The True Queen

Chapter 3: Liam

The next morning, I woke up feeling dizzy. My face was mildly swollen and my head was throbbing. Despite the utter discomfort, I threw my books in my backpack and slowly started walking to school, knowing fully well that no one would notice my appearance.

I went to my classes, minded my own business, and continued with my day. However, as I made my way to the cafeteria for lunch, I couldn't help but notice Liam’s muscular figure at the entrance. He stood facing away from me, engrossed in a serious discussion with his Beta and the Beta's mate, Trish. My weak-human-hearing could not pick up the conversation, but it was evident that they were deliberating on something of significance. Seizing the moment, I discreetly cast a swift glance in his direction—not out of any particular fondness or attraction, mind you, but because his presence commanded an irresistible draw that compelled my gaze to linger even as I passed by.

Liam was the man of every she-wolf's wildest dreams, he looked like he had just stepped out of a fashion magazine. As he leaned on the wall, his tall frame towered above everyone else, commanding attention with ease. The well-fitted outfit hugged his muscular build in all the right places, accentuating his strikingly charming appearance. The rhythm of his strong chest rising and falling was as perfect as the rest of him, while his piercing gaze held the power to make anyone lose themselves in the moment. His lips were full and flawlessly formed, making one wonder what it would like to kiss him. Everywhere he went, heads turned, and I was certain that all the unmated she-wolves dreamed of being his chosen mate.

But it was not just his refined features that drew people to him, it was his captivating presence, effortlessly commanding attention and respect. I guess that’s what it meant to have generations of Alpha blood in one’s veins. In fact, he was not just an Alpha’s son, but also a descendant of the ancient Alpha bloodline, which made him something like royalty.

"Delicious," I thought to myself as my gaze trailed up from his body to his chin, lingering on his full lips. Just as if on cue, the corner of his mouth slightly curled up, as if he had heard something amusing. Startled, I quickly shifted my attention to his eyes, which were focused on his Beta, engrossed in a seemingly deep conversation that they were having.

“No wonder Hailey thinks I am a man-snatcher” - I scolded myself in my mind, quickly tearing my gaze away and feeling a flush of embarrassment washing over me. What was I doing, staring at Liam like that? I was just a nobody, an insignificant human girl in the pack, who in fact was planning to leave as soon as graduation day hit. There was no way someone like him would even spare me a second glance. I needed to focus on my own plans and get out of this place.

I quickly grabbed my lunch tray and found an empty table in a secluded corner of the cafeteria. I sat down, trying to blend into the background and avoid any attention. As I ate my food, my mind kept drifting back to the encounter with Liam earlier. It was a brief moment, but it still made my heart beat fast.

Lost in my thoughts, I didn't notice when someone sat down across from me. Startled, I looked up to find Liam himself, his piercing dark eyes fixed on me. My heart skipped a beat, and I forgot how to breathe as I felt a mix of nerves and curiosity at the same time.

- Mind if I join you? - he asked, his voice resonating with a deep and velvety smoothness. As his words reached my ears, I found myself captivated, my mouth agape in astonishment. His voice, just as flawless as Liam himself, flowed with silky richness that effortlessly captured my heart and made me wonder, how can one person be so perfect, so godlike.

This was the first time I had heard him speak in such close proximity, and it felt like a divine revelation, igniting a delightful flutter in my chest, as if heaven itself had descended upon me.

Uh, sure, - I stammered, my heart fluttering as I struggled to regain composure, gather my thoughts and snap out of the dazed state I found myself in. It was almost unbelievable that he was actually sitting there with me and I had to reassure myself that this wasn't a figment of my imagination, a result of Hailey's brutal blows from the previous night. - I... I mean, yes, absolutely! It would be an absolute honor for you to join me… I mean it is an honor for me, not for you clearly, but for me .. - I shut my mouth at that and pinned my eyes to my dish, unable to look up in shame.

He erupted into laughter, causing me to snap my gaze towards him, curiosity piqued. At that moment, I was mesmerized by the sight of the most radiant smile I had ever encountered, turning his already striking face into something truly breathtaking. As he settled into the seat, it felt as if his very presence expanded, filling the surrounding space and leaving me dizzy with its intoxicating effect.

- I noticed you looking my way earlier - he commented, his eyes twinkling in amusement - Is there something on your mind?

“s**t” - I thought to myself, my cheeks flushing - “what should I tell him, that I was checking him out?”

- I... I was just... um... I don’t remember - I managed to reply, my voice barely above a whisper.

Liam leaned in slightly, his expression playful - Care to try?

- I was thinking about leaving - I blurted out - I'm human, so I don't have a wolf. It might be best for me to leave.

His eyes flickered with a hint of desperation, momentarily revealing a glimmer of concern. However, it vanished so swiftly that I couldn't be certain if what I saw was accurate. In an instant, his countenance transformed, radiating a brilliant smile as he leaned in closer:

- So, you want to leave? - he questioned, a touch of intrigue and trace of disappointment coloring his words. - That's interesting... Do you have permission from the Alpha?

- No, I don't - I replied absentmindedly, still caught up in a daze caused by his proximity.

He leaned back, allowing a moment of thoughtful contemplation to pass. Meanwhile, I maintained my silence, acutely attuned to the subdued whispers and penetrating stares originating from the nearby tables. Unmated she-wolves within the pack, known for their possessiveness and formidable jealousy, knew that Liam had no mate, even though his wolf had been awakened early. In their hopeful hearts, they believed they had a chance, since the mate had yet to show up.

Their collective stares bore into my skin like daggers, leaving me with an undeniable sense of unease. Among them, I knew that Hailey, exuding a fiery intensity, held the title of the most fervent of all. From a few tables away, she shot me venomous glances that promised nothing short of retaliation, a prospect I truly dreaded.

- Let's make a deal. I'll help you get permission from the Alpha to leave, but it's not for free. I want something in return - Liam said.

I stared at him, confused and unsure of what to answer. The whole situation felt surreal. Was I dreaming or was my head just messed up by Hailey's kick?

Before I could respond, Liam smiled his brilliant smile once again and disappeared in the blink of an eye, leaving me alone to ponder what had just happened.