Black Blood: Between Two Alphas

Chapter 1

My chin was resting on the back of my hand, and my head tilted to the right. There was a smile on my lips while watching Noah quickly transform my living room into a cozy, romantic setup for our short-notice movie and pizza date at home.

Although he seemed very busy these past few days, I knew he was doing his best to compensate for the times he couldn’t be with me. He was making efforts by constantly checking up on me through text messages and — sometimes — calls. And just like at that moment, he even made an effort to make our simple date extra special.

I knew it was only a bare minimum, but that was enough to make my heart flutter. It was enough to make me forget about being stood up. It wasn’t that deep anyway, since it wasn’t his fault and intention.

I also found him attractive the first time I saw him during class. But when I learned how he’s a Lewis — the delta of the Black Blood pack — I knew I shouldn’t mess up with him. He was out of my reach. Our noticeable gap made me turn my head away from him, feeling so much inferiority.

It didn’t help to feel his intense gaze on me during class. My hands were trembling on top of my desk. I was trying hard to control my breathing just so he wouldn’t see me affected. If he saw me acting consciously, I was afraid he might get the wrong idea. I was terrified he might think that I was there to spy.

In my head, I was blaming myself for making a stupid decision of transferring to Fairbanks. I recalled where I got the courage, but I couldn’t seem to find it any longer. I didn’t realize it was similar to a human walking to a lion’s den.

I regretted my choices in life. I was on the verge of calling my mother to tell her that I was dropping out and going back to Anchorage.

That was why, when the first class ended, I quickly walked out of the room while clutching my phone hard. My dreams didn’t matter to me anymore. I just wanted to return home, where I felt comfortable and safe. Staying alive was more important to me.

Before I got to call my parents, though, Noah hastily snatched the phone from my hand. His eyes narrowed as he stared down at me. My knees were already shaking. I was so close to kneeling and begging him to spare my life. That was how much I feared him.

“Where did you come from?” Noah asked me. His voice was icy cold that the chill seeped through my skin.

“A-Anchorage.”

“Which pack?”

“Crescent River…” I said in a whisper like I was embarrassed to say it in front of a Black Blood member.

“What are you here for?”

I shook my head. “I’m not here to spy.”

Noah’s eyes darkened as he put his hand down. His gaze became even more dangerous. It seemed like he wasn’t buying my answer even when I was telling the truth.

“I’m here t-to study and try to l-live independently.” My lips were trembling because of nervousness. “But, uhm, if you want me out of your territory, I’ll go home immediately the first thing tomorrow. I promise. I won’t stay here.”

“I’m not throwing you out,” he suddenly said, which struck me.

My forehead slightly creased. “You’re not?”

Noah gave me my phone back. I quickly took it from him like it was my life being offered to me. If I could only run away with it, I would do it in a heartbeat. However, that would only make me look suspicious.

“I’m just asking,” he said. “You’re welcome to stay in Fairbanks if you want to.”

I couldn’t help but immediately breathe out in relief. However, I gulped when Noah peered into my face by leaning forward. I was like a deer being preyed on by a wolf.

“But I have to warn you, Miss Crescent River…” he trailed, making sure that he got all my attention. “Never ever dare to step on our land. I cannot assure you that my pack can be as kind as me.”

I frantically nodded my head. “I promise! I won’t!”

Noah smiled and pulled himself back. He ruffled the top of my hair gently then walked past me.

I could still remember everything vividly. I had never been that obedient in my whole life. My parents couldn’t even tame me, but his mere presence was enough to make me shiver and fall on my knees.

Noah started hanging around me since then. I initially thought he was keeping me under his nose to ensure that I wasn’t up to anything evil. It was uncomfortable and nerve-racking, but I was confident at the same time. I knew he’d eventually stop because I meant no harm. I just didn’t expect that he would court me.

Our relationship escalated into something unexpected that I would always be grateful for.

While reminiscing, a soft kiss on the tip of my nose pulled me back to reality. I locked eyes with Noah the moment I lifted my gaze. He was smiling at me so endearingly, and I couldn’t help but mirror the way his lips were curved.

It must be so nice if he’s going to end up being my mate…

That thought would always cross my mind every time I’d find myself at peace by his side.

Although I had already conditioned myself that our relationship wouldn’t last once the moon had decided our fate, I still had hoped that it wouldn’t be so complicated. I was looking forward to a plot twist that would be in my favor.

When Noah and I got together, I had already listed all the possibilities and drew a line I must not cross. I set myself a limit, and luckily, I had not gotten to the point yet where I was tempted into pushing the borders.

I was content and satisfied.

I liked Noah. I really did. He made me happy. But it really didn’t matter to me if we’d end up together or not. I was fine with either way.

“What you thinkin’?” Noah asked, looking so curious.

Keeping the smile on my lips, I shook my head. “You done already?”

