The Alpha's Runaway Queen

Chapter 4 - Visit

Jasmin POV

The academy bustled with activity, students hurrying to and fro, their voices blending into a constant hum that filled the corridors. Despite the vibrant atmosphere, my thoughts kept drifting back to Reagan. I missed him more than I cared to admit, his absence an ache in my chest.

“I should have listened to him about skipping History,” I muttered to myself, adjusting the strap of my bag as I navigated through the crowded hallway. Dad had insisted on it, claiming it was important for my education as a future beta. Meanwhile, I had dropped English and Gym to focus on subjects I thought would be more helpful to me–advanced biology, potion-making, and art class.

The days dragged on, but my spirits lifted when I found a new friend in Tania, the new student who had just transferred. She was a human, and a senior like me. Her vivacious energy and easy laughter were a breath of fresh air in the otherwise monotonous routine of the academy. We hit it off immediately, bonding over our shared classes and late night study sessions, her curiosity about the werewolf world mingling with my fascination of the human realm.

Kaia, Reagan’s sister, was also a welcomed distraction. With her infectious personality and easy charm, she quickly became a star in the academy. Like Reagan, Kaia was smart, good-looking, and remarkably down-to-earth–a testament to their upbringing by their parents.

We often hung out together, especially since Kaia had just started her junior year at the academy. We had our own friends, but our friendship was a lifeline during moments when Reagan felt too far away.

One evening, as we lounged in Kaia’s room, chatting and waiting for her brother’s call, a question struck me. I probed gently, trying to gauge if Kaia knew her future role in the pack. Neither Reagan nor Kaia had mentioned anything about their parents’ decision, leaving me curious. Kaia was still young, but then she was already in senior high school.

“I’m not sure,” Kaia replied with a shrug. “Most likely not within the pack’s hierarchy. The positions are already filled–like you, the future beta, and Luis, the future gamma.”

I pressed further, asking if she would want to be the next beta. I thought she could replace me. Reagan would be hurt if I resigned from the position, but he would understand and get over it with time.

Kaia’s face lit up with my question, her eyes widening with excitement. She squealed, further expressing her excitement with the idea of the beta position. “Oh, my gosh. You and Reagan!” Confusion clouded my mind temporarily until her words sank in–she thought I would be the pack’s Luna, Reagan’s mate.

Before I could clarify, Kaia paused thoughtfully. “But I might have responsibilities with our coven too,” she added. Her grandmother, Queen Kimberly, had an immense role of overseeing both a coven and a human kingdom. The weight of the duties was daunting, even for someone as capable as Kaia. “Anyway, so what if your fated mate is Reagan?” Kaia laughed, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

I felt a jolt of surprise but quickly joined in her laughter, brushing off the notion as absurd. “The kingdom would be in chaos if that happened,” I said, shaking my head. “Can you imagine?”

Kaia grinned. “I can. You two would make a great team. A powerhouse!”

I rolled my eyes, though a small part of me couldn’t deny the warmth that spread through my chest at the thought. “You’re crazy, Kaia. Besides, we can’t just choose our mates.”

She sighed, her expression turning serious. “I know. But still, I hope you end up with someone who truly appreciates you. Like how Reagan does.”

I felt my cheeks flush and quickly looked away. “He’s my best friend. That’s all.”

Kaia nudged me playfully. “Sure, sure. But sometimes, the best relationships start as friendships.”

“Goodness, Kaia! Where in the hell are you getting those notions? Have you ever been in love?” I asked dramatically, thinking I could divert the topic to her.

Deep down, I knew she had a point. Reagan held a special place in my heart. His admirable qualities, his protective nature, and our shared moments together–it was easy to develop feelings for him. Yet, the idea of being mated to him brought forth a new fear–the fear of being forever tied to the pack and losing the freedom I cherished.

The ringtone of Kaia’s phone interrupted my thoughts. She grabbed it eagerly, her face lighting up. “Finally, he’s calling!” She answered the call, and then placed her phone on the desk. “Reagan! We’ve been waiting forever!”

“Sorry, Kaia. Got held up,” Reagan’s familiar voice crackled through the phone's speaker. “Hey, Jas,” he said as he waved at the screen.

“Hey, Reagan,” I replied, my heart skipping a beat seeing him. He was still in the office, and it looked like he was still working.

“What’s up with you two?” he asked.

Kaia smirked. “Just talking about fated mates.”

“Oh, really?” Reagan’s tone was teasing. “Anything interesting?”

Kaia shot me a knowing look. “Just that Jas hopes her mate is someone who appreciates her as much as you do.”

I felt my face heat up, and I quickly interjected. “Kaia’s just being silly. We were actually talking about how crazy it would be if our fated mates were people we already knew.”

“Yeah, crazy,” Reagan echoed, but there was an unreadable note in his voice. “Well, whoever your mate will be, he better treat you right. Otherwise, he will have to face me and Luis. That goes the same for you, Kaia.”

“Well, the same goes for you, Reagan,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. Reagan or not, being mated to a werewolf would lock me in a pack. I didn’t have to worry about it for another year, but the thought was…concerning.

