5. Brothers at war

Nalini

I don't think I've ever felt this much relief in my life. This gorgeous dude I'd met for the first time today was created by the moon goddess to save me.

"Step away from her!" Timothy barked. His sounded so charged, everyone cowered. I couldn't believe it was all for me. It made me want to run into his arms in an embrace.

But then, Myron, a storm cloud of fury, launched himself from the bleachers. A harsh growl tore from his throat as he advanced on Timothy.

"Back off, Timothy. This is my turf!"

The two alphas faced eachother square on, heated gazes clashing in a silent war.

"You know I don't condone bullying" Timothy gritted out. "Especially on school grounds"

"I don't care!" Myron roared in fury. "Get the hell out of here right now or face the consequences"

I had never witnessed such animosity before, except from what I went through with Selene and her daughter.

What relationship did they have? And why did they have so much hate for eachother?

"You know who else hates bullying? Father! I wonder what he'd say about this..." said Timothy.

I watched Myron’s back stiffen at that single word. The muscle in his jaw ticked, his eyes holding a strange, haunted look. But my attention was caught on Timothy’s words: "Father."

Were they brothers?

How could two brothers hate each other with such venom?

Before I could unravel the thought, Timothy was in front of me. His voice, warm and soothing, was a stark contrast to the alpha roar from moments before.

"Are you okay?" He asked

My heart hammered. No, I wasn't okay! I was exhausted, dazed, and utterly overwhelmed. But I whispered, "Yes, I am."

He laced his fingers through mine, sending an erratic thud through my chest, and led me away. Myron’s expression was the last thing I saw—a cold fury that made a fresh shiver race down my spine.

Timothy’s pace was fast, and I struggled to keep up, my mind still a whirlwind of what had just happened. We reached a navy-blue sedan, and he opened the door.

"Get in," he said gruffly.

I obeyed without a word. The air in the car was thick with a tense, spicy scent that made my heart flutter and my stomach stir. He pinched the bridge of his nose, taking deep breaths, and I could see the battle he was fighting to calm himself.

I knew it was the wrong time, but my curiosity was a fire I couldn't extinguish.

"Why would you risk a fight with your brother to save me?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper. "I'm just an omega."

"I would risk a fight with my brother to save anyone," he said, his voice flat. "I can't stand bullying."

It was on the tip of my tongue to ask why there was so much animosity between him and his brother but I restrained myself.

Suddenly, his phone screen lit up.

Dang! It was 3:26 p.m.

My hand shot out, grasping his arm in a panic. "I have to be home by 3:30. I can’t get another punishment from Mistress Selene." My eyes went wide with dread, and I didn't realize how tightly I was holding him.

"It's okay... let's get you home," he said, his hand closing over mine, a grounding touch meant to calm me.

Then, he leaned toward me, his face just inches from mine. My heart stopped.

Dahlia howled with excitement. A tremor ran through my body. His gaze darkened as he studied my expression, but then he simply reached for the seatbelt and buckled me in. I flushed scarlet, embarrassed by the wild thoughts that had just consumed me.

"Are you okay?" he asked for what felt like the hundredth time.

"Yes, why?" I replied too quickly.

"I heard the sound of your heartbeat just now," he said, the corner of his mouth twitching. "It didn't sound okay."

He was teasing me. I could feel the heat rise in my cheeks. My heart had sounded like it was running a marathon, and it was all because of him.

"Just take me to the beta's house, please," I mumbled, trying to hide the humor in my voice.

"Hold tight," he said, and the car shot forward with a speed that scared me, but I didn't complain.

I stole glances at him as he drove, my mind lost in a whirlwind of questions. Could this perfectly built guy truly be mine?

I couldn't fathom why he would concern himself with an omega and I couldn't wait for the day of the blood moon to arrive so he'd realize our bond.

But what if he rejected me?

What if this little fantasy came to a tragic end?

I was an omega after all. Why would an alpha prince pick me as his mate?

The engine went off and it made me realize that we've reached home.

I needed to go!

But before then...

I wanted to do a little something to thank him for today so I leaned over and made to peck him on his cheek but he turned reflexively and our lips met.

I froze. The world screeched to a halt.