The Alpha & The Nerd

Chapter 5

Atlas POV:

My wolf didn’t like the thought of the hunter stalking her like he was; honestly, I didn’t like it either. She thinks Ed is harmless, that he is just struggling with the breakup, but I disagree. Hunters can’t be trusted, but she doesn’t know that yet. Most hunters are a little off their rocker to begin with, and I have a gut feeling that her leaving him just pushed him over the edge, but goddess, do I hope I’m wrong.

“Would you like to come inside?” she asked, bringing my thoughts back to her. To say I was shocked would be an understatement, but what surprised me even more, was my own reaction. “I would love to,” I told her, grinning like a kid in a candy store. Her inviting me in shows that she trusts me on some level and is comfortable with me. I tried to hide the excitement that one small question sparked as I followed her inside. I watched as she locked both locks on her door, noticing her nervousness.

“So I have an idea,” I broke the silence as she turned and walked to her small living room. “What’s that?” she sat on the couch and looked at me expectantly, “Instead of meeting at the library tomorrow, how would you feel if I picked you up and you went with me to buy a computer and then to my place so you can teach me?”

“Well…I mean…” she stuttered over her words. s**t, I shouldn’t have asked her that. It’s too soon, and she probably is going to think I’m some kind of weirdo. I could make sure no one comes to the pack house while she’s there so our secret isn’t revealed the wrong way, but I just want her with me. I’m not sure how I will be able to leave without her tonight. I have never felt so strongly about someone before, and the need to protect her is overwhelming; that became worse when Ed made himself known.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked that. The library is fine…” I started trying to backtrack, hoping she would still be willing to help me, to spend time with me, but she grabbed my hand, sending sparks up my arm. “No, Atlas. I would like that,” she smiled sweetly at me. Her smile was contagious, bringing my own out, “Okay, that’s great.” I’m sure I looked like a blabbering fool just now and internally kicked myself for acting so ridiculous.

“Popcorn and a movie? If you have time,” she asked as she stood. I instantly missed the sparks as she dropped my hand. “Sounds good to me.” I watched her as she moved around the small kitchen. As she grabbed a bag of popcorn from inside the cabinet, I noticed there was hardly anything in there. However, I didn’t say anything, not wanting to embarrass her. After she stuck the bag in the microwave, she moved to the refrigerator, hesitating briefly before turning to me, “All I have is kool-aid or water.” I could tell that embarrassed her for some reason, “I’ll take kool-aid, as long as it’s not cherry.”

She giggled as she shook her head, “No worries then. I hate cherry!” She pulled out a big jug that was only half full and began pouring us each a glass. “Everyone gives me hell for hating cherry,” she rolled her eyes as she handed me a drink, “but I can’t even stand cherry-scented stuff.” She was so graceful as she flitted about the kitchen, pulling the steaming bag of popcorn from the microwave and pouring it into a large bowl. “Umm…did I do something wrong?” she questioned me. “What?” I realized then that I had been staring, lost in my thoughts about her. “No, not at all,” I rubbed the back of my neck, contemplating if I should tell her the truth, “I guess I just got lost in your beauty.” Her cheeks flared red as she looked down at the floor. I slowly moved closer to her, gently grabbing her chin and making her look up at me, “You are so beautiful.” Her skin was soft under my fingers, and I couldn’t help but wonder how soft the rest of her body would feel. It seemed like the whole world stopped as her eyes locked with mine before she slowly shook her head, causing my hand to fall. “Thanks, but I know the truth,” she grabbed the popcorn and her drink and headed toward the couch, leaving me standing there wondering what she meant by that statement she made so confidently.

“So, what sort of movies do you like?” she asked as I sat next to her. “Anything, honestly, horror is my favorite, though.” She huffed as she flipped on the older model t.v. “Okay, but I’m warning you now, I don’t do good with scary, and I will sacrifice you to save my own ass,” she giggled. The sound of her laugh and the smile spread on her face warmed my heart. Right then, I knew I would do anything to have her this way forever. It doesn’t matter that she’s human and I’m an Alpha. She’s perfect, and she’s mine. “Do you mind if I go change into something more comfortable before we start the movie?” I shook my head, “No, go ahead.”

I watched her as she disappeared into what I’m assuming is her bedroom, deciding I should check in before she got back.

Hey man! Everything good? I text Kyle, getting a response back almost immediately.

Good here. You?

I sighed. I should have known he wouldn’t wait until I got home to question me.

Good. I’ll be back a little later than planned.

Sounds good. So everything going okay with our Luna?

She’s not you’re Luna yet. But so far everything is good. If anything, let me know.

I know the drill, man; not my first rodeo.

I shook my head at his last response. He’s right, though. Kyle is a great beta and best friend. He’s more like a brother to me than anything, and I know I can trust him. I slip my phone back into my pocket just as Reena walks back into the room. She had changed into tight, form-fitting leggings and a baggy t-shirt, and her hair was mostly pulled back up into a messy bun. I thought she was beautiful before but seeing her like this has my heart stuttering. She’s absolutely gorgeous, and everything in me wants to pull her into my lap and claim her. But the logical part of me knows I can’t…not yet, anyway. She cleared her throat as she sat down next to me, pulling a throw blanket over her legs as she did. “I heard there is a movie out called Can’t Run or something like that. Have you seen it already?” I could tell she was nervous by the sound of her voice, soft and unsure. “No, but I’ve been wanting to. Heard it’s pretty good.” She quickly found the new release and started it, setting the bowl of popcorn between us. Twenty minutes into the movie, and I couldn’t tell you a damn thing that had happened. All I can do is watch her. Her different facial expressions and the way her breath hitches when she gets scared. It didn’t take long for the popcorn to be set in her lap as she kept inching closer and closer to me. She wasn’t lying when she said she doesn’t do good with scary. I couldn’t hold back my laughter when she screamed and jumped, causing the popcorn to fly all over the floor as she latched onto my arm.

“It’s not funny!” she scolded as she paused the movie. But I couldn’t stop myself, “Were you about to sacrifice me?” She grinned as her cheeks turned red, “Actually, yes, I was. With the hopes it would buy me enough time to run,” she giggled as she playfully slapped my arm. Reflexively I caught her wrist, her eyes locking with mine as her grin slowly faded, “You’re the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting,” my voice came out in an almost whisper. Gently I pulled her to me, wrapping my arm around her waist. I waited a moment, giving her a chance to pull away, but when she didn’t, I let my lips softly brush her plump ones. The initial shock from our contact sent the blood rushing through my veins, and all I could think about was making her mine.