THE ALPHA'S HUMAN

(RHEA POV) For someone who has been born in a broken household and has attachment issues, love is always a risk. And I took it. And then he broke it. Lesson Learned. Never fall in love again. But then he came. EMRIS MORENO. The most handsome man I have ever laid my eyes on. Someone who acted like he would give up his life to make me happy. But would I take the risk again? Fall in love again? Risk everything? My mind shouts to run, but my heart begs to stay. *************** I first met him on the first of December. The cold had started to creep in and most of the houses had started to decorating. “Rhea! Hurry up and go to the counter, Sarah will take care of the kitchen,” the manager shouted as I rolled my eyes. I looked at the clock on the wall, cursing. My shift is almost over, and he wants me to work overtime. “Sure, Boss,” I smiled at him, remembering I couldn't afford to offend that ass. “I’ll take it,” I murmured to Sarah, stepping aside. “Welcome to the chicfil! My name is Rhea and what can I get for you?” I asked the customer in front of me, mastering my professional wide smile. “Mate” The low growl made my whole body freeze and I felt my breath hitch. My head snapped up. I took a deep breath. This man in front of me made my heart drop. He was staring back just as shocked. Then he leaned in a little and whispered the words I have repeatedly heard but only in my dreams. “Mate” This time his voice was softer. More determined. The word echoed in my head again and again, pounding against my skull. My eyes couldn't help but wander over his features. Black messy hair that fell casually over his forehead. His tanned skin that glistened with sweat, for some reason, looked like dusted gold on him. And his eyes… those enchanting sharp Amber eyes, looking as though he was looking right into my soul. Damn. He was handsome. His smile turned into a smirk on seeing me checking him out. “Like what you see, princess?” he leaned in more. Reality slapped me hard. My eyes widened as embarrassment flooded my face. Heat rushed to my cheeks, and I dropped my gaze to the register like it had personally offended me. “Um sorry sir. Could you please repeat the order again,” I said, mentally scolding myself. “But I didn't say my order.” I winced. “Um right. I am sorry. Then can I have your order?” By now my face must be red like a tomato, knowing I made a complete fool of myself. But before he could reply, another man rushed toward us, breathing hard. “Alpha, there’s a problem. We should go.” Alpha? The word barely registered before the handsome stranger clicked his tongue in irritation. He glanced at me, then back at his friend, clearly irritated. “Get the engine started.” As the man hurried away, he leaned in again, close enough that I could smell something strong. Pine and Rain “Looks like I have to go, princess,” he said quietly. “But I promise… I’ll see you again.” His words sent a shiver through my body. I opened my mouth to speak but nothing came out. He seemed to enjoy that. He let out a small chuckle. Then he winked at me before walking away. My eyes were still fixed on him. “Hey! Stop ogling at him and take my order!" I flinched, snapping back to reality as the next customer glared at me. “Oh yes. Sorry. *ahem* Welcome to Chickfil. My name is Rhea. What can I get for you?” I quickly apologized. But even as I spoke, my eyes couldn’t help but drift towards the door he’d disappeared through. And for the rest of my shift, I kept watching the door as if I was hoping he would come back. —------------ All through my shift, I kept thinking about the strange meeting with that guy. So many questions were running through my head. What the hell was that? I promise I’ll see you again??? Why did he say that to me and why the hell didn't I talk back? ‘Mate’? Why did he keep calling me that? I clocked out late, stuffing my tips into my bag with a tired sigh. At least the extra money could go into my ‘Get Away fund’. The downside? I have to walk home alone in the cold and dark night since my bicycle is still in the workshop. I sighed, shoving my phone back into my pocket. If this was before, I could have just asked Axel to pick me up. But it can't be helped, he just can't put his d***s inside his pants when he is around other girls. Particularly my sister. I felt my stomach churn. My ex-boyfriend, Axel, is the promising future national level basketball player at our college, and a complete asshole. Five years together and ‘high school sweethearts’. I threw away my university acceptance to follow him, drained my savings to support him, and took on extra shifts to ‘help him focus on his future’. And what did I get? To witness him putting his d**k into the head cheerleader at our college. My step-sister. “Asshole” I muttered through my breath, trying to hold back my tears. Because of him, I am still stuck with my toxic family. My thoughts were quickly interrupted when I heard shuffling in the bushes. I paused in my step and looked around. Nothing. But I can't shake the strange feeling… “s**t” I muttered before starting to speed walk. The air felt heavier now that I started getting hysterical about my surroundings. ‘Its ok. You are only imagining things,' I kept muttering to myself, but then I started feeling like someone was following me. Ok plan B. I took a stone from the ground and threw it at a nearby bush before running for my dear life. I didn't stop until I reached home. It was only after I closed the door shut that I released the breath I was holding. I looked through the window and scanned the surroundings. My eyes fell on a pair of glowing eyes staring right at me. Golden glowing eyes. Then it took a step forward. A wolf.