“Uhuh…” Noah shot a brow up but didn’t say anything else.

I ignored how he was looking suspiciously at me. I left him alone at the kitchen counter and walked to the living room.

A soft gasp escaped my lips when I saw the simple, romantic setup right in front of me. Noah removed the coffee table for more space and put the throw pillows on the furry carpet. The pizza was right in the middle, along with two cans of cola.

I felt Noah’s arms snake around my waist while admiring the setup. His chin rested on my right shoulder.

“Do you like it?” he whispered.

Pursing my lips, I spun around to face him and wrapped my arms around his neck. “Thank you.”

Noah flashed a smile. “Why are you suddenly acting so shy?”

I almost rolled my eyes; he chuckled at my reaction.

“I’m sorry for missing dinner with you,” he apologized and pressed his forehead on mine.

I shook my head. “It’s not like you can ditch the meeting. I understand, Noah.”

“I still want to apologize. I’ve been calling off our dates a lot. I keep breaking my promises. I haven’t been the best boyfriend for the past few days.”

I pulled myself away from him and crossed my arms, acting like I was sulking. “Good thing you know.”

“I do.” Noah chuckled softly. “And that’s why I want to apologize and try to make up for it tonight.”

“Well, okay… But you’re not forgiven yet.”

“Why not?”

“It depends on the movie you picked for us tonight,” I said. “If you’re just gonna waste my time, I’m never gonna forgive you.”

Knowing that I was only joking, Noah laughed and pulled me closer again. I felt him kiss the top of my head as I hugged him back.

We stayed that way for another fleeting moment before we sat down on the carpet. I rested my head on Noah’s shoulder while he chose which movie to watch. It seemed as if he was taking my joke seriously and he couldn’t decide yet.

“Right…” He suddenly spoke while staring at the screen. “Who were you talking to when I arrived? I saw you were on your phone.”

For a second, I scrunched my face up as I tried to recall what he meant until I remembered Zero. A smile broke across my face, and I sat up to face Noah with excitement.

Noah seemed to notice my energy. He tore his eyes away from the television to turn his head on me.

“I was talking to Zero!” I said, my voice raising an octave.

Deep lines appeared on Noah’s forehead, looking confused. “Zero?”

I nodded and crossed my legs, getting ready to tell him what happened. “He bought me ice cream on Cold Stone!”

“He did?”

I nodded again.

“How?” he asked, sounding even more confused than he already was. “We were together at the meeting.”

“Well, he ordered online and wrote a remark. He even called me pretty.” I laughed when Zero’s reaction crossed my mind as I confronted him. “I messaged him ‘thanks,’ but I couldn’t help teasing him. He called just to deny it and save his face. It’s so funny!”

The curiosity on Noah’s face disappeared and was replaced with a small smile.

“You look so happy.” He pointed that out.

“Of course!” I said, feeling proud of myself. “You know how much he annoys me. He’s always getting on my nerves. He thinks he’s that and all. I’m just happy I finally got a point.”

Noah seemed relieved when he heard that. His shoulders fell as he loosened up.

“You two are always fighting. Why don’t you try and get along?”

I made a face at Noah. “You’re kidding, right?”

“What?”

“I’d been trying to get along with him, remember? Last year?” I tried to knock sense into Noah. “I’m so done with that. There’s no way we can make peace with each other. If he wants to piss me off, I’ll do the same. I’ll give him the war he wants.”

Noah laughed at my statements.

I was about to lash out at him for laughing at me, but he suddenly pulled me into his arms. I forgot what I was about to say, stunned by his action.

I was used to him being sweet and clingy all the time. However, it was somehow rare to feel him that aggressive. He was always gentle, not rough and hasty.

“Paislee…” Noah uttered my name as quietly as he could.

I didn’t answer. I just waited for him to say whatever he wanted, but he remained silent.

Slowly, I lifted my gaze at him and caught him lost in the moment. He looked so hesitant and conflicted about something.

“Noah…” I called him, worried that he seemed to be acting unusually.

His shoulders jumped a bit, and then he quickly turned to me.

My eyes narrowed at him. “Is there anything wrong?”

Obviously hiding something, Noah shook his head and wore a smile. It was meant to be a reassuring one, but I didn’t feel that way at all.

“Nothing, uhm…” He licked his lower lip and smiled again. “I’m just thinking…”

“Thinking ‘bout what?”

“I won’t be able to pick you up tomorrow.”

I pursed my lips. I had a feeling that he was still hiding something. But just like how he didn’t force me to say anything, I knew I should only do the same thing.

“That’s fine.” I smiled and enveloped my arms around him tightly. “I can drive myself to school. We’ll just see each other at lunch, then?”

Noah didn’t answer my question. He breathed out in relief and pressed a kiss on my head — I took that as a yes.