90 Days Alpha challenge; A fight for her heart.

KAI

LOTTIE’S POV

I sat before the vanity mirror, surrounded by the gentle presence of the maids who carefully styled my hair. Their skilled hands brushed through my tresses, creating intricate braids and elegant curls. I watched in the reflection as they added the finishing touches, securing a delicate hairpin adorned with pearls. Today was the day—the day I had dreamt of for so long.

College.

“Miss Lottie, you look absolutely stunning,” one of the maids said with a smile, her eyes filled with genuine admiration.

I couldn’t help but return the smile, my heart brimming with excitement. “Thank you,” I replied, my voice tinged with joy.

For the first time in what felt like an eternity, I felt a sense of happiness and anticipation. Today, I was going to college—the one thing I had always wanted, but had never thought possible. The opportunity to learn and grow, to pursue my dreams, had finally become a reality.

As the maids continued their work, I couldn’t help but think of my mother. She had always been the one who encouraged my dreams, the one who believed in me even when I doubted myself. But she was gone now.

“Mom, I’m going to college, just like we wanted,” I whispered as my eyes grew damp.

As the maids finished styling my hair, they stepped back to admire their handiwork. “You’re all set, Miss Lottie,” one of them said with a satisfied smile.

I turned to the mirror and couldn’t help but feel a surge of delight. The elegant braids and curls framed my face, and the hairpin added a touch of sophistication. I looked like someone who belonged in college.

“Thank you, all of you,” I said sincerely.

The maids exchanged warm glances, and one of them said, “It’s our pleasure, Miss Lottie. We’re here to support you in any way we can.”

I gave them a slight nod, before rising up from the plush chair. My mind was filled with different thoughts on how college would be like, and that caused my excitement to build even further.

As I was lost in my thoughts, the peaceful ambiance of the room was disrupted by a gentle knock on the door. I turned my attention to the entrance, and the guards stepped in with a sense of authority.

“Miss Lottie,” one of the guards spoke respectfully, “the alphas have instructed us to inform you that they will be taking you to school today.”

My heart sank at the news, and a wave of frustration washed over me. I didn’t want to be around them, let alone go to school with them. My mood soured instantly, and I struggled to hide my disappointment.

“I appreciate the message,” I replied curtly, trying my best to maintain composure.

The guard continued, “They’ll be here shortly. It’s best to wait for them.”

I nodded, not trusting myself to say anything else. I knew they were just following orders, but the thought of spending more time with the alpha brothers felt suffocating.

As the guards left the room, I paced back and forth, trying to contain my emotions. But it was impossible. In that moment, an idea popped up in my head almost instantly.

I could go to school without them.

My heart pounded in my chest as I made the decision to sneak out of the room. Quietly, I tiptoed towards the door, trying my best not to make a sound.

Once outside, I navigated the hallways of the pack house with stealth, avoiding any guards or maids who might recognize me. The early morning hours worked in my favor; the pack house was relatively empty as most of its residents were still asleep or preparing for the day ahead.

Once outside, I broke into a run, my heart soaring with the exhilaration of being free. I ran as fast as my legs could carry me, the wind whipping past my face, and the cool morning air filled my lungs. It was as if I was breaking free from the chains that had bound me for so long.

As I reached the bus stop, my breaths came in quick gasps, and my cheeks flushed with excitement. I checked the schedule and waited, looking over my shoulder to ensure no one from the pack house was following me.

When the bus finally arrived, I boarded with a sense of trepidation and excitement intermingled. I paid the fare and found a seat near the window, gazing out at the passing scenery with awe. The world outside the pack house was vast and unfamiliar, and I marveled at the new sights and sounds around me.

As the bus journeyed towards the college, my anticipation grew. I couldn’t believe that I was finally on my way to school—the place I had always dreamed of attending. The prospect of learning, making friends, and discovering new opportunities filled me with a sense of giddiness I had never experienced before.

When the bus pulled up at the college, I practically leaped out of my seat, my excitement almost tangible. Stepping onto the campus, I was greeted by the bustling activity of students hurrying to classes, their laughter and chatter filling the air.

The sight of the magnificent college building left me in awe. Its architecture exuded a sense of grandeur and knowledge, and I couldn’t help but feel humbled by the prospect of being a part of this institution.

I watched the bus drive away, before making my way to the large building.

As I stepped into the grand college building, my heart pounded with a mix of excitement and nervousness. The hallways were bustling with students, and I felt like a small fish in a vast ocean, trying to find my way through the maze of unfamiliar faces.

As I walked timidly with the other students, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of shyness enveloping me. I kept my head down, my eyes darting around, unsure of where to go. The entire atmosphere seemed overwhelming, and I longed for a quiet corner where I could gather my thoughts.

However, my hopes of remaining unnoticed were dashed when a group of staff members, clad in professional attire, stopped me near the entrance. Their curious gazes fixated on me, and I felt a tinge of anxiety creep up my spine.

