The Alpha and His Vet

t w o

After much convincing, Kat managed to get me into a dress that was much shorter than my coat but with leather boots as high as the eyes could see. I felt like a model in one of her fashion magazines. She also curled my hair and did my make up. 

“You’re like one of the dolls I had when I was younger.” She cooed, patting down a hair that was out of place as we walked to the woods.

It was around nine in the evening and from where we were, I could already hear music and laughter from the bonfire party. After many parties, Kat and I already knew the way by heart and by the throngs of people that came with us. Some of the freshmen still had flyers in their hands, looking around curiously and then back to the map.

“Oh, I’ve missed this.” She sniffed the air. “Beer and melted marshmallows just go well together.” 

I find myself giggling despite only smelling the woods. “If you mean it induces vomiting then yes. They do go together.” 

Kat sighs, an expression of pure bliss on her face. “Sticky vomit too. The ones that stick to your clothes.”

“The best kind.” I agree having had a few of those in the past. 

As we near, the music becomes louder. We pass by many more people. Some were from my classes and some were from Kat’s. All of them were nice enough with a beer in hand and the occasional stick with a burnt marshmallow on the other. Kat was practically salivating at the sight.

Finally, Kat and I arrive at a small clearing in the woods with a massive bonfire right in the middle. Burning with the bonfire were what we call ‘blessings’. There were mementos from ended relationships over the summer, jerseys of the rival athletic team but most were of the graduating class who prayed to the gods to finally make it this year. I usually threw my blessing right after exams, begging for a perfect grade. Either my studying worked or the prayers did. Maybe both. Who knew really. It was just good fun and a cute tradition that everyone participated in.

I look up, enjoying the night and taking a deep breath. The moon is high in the sky providing us light. It’s the right kind of cold for a cozy bonfire.

“Lacey! Kat! You made it!” The graduating boy greeted, handing Kat and I a bottle of beer. 

We take it and smile, drinking large gulps. I wanted to get into the feel of the new school year and Kat wanted to forget it before it even started.

“Thanks...” I didn’t know his name and by the look on Kat’s face she didn’t know his name as well. “Dude.” 

He laughs, not realizing we didn’t remember his name and called his friend. Another athlete.

“You remember Zack right?” The guy we still didn’t know completely introduced pushing another boy towards me. 

“Of course I do.” I grin, not remembering his friend as well but faking it to be nice. “Hi, Zack. How was your summer?”

Zack smiled, handing me a roasted marshmallow on a stick. “It was good. Really good. Backpacking in Europe was great. I’m happy to be back though. How was yours, Lacey?” 

I blushed, hiding behind my marshmallow. “I was mostly helping around an animal shelter.”

His eyes widened. “You were in the newspaper weren’t you? Saved a bunch of stray dogs from this parasitic virus?”

“That’s our Lacey. She’s incredible.” Kat hyped up, winking slyly at me. 

“It’s nothing.” I felt myself shrink back shyly. 

Zack bumped his shoulder into mine. “It’s not nothing. I agree with Kat you’re incredible. Everyone thinks so.” 

Kat looked between the two of us and like a lightbulb with a bright idea, she fluttered her eyelashes. “Oh? I think Lacey needs to freshen up her drink. Come with her, Zack?” 

“Of course. I’ll get you another marshmallow too.” Zack gestures to the bonfire and I follow but not before sending Kat an eye roll. She always plays matchmaker. 

“You’re graduating this year too?” I ask as he opens a cooler filled with ice cold beer in it.

He takes two and opens it before handing the beer to me. “Yeah. Hopefully.” 

I thank him and take a couple of marshmallows from a bag laying on a table. “What are you going to do after?” 

Zack finds a stick and pokes the marshmallows through. “Try and get into a good law school.” 

“Big dreams.” I complimented.

He sat down on the ground and pushed around the leaves making a seat for me. “What about you Miss Veterinarian? Saving more lives?”

I sit down with him, facing the fire, our shoulders brushing against each other. “I just wanna do my best. One step at a time. I need to study first before that.” 

Zack quirked an eyebrow up. “You’re top of your class, aren’t you? That’s what I heard at least. I’d say that’s already an accomplishment.” 

I wanted to tell him that it wasn’t for my parents but I held it back and smiled instead. My family problems would stay mine. 

