Chapter 3

~Natalie~

“I’m home!!!” I shouted as I walked inside my house. I was giddy from the moment the plane landed, and all I wanted to do was hug my parents. Mom came rushing out of the study, and I ran up to her, wrapping my arms around her. 

“YOUR HOME, MY LOVE!!! Oh, baby, we missed you!” She said out loud, on the verge of tears.

“I missed you, too, both of you.” My voice quavered at the end. Being far away from them, especially for a long time, made me homesick.

I love my parents with all my heart. They're my home.

I’ll tell you this, though, when you put me side by side with them, I don’t look like them. They both have blue eyes. Dad is 6’5 with light brown hair, and Mom is 5’7 with dirty blonde hair. 

I haven't asked why, and I don’t plan to because there isn’t a reason for me to question that. Deep down, something tells me otherwise, but it doesn’t matter. I’ve been loved by them since the moment I came into this world. They are mine, and I am theirs, and that is all that matters. 

“Where’s Da–” I didn’t get to finish my sentence when I heard Dad shout out, “Natie!!! You're home, baby girl!” He had a huge grin, opening his big, muscular arms to hug me. I was engulfed in his embrace, almost squeezing the air out of me.

“Dad, you're squeezing…too…hard!” I breathed out, sounding muffled in his chest.

“Oops…sorry, baby. I missed you so much, sweetheart.” He sheepishly said, kissing my forehead.

“Let me help you with your bag and take it upstairs to your room, baby girl.” 

“It’s okay, Pops, I got this! Let me just freshen up, and we can chat it up in a bit.” I didn’t let them pick me up from the airport, so I guess they took the whole day off to be with me. I mean, what kind of parents would they be if they hadn’t?

“Okay, baby girl, hurry up; we have a lot to talk about!” Dad exclaimed and quickly turned around, looking at Mom. He wrapped an arm around her waist and claimed her lips, kissing her passionately.

One thing about wolves is that when they mate, they remain sexually active year-round. All. The. Freaking. Time. This is why I wear my headphones every night, because those two can’t keep their hands off each other. Insulated walls, my butt.

After placing my bag on my bed, I went to the restroom to freshen up, changed into my PJs, and headed downstairs to the kitchen. Mom was making BLT sandwiches. She makes the best sandwiches, and they’re my favorite, especially with jalapeño chips.

I told them in detail about my summer and how the last day went. They were just as excited as I was. After that, we walked outside and spent the day talking.

“Natie, you think you're ready, sweetheart? What am I saying, you are ready!” Dad exclaimed excitedly.

“Dad, come on now! I’ll prove myself during training.” I eagerly stated. “I got this, Pops! Even Frank encouraged me to do so.”

“Heck, I should know! Every time I spar with you in the backyard, I can see how your strength and skills have magnified. You’re stronger than ever, and I’ve lost count of how many times you’ve knocked me down.” Dad said proudly. “Natie, I’m 6’5, and you knock me down every single time!" 

I chuckled. “Stop…” I brazenly said, I know I’m getting better. “When Alpha mentions the date for tryouts, I’ll be there first in line to sign up!” I exclaimed.

“I’m sure he’ll see you and ask you personally. My daughter is damn good,” he proudly said.

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Third POV:

The Adams know that Natalie has Beta blood in her veins because the Alpha and Luna of the Starry Night Pack know her mother was mated to the Beta from the Blood Moon Pack. They know she will be stronger and faster than normal wolves since she’s destined to protect an Alpha. This is why they encouraged her to train at an early age.

____________

“Okay, you need to get some rest, sweetheart. We have plenty of time to go school shopping and get what you need. Take the time to relax and enjoy your last weeks of vacation,” Mom reminded me.

“Kay, well, thanks for lunch, Mom. It was delicious. I am beat. I’ll have a snack later instead of dinner if I wake up at night. Please don’t wait for me.” I said, yawning and stretching. I gave them each a hug and kiss, and then headed upstairs. My flight was early in the morning and had two stops, which made it take longer.

When I entered my room, I saw the phone was lit up and noticed Evie was calling me. I picked it up. “Yo, what’s up, buddy!?” I chirped. 

“Dude! I called you several times, woman!” Evie growled.

“Sorry, buddy, I left my phone in my room. My bad. I came home and spent time with my parents. We ate and talked about everything that happened during the summer.” I nervously said.

She scares me a bit, and I like being on her good side. She’s also the only person who’s honest with me; unafraid of me. After all, she’s like a sister to me.

“Wanna hang out tomorrow? I miss you, but I am so exhausted, Ev’s.” I said, hoping she hadn’t noticed I’d changed the subject. Once she gets started, she won’t stop until I make it up to her. Having a best friend is a lot of work, but I don’t dare tell her that.

She groaned and let out a sigh, “Okay, Natie. I miss you too, and I would love to. Get some rest because you’ll need the energy to deal with me tomorrow. I’ll call you as soon as I wake up, but don’t call me cause you wake up too early for my liking.” She grumbled.

