Trials of An Alpha

Chapter 15

Aiden .p.o.v.

Leaving Cerise stood there was hard. All I wanted to do was spend time with her, I really liked her, and it shocked me. I had never liked someone as a friend let alone how I like her. I couldn't help but grin to myself, lucky she had forgiven me over the Claire thing.

I still remember the first time I saw Cerise, her wavy hair swaying in the breeze as she walked across the quad that day with those two boys. I knew then that she would be trouble, but I thought she'd be a different kind of trouble back then, when I saw her with Claire's little followers. I was shocked to later find her and Claire against each other. It's what made me race her that day in training, but I soon remembered why I couldn't get close to anyone as Claire glared at me, reminding me of our fated situation. I was so determined then to not go through with it.

As time went on I became closer with Cerise, unable to stay away from her, she was so compelling in her natural beauty and way with people. She had attracted a rather large group of friends from different packs, which had started rumours circling about her, but they all ignored it, content in each other's company. And I just knew that is what I wanted to be a part of. So I did, getting closer to them all. But this really triggered Claire, who was determined to follow her parents with the fated thing, so she started threatening Cerise, because of me. And I couldn't let her get hurt because of me. So I started hanging around with Claire, unaware that Cerise had seen us until she turned up at my room that day.

What she doesn't know is Claire had come to speak to me as I was changing, and that is why I was shirtless, not because anything was going on. I was actually trying to make Claire leave, just because I was going along with her didn't mean I liked her now. I never would like someone like her, only Cerise had ever captured my attention. It hurt to hear Cerise say what she did, and the look on her face as she said it, broke my heart. My wolf had howled in agony, knowing we might have lost the one thing we had cared about in years.

It's why I was out that night when I saw her in the club. I watched on for a while, wistfully hoping she would notice me so that we could talk, but she never did. She looked incredible, her pouty red lips pursed as she listened to something Bryan had said to her. It wasn't until she was dancing and that guy had approached her placing his hands on her that my wolf snapped, taking over and forcing me in their direction. I don't even remember knocking him away, or even leaving the club. All I remember is seeing that and then ending up outside the club with Cerise stood in front of me, looking extremely pissed off. I was nervous at that, I didn't want to fuck up anymore than I already had, so I just started talking, telling her everything. Not sure how she would react.

I was glad she had listened to me and was willing to consider what I had said to her, it was the only reason I could drag myself away that night, leaving her in the street like that. The next day I was hopeful of our relationship, which is why I went to sit with them to show her I was really serious about working it out and being better. And that I was done with Claire. When Claire saw us like that I was so smug about it, I hadn't told her anything, I wanted her to see that I was done with her and know it. I knew she would probably retaliate in some way towards us both but I knew that we could handle it, Cerise had an amazing group of friends that would do anything for her.

It wasn't until later when I heard that howl that I knew something was wrong. I don't know how but I just knew it was Cerise. Praying Claire hadn't done something to hurt her I ran out of the academy, leaving her friends in confusion. I just had to find her. Following her scent I found her in the most unexpected place, swimming around. Naked. In one of the most beautiful places I had seen at the academy. This must be where she always disappears off too.

We talked and I just couldn't resist the opportunity to get closer to her, drawing her in and scenting her, so that she smelled more like me. My wolf was incredibly possessive over her now that she had accepted our apology, and when she forgave us, my heart wouldn't stop beating a mile a minute. I was worried she would hear it.

I have to admit something had changed about her and her group recently. They were close, it was funny to watch them interact with each other because they looked like a pack, but we all knew they weren't. Although something had to be going on, it's like they all knew something the rest of us didn't and I hated being on the outside, especially when it comes to Cerise.

Thinking about this intrigued me even more, she was an incredibly smart wolf, acing her classes, but for a female she was certainly able to rival some of the male alphas. I don't think there isn't anyone she hasn't bested yet in sparring lessons, she even took out that creep of a guy Hank, which surprised even Mr. Jones. I don't think he expected her to overcome that 'challenge'.

My mind flitted through all our interactions to see if I could think of anything that was weird, to just try and understand what was going on, the whole school was intrigued by the group of them, wondering why and how they were friends. It's always strange to see alphas from other packs interact with each other, let alone there being three in one group. And to add to it, Hannah, Claire's very own beta, was a major part of that group, it was a direct hit against Claire especially considering some of the problems that Cerise and Claire often had.

I remembered that day she read with me in the tree. I could vaguely remember what the book she was reading looked like, maybe that could offer some clues to it. I would have to find it and see. She was awfully engrossed in the book that day, even when I sat and openly stared at her she didn't notice, the little frown she was wearing looked so cute on her, I just wanted to smooth out the wrinkles on her face and make her smile. Even then she had taken a hold of my heart without my wolf and I realising. I don't know how she managed it, I thought with a smile to myself. My cheeks were starting to hurt with how hard I was smiling.

When it came to Cerise I couldn't even focus on one thing for long, even if it was to do with her, she just scrambled all my thoughts. Even now thinking about our short and few interactions I regretted anytime I wasted. Especially when she helped me out that day when Claire's lackeys had pinned me after training. I was grateful to her helping me out, because I doubt I would have managed to get out of it myself without being a lot more hurt, but I didn't like to be seen as weak in front of people. Especially in front of her, I wanted her to see me as strong and capable. It's why I reacted so badly to her, but I soon felt guilty and knew I needed to apologise, which I did and she gracefully accepted. She's too quick to accept my apologies I think. I vowed then and there that she wouldn't have to accept another apology from me again. I would be what she needed me to be and what she deserved, and she deserved the world.

I have to admit though that when she stood up for me like that, it was hot. And I respected her incredibly for it, even if I was slow to show it to her. She would make an amazing alpha one day if she got the chance, she always did what was right, and her friends respected and followed everything she said, even if they didn't want to sometimes.

I know she had told them to behave and be nice towards me, especially given the glare she sent towards Bryan earlier today. I was still grinning and shaking my head as I thought about it. God did I love that girl.

Hearing those thoughts my mind stumbled to a halt. Did I really just think that? I couldn't believe I had just thought that, but the more I thought about it the more I knew it was true. I really did love Cerise Dean, and I was no longer able to deny it.

With that thought I got into bed, my smile still present on my face, vowing that I would treat Cerise how she deserved starting with a date. I also vaguely remembered that I needed to find that book she was reading that day, and see if it held anything useful.