So what does that mean?” I ask him, having trouble keeping my breath steady.

Daniel continues rambling as if I hadn’t said anything. “I was thinking that Nate could have some sort of advisory role because he’s been learning about how to be Alpha his whole life. Obviously he’s still asleep so I haven’t asked him yet, but I’m sure he’d do that for you. Plus it would only be part time so it still gives him time to do whatever else he wants on the side.” I’m really not sure he heard me at all. “Once Nate wakes I want to start training you. I know you’ve been working with the warriors the last few years and that’s a great start, but your body being ready for the role doesn’t mean your mind is ready. Plus, you’ve been only doing 3 mornings a week and I’d need you to up that to 5 or 6. I was thinking you and I could meet twice a week after school. Plus there’s an online seminar that’s super helpful to upcoming Alphas. That’s a 10 session program you can take at your leisure but I would prefer it if you did at least one session a week. Don’t worry, I’ll pay for that training; it’s pretty pricey.”

Holy cow. This was a lot to take in. “So. um. We’re waiting to start till Nate wakes up? Does that mean like. The day after, or what?” I asked him.

“Well I’d like to wait until after he wakes up because I’ve been spending my free time with him and I want to make sure I train you without distractions. Unlike Nate you don’t have your entire life to learn. I’d really like you to take over for me within a year or so. I’m getting way too old for this. Actually, why don’t you swing by tonight? I should be getting to the hospital around 8 and I’m sure Nate would love your company.” Man I’ve never known this man to ramble quite like this. It’s almost like Alpha Armstrong and teacher Armstrong were two different people.

“Uh. Okay, yeah. I’ve been wanting to visit him anyway. See you then.” I say.

We say goodbye and hang up. Well, Nate wasn’t better yet, but I didn’t have any more time to lay around waiting. Tonight I’d start Alpha training, and tomorrow I needed to go to school. It’s time.