Not My Alpha

Chapter 22 ‘There Are Worse Things’

Keira’s POV

“Are we destined to always meet in the woods?” I look up and see Alpha Theo. Why are we always alone in the woods together. I realize I’m standing at the grave of someone I don’t know. I take a step away from it.

“Are you going to run from me like last time?” He asks. Of course he can smell me. He’s an alpha. What do I do? I take another step back. Alpha Theo puts his hands up in a surrendering jester.

“I’m not going to hurt you if that’s what you are worried about. I just want to know why you ran, and why you are pretending to be an omega?” I close my eyes to smell if there is anyone in the area. There’s no point in trying to run, he knows who I am now. I don’t smell or hear anyone else around.

“Lily, right?” He asks. I open my eyes. And look into his, he’s stepped closer now. I decide to trust him. I let out a deep sigh.

“In my old pack, my mate abused me. One of my omega’s told me about Samara and said that she could help me escape and get me into a new pack, but only as an omega. One night my mate almost killed me, I ended up stabbing him and running away. Samara placed me here. I was suppose to keep it all a secret, but my wolf gets antsy.”

“Your chosen mate?” He asks.

“Fated actually.” Something flashes in his eyes, but I can’t tell exactly what it was. In fact, his expression never really changes much. He’s hard to read.

“You could have reported your mate to the pack Alpha.” He says. I look down.

“Unless he was the Alpha?” Theo adds.

“His.. father was.” I tell him.

“And your parents?”

“Betas from a different pack.”

“Ahh. Well that explains why your wolf is so big.” He looks down like he’s thinking of something.

“Would you be willing to tell me which pack?” I grow nervous. I don’t want anything to tip them off that I’m here.

“I don’t know if that would be a good idea.”

“If you stabbed the future alpha of a pack, how do you know you didn’t kill him?” He asks.

“His beta said I didn’t. He’s not someone who would be so easily taken out.” He looks to think about what I said.

“Is this pack a larger pack?” He asks. I just nod my head. I feel completely at his mercy. I would understand if he wanted me out of his pack, me being here would only cause them problems. He doesn’t owe me anything. My eyes shift to the ground. What will I do if he kicks me out? I could probably just get a job in the human world, but then I’d be a rogue.

“Were you running from me because you were afraid of me, or you were afraid I’d figure you out?” He asks.

“Figure me out.”

“That’s a relief.” I look at him confused. What is he talking about?

“It’s not good if a pack member is afraid of me. I never understood the ruling by fear method.” He gives me a half smile.

“Wait, so that’s it?” I’m so thrown by what’s happening.

“Lily, wait I bet that’s not even your real name.” He laughs to himself. I look away embarrassed.

“If I ask what it is, will you tell me?” He asks. I kick some dirt at my feet. Should I? I mean he knows everything already, right?

“It’s Keira.” I say.

“Keira, I’m not going to kick you out of my pack. Some of my pack members have grown fond of you. And I’ve never been one to turn down someone in need. My only concern is your position in the pack. You move quick, your wolf is almost as big as mine. It makes my wolf jealous.”

Harper smirks. She loves compliments.

“I wouldn’t want to draw attention to myself, and I fear a higher position would do that.”

“Hmm, I can understand that.” He looks away clearly trying to think of something.

“Don’t worry, I’m sure I can come up with something.”

“Alpha can I ask that this stay between us?”

“You don’t want Shepherd to know the truth?” He asks me.

“It’s not that. I want to be the one to tell him. I was trying to keep the truth from you for fear that you’d kick me out or worse, send me back. And Shepard’s been so kind to me. He shouldn’t hear about it from someone else, that wouldn’t be fair.”

“I can understand your distrust in me. You don’t know anything about me. But I think Samara sent you here on purpose.” I look at him confused.

“That’s a story for another time. I think you should tell Shepard. The truth is always better.”

“I also don’t want Lynn to know. I’m afraid she’ll be disappointed in me. It’s only been a month and you’ve already found me out. I guess I’m not very good at this.” I say. He takes a few steps towards me and stands in front of me. He places his hand on my shoulder.

“There are worse things than being bad at keeping secrets.” I look up at him, he’s quite handsome. His green eyes match his foresty scent. He feels so natural and familiar. He gives me a soft smile and I return it. I hear a branch snap and turn my head to the sound. It’s Shepard. My heart drops in my stomach. How much did he hear?