After my experience with Alex last week, I'm relieved to have the opportunity to get to know a new Alpha today. Alex turned out to be quite unexpected, and perhaps that will be the case with every Alpha. As the Lunas walked onto the field, my eyes instantly connected with Alex's. He was already looking at me with a small smile, and I couldn't help but smile back.
"We will be selecting different teams for this week. The Alphas made their selections on Friday and handed them in. Betas, please join your Alpha's team," Coach Bill announced. All the Betas shuffled around the field to their designated spots.
"Alright! Now it's time to place the Lunas," Coach Bill continued. He went down his list again, and this time I was called in the middle. I would be joining Dean Maverick. I had heard some of the girls talking about him last week at dinner. Apparently, he's one of the richest Alphas, and they all want a chance with him.
I walked over to Dean and smiled. After all the Lunas were sorted out, Coach Bill gave us 10 minutes to talk with our new team before the games began.
"We are going to win today," Dean declared, looking around the group expectantly. They all nodded in agreement. "Give me the ball and stay out of the way."
"That's the plan?" I asked, looking up at him.
"Yes, it's the best plan we've got. Don't worry, I won't let you get hurt, sweetheart. You just stay on the bleachers and cheer us on," Dean said, smiling self-assuredly.
I was ready to say something clever in response, but then I felt someone's eyes on me. I looked around and found Alex watching us. He shook his head at me as if he knew what I was thinking.
I took a deep breath and smiled at Dean. Biting my tongue wasn't easy, but Alex looked worried. Ever since his warning last week, I've been more cautious about my interactions.
We made our way back to the bleachers as Coach Bill selected teams from a hat again. It would be Dean and Paul going up against each other first. The other teams practiced and warmed up on the outer field, preparing for the games ahead.
However, as the game began, it became apparent that Dean had no regard for fair play or teamwork. He played dirty and refused to share the ball. He relentlessly slammed into one of Paul's Betas, ignoring the spirit of friendly competition. Frustration welled up inside me, and I couldn't hold back my disappointment.
"What's the matter, sweetheart? Too hot out here?" Dean asked, walking over to me, sweat dripping from his forehead.
"No, I'm just worried you're going to hurt somebody out there," I replied, unable to hold my tongue. I instantly regretted my words, realizing they were probably not going to be well received.
"You're worried about the other team?" Dean asked incredulously.
"Yes! It's supposed to be a friendly game, not a death match," I said, looking him over. "Also, I would like a chance to play," I added, trying to soften my words.
Suddenly, he grabbed my arm tightly and pulled me aside to a quieter area. The grip was so strong that I knew it would leave a bruise.
"Who do you think you're talking to, Catie?" Dean glared at me, his voice filled with anger.
"It's Claire," I corrected, wincing as his grip tightened.
"I don't care who you are. I'm Dean Maverick! No one talks to me like that. Do you understand?" he growled, his aggression escalating.
Before things could escalate further, Alex walked up to us, concern etched on his face. "Is everything okay over here?" he asked, intervening in the tense situation.
"Worry about your own Luna, Winter," Dean growled at Alex.
"Woah, I was just coming from the bathroom," Alex pointed behind us. "I couldn't help but notice you're holding her a bit tight." He swiftly grabbed Dean's hand and removed it from my arm. I winced as the pain subsided, grateful for Alex's intervention. He now turned his attention towards me, his eyes filled with concern.
"We're fine. I was just teaching this Luna about respect," Dean said, trying to brush off the situation.
"It's fine. I was just wanting to play for a little bit, and I shouldn't have been so rude when I asked," I said, nodding and smiling at both Alphas. Alex didn't seem entirely convinced, but Dean appeared satisfied.
"See? You just have to give them a reminder of their place, and they figure it out," Dean said, his smile turning cocky.
I was just about to retort, ready to give him a piece of my mind, when Alex turned to him in shock.
"What did you just say?" Alex's voice trembled with anger, his hands shaking slightly.
"They are smarter than they look. They just need to be reminded." Dean shrugs and pulls me back to the match.
I turn to see Alex still shaking and I shake my head at him. He looks at me like I just kicked a puppy. I don't understand why he's mad at me. I'm trying to make sure he doesn't start a fight and get us all into trouble.
Paul's team won. Teamwork was much better on their end. As the game ended I faked a stomach ache and ran back to my dorm. I didn't want to risk walking alone with Dean.
The rest of the week went like that. I just made sure to sit quiet and keep my thoughts to myself. It wasn't easy, but I had no choice. Dean seemed crazy. I would be avoiding him from now on.
Speaking of avoiding people. Alex hasn't said a word to me all week. When I look over at him he looks to be focusing hard on anything else around him. Mostly he talks to Amber, his Luna for the week. They seem to be getting close, and I don't know why that bothers me so much. She's a sweet girl.
