The True Queen

Chapter 6: Unexpected Revelations

The next morning started out as usual. I got up, showered, brushed my teeth, and quietly left the packhouse, but as soon as I stepped out the door, the normal stopped there.

- Good morning love - Liam’s voice rang loud as he emerged half n***d from among the tall trees with the five of the pack members closely following. One was his beta, the rest were his close allies and friends he grew up with, all were part of his command team when it was time for Liam to take over the Alpha position. The problem was, all the boys were half n***d, looking shamelessly gorgeous like they'd just stepped out of a magazine cover.

- Well, we might need some tools here - Liam joked, pointing at my face - someone’s jaw seems to be unscrewed, hanging wide open

I quickly shut my mouth, unable to take my eyes off of the scene in front of me. “The Alpha team”, as girls in school called them, never ran around n***d. They liked their privacy and rarely showed their bare chest, except when, of course, they wanted to impress someone. I did not know why Liam would want to impress me, but I was not questioning it, just marveling at the scene in front of me.

Liam chuckled and lifted my chin so that my eyes were looking into his only. At that moment, I forgot everything that existed in this world, including my own name and just admired the sincere beauty that shone from deep within.

- I’ve decided to try a new route for our morning runs, which coincidentally ends here - he admitted - it also happens that we are going to school around this time, so you’ll be riding with us from today on.

I raised my eyebrows, confused about the new rideshare proposal, but changed my mind quickly and just nodded in agreement.

- I’ll wait for you here - I pointed at the nearby bench, quickly sitting down while wondering how fast the packhouse cars that were parked in front of the house could take us to school. I have never taken a packhouse car before, and always walked to my classes. As a result, I had to leave a whole hour early before the class start-time and got pretty good at walking.

I sat there for a while, thinking how shocked everyone would be when they found out about us. - It is not “us” - I corrected myself - we’re fake mates and it is temporary. But even if it was fake, it felt amazing when we arrived at school.

All eyes were on us as Liam opened the front passenger door for me. I clumsily got out of the car, feeling self-conscious as everyone looked on in surprise. But the most satisfactory thing was Hailey's dumbfounded expression. It was absolutely priceless.

Her mouth hung open in astonishment as she stared at us, her eyes widened to the point of disbelief, as if she could not fathom what she was seeing. Her mouth hanging agape, she repeatedly rubbed her eyes to ensure she was not dreaming. Her team of bullies, equally astonished, sported desperate expressions, eyeing Liam next to me in anticipation of Alpha's wrath for what they had done in the past.

I couldn't help but feel a mixture of amusement and satisfaction at her reaction. It was clear that she had never expected Liam to notice me, let alone him and I to be together, and the shock on her face was a testament to that.

As we walked towards Hailey, I could see a flurry of emotions crossing her features - surprise, confusion, and perhaps even a tinge of jealousy. I couldn't blame her entirely; after all, Liam was the most desirable guy in our school, and in her eyes, I had somehow managed to capture his attention. She did not know about our arrangement, so I might as well take full advantage of it and enjoy the moment - I thought to myself.

- Hey, Hailey - I greeted her boldly, failing to hide the smugness in my voice - Long time no see

Her face twisted from confusion to anger as she stepped forward but Liam’s Alpha aura stopped her on her tracks. I looked up at him, and even I, a human girl, could feel the strength radiating from within his tall frame. Every wolf in school stopped breathing, in anticipation of Alpha’s command.

- She is my mate, respect her - he cut authoritatively as everyone bowed their heads in agreement.

- Yes Alpha - boomed the school, obedience mixed with astonishment and confusion.

- I’ll walk you to your class love - he smiled at me, touching my locks gently - be a good girl today, don’t tire yourself, we’re going out tonight. I smiled in response and let him lead me towards the class, matching every step he took.

The entire school watched as we walked hand in hand towards my classroom, a clear display of our status as true mates. As I was about to enter the room, a piercing scream echoed through the hallway, resembling the shrill cry of an angry turkey. It sounded oddly similar to Hailey's voice, but I couldn't be certain, could I?