He continues the conversation, telling me about Europe and his friends. I find out the name of the guy I left Kat with is Kyle. I take my time to observe Zack and his blonde hair, his green eyes. Handsome by anyone’s standards and with the way that he talks, a perfect lawyer someday. From our short conversation, I can already tell he’s going to go places. The type to achieve a lot.

“I have two dogs. Vader and Yoda. Rottweilers. Big guys but real cuddle bears.” He tells me. “Maybe you’ll meet them one day.” 

I nod, mood lightening at the mention of dogs. “I love big dogs.” 

“Are you dating anyone?” He suddenly asked. “Does the beautiful and famous Lacey have time in her busy schedule for that?” 

“I’m dating my books for now.” I say, feeling slightly awkward. 

Zack as cool as the breeze leaned his head to the side. “That’s too bad. I promise if you give me a chance I’ll be a better date than those books.” 

“I’m sure you are. I’m just not in that...” I struggled to find a word that would explain how I wasn’t interested. “Ready for anything yet.” 

He furrowed his eyebrows but nodded nonetheless. “Alright. If you say so.” 

The moment between us broke and the silence was louder than our conversation. I pushed myself up to my feet and smiled apologetically. “I should go find Kat. Thanks for the beer and marshmallows.” 

Zack merely raised his beer and tilted his head back, finishing the entire thing right in front of my eyes. Backing away from the bonfire, I tried to weave through the crowd and find Kat. A few people stopped me to stay hi and I stayed long enough for it to be appropriate. 

I don’t know what was wrong with me. Not five minutes ago I was with a nice guy who had a good future ahead of him, he loves dogs and thought I wasn’t a weirdo for enjoying volunteer work rather than traveling around. Zack was a package. A good one yet here I was creating more distance between us and not feeling attracted to him one bit.

When I was in high school, almost everyone was attractive in my eyes. I had about five or ten crushes at a time and had a few boyfriends but the moment I came to the University, everyone was just bleh. I never dated, never went out with a guy, felt awkward and focused more on studies than anything else. 

I thought tonight would be different. The pressure to have good grades isn't as high as last year. I could actually enjoy myself if I wanted to as I knew my limits better. 

Yet here I was cringing away from boys who smiled and waved, who gave their numbers and were actually polite. I don’t know what’s wrong with me.

I pause.

Was I... gay? 

No. I don’t think so. I find Kat attractive but not in the way of wanting to date her. Same goes with other girls. I found them pretty but it ended there.

I just wasn’t interested in anyone or had my standards way too high.

Sighing, I continue my search for Kat only to find her in the arms of Kyle. They were against a tree and having the time of their lives. I shake my head and snigger at my friend. 

At least she was having fun. 

Not particularly in the mood to rejoin the bonfire, I start to head back to the dormitory. I yawned as I tried to find my way back but without the bright bonfire it was proving to be difficult. The thick trees and lush foliage made it hard to navigate back with the only light coming from the moon. I shivered feeling extremely cold and pulled my coat tighter around me. 

Just when I thought I was close, my boots decided to not cooperate and I tripped, falling on the ground. I sat up, feeling for an injury. “I’m so clumsy.” 

All of a sudden, the back of my neck starts to prickle and the odd feeling of being watched dawns upon me. I look around, eyes squinted but see nothing. 

Somehow I wasn’t convinced it was nothing. 

I use a tree to push myself up but the moment my palms touch the bark, I yelp. My hand was bleeding. I must have cut it when I fell. It was a shallow cut. Nothing a few bandages couldn’t fix. 

That’s when I heard leaves rustling and a district crunch of a few twigs close by. 

“Is anyone there?” I call out. It must be someone from the party heading back as well.

No one answered back though. 

“Anyone?” 

When no one answered again, I blew out a breath and felt incredibly silly for being afraid. All the while, I tried to ignore how I felt as though eyes were following me as I found my way back to the dormitories. 

Even when I’m safely in my room, I can still feel it through the windows. Convinced I’m just being foolish and determined to prove myself it’s nothing, I leave my window open. 

For my pride.

After showering and cleaning my cut, I settle in bed, a book propped open. That night, I dreamt of wolves. Beautiful wolves running through the forest and howling. Lots of howling.

My eyes fluttered open.

I wasn’t dreaming about it. There was howling. Loud and powerful. I could hear it from inside my dark room. I jumped out of bed and looked out the window. 

Much like earlier, there was nothing but darkness. and the chill of the night.

I closed my windows after that.