Anna has been walking with me back to our dorm since I explained what happened on Monday. She's terrified to have to partner with Dean.
"So, they are having a bonfire tonight!" Anna shared.
"Who?" I asked.
"Some of the Betas. We're allowed to go now that we are seniors." She was smiling so wide.
"Are you sure that's a good idea? What if Dean is there?" I ask hesitant.
"There will be lots of people there and we will stay together. Plus there will be plenty of other Alphas there for us to meet."
"Ok, fine." I'm already regretting this decision.
We get dressed and head down to dinner before going to the bonfire. Some of the other Seniors are dressed up too.
As we walk into the woods we can smell the smoke. The warmth from the fire feels nice, and the clearing is lit with an amber glow.
Anna pulls me along as we meet some of the Betas from her group this week.
"This is Claire!" She introduces me and I wave.
"Oh, you've been paired with Dean this week!" A girl from the group shouts. I nod at her.
"You poor thing. He's just awful." A guy adds.
"I'm glad it's not just me. I was starting to think he liked me or something." We all chuckle at my joke.
"What's so funny?" I froze and turned to see Dean right behind me.
"Umm... no-nothing!" I stammer trying to think of a reason.
"Can I talk to you for a second? Alone." He looked around me at the others.
I turned to look for help, but everyone was just as scared as I was. Before I could say anything he grabbed my hand and pulled me over behind a tree.
"Listen, just so you know, all the Lunas are going to be pretty jealous about this, but I think your pretty cool and I want to get to know you better." He smiles at me.
"Ummm... what?" I was so confused we haven't talked much all week.
"You're just so submissive and you don't talk back too much." He winked.
If I could puke I would. He smelled so gross.
"I don't think you are my type." I said it and there was no taking it back.
"What? I'm everyone's type!" He smirked at me, "you don't have to play hard to get. I'm telling you I like you, sweetheart."
"I'm just saying that I don't think that we have common interests." I was trying to let him down easy.
"So what? Your a girl of course we won't have the same interests. I don't care what you like." He shrugs confused.
"Exactly! You don't care. I'm looking for someone who cares." I clarify what I'm trying to say.
"You think you can do better than me? No Alpha cares about what you like. We are just looking for someone to keep our bed warm. You will be mine." Dean grabs my arm and pulls me into him hard. I try to pull away, but he's so strong and we are covered by a tree. No one is coming to check on us.
"Please, let me go." I try to speak calm. It's taking everything in me to do it. I want to scream, curse, and claw his eyes out. I know if I do that then my chances of getting a mate will go down completely.
He starts to pull me into his arms caging me in. I'm pulling and pushing, but nothing is helping. Tears are starting to form in my eyes.
"She said to let her go" I knew that voice. I started to relax a little at the sound of him close by.
"You again? Why are you always getting involved in my business with my Luna?" Dean let me go to turn to Alex.
"She's not your Luna anymore. The week is over." Alex reminds him. Not exactly the sweetest words, but at least he is here.
"She's mine until I say she isn't anymore." Dean smirks.
"She is standing right here and she can decide for herself." I point to myself annoyed.
"No one asked you, sweetheart. I will take care of this guy real quick and then we can go somewhere alone." Dean is looking at me with lust filled eyes.
I shiver at the thought of being anywhere alone with him. "Yea, I'm gonna pass on that. Like I said your not my type." I say it this time in a brave tone. Knowing Alex is close helps a lot.
"You heard the Luna. Get lost." Alex says, but Dean is now very upset. He charges at Alex.
"Alex, look out!" I shout. Alex turns just in time to stop Dean from tackling him. He punches Dean in the nose.
"You're going to regret that. Do you know who I am?" Dean is fuming.
"Get out of here. If I ever see you messing with MY Luna again you'll be sorry." Alex threatens.
Dean grunts and runs off.
Alex pulls me behind the tree. "Are you ok?" He looks me over. I shake my head at him.
"Are you ok?" I ask looking at his knuckles. They have some blood, but it doesn't seem to be his.
"I'm alright." He says as he wipes his knuckles behind his back. I throw my arms around him in a big hug.
"Thank you!" I breath him in and feel comfort in his hug. He is holding me with strong arms.
We hear someone clear their throat behind us. I jump away from Alex and gasp. Mitchell is standing there smiling at us knowingly.
"It's not what it looks like!" I say too fast. Alex looks down at me with an annoyed look. "What?"
"Nothing." He grumbles and steps away. It feels cold between us. I want to close the distance and find out why he went from hot to cold so fast. I almost do until I remember that Mitchell is still standing there watching us.
"Are you guys ok?" He asks as he looks between us.
"Yea, it's all good." Alex starts to walk away.
"Wait! Alex, can I talk to you really quick?"