Alpha Nasser

Chapter 24: spending time in the forest

My heart was heavy as I stared at my phone, contemplating whether to answer Alpha's call. I couldn't shake off the fear and confusion that had taken hold of me since the encounter with those crazed girls earlier. The memory of them cutting up her training clothes still haunted me, and I couldn't help but feel vulnerable and exposed.

With a deep breath, I declined the call, my mind racing with unanswered questions. Was Alpha involved with one of those girls? Did he know what they did to her clothes? And most importantly, did he care?

The silence in my room was deafening as I sat there lost in thought, replaying the events of the day in my mind. The sound of my phone buzzing again jolted me out of my reverie. It was Alpha calling again. I hesitated for a moment, but something in me made me answer the call.

"Why didn't you answer my call?" he asked, his tone gentle yet probing.

I hesitated, unsure of how to explain my feelings. I wanted to be with Alpha, to feel his touch and be close to him, but I also felt scared and vulnerable. The intensity of their connection was both thrilling and frightening.

"I...I didn't know what to say," I stammered, feeling foolish.

Alpha's voice softened even more. "Emily, I know this is scary, but trust me. I won't let anything bad happen to you. Just give me a chance to show you how much I care."

I felt my resolve weaken as I listened to Alpha's words. I wanted to believe him, to trust that he would keep me safe and happy. But I also knew that the world could be cruel and unforgiving.

"I need some time to think," I finally said, my voice barely above a whisper.

Alpha was silent for a moment, and I could hear the sound of his breathing on the other end of the line.

"Okay," he said finally, his voice tinged with disappointment. "Just...take all the time you need. But know that I'm here for you, whenever you're ready."

I ended the call and leaned back against the wall, my head spinning with conflicting emotions. I knew that I couldn't keep Alpha waiting forever, but I also knew that I had to prioritize my own safety and well-being.

But as I was drowning in this unescapable feeling, Sarah suggested that we should run into the forest. The weather was nice today and we had not done that for a really long time.

As I walked through the forest with Sarah, I felt the cool breeze on my face and the leaves crunching beneath my feet. "Thanks for coming with me," I said to Sarah, breaking the silence.

"No problem," she replied, "I know you've been going through a lot lately."

"Yeah," I sighed, "I just can't believe all of this is happening. First Ethan, then those girls at the training field, and now Alpha..."

"I know," Sarah said sympathetically, "but you're a strong person, Emily. You'll get through this."

We continued to run through the forest, the sound of our footsteps and breathing filling the air. I felt a sense of peace wash over me as I focused on the rhythm of my breathing and the natural beauty around me.

"I wish things could just go back to how they were before," I said, feeling a pang of nostalgia.

"I know, but sometimes things have to change," Sarah replied, "and sometimes they change for the better."

We slowed down to a walk as we approached a clearing, taking a moment to catch our breath. I looked around at the tall trees and the clear blue sky above us, feeling grateful for the moment of calm.

"You're right," I said, smiling at Sarah, "maybe this is all for the best."

But Sarah just gave me a sneaky smile, I was confused.

Sarah threw her clothes on my face, a playful gesture to urge me to hurry up and catch up with her. I quickly got dressed and stepped out into the cool, refreshing air of the forest. The sun was just starting to set, casting a warm golden glow through the trees.

I caught up with Sarah, who had already started to run ahead. We ran through the winding forest trails, with the rustling of leaves and the sound of our footsteps on the dirt path filling the air. The fresh scent of pine and the soft crunch of pine needles beneath our feet added to the experience, making me feel alive and free.

As we ran, Sarah and I chatted about our day, laughing and joking around like we always do. We ran through a clearing, and I felt the wind blowing through my hair, invigorating me. For a moment, I forgot about my troubles and just enjoyed the simple pleasure of running in nature.

We continued our run until we reached a small creek, where we paused to catch our breath. The babbling of the creek, combined with the chirping of the birds and the rustling of leaves, created a peaceful and serene atmosphere.

As Sarah and I ran through the forest, I couldn't help but let my mind wander back to Alpha. My thoughts were consumed with the mess that had happened earlier, and I couldn't shake the feeling of uncertainty that lingered within me. Was I really Alpha's mate? And if I was, what did that even mean? The weight of the situation felt heavy on my shoulders, and I struggled to keep my breathing steady as we continued to run.

Sarah noticed my melancholy mood and slowed down her pace, running alongside me. "Hey, Em, are you okay?" she asked, concern etched across her face.

I took a deep breath, trying to push aside my doubts and fears. "I don't know, Sarah. I'm just so confused about everything," I admitted.

She placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Don't worry about it right now. Let's just focus on the present moment and enjoy the freedom of running through the forest."

I nodded, grateful for Sarah's words of wisdom. We continued our run, the sound of our footsteps and the rustling of leaves the only noise in the serene forest. The moonlight filtered through the trees, casting an eerie glow over our surroundings. The crisp night air filled my lungs, and with each breath, I felt the weight of my worries lift ever so slightly.

As we came to a clearing, Sarah and I slowed to a walk, catching our breath. The silence of the forest enveloped us, broken only by the occasional hoot of an owl or the distant sound of a howling wolf. It was in moments like these that I felt a sense of peace and contentment, and for a brief moment, I was able to forget about the chaos and confusion that had been consuming me.

"Thanks for coming out here with me, Sarah," I said, breaking the silence.

"Of course, Em. Anytime you need to escape, just let me know," she replied with a smile.

We turned to head back home, the moon lighting our path through the forest. Though the weight of my doubts still lingered, I felt a sense of comfort in knowing that I had a friend like Sarah by my side.