The Alpha & The Nerd

Ch. 3

Atlas POV:

After being Alpha for the past two years, my beta Kyle and his mate Harley finally convinced me to upgrade and start using technology more. Though none of us really knew how to use a computer, they thought it would help keep track of everything pack-related and business related. I have my doubts. There is nothing wrong with the pen-and-paper system we have always used. I will admit that both our pack and business are growing rapidly, but I still don’t see how using computers will help.

So, to prove my point that this is a waste of time, I agreed to learn a little about them before making my final decision. That’s why I was in town and wandering around the damn public library like a lost puppy, trying to find a book about them. Her scent hit me like a ton of bricks, sending my wolf into a frenzy. Mate. She was in here, but that would mean she was more than likely a human. I didn’t have anything against humans; I felt they were a little dependent and weak. Sure, some humans had been turned by their mates, but the survival rate was pretty low. It was usually only done as a last resort to save their life for whatever reason…usually, they were sick and already dying.

It was like my whole world stopped spinning when she walked into me. The immediate sparks that shot up my arm when I reached to help balance her confirmed what I already knew. My mate was here, and yes, she was a human. Her light gold-brown hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail, small strands dangling around her perfect face, and her black glasses seemed to make her green eyes glimmer. “I’m sorry,” she muttered. I didn’t miss the involuntary shiver as I told her it wasn’t a problem. That said, even though she wasn’t a werewolf, she felt the mate pull to some extent. I wasn’t sure how to handle this. My wolf was howling joyfully, happy to finally find her, and I was pleased too. I just wasn’t sure this would work. Unfortunately, being an Alpha’s mate put a target on her back. Anyone who wanted to get to me would only have to reach her. I couldn’t do that to her or my pack.

I could tell she was shocked when I admitted to never using a computer, but not as shocked as I was when she offered to teach me some basics. As the words left her mouth, she seemed a little surprised by her own willingness. After grabbing a few books to read over and agreeing to meet in the morning, I made my way out the door. But not before getting one more look at my mate, the other half of me, that I’m not sure I can actually have.

I slipped into the driver’s seat of my car and headed back to pack grounds. The whole time my mind was on the beauty at the library. My beta, Kyle, greeted me as I walked through the front door. We were more like brothers, growing up together our whole lives. “Meet me in my office,” I told him as I made my way upstairs and down the hall. I needed to talk to someone about her. I didn’t ask for advice often and rarely wanted to talk about my personal life with anyone, but this was different, and Kyle was the only person I trusted enough to open up to. He was also the only person not scared to tell me the truth.

“You good?” he asked as he shut the door behind him. I sighed, running my hand through my hair as I sat in the leather chair behind the desk. “I don’t know, man,” I started before pausing, trying to decide if telling him was really a good idea. “Well, spill. You know you can tell me anything.”

I knew I could, but doing it was hard for me. “I found my mate,” I leaned my head back, closing my eyes. Remembering how perfect she was, how wonderful she smelled. “What!! That’s great, man! Where is she?? What pack is she from?” I didn’t immediately answer him, watching his face as he thought about it. “Wait. I thought you were going into town to look into getting a new computer,” he stated, more to himself than to me, “Oh man. She’s human.” I nodded at him, confirming what he finally realized.

“She is. She works at the public library and goddess Kyle; she’s absolutely gorgeous. She offered to teach me about computers…well, the basics anyways. I’m supposed to meet her at the library in the morning.” Kyle sat across from me with a massive grin on his face, “Human or not, man, that’s who the moon goddess has blessed you with. It’s not going to be easy, but it’ll be worth it. You know how I feel about mates, and I know how you feel about humans, but I think you should give her a chance.”

Kyle was a firm believer in mates. He always had been, and I am too…usually. What am I supposed to do? I can’t just walk up and be like, ‘Oh hey, by the way, I’m the Alpha of one of the largest packs in the states, and you are my mate.’ Yeah, don’t think that would go over very well. I sit silently, not wanting to talk anymore, and thankfully, Kyle gets the hint. “It’s your choice, man. Maybe you should talk to someone who has a human mate. Get some advice from them.” He stood up with a hint of amusement in his eyes. He knows damn well I’m not going to talk to anyone besides him about this.

I continue to sit in my chair long after the door shuts behind him. No matter how hard I try to think of anything else, she’s the only thing on my mind. Grabbing my car keys, I head out of the office. Maybe I can catch her when she gets off work. Take her out to dinner or something. I’ve never really done the dating thing before, so this should be interesting. Kyle and Harley are sitting on the front porch as I walk out, “Hey, I’m going to run back into town,” I tell him. I always ensure he knows where I am, especially if I’m leaving pack grounds. Never know when something could happen. He grins, “Okay, good luck.” I roll my eyes as I walk down the steps toward my newest car. I might have a thing for sports cars and big pickups, but everyone has to have a hobby…right?