I rolled my eyes, “So nine-ish? Yes, okay, byeeee!” 

“WHAAAT NO—!” was all I heard. She was not a morning person, and I loved being an early bird; it made me feel productive. In the evening, it’s different, though, because as soon as seven or eight p.m. came around, my body knew it was time to wind down.

Even my parents laughed at me for going to bed early. I would rather sleep at night and make use of daylight. Now and then, I don’t mind sleeping in, only if I don’t have anything to do the next day, and it’s rare when that happens.

I washed my face, brushed my teeth, and took a quick shower. Once I was done, I headed for bed, only wearing a pair of undies. It gets hot at night, so the fewer clothes I wear, the better.

I put on some Coldplay to rock me to sleep and conked out.

____________

I woke up sensing the blush of dawn. It’s like my body has its own alarm.

I looked out my window, and the sun was peeking through like a veil lifting from the world. I respire deeply. It’s beautiful, and it just so happens I just woke up from one of the best sleeps I’ve had in a while.

I stretched for a good minute and reached for my phone, tapping my I*******m account and checking out reels, news, and whatnot. I frowned when I noticed I had a friend request from someone I never expected.

“Friend request from Christian Allen, confirm or delete,” I murmured.

“The hell!?” I hissed in shock. A frown played on my lips. “Why the heck is he requesting to be my friend?” I can’t stand people who are fake and want to act like they want to get to know me, only to get in my business, especially when those “said” people belong to the same pack as me.

It’s weird that Christian, being an Alpha, has an I* account. I would’ve thought Alphas weren’t into that kind of stuff or have time for it.

I exhaled quietly and did what I thought was suitable for him; I didn’t reply. I mean, the audacity. He may soon be Alpha, but he’s never spoken a word to me before. I can’t have him prying in my personal affairs, and I’m a very private person; always have been. Many don’t have the privilege of access to my little, secluded world. It’s already enough that we belong to the same pack.

____________

~Christian~

Last night I heard my parents talking about Natalie coming home. I knew they were talking about Natalie Adams, the one girl whom she thought was imperceptible and unnoticeable, but really was untouchable or unapproachable. That vixen thought she was hiding in the shadows, but I saw her.

I wonder where she’d go every summer because she was never around the pack when school was over. Never made an appearance for training, and that was unethical since Dad was very strict with the pack being present during training; Omegas, with the exception.

Natalie was absolutely gorgeous. Whenever she walks into a classroom or lunchroom, she is unaware of the attention she draws with her dark and mysterious personality. She’s the whole package, and that girl was oblivious to her surroundings, especially when she has her earbuds on.

Those white earbuds were always in plain view when she had her hair up, showing off her long neck and soft, perfect fair skin.

Almost every unmated guy from our pack and males from other packs, even humans, were aware of how breathtaking she is. However, it was always entertaining to watch each of them get rejected by her when they approached her to talk or ask her out. Her deadpan expression made them feel stupid, and they wished they could take it back. She wouldn’t say anything back, only glared at them with her perfect resting b*tch face, and because of that, they would never approach her again. 

Talk about painted black; I think that was the color of her soul.

I, on the other hand, was always surrounded by or approached by girls. Say what you want, I’m an Alpha, and I do what I want. I’ve had my fair share of females, and I’m not ashamed about it. Alphas have needs, and I won’t pass up on any girl who’s willing.

I did have a girlfriend once, but she’s unfamiliar with the term “ex-girlfriend”. Elle was always around when I needed a quick f*ck, but never got the hint that we were over. I don’t do relationships because of her, but with Natalie, I’d make an exception. Elle is Zeo Wilson, my future Beta’s sister. She’s also the captain of the cheerleading squad at the academy. Elle scares off any girls who hit on me, acting like she owns me. The girl is hot but has a spiteful personality.

Natalie, though, was the one girl I was profoundly attracted to. She’s sexy as hell. I don’t chase girls, but for her, I’ll consider this one-time adjustment. I want to know everything about her; explore her body and the taste of her on my tongue.

Despite her beauty, there is one thing that intrigues and confuses me: Natalie has a commanding presence that is much stronger than Elle’s. She’s an omega, and her parents are warriors. Subordinate strong warriors. 

I guess we’ll find out why soon enough. I wanted Natalie more than any other she-wolf, and this school year I’ve decided to make her mine.

I checked I*******m, and as I expected, her account is private. You can only see her profile picture, which was a set of earbuds on top of a book in black and white. This girl is intriguing. I wanted to know her so badly– all of her.

I mean, come on, who wouldn’t want a piece of me? I’m 6’4, muscular, and I have the lightest gray eyes and dirty blonde locks. I’m every girl's wet dream. I’ve been told I look like the younger version of Christopher Egan. I’m better-built and good-looking, though. 

So…I sent her a friend request on I*******m. I hope this will be the beginning of something if she lets me in.

“Damn, let the waiting game begin,” I mumbled.