We chatted for a while longer, but my mind kept drifting back to Kaia’s words. As the call ended and we said our goodbyes, I couldn’t help but wonder about the future. Reagan was my best friend, and our bond was special. But what if fate had something more in store for us? And if it did, was I ready to embrace it?

The fear of losing my freedom clashed with the undeniable connection I felt with Reagan, leaving me more conflicted than ever.

.

.

.

We had just finished our midterms when Tania invited me to hang out at the back of the school, near the entrance to the forest. The weather was beautiful, warm with a gentle breeze that hinted at the coming change of seasons. Knowing this might be our last chance to enjoy such warmth, I agreed. With a sketch pad in my hand, we settled down on a patch of grass. I was drawing a face from memory, while Tania did most of the talking, animatedly discussing the exams and her constant battles with her parents, who were always nagging her about school.

“They’re just so…controlling,” Tania vented, waving her hands for emphasis. “It’s like they don’t trust me to make my own decisions.”

I mumbled a few words, my focus half on my sketch. “Maybe they’re just nervous about you being here. It is a pretty unusual school.”

She sighed dramatically, but then fell silent. The abrupt change in her demeanor caught my attention. I looked up to see her staring, seemingly in a trance, at something behind me.

“Tania?” I asked, concerned. “What’s happening?’

She pointed at my sketch pad before looking up again. “Your drawing… It came to life.”

I turned my head, and to my shock, I saw Reagan walking towards us, with Kaia bouncing up and down beside him. I blinked, thinking I was hallucinating, but they kept coming closer.

“Reagan!” I yelled, abandoning Tania and my sketch pad. I ran to him and threw my arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. “I hate you for leaving me!” Tears prickled my eyes as I shouted at my best friend. “What took you so long to visit? You don’t call that often either!”

Kaia was laughing beside us, clearly amused by my outburst. “Easy there, Jasmine. You might strangle him.”

I was mad, but at the same time, happiness overwhelmed me. I didn’t care that a few people were watching us. I was too busy clinging to Reagan to notice Tania approaching us with my sketch pad.

“Uh, hi,” Tania said, clearing her throat. “I’m Tania. You must be Reagan.” She held up the nearly finished portrait I had been working on.

Reagan looked amused, taking the sketch pad from her. “Nice to meet you, Tania. And wow, Jasmine, you really captured my good side.” He winked at me, making me glare at him.

“I was just about to go home, back to the Royal Pack,” Reagan explained, “but I thought I’d drop by here even if it was out of the way.”

When I remembered the reason why he was going home, I was about to jump in excitement, but I got saddened as I remembered another thing.

“My birthday is in a few days, just in case you forgot. I need to be home for it,” Reagan explained.

“I wish I could go with you,” I said with sadness in my voice. “But there’s a culminating event at the academy on your birthday. I’m one of the organizers and the emcee. I almost forgot!”

They all laughed, and I felt a little better when Kaia added, “I won’t be attending his birthday either, so you’re not alone.”

I was dumbfounded. Eighteen is a huge turning point in a werewolf’s life. It was crazy how our parents wouldn’t excuse us from school to attend the future alpha king’s birthday.

I then invited us all to my room so Reagan could get comfortable. As we lounged in my room, enjoying pizza and catching up, Reagan’s attention suddenly drifted from Kaia’s animated storytelling to the bouquet of flowers sitting on my study table. They were sunflowers, a thoughtful gift from Patrick, one of the seniors, who wanted to cheer me up before the midterms. I had noticed Reagan staring at them but wasn't going to interrupt Kaia's story to mention them.

“Who’s Patrick?” Reagan asked, his gaze shifting from the flowers to me. “I can see the note there,” he added, motioning towards the card. I looked at the paper wrapping and saw the card with Patrick’s signature.

Kaia raised an eyebrow curiously, while Tania, who was always quick to jump in, blurted out, “He’s the guy who has a crush on Jasmine.”

I felt my eyes widen in surprise. “What? No. Patrick is just a friend. He was being nice and gave me these flowers to lift my spirits before exams.”

Reagan nodded slowly, a smile tugging at his lips. “Ah, I see. For a moment there, I thought I was being replaced.”

I chuckled, shaking my head. “No way, Ray-Ray. You’re my best friend.” I reassured him, knowing how important our friendship was to both of us.

Kaia, sensing the tension ease, resumed her story, recounting her latest escapades at the academy. Reagan joined in with advice and anecdotes, seamlessly shifting gears to offer tips on academics and life in general to both me and Tania.

“Stay the night,” I urged Reagan as we finished eating. “Please?”

He shook his head regretfully. “I wish I could, but I have a lot of work waiting for me back home.”

I hugged him again, a bit tighter this time, not wanting to let go. “Just don’t take so long to visit next time, okay?”

“I promise,” he said softly, ruffling my hair. “I’ll be back before you know it.”

As we walked him outside the academy, I felt a bittersweet pang. The visit was too short, but it had been perfect.