I slid into the driver’s seat and took off. I have no idea when she gets off work, so I will have to sit and wait. I park across the street from the library once I make it into town and shut the engine off. Should I go inside and talk to her again, or would that seem weird? Sitting outside her job and waiting for her is also kind of weird, I guess. Deciding to stay in the car, I sigh as I wipe my hands down my jeans. I’m actually nervous about this, I realize. I can’t remember a time in my life I had ever truly been nervous.

My heart skips a beat when I see her walk out the front door. She is just so beautiful…and fragile, I remind myself. I start the car and wait for traffic to clear as she starts walking down the sidewalk, “Hey! Need a ride?” I ask as I pull up slowly beside her. I notice her shiver, not sure if it’s because she’s cold or because of me. She seemed surprised to see me, and I couldn’t help but smile a little. At least she doesn’t look scared. “Umm, no thanks. I don’t live far.” For some reason, I didn’t believe her. I looked out the window and up at the sky. I should probably have left it at that, but the need to at least make sure she makes it home safely is strong. “Are you sure? It’s really no problem. Looks like it’s about to storm.” No sooner did I say it, it started to pour. To my surprise, she quickly opened the passenger door and jumped inside. I stared at her as the water dripped from the tips of her hair. She quickly took her glasses off and attempted to dry them.

“My name is Reena, by the way," she introduced herself. I smiled at her, loving the sound of her name. “I’m Al—Atlas,” I cleared my throat. s**t, I couldn’t believe I almost introduced myself as Alpha to her. That would have been hard to explain, I scolded myself. After getting directions to her apartment, I began driving. Trying to make small talk along the way and learn more about my sudden mate. Reluctantly she agreed to eat dinner with me, and I waited in the car as she ran in to change. I looked around the parking lot of her apartment complex. It wasn’t in a bad neighborhood, but it definitely wasn’t the best.

“You were fast,” I teased her as she climbed back in the car. Her cheeks turned red with blush as she looked down at her hands. I drove over to a little burger joint I had noticed on the way here, “Is this place good?” I ask her. Not sure if she even liked their food and I didn’t bother to ask where she wanted to go. “Yeah, it’s great.” The rain had calmed down to a light sprinkle as I parked the car and slid from my seat. My senses seemed to go off all at once. I looked around as I walked around the car, noticing the three men talking near the door. Not just three men, but three hunters.

I knew they wouldn’t do anything right now, not in public. We haven’t had a problem with them yet; other smaller packs around us have, though, and my instincts told me we would, too after this, though. It’s okay; I was planning on taking them all out anyways. I hate when smaller packs are targeted. I noticed Reena’s whole demeanor had changed as I opened her door. Her gaze was trained on the hunters, and I glanced back at them again. “Everything okay?” I asked her, pulling her attention back to me. “Yeah, everything is fine,” she grabbed my outstretched hand, and I helped her from the car. “I promise you’re safe with me,” I whispered to her hoping to ease her sudden tension. And I meant it. She was, after all, my other half, and I be damn if a hunter was going to hurt her.

I rested my hand on her lower back, feeling the sparks at the contact, and led her to the entrance. I hated how she seemed to lower her head as we walked past the three men. “Reena?” one of them called out to her as we passed; her whole body tensed under my hand. She slowly turned around as the one with shaggy brown hair and glasses approached us. He stared at me, and I knew from the look on his face that he knew who I was, or at least what I was anyways. My wolf was on edge, ready to rip this boy apart if he so much as looked at her the wrong way. Fighting for control was not something I had to do very often, but right now, I was worried I might lose the battle and my wolf taking over would be a disaster. Taking a deep breath, I waited to see what he was going to do,

“Who’s this?” he questioned Reena. The disgust was evident in his voice. Taking a small step forward, “Who are you?” I countered, my voice deep and threatening.

“I’m Ed. Reena’s boyfriend.”

Her boyfriend?! I hid the shock I felt. She was dating a hunter. Doubts about her started popping into my head. Does she know about werewolves? Is this a setup? I know she is my mate, but that doesn’t guarantee she will want to be with me. She must have called him when she went in to change. No, because she didn’t know where we were going to eat yet.

“No., My EX-boyfriend,” she emphasized the ex as she glared at him. Now I wasn’t sure what to think. Before anyone could say anything else, Reena spun around, taking my hand and pulling me toward the entrance. She went straight back to a corner booth and sat down. Her body language told me this wasn’t planned. Something about Ed had her on edge; now I just need to find out what she knows and if she is scared of him.

I sat across from her, watching as she stared at her hands on the table. My own hands itching to reach across and tangle with hers. I cleared my throat, “So he’s your ex?” I questioned, my tone harsher than I intended it to be. She sighed and leaned back. I’ll be surprised if she tells me anything; I mean, we did just meet today. “Yes. That was my ex…” she trailed off. I knew there was more to the story than just that, but I needed to let her tell me on her own. Trying to force information from her would only work against me, so I need to play my cards right.