Chapter 2
It was Alistair calling again. I glanced at my phone and hit decline.
Almost immediately, a message popped up on WhatsApp:
[Shared with you an apartment listing. Check it out.]
During the two days of silence, Alistair, the future Alpha of our pack, had been busy helping Ellianna Robinson, an Omega, fix her plumbing, have dinner with her, rescue a stray cat, and treat her injury late at night. Only after all this did he think of me.
A wave of exhaustion swept over me, leaving me breathless. I moved Alistair to the blocked list and exited the chat.
Just as I lay down, my phone rang again. This time it was my mom. Her gentle voice came through the line.
"Mia, have you sorted everything out at school?"
"Yes, it's all taken care of. I’m just waiting to leave next week."
Mom sighed, sounding a bit worried, "Mia, you always insisted on staying here for college, saying you wanted to be near Future Alpha Alistair. Why did you suddenly apply for an exchange program right after the semester started?"
"Tell me, did something happen at school?"
I blinked, holding back tears. "No, Mom. I just felt like seeing the world."
"As long as you're not unhappy. Mia, though Alistair is the future Alpha and a strong leader, remember what I always say: the world is vast. You're only nineteen—never let one person or situation hold you back."
I paused, then assured her earnestly, "Don't worry, Mom. I understand."
"Good, get some rest and don't tire yourself out."
The next morning, I had barely opened my eyes when my roommate Felicity, a fellow Beta, patted my bed.
"Mia! Our class is having a pack gathering today. The class rep booked a venue. Get up and come with us!"
An hour later, I joined my roommates and headed to the gathering.
Barely through the door, familiar voices reached my ears.
"Heh, blocked me, huh?" Alistair’s voice was cold, with a touch of sarcasm, his Alpha aura subtly pressing against me even from across the room.
Another male voice, likely a Delta, teased, "Blocked? Who would block the future Alpha?"
Alistair tossed his phone aside, "Who else? My so-called 'princess,' Miss Mia Freeman."
"Mia Freeman?"
The Delta clapped Alistair's shoulder sympathetically. "Mia seems hard to handle. I heard you two are childhood friends. You've had it tough all these years."
Alistair chuckled, "Yeah, it’s been tough. I've spoiled her since we were kids, and now I can't seem to shake her off."
My heart clenched as if an invisible hand had gripped it tightly.
His friend added, "Honestly, Ellianna in our class isn’t less attractive than Mia Freeman. The thing is Ellianna is nice, gentle, and sweet. If I were choosing a mate, I’d definitely go with someone like Ellianna."
Alistair shrugged without contradicting him.
I watched his face for a moment, then turned away, heading upstairs.
Upstairs, I spotted Ellianna at the bar, making fresh juice. A few Deltas stood around her, "Ellianna, you can just buy juice. Come hang out with the others."
Ellianna smiled, "Fresh juice tastes better, plus I enjoy making it myself. Here, give it a try."
She pushed the juice towards them, and our eyes met.
Ellianna hesitated for a moment before picking up a glass and walking toward me.
"Mia, you’re here."
She bit her lip, "I'm really sorry about yesterday. If Future Alpha Alistair helping me made you uncomfortable, don't worry, I won't ask him for help again."
"I’m sincerely apologizing, and I hope you accept. This juice is freshly squeezed—give it a taste."
I didn’t want to engage and muttered, "Not necessary," before turning away.
But as I stepped back, Ellianna suddenly faltered, falling heavily to the ground.
The glass shattered, spilling juice and shards across the floor.
Her eyes reddened, and she looked at me, forlorn.
"Mia, I know you’re mad at me. If you don’t want the juice, you can just refuse. Why resort to violence...?"
Her tears came easily, dripping onto the floor.
I frowned, "Ellianna, I didn't touch you!"
"Enough!" Alistair’s voice came coldly from behind me, his Alpha tone sharp and commanding.
He rushed past, carefully helping Ellianna up, "Are you okay?"
Ellianna clutched her hand, leaning into him, "I’m alright."
Alistair looked at me, his eyes filled with impatience, "Mia Freeman, apologize!"
"No, Future Alpha, it’s just a small scratch, and I believe Mia didn’t mean it."
Ellianna spoke with a hint of coyness, tugging at Alistair’s sleeve.
I laughed coldly, "Ellianna, you've been speaking for yourself all along. I never pushed you, didn’t even touch you."
"If you’re going to make up a story, at least make it believable."
Alistair’s expression darkened further, his Alpha aura thickening, "I saw it happen, and you're still arguing?"
I took a deep breath, clenching my hands at my sides.
Ellianna merely exploited his blind spot to make him think I’d pushed her. And yet, he believed it wholeheartedly.
So he wouldn’t listen to a word of my explanation anyway.
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