One of them, a kind-looking woman with glasses, smiled warmly and asked, “Excuse me, dear, what’s your name?”

“Lottie,” I replied softly, my voice barely audible.

Their reaction was unexpected. The air around us seemed to shift subtly, and I could sense a change in their demeanor. They exchanged glances, and their expressions softened, almost as if they were surprised by my response.

“Ah, Miss Lottie,” another staff member spoke, addressing me with respect. “We’ve been expecting you. Welcome to our college.”

Their words both reassured and puzzled me. How could they have been expecting me? I was just a lowly maid from the pack house. Nevertheless, their courteous treatment made me feel a bit more at ease.

The staff members proceeded to assign me to my class and handed me a timetable of my courses. I accepted it with gratitude, thanking them for their assistance.

As I left the group of staff, a lingering sense of confusion nagged at me. Why were they so respectful and seemingly aware of my arrival? It was as if they already knew who I was, which seemed highly improbable.

Seeing as I was not getting any answers, I brushed the interaction away from my mind and decided to focus on finding my class. I looked down at the paper I was handed and tried to navigate my way through the crowded hallway.

And just then, I felt a harsh mass collide with my shoulder. The impact shook my hand violently, causing the paper to fall out of it. I snapped my head up, and my eyes were met with three girls.My eyes were quickly drawn to the girl in the middle.

She was undeniably pretty, with a radiant smile that lit up her face. Her eyes were a captivating shade of deep blue, and her long, flowing hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall of golden silk. Her presence commanded attention, and it was clear that she was someone people noticed wherever she went.

However, the moment she saw me, her eyes flickered with a mixture of surprise and disdain. She scoffed, and with a haughty tone, she taunted me, “Oh, look who we have here! It’s the lucky little girl who got herself mated to the alpha brothers.”

Her companions snickered, adding to the discomfort that already welled within me. I took a deep breath, not wanting to let their words get to me. But something about her arrogance irked me, and I found the courage to reply.

“Lucky?” I retorted, my voice tinged with determination. “Being mated to the alpha brothers isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. It’s far from a fairy tale, let me assure you.”

The girl raised an eyebrow, clearly taken aback by my response. “Oh, really?” she said, trying to hide her surprise behind a smug smile. “Well, I think you’re just jealous that someone like me didn’t get that privilege.”

“I’m not jealous of anything,” I replied, my resolve growing stronger. “And if you think being mated to the alpha brothers is such a privilege, then by all means, have them. I have no interest in any of them.”

The girl’s eyes widened, and for a moment, it seemed like she didn’t know how to react.

As I tried to walk away from the confrontation, the girl, sheunexpectedly grabbed my arm and pulled me back. I turned to face her, confusion washing over me. Before I knew it, her hand was raised, and I instinctively closed my eyes, bracing for the impact.

But to my surprise, the blow never came. I cautiously opened my eyes to find a familiar face standing in front of me—Kai, the beta’s son. He had caught her hand in mid-air, his expression stern and unyielding.

My eyes went wide and my cheeks flushed a bright red. Kai, the man I had harboured a deep crush for, was standing right beside me, protectively.

“Maliyah, back off and leave Lottie alone,” Kai said firmly, his voice carrying an air of authority.

Maliyah was clearly taken aback by Kai’s intervention, her arrogance replaced by stunned disbelief. She reluctantly released her grip on my arm and took a step back, her usual confidence shaken.

With a sense of relief, I watched as Kai stepped closer to me and took my hand in his, leading me away from the confrontation. As we walked through the hallway together, my eyes never left his broad back, and the feel of his large hands wrapped around mine.

My cheeks felt like they were on fire and I could not stop myself from feeling butterflies dancing around within me.

We stepped into the parking lot, and Kai stood in front of me. My heart leaped into my throat as his eyes settled on me.

As Kai looked at me with concern in his eyes, he asked, “Are you okay?”

Mesmerized by his handsome face, I found myself momentarily lost for words. His striking features seemed to be chiseled from the finest marble—strong jawline, expressive hazel eyes that held kindness, and a warm smile that could melt anyone’s heart. His dark, tousled hair added to his rugged charm, making him a picture of effortless attractiveness.

I finally managed to nod in response, unable to form coherent sentences in the presence of this captivating young man. My heart raced as I tried to compose myself, realizing that I was staring, completely enamored by his presence.

With a hint of relief, Kai seemed satisfied that I was alright. “Good,” he said with a reassuring smile. “Just remember to stay away from Maliyah. She’s the queen bee of the school, and you don’t want to get tangled up in her drama.”

I nodded again, acknowledging his advice, but my mind was still clouded with thoughts of Kai. It was as if his mere presence had cast a spell over me, leaving me unable to focus on anything else.

Before I could find my voice, Kai added, “Alright, then. Take care, and don’t be late for class.”

I managed a small nod, my cheeks still flushed. With a final, appreciative smile, Kai turned and left me standing in the parking lot, feeling like I was floating